Long debates on schools, open records, other issues
Now that we are a few weeks beyond the midpoint, the days are getting longer and the debates are growing stronger. Last Tuesday, we returned to the floor mid-afternoon for 2nd Reading of bills that lasted until after 9 pm. We debated over 10 different bills, but here are a few that I think you may be interested in:
First up is a bill about school finance.
SB17-200 proposes taking 1% of total school funding and giving that money to school districts that perform the best as a 'reward' in order to incentivize greater achievement. In a year where we are facing enormous cuts to education, and where the negative factor will increase to over $880 million, I didn't think this was a wise direction, and voted against the measure. The bill still passed, however, and will now head to the House for their consideration.
Another controversial bill was
SB17-071 that proposes reducing the number of early voting centers, as well as the period in which they operate. I believe that we should be increasing access to voting instead of the opposite, and planned to vote against the bill. However, after a lengthy debate, the bill was postponed until March 31.
A bill that I voted in favor of is
SB17-040 concerning public access to government files. The bill would add provisions to the Colorado Open Records Act (CORA) and would require that certain records be produced in a searchable format. I strongly believe in transparency, and therefore supported the measure. This bill passed through the Senate and will now head to the House.
Lastly, we passed
SB17-213 that will establish rules for testing autonomous vehicles. There were good arguments made about the benefits of this emerging technology, as well as serious concerns about the potential job loss and safety issues. As I noted last week, these vehicles are already here, and w
hile I am excited about the potential of this new technology, I am uncomfortable with further testing without guidelines in place. That is why I voted in favor of the bill. But I believe there is more work to be done on this issue and I hope and expect more guidance as the technology evolves.
Greeting Arvada Mayor, Marc Williams, Cherry Hills Village Mayor, Laura Christman, and Golden Mayor, Marjorie Sloan, who all testified in favor of HB17-1242
Budget week, what to expect
Last week the Joint Budget Committee put the final touches on the state's $28 billion budget for next year. With an estimated $700 million shortfall, the JBC has proposed cuts to hospitals, schools, and the state's reserve fund to fill the gap.
Many of you wrote to me about your concern over the Governor's proposal to cut in half the Senior Property Homestead Exemption. The JBC chose not to include that proposal and focussed instead on cuts to the Hospital Provider Fee. The Govenor also proposed a decrease to the Negative Factor, but unfortunately it looks like the negative factor will increase to $880 million.
The budget proposal will come to the Senate on Monday where we will review it. Any changes we want to make, known as amendments, are due by Tuesday. We will debate the budget on 2nd Reading on Wednesday, which will go very late into the night. Pending how far we get, the budget will then be taken up for 3rd Reading on Thursday. Any unfinished business will be heard on Friday.
There are a few outstanding bill proposals that could impact the budget, including a bill that would refer a measure to the ballot to increase funding for transportation and another to reclassify the Hospital Provider Fee. I'll be sure to update you as those issues progress as well.
Honoring the culture and heritage of the Southern Ute Indian Tribe and the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe
Rachel Zenzinger
Rachel Zenzinger won election to the Colorado State Senate, representing District 19, in November 2016. Previously, she served in the same capacity during the 2014 legislative session. During the upcoming, 71st General Assembly, she will serve on the Senate Education Committee, Transportation Committee and the Student Safety and Youth in Crisis Committee.
'What's brewing' cancelled
We were informed on Friday that debate on the Long Bill, also known as our state budget, will go late into the night on Wednesday. That means we must postpone the 'What's brewing at the Capitol?' event scheduled for Wedesday, March 29. We apologize for the late notice and hope that we can find a new date soon.
Speak Up For Kids day with members of Mtn. Phoenix Community School
'Coffee With Constituents' moves to different date
Ordinarily, 'Coffee With Constituents' meets on the 2nd Friday of the month. However, in April, the date lands on Good Friday. Therefore we are moving the date up a week. Join us on Friday, April 7 from 7am - 8am at Indian Tree Golf Course, 7555 Wadsworth Blvd, in Arvada for a cup of coffee and conversation before I head down to the Capitol. Coffee is complimentary and breakfast is available for purchase. Hope to see you then!
Meeting with constituent Andrew Goff to discuss early childhood education
Tracking your Senator
On Monday, we celebrated
Court Appointed Special Advocates day at the Capitol... I joined
Colorado Wins for lunch to discuss state employee issues... I also met with
Enivronmental Engineers E2 to discuss clean jobs... And I met with the Jeffco CASA director,
Leah Varnell and consitituent
Vicki Pyne, to learn more about
CASA... Tuesday we had a long day on the Senate floor... Wedensday was
Ag Day at the Capitol... Also, we hosted the
Arvada West High School Vocal Showcase choir... It was also
Stand Up For Kids day at the Capitol and I met with a group from
Mtn. Phoenix Community School, as well as constituents
Stephanie Perez-Carrillo and
Andrew Goff... On Thursday I sat with constituent
Preston Gibson at the
Jeffco Economic Development Corporation business awards breakfast... We also celebrated the
Tuskegee Airmen Commemoration Day... We also recognized members of the
Colorado Ute Indian Tribes... It was also the
Communication Workers of America lobby day at the Capitol... And I met with constituents and human resource professionals
Bethany Newcomb and
Dana Neal... On Saturday, I hosted
Tim Hoover of the
Colorado Fiscal Institute for a presentation of "Pies and Charts" about the state budget.
Tim Hoover of Colorado Fiscal Institute who presented "Pies & Charts"
If there is an event you think I should attend, please notify me!
Donations
Can you help us with a contribution? While the campaign activity has concluded, we still need your help so that we may continue keeping in touch with SD19 voters. Your contribution helps us pay for brochures, direct mail, the website, newsletter, and other tools to help make voters aware of what is happening down at the State Capitol. THANKS!
