Do you have feedback on how the legislature spends your tax dollars? Would you like to provide suggestions on how the legislature prioritizes spending? Then come down to the State Capitol this Monday and let the JBC know what you think during our public testimony hearing.
For the first time in over a decade, the JBC will
hold public testimony to get feedback on how to spend $30 billion next fiscal year. For a better understanding of the budget and how it works, I recommend reading this citizen's guide to the budget by the Colorado Sun.
Generally speaking, the only opportunity for public comment on the budget is when the 'Long Bill' is heard in the Senate or House appropriations committees in March, after the budget has been largely crafted. The budget hearing will begin at 1:30 p.m. on the third floor of the Legislative Services Building, south across East 14th Avenue from the Capitol.
Check engine light bill in committee this week
Last year, there was a bill to eliminate the check engine light as the sole criteria for failing your emissions test. The bill contained other provisions that did not have wide consent, and the sponsors asked legislators to postpone the bill. But the conversation about this issue sounded very familiar. That's because I had heard from a number of constituents that this problem has happened to them.
JBC joint meeting with House and Senate
Business Committees
Currently, when you go to get your emissions tested, the company will run a diagnostic test known as the OBD (on board diagnostic) that will tell the operators if there is an emissions problem. And if your check engine light illuminates, or what already illuminated prior to arriving for the test, the company will automatically fail you for an emissions violation.
So, what's the problem? The check engine light does not always correlate to an emissions problem. Sometimes it can be an electrical short, or a loose gas cap, or something completely unrelated. We contend, that if the check engine light is on, rather than automatically failing the car, a follow up tailpipe test should be done to see whether or not there is truly a problem.
Now, is it possible that a person will fail the OBD test and pass a tailpipe test? The answer is yes, but it is a small percentage of folks. Plus, if the tailpipe standard is not good enough, why have a tailpipe test or standard at all? Cars that do not have a check engine light illuminated that fail the tailpipe test, are being held to that standard, so why not the reverse?
The bill will be heard in the Senate Transportation and Energy Committee on Tuesday, February 5 at 2:00 pm.
Meet Sean Diller, intern
Last week I introduced you to one of my interns, and this week you get to meet the other one, Sean Diller.
Sean Diller, intern for SD19 office
Sean grew up in rural Missouri, and received his Bachelor's degree from the University of Missouri in Political Science, and he received his law degree from the City University of New York.
He lives in Westminster with his wife, Michelle, and six month old daughter, Calista. He loves exploring our amazing parks and trails, and enjoys contributing to the political scene in Colorado.
Rachel Zenzinger
Rachel Zenzinger won election to the Colorado State Senate, representing District 19, in November 2016. She also served as Senator for SD19 in 2014. Sen. Zenzinger is a member of the Joint Budget Committee, the Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, a member of the Statutory Revision Committee, a member of the Interim School Finance Committee, and a board member of the Statewide Internet Portal Authority.
'Coffee With Constituents' this week at new location
Please join us on Thursday, February 7 from 7 am - 8 am for our next 'Coffee With Constituents' event. Since the Senate Appropriations Committee meets on Fridays, we must move the event to Thursday morning. We will be meeting at a new location as well: Morning Story Restaurant, 8025 Sheridan Blvd, Arvada (where the Egg & I used to be located). They will have menus available to order breakfast (at your own expense) and the coffee will be on us!
With Michele Haney, President of Red Rocks Community College
Tracking your Senator
On Monday, I was unable to make it to the Capitol due to the weather... but the
JBC heard supplemental comeback requests from Office of State Planning and Budgeting (OSPB) and JBC staff... On Tuesday, we had the University of Colorado legislative breakfast and we honored outgoing President, Bruce Benson, for his years of service...
On Wednesday, the JBC had a joint meeting with the House and Senate State, Veterans and Military Affairs Committees... We also had a joint meeting with the House and Senate Health and Human Services Committees... It was also Colorado Community College System's Day at the Capitol... I presented SB68 on Campaign Electioneering Disclosures...
On Thursday, the JBC had a joint meeting with the House Energy Committee... I attended the Housing Colorado luncheon...
On Friday, the JBC met with Denver Mayor, Michael Hancock... the legislature celebrated military day where we honored members and branches of the military, as well as read several resolutions.
Outside the Capitol on Colfax during Monday's storm
If there is an event you think I should attend, please notify me!
This week in JBC...
Monday, February 4
1:30 pm - 3:30 pm Consideration of Public Testimony on the FY 2019-20 Budget Requests
Tuesday, February 5
7:30 am Senate Appropriations Committee
Upon Adjournment Consideration of Figure Setting Recommendations the Departments of Agriculture, Military & Veterans Affairs, Treasury, Tobacco Revenue, and Consideration of the Joint Budget Committee Operating Budget for FY2019-20
2:00 pm Continuation of Figure Setting Recommendations, and Other Agenda Items as Needed
Wednesday, February 6
Upon Adjournment Consideration of Figure Setting Recommendations for the Departments of Public Health & Environment, and Transportation
1:30 pm Continuation of Figure Setting Recommendations as Needed
Thursday, February 7
Upon Adjournment Consideration of Figure Setting Recommendations for the Departments of Local Affairs, and Regulatory Agencies
1:30 pm Continuation of Figure Setting Recommendations as Needed
Can you help us by making a contribution? While the campaign activity has concluded, we still need your help so that we may continue keeping in touch with constituents. Your contribution helps pay for events, direct mail, the website, newsletter, and other tools that make voters aware of what is happening down at the State Capitol. THANK YOU!
