JBC met to receive June forecast and supplementals
Last week, the Joint Budget Committee (JBC)
heard the June quarterly budget forecast which showed a strong economy in the state of Colorado, an increase in expected revenue, and high wage growth. While the state economy was projected to continue growing, the forecast also showed uncertainty and potential negative impacts due to federal tax policy changes and the potential for tariffs and trade wars.
While I feel encouraged by the strong budget forecast, we need to be mindful of the challenges that will result from prolonged TABOR refunds.
Originally, we were only expecting a TABOR refund for the current fiscal year, but due to tight labor market and rising wages, this new forecast shows a refund for the foreseeable future. Even though this new forecast shows an increase in revenue, it also shows a slight economic slowdown on the horizon.
As always, members of the JBC will continue to work in a bipartisan manner to balance competing priorities, make smart investments to address our state's biggest financial needs, and prioritize fiscal responsibility.
A full copy of the Legislative Council forecast can be found HERE. A copy of the Office of State Planning and Budgeting forecast can be found HERE
Interim committee appointments commence
The Colorado legislature meets annually for 120 days. The time period between the regular session is known as the interim. During the interim, legislators are not immersed in the immediate business of passing bills and creating laws, but we are still working in our districts on behalf of constituents, researching ideas for bills, and will often sit on various interim committees.
Receiving Legislator of the Year award from the Alliance of Colorado
I was recently named to a new interim committee on Making Higher Education Attainable Interim Study Committee. The committee will study the costs of higher education, tuition rate setting, roadblocks to obtaining post-secondary education, and the risks and rewards of post-secondary education. The first meeting will be on Monday, July 22 from 10 am - 5 pm down at the Capitol.
I am also continuing my service on the Legislative Interim Committee on School Finance, which was extended for another year. The committee must study various issues regarding school finance in Colorado. The first meeting is scheduled for this coming Tuesday, June 25 from 8 am - 4 pm down at the Capitol.
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, Chair of the Statutory Revision Committee, a member of the Interim School Finance Committee, and a board member of the Statewide Internet Portal Authority.
Special town hall meeting with new CDOT Director
Do you have ideas on how to make
the state a better place for walking, biking and transit? If so, then join us in welcoming the newly appointed Executive Director of the Colorado Department of Transportation, Shoshana Lew, to District 19 on
Tuesday, July 16 from 6:00 - 7:00 pm. Director Lew will be available to hear your thoughts and ideas on the state's transportation needs. CDOT recently
launched a statewide listening tour that will give Coloradans the chance to sound off on how the state should spend limited transportation dollars. The meeting will take place at the Indian Tree Golf Course, 7555 Wadsworth Blvd, Arvada, 80003.
Tony Milo of CCA, Sen. Winter, Sen. Zenzinger & CDOT Director Lew
Town Hall to feature county commissioners
Please join Reps. Titone and Kraft -Tharp and myself for our next monthly Town Hall Meeting on Saturday, July 20 from 10:30 am - 12:00 pm at the Standley Lake Library, 8485 Kipling St, Arvada, 80005. The meeting will feature the Jefferson County Commissioners to discuss the Jeffco budget process.
Do you know how Jefferson County creates its budget each year or what affects our revenues and expenditures? Come learn more about the county's funds, expenses, revenues and how the mill levy and TABOR affect the budget.
Receiving legislative award from CHFA for HB1228 on
Affordable Housing Tax Credit
Tracking your Senator
On May 28, I spoke at the
League of Women Voters session wrap-up...
On May 29, we had a bill signing for
SB202 for Voting Rights for People With Disabilities... A bill signing for
SB003 on Educator Loan Forgiveness... A bill signing for
SB197 Complementary and Alternative Medicine for Spinal Cord Injuries... A bill signing for
SB254 on the Nursing Home Penalty Cash Fund... A bill signing for
SB263... A bill signing for
HB1255 Mesa Verde License Plate...
On May 30, we had a bill signing for
HB1261 on climate change at Sun Share Solar Garden in Arvada...
On May 31, we had a bill signing for
HB1002 on the Leadership Professional Development for Schools Principals...
On June 3, I attended the
PEBC Superintendent Forum... I also attended the
Colorado Independent Auto Dealers Association golf tournament... We also had a bill signing at Fire Station #5 in Arvada for
SB260 Entry into FPPA for Social Security Employers... We had a bill signing for
SB262 General Fund Transfer to the Highway Users Tax Fund... We also had a bill signing for
HB1332 to Expand the Telephone Users Disabilities Fund for the Talking Book Library...
On June 6, I attended the
Colorado Civil Justice League legislative post-session...
On June 9, I attended the
John Noriega Labor Picnic...
On June 11, I attended the
Worldwide Elder Abuse Awareness Day Proclamation at the Jefferson County Commissioners Meeting... I also met with
CDOT Director Shoshana Lew...
On June 12, I attended
New Era Colorado's Toast to Democracy...
On June 13, I attended the
Alliance Award Luncheon to receive the Legislator of the Year Award...
On June 15, we hosted our
Monthly Town Hall on Affordable Housing...
On June 16, I attended
Denver PRIDE Fest...
On June 18, I was the guest speaker for
Commuting Solutions...
On June 19, the
JBC met for the June Quarterly Forecast and for Supplemental requests... I also co-hosted "
What's Brewing at the Capitol" with Rep. Brianna Titone at the Denver Beer Company...
On June 20, I toured the
Chanda Plan Foundation for people with spinal cord injuries... I also attended the
CHFA Housing Summit and received an award for
HB1228 on the Affordable Housing Tax Credit... I met with
Sen. Bob Rankin and several area superintendents to discuss a uniform mill levy concept... I also met with
New Era Colorado to discuss the Higher Ed Affordability Interim Committee... I also attended the
Chalkbeat Summer Social...
On June 21, I attended the
Chamber of Commerce's Community Impact Breakfast on workforce development.
With constituent Katie Winner at the Chalkbeat Summer Social
If there is an event you think I should attend, please notify me!
Donations to
Rachel For Colorado
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!
