Since the budget was still working its way through the House last week, we had a rather light week in the Senate. Not a whole lot of controversial bills or long debates. That was perfect timing for me, as I had two bills up in committee and a bill signing ceremony!
On Wednesday, I presented
HB17-1201 to the Senate Education Committee. This bill establishes a high school diploma endorsement for students who are able to demonstrate mastery in STEM, also known as
science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. The requirements to achieve the endorsement include: high proficiency in the minimum state graduation requirements; a coherent sequence of 12 credit hours in STEM courses; successful completion of the STEM competency framework and Measures of Mastery, and a culminating capstone project.
We believe that a STEM diploma endorsement program will encourage public schools to integrate quality STEM education deeply into the curriculum and engage students in an active pursuit of technical expertise and 21st Century skills. The bill passed through committee 6-1 and will now head to the full Senate.
Teacher Elaine Menardi presenting testimony for STEM Diploma Endorsement bill
The second bill I presented this week was SB17-279 concerning clarification of the applicability provisions of urban renewal legislation. Back in 2015, the state legislature passed HB15-1348 that made changes to Urban Renewal. Unfortunately, the bill created some ambiguity that stifled most new investment into projects in existing plans, including refinancing and bond issuance. The legislature tried to address these issues with a taskforce in 2016, but they were unable to address the applicability clause.
Nevertheless, the various stakeholders including CML, CCI, SDA and others, kept working to find an agreement, and brought forward language for a compromise that became our bill. The bill clarifies the applicability provisions, defines 'substantial modification', and creates a statute of limitations. Hopefully this will clear up any ambiguity in the law and finally put to rest rest one of the biggest problems created by the earlier legislation.
Stakeholder group coming together to testify in favor of SB17-279 on urban renewal
Governor signs bill into law
We were very pleased to meet the Governor in his Executive Office for a third bill signing last Thursday.
The bill, SB17-144, implements the recommendation of the department of regulatory agencies to continue the education data advisory committee. According to the Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA), the Education Data Advisory Committee (EDAC) is a critical statewide component in the process of education data collection, management, and security. The committee has reduced burdens placed on local education agencies, while still allowing necessary data to be compiled for essential analysis.
This bill sailed through the legislature unanimously in both the House and the Senate, and we are glad the committee will continue providing valuable services to the education community, CDE, and the General Assembly.
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.
Arvada/Westminster Legislative Town Meeting
Please join Representatives Tracy Kraft-Tharp, Lang Sias and myself for our monthly legislative town hall, this Saturday, April 15 from 10:30 am - 12:00 pm, at Covenant Village, 9153 Yarrow Street, Westminster. Instead of our usual room, however, please join us in the dining room of the main village center building--through the usual doors, and to the left. We will be discussing the new liquor laws and when liquor will transition to grocery stores. Next month we will be returning to the Standley Lake Library for our monthly town halls.
Honoring the SD19 office staff Reginald Perryman (intern), Aaron Silverstein (aide), and Andrea Thorsted (intern)
Save the date for next 'What's Brewing' event
Unfortunately, due to the budget, we had to cancel our last 'What's brewing at the Capitol?' event. But, we are rescheduling for Wednesday, April 19 at 6:30 pm at the Twenty Tap Brewhouse in Westminster. This is an informal event where you can hang out and sample some craft beer from one of our local breweries. Hope you can join us!
Meeting with advocates from the National Federation for the Blind
Tracking your Senator
On Monday, I met with the
Colorado Rural Schools Alliance to discuss HB1201... I also met with the
Capstone Group to also discuss HB1201... On Tuesday, we recognized
Child Abuse Prevention Month... on Wednesday I presented HB1201 in the
Senate Education Committee... My aide presented tributes to the
Arvada Chamber of Commerce Award winners at their luncheon... I met with
Paul Williamson to discuss a transit charette we are planning for June... On Thursday I presented SB279 in Senate
Local Government Committee... We also celebrated the work of our
Aides and Interns at a celebration luncheon... I met with individuals from the
National Federation of the Blind... And I attended a
Bill Signing Ceremony with the Governor for my bill SB144... I also met with representatives of
Emily's List to discuss women's health issues... And I met with the
Brandeberry McKenna Public Affairs firm to discuss transportation... On Friday, I hosted
Coffee With Constituents at the Indian Tree Golf Course... I also met with representatives of the
Colorado Fiscal Institute to discuss transportation... On Saturday, I attended the
Courage Walk to honor victims of violent crime, sponsored by several Jeffco Government agencies as well as
Victims' Outreach Inc.
The Jeffco Courage Walk honoring victims of violent crimes
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!
