When I was on the Arvada City Council, my colleague Councilor Don Allard used to always say that the "Devil was in the details." I used to chuckle and chalk this phrase up to Don's curmudgeonly ways, but this phrase has taken on a whole new meaning for me now that I am in the legislature. Let me explain.
Governor Polis signs SB19-207 the Long Bill
(aka State Budget) into law
This week, I received several emails from folks who were upset that I wasn't voting their way on a bill a particular. This is not unusual in of itself--because no legislator can please everyone all the time--but they were unhappy because I have expressed support for this particular idea in the past. How concepts translate into policy, however, is just as important as the idea.
For example, there was a bill on prompt pretrial bond (SB19-191). I generally agree that Coloradans deserve a speedy trial and a quick release after bail has been paid. However, when creating a new law, I believe it is important to consider the full ramifications of a policy and pay attention to the people who object, that way I can determine if the policy is as good as it can get. In this instance, I heard from the District Attorneys that the new law would create an unfunded mandate for our rural judicial districts. This was a fair point and after some consideration I determined that the negative consequences outweighed the possible positive benefits.
When these situations occur (and they do on nearly every bill) I try to work with the sponsors to amend the bill to address my concerns. In this example, the sponsor, Senator Jeff Bridges, was more than happy to work with me and we were able to amend the bill. Is the bill perfect? No, but it is much better and it brought the issue much more into balance.
We are nearing the end of session, and in the last two weeks there will be a flurry of legislation that will be good in concept but might not have achieved the balance that I feel is necessary in order to allow the idea to become law. Sometimes bills need more time and more consideration. This does not necessarily mean that I oppose the idea, it's just that... the Devil is in the details!
House bills making their way to the Senate
Even though we are nearing the end of the legislative session, I still have a number of bills that have been stacking up in the House Appropriations Committee until the budget was finalized. On deck this week are the following:
The state budget prior to signing ceremony
HB19-1002 Principal Development Pilot Program: The bill creates the school leadership pilot program (program) to provide professional development for public elementary, middle, and high school principals. This has not yet been scheduled for committee.
HB19-1055 Public School Capital Construction Financial Assistance: Concerning the provision of state financial assistance for public school capital construction. This has not yet been scheduled for committee.
HB19-1085 Grants For Property Tax Rent And Heat for Low-income Seniors and Individuals With Disabilities:The bill expands the property tax and rent assistance grant, commonly known as the "PTC" rebate. This has not yet been scheduled for committee.
HB19-1228 Affordable Housing Tax Credit: The bill increase the aggregate amount of the tax credits that the Colorado housing and finance authority may allocate in a calendar year under the Colorado affordable housing tax credit. This bill will be in the Finance Committee on Tuesday at 2 pm.
HB19-1255 Mesa Verde License Plate: The bill creates a Mesa Verde National Park license plate. This bill will be in the Finance Committee on Tuesday at 2 pm.
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.
Session wrap-up at next 'Coffee With Constituents'
Our last 'Coffee With Constituents' event will be on Thursday, May 9 from 8 - 9 am. Please note this will be an hour later than usual. We will meet at the Morning Story Restaurant,
8025 Sheridan Boulevard, Arvada, CO 80003. We will discuss the conclusion of the legislative session. Hope to see you there!
On Monday, we welcomed the
Jeffco Family Leadership Training Institute... We also welcomed the
Colorado Youth Advisory Council Review Committee members... I met with officials from
CVS Pharmacy to discuss legislation... I also met with
Conservation Colorado...
On Tuesday, I chaired the
Senate Appropriations Committee... We had our aide and intern
appreciation luncheon... I met with
SiX to discussion legislation... I met with constituents from
Moms Clean Air Force... I attended the
SIPA Micro-Grant Ceremony and presented the first Lew Gaiter Memorial award to the
City of Westminster...
On Wednesday, we recognized
Colorado Golf Alliance Day... The
JBC met and discussed potential legislation... I hosted
'What's Brewing at the Capitol' at
Odyssey Beerwerks...
On Thursday, the
Governor signed the
state budget into law... I chaired the
Committee of the Whole until 3 am...
On Friday, I chaired the
Senate Appropriations Committee...
On Saturday, I hosted our monthly
Town Hall meeting on TABOR 101.
Moms Clean Air Force
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!
