Unlike most senate and house committees, the Joint Budget Committee (JBC) does not listen to bills making their way through the legislature. Instead, the JBC listens to budget briefings presented by non-partisan staff or conducts budget hearings with governmental departments. We devote nearly every meeting to working on the budget, also known as the "Long Bill."
Visiting with constituents from
Historic Preservation
Unfortunately, because we don't hear legislative bills like a normal committee, we also lack an opportunity to hear from the public. That's why we are opening up the Joint Budget Committee for public testimony tomorrow, Monday, February 3 from 1:30 pm - 5:00 pm in the Legislative Services Building Room B on the first floor. Come let us know about the priorities you'd like to see reflected in next year's budget.
Over the course of the last week, I presented five bills and all five of these initiatives passed unanimously out of committee. What's more, each bill has a bipartisan co-prime sponsor as well. In my estimation, this is about as good as it gets! Here are the five bills and where they are in the process:
SB20-006 Amend the Colorado Opportunity Scholarship Initiative. After passing out of the Education Committee, the bill was referred to the Senate Appropriations Committee where it will be heard on Tuesday, February 11 at 7:30 am.
SB20-034 Statutory Revision Committee Annual Report. This bill was referred out of the State, Veterans and Military Affairs Committee and sent to the Consent Calendar for 2nd and 3rd Reading. The bill passed unanimously out of the Senate and is on its way to the House.
SB20-091 on the Minimum Pay For State Military Forces. The bill was referred unanimously out of the State, Veterans and Military Affairs Committee and then passed unanimously out of the Senate on Friday.
SB20-036 on Emissions Inspection Check Engine Light. The bill was referred out of the Senate Transportation Committee unanimously and placed on the Consent Calendar. Then, the bill passed unanimously out of the Senate on 3rd Reading. It will now head to the House.
SB20-009 Expand Adult Education Grant Program. The bill was referred out of the Senate Education Committee unanimously and sent to the Appropriations Committee.
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, and Vice Chair of the Statutory Revision Committee.
Upcoming constituent outreach events
Town Hall Meeting, Saturday, February 15 at 10:30 am at Covenant Living, 9270 Yarrow St, Westminster. The topic will be a panel discussion on the Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FAMLI) bill.
Coffee With Constituents, Tuesday, February 18 at 7:00 am at Morning Story Restaurant, 8025 Sheridan Blvd, Arvada.
What's Brewing at the Capitol? Wednesday, February 19 at 6:30 pm at Odyssey Beerwerks Brewing and Taphouse,
5535 W 56th Ave #107, Arvada.
Members of the Senate Democratic Caucus folding socks at the
St. Francis Center
Tracking your Senator
On Monday, we welcomed the Senior Lobby to the Capitol... I had a meeting with representatives from Equifax... I passed my bill, SB20-091 on Military Pay... I attended the Colorado Tourism legislative reception... On Tuesday, I participated in a press avail... I passed my bill, SB20-036 on Check Engine Lights... I attended the Building Jobs 4 Colorado legislative reception... On Wednesday, the JBC met with the House and Senate Agricultural Committee... We celebrated Colorado Community College System Day at the Capitol.... I met with the Jefferson County School Board members and Superintendent... I passed my bill SB20-052 on School Bus Safety... I passed my bill SB20-009 on Adult Education... I met with constituents from Historic Preservation... I attended the Community College luncheon... the JBC met with the House and Senate Business Committees... I attended the Colorado Society of Association Executives legislative session... On Thursday, I attended the Colorado Banker Association legislative dinner... On Friday, I attended a service project with the Democratic Caucus at the St. Francis Center for the Homeless... On Saturday, I attended the Jeffco Dems Italian Feast.
Community College Day
at the Capitol
If there is an event you think I should attend, please notify me!
Donations to
Rachel For Colorado
I am pleased to announce that I will be running for re-election for a second term as your senator for Senate District 19. I would be honored to have your support! Can you help by making a contribution? THANK YOU!
