Several key amendments to the state budget are passed
The state budget, also known as the Long Bill, was introduced to the Senate this week. While the budget was in relatively good shape, we debated several amendments that would direct more funds to various priorities. The Senate proposed 85 amendments and 23 passed. Here's a list of the ones I proposed that passed:
Amendment 17 added $5M to the Department of Local Affairs for affordable housing construction grant programs;
Amendment 18 added $4.7M to the Department of Local Affairs to help with housing for offenders with behavioral health problems transitioning out of incarceration; and
Amendment 26 added $300,000 to the Department of Public Safety for child advocacy centers, for child abuse investigations.
I also co-sponsored several amendments too. Here are a few that were particularly meaningful to me:
Amendment 45 added $3.6M to the Department of Human Services for school transportation services for youth in foster care;
Amendment 65 added $400,000 to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment for suicide prevention programs; and
Amendment 73 set aside $1M for the Civil Rights Division.
There were also companion bills to the budget where I proposed amendments:
House Bill 1329 increased payments to providers of durable medical equipment who experienced a decrease in reimbursement due to the federal 21st Century Cures Act;
House Bill 1332 created a grant program to support collaborative educator preparation initiatives to address the teacher shortage; and
House Bill 1340 addressed transfers of money to be used for the state's infrastructure.
My first two amendments passed, but the final one did not. If Senate Bill 1, which is currently in the House, doesn't pass, my amendment would have split the $500M we set aside for transportation four ways: 35% for the state, 25% for counties, 25% for cities, and 15% for multimodal projects.
Despite my disappointment over HB1340, I was pleased with the progress we made toward funding our priorities. The budget will now head back to the JBC where they will iron out the differences in a conference committee. Stay tuned!
Celebrating my budget amendment passing
Expulsion resolution fails
The beginning of budget week didn't start in the usual way. Instead of breaking into our majority and minority caucuses to review amendments, we retreated to our separate sides of the aisle to debate whether or not to expel Sen. Randy Baumgardner from the Senate.
Months ago, an independent investigation determined that the claims against Baumgardner were credible. He grabbed and slapped the buttocks of a former aide on more than one occasion during the 2016 session. After President Grantham decided not to take action, we introduced a resolution calling for expulsion.
Unfortunately, after hours of intense debate, the Senate voted 17-17 not to expel. I spoke to the resolution and began my remarks by reflecting on a quote by Eleanor Roosevelt: "One's philosophy is not best expressed in words; it is expressed in the choices one makes... and the choices we make are ultimately our own responsibility." The Senate made the wrong choice and shirked its responsibility.
I was proud of the Senators that took a stand against sexual harassment and I am sad justice was denied. Mike Litwin of the Colorado Independent captured perfectly how I feel about the situation: In the Colorado Senate, the #MeToo movement turns back into the #NotUs.I believe we must work harder to abolish sexual harassment at the Capitol in all its forms. And if the current Senate is not willing to do so, then we must change out those members who are in the way of progress in November. #TimesUp
Governor Hickenlooper giving the pen he used to sign Senate Bill 18-082 to Gracie Hoyt
The stakeholders who helped pass Senate Bill 82
Rachel Zenzinger
Rachel Zenzinger won election to the Colorado State Senate, representing District 19, in November 2016. She serves on the Senate Trasnportation Committee, Education Committee, and Statutory Revision Committee. She is also a member of several interim committees including the CDOT Efficiency and Accountability Committee and the School Finance Interim Committee.
"Gracie's Bill" now law
We were excited to welcome stakeholders to the Capitol for the bill signing of Senate Bill 18-082 that exempts doctors who treat patients with a rare disease from non-compete clauses. Special thanks to the Hoyts (Chad, Susan, Jackson and Gracie), Joan LaBelle, Dr. Wendi Drummond, and House sponsor Rep. Chris Kennedy, for making the signing such a special occasion. Check out this CBS 4 news coverage about the bill.
Coffee With Constituents
Please join me this Friday, April 13 from 7 - 8 am at the Indian Tree Golf Course,
7555 Wadsworth Blvd, Arvada, CO 80003, for my monthly "Coffee With Constituents" event. I provide the coffee and you provide the questions. Hope to see you then!
Here are the list of bills I've carried this session and their status
Legislative Town Hall
Plan on joining Representatives Tracy Kraft-Tharp, Lang Sias and myself for our monthly bipartisan and bicameral town hall meeting on the third Saturday of the month, April 21 from 10:30 am - 12:00 pm at Covenant Village,
9153 Yarrow St, Westminster, CO 80021. The topic for April will be Elder Abuse and how to avoid fraud.
Celebrating Noruz, the Persian New Year, with Westminster City officials
Next "What's Brewing at the Capitol" event
I want to thank the folks that came to the "What's Brewing" event last Wednesday. The Senate was called back to the floor to debate Senate Bill 1 on transportation funding and we went well into the evening--so I missed it! I want to thank my aide, Aaron Silverstein, for going in my place. Hopefully everything will go smoothly at our next event. Mark your calendar for Wednesday, April 18 at 6:30 pm, location TBD.
4th grade students from
Ryan Elementary in Westminster
Tracking your Senator
On Monday, Governor Hickenlooper signed
Senate Bill 18-082, also known as "Gracie's" bill, into law, as well as
HB18-1138 on Oaths of Office... We also recognized
Child Abuse Prevention month...And, we debated the On Tuesday,
AAA had their day at the Capitol... On Wednesday, we welcomed
Ryan Elementary to the Capitol... My intern, Ruben Torresdey, presented tributes at the Arvada Chamber's
Man and Women of the Year event... We also celebrated
"Colorado Children's Health Day" with 5th grade students from Indian Ridge and Greenwood Village Elementary and
"Skippy" the Kangaroo... We also debated the Long Bill... On Thursday, we welcomed
People & Pollinators to the Capitol... On Friday, we celebrated
Noruz, the Persian New Year.
Celebrating Colorado Children's Health Day with "Skippy"
If there is an event you think I should attend, please notify me!
Donations
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