We experienced considerable legislative progress this week with bills moving out of the Senate and others onto the Governor's desk.
Sen. Cooke and I passed HB18-1018, a TLRC bill that incorporates education on human trafficking in the training to obtain a commercial driver's license. This bill will now head to the Governor's desk.
The highpoint of the week was when the Senate unanimously passed SB18-001 on transportation funding, after adopting my amendment that brokered a compromise between our two caucuses. The bill is not perfect, by any means, but I'm happy that we worked to get it into the best possible shape before sending it to the House. I am especially grateful to Senators Cheri Jahn and Nancy Todd for their assistance.
To cap off the week, I had the pleasure of joining the Governor for a bill signing ceremony for two of my statutory revision committee bills:
HB18-1139 and
SB18-090.
Next week, we will start debate over the state budget and on Monday two more of my bills will be signed into law: SB18-082 also known as "Gracie's Bill" and HB18-1138 on public oaths.
Bill signing for several Statutory Revision Committee bills
PERA bill passes out of Senate severely flawed
Last week, I voted no on Senate Bill 200, the bill that seeks to modify the Public Employees' Retirement Association (PERA) fund, in order to eliminate the unfunded liability.
The unfunded liability of our PERA fund definitely needs our attention, but the Senate version of this bill, with its Defined Contribution expansion, does not address the problem. That would be enough for me to vote against it, but the removal of the employer contribution made the proposal fundamentally unfair.
There were a variety of other concerns that we attempted to address through a series of amendments, but they were all rejected. I hope the House will address these fatal flaws, including issues with the cost of living adjustments, service years, and other issues.
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.
Coffee With Constituents
Please join me on 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!
Coet 2 CPAs received
"Small Business of the Year" at the
Westminster Chamber Awards Gala
Legislative Town Hall
Plan on joining Representatives Tracy Kraft-Tharp, Lang Sias and myself for out 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.
Presenting HB18-1018 on human trafficking with Sen. Cooke
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. Hopefully everything will go smoothly at our next event. Mark your calendar for Wednesday, April 18 at 6:30 pm, location TBD.
Attending the Congressional
District 7 Assembly
Tracking your Senator
On Monday, we welcomed the
Colorado Coalition of Independent Motorcycle Riders... Also, I met with
Conservation Colorado to discuss SB216 on alternative fuel vehicles... On Tuesday, I presented
HB18-1042 to the Senate Appropriations Committee... We also observed
Police Week and Peace Officers' Memorial Day... On Wednesday, I was a guest on the
"Awesome Pod" podcast recorded at Hunter Bay Coffee in Olde Town Arvada... On Thursday, we had a bill signing with the
Governor for HB18-1139 and SB18-090... Also, I met with officials with
Liberty Mutual to discuss electronic titling and registration... Also, I attended the
CD7 Assembly... On Friday, I attended
Westminster Chamber of Commerce Awards Gala.
Appearing on the Awesome Pod Arvada Edition podcast
If there is an event you think I should attend, please notify me!
Donations
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!
