The week before last, the legislature came together in a special session to address a drafting error that inadvertently exempted certain special districts from receiving tax money from retail marijuana. Both bills to fix the problem, however, were
voted down in a Senate committee.
I heard both bills in the Senate Transportation Committee. Some members questioned whether the legislature could make this correction, given that it dealt with a tax issue. I learned we could have definitely corrected this drafting error for a couple of reasons:
This is a tax issue that has already been approved by voters;
These special districts, like the SCFD, have already had an election in which the voters agreed to allow a tax for these purposes;
This is a tax exemption issue, not a new tax issue, and the General Assemby has authority to weigh in on tax exemptions;
TABOR requires voter approval for a tax policy change that causes a revenue increase. But there wasn't going to be an increase in revenue over the prior year because of the absence of the taxes being collected for a few months;
Even if restoring their authority would have increased revenue, the legislature has enacted over 20 bills that made a tax policy change that did cause a net tax revenue gain without prior voter approval;
And finally, restoring these districts' taxing authority to where it was before does not represent a change in "tax policy."
Before I was called back to the legislature, I conducted a
District Discovery Tour of several schools in the district. L
ast week our superintendent, Jason Glass, introduced a new vision document called Jeffco Generations: A Learning-Centered Vision for our Community's Schools. Many of the elements of this vision came up during my discussions with school personnel.
Visiting Arvada K-8 school
Our first stop was at the
Arvada K-8 school where I met with principal Scott Simon and area achievement director Celeste Sultze. We discussed some of the challenges the school is facing and the strategies they have adopted to shift the school culture to one of high expectations, greater interdependence, and increasing support systems for students.
Next we headed over to
Allendale Elementary where we met with principal Rob Malling. After touring the school, we discussed some of the Title 1 supports the school relies on, as well as their efforts to increase parent and community engagement.
We concluded the tour at the
Jefferson Academy Elementary charter school where we met with principal Michael Nolan and board president
Christine LaBerge. This is a Core Knowledge school and very committed to growth and academic performance. The campus recently split into two campuses, one for the elementary grades and the other for secondary.
Visiting at Jefferson Academy Elementary School
I am grateful to the administrators, teachers, and even students, for taking the time to meet with me. Our conversations revealed an incredible level of integrity, valuing people, teamwork, and exemplary performance!
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. She is a member of the Senate Education Committee, Transportation Committee, Statutory Revision Committee, Student Safety and Youth in Crisis Committee, CDOT Efficiency and Accountability Committee, and the School Finance Interim Committee.
Arvada/Westminster Legislative Town Meeting
Please join us for our next town hall meeting on
Saturday, October 21 at 10:30 am, at the Standley Lake Library where we will be hosting a candidate forum featuring the Arvada City Council candidates. We hope you will take advantage of this opportunity to meet the candidates and ask them your questions!
With Rob Malling, principal of Allendale Elementary
Tracking your Senator
On September 23, I attended the
Lake Arbor Automotive customer appreciation day... I also attended the
Eleanor Roosevelt Dinner... On September 25, I met with Stephanie Copeland, executive director of the
Office of Economic Development and International Trade... On September 27, the
School Finance Interim Committee met... On September 28, I conducted a
District Discovery School Tour... On October 3, I attended the
Colorado Succeeds Prize... On October 5, I spoke on a safety panel at
Secrest Elementary... On October 8, I moderated a panel for the
Colorado Indivisible Election Summit... On October 10, I had a meeting with the
Arvadans for Progressive Action and
City of Arvada officials to discuss housing... On October 12, I attended the
AWRSAY Breakfast... I also attended a meeting with
Secure Futures to discuss pension reform... On October 14, we hosted our monthly
Town Hall meeting featuring the Westminster City Council and Mayoral candidates.
AWRSAY board members
Duane Whisler and Duane Youse
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 pay for brochures, direct mail, the website, newsletter, and other tools that make voters aware of what is happening down at the State Capitol. THANKS!
