Equal Pay for Equal Work Act Introduced in Colorado State Senate

January 17, 2019

Denver, CO – The Equal Pay for Equal Work Act (SB19-085) was recently introduced in the Colorado State Senate. The bill, sponsored by Senators Jessie Danielson and Brittany Pettersen, would help close the wage gap between men and women and ensure that every Coloradan gets a fair shot at economic security.

“As a woman and a mother, this issue is deeply personal for me. I never want my daughter to enter the workforce with the kind of discrimination women face today,” said Senator Danielson. “Not only is this legislation the right thing to do, it is also necessary to grow our state’s economy and help Coloradans achieve financial security.”

“It’s time that we stop the perpetuation of injustice,” said Senator Pettersen. “Hardworking Coloradans deserve equal pay for equal work. This legislation is not only critical for women but for millennials who started their careers on unequal footing because of the Great Recession.”

Women in Colorado earn an average of 86 cents for every dollar men earn for the same work. But the pay gap is even more pronounced for women of color – Black and Latina women respectively earn 63.1 and 53.5 cents for every dollar men earn for the same work, according to the Women’s Foundation of Colorado. The result of this inequity compounds over a lifetime, with the average college-educated woman taking home more than one million dollars less in income, according to the Wage Project.

The Equal Pay for Equal Work Act would ensure that all qualified employees know about job opportunities when jobs are announced; require companies to disclose salary ranges for jobs so that employees can better advocate for what they deserve; and allow people who have been discriminated against to take action and hold “bad actors” – those irresponsible corporations and companies – accountable.

For more information about the specifics of the Equal Pay for Equal Work Act, please visit: https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/sb19-085.

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President Leroy Garcia Delivers Opening Day Remarks

January 4, 2019

Denver, CO – Today, Senator Leroy Garcia (D-Pueblo) was elected to the position of President of the Senate following a full vote of the chamber. After being sworn in as President of the Senate, President Garcia delivered the following address on the opening day of the 2019 legislative session.

Mr. Minority Leader. Mr. Majority Leader. Madam President Pro Tempore. Friends. Loved Ones. Honored Guests.
 
Good morning. It is an honor and privilege for me to welcome you to the Senate chamber as we open the 72nd General Assembly.
 
I want to welcome our returning members and especially congratulate our newly elected Senators. Will each of you please stand as I call your name:
 
• Senator Dennis Hisey;
• Senator Paul Lundeen;
• Senator Pete Lee;
• Senator Joann Ginal;
• Senator Rob Woodward;
• Senator Tammy Story;
• Senator Mike Foote;
• Senator Jessie Danielson;
• Senator Brittany Pettersen;
• Senator Faith Winter;
• Senator Robert Rodriguez;
• And Senator Julie Gonzales.
 
Please join me in giving them a warm welcome to this historic chamber.
 
If you look around, you might notice that this body looks a little different than it has in the past. That is because not only do we have a majority of women in the Democratic Caucus, but we also have one of the most demographically and geographically diverse caucuses in recent history.
 
New leaders bring bold solutions that will carry our great state forward. Institutional knowledge combined with new perspectives will move us towards a better future for everyColoradan.
 
As my returning colleagues know, it is a unique honor and privilege to work in this body and serve the people of this great state. It is a privilege each of you have worked extremely hard for and overwhelmingly earned.
 
But you would not be here if it were not for the love and support of your families and friends.
 
Let us take a moment to show our appreciation for everyone who made your leadership possible.
 
In that spirit, I too would like to give a special thank you to my family.
 
To my parents who are with us today – thank you for teaching my brothers and me the importance of respecting others, treating all with compassion, and always living with love in your heart!
 
To my brothers – Jake and Evan. I know it took both of you a little longer than me to learn those values I just spoke about, but you both finally got them! But all kidding aside, thank you for your service to our country.
 
While many of you may know that I served in the Marine Corps, you may not know that Jake and Evan also served in the Marines in Iraq and Afghanistan.
 
If there are any members who have served our country either in the armed services, as a member of law enforcement, or public safety, would you please stand so that we may thank you for your service.
 
To my sons – Jeremiah and Xan. I am so incredibly proud of the young men you have become. Jeremiah recently received a nomination to West Point and the Merchant Marines and Xan is following in his brother’s footsteps with exceptional grades and is also becoming quite the soccer player.
 
To the love of my life – My wife Michelle. I am so grateful for your love and support. Not only for everything you do as the rock of our family, but for the amazing person you are, day-in and day-out, through your work assisting families and youth. You are truly an amazing woman and I am so grateful that you asked me to marry you. I love you.
 
Finally, I would like to thank all of the special guests who have joined us today to ring in the 2019 legislative session.
 
As a sixth generation Coloradan, I have deep roots and a strong commitment to our state.
 
My family came to the United States, and eventually settled in southern Colorado. Like so many immigrants, they came in search of greater opportunity. Even though my family only spoke Spanish at the time, it did not slow them down ordiscourage them. Not one bit.
 
My great grandfathers worked the coal mines and the fields where they lived and learned the value of hard work. They lived their American Dream – a dream that would become a reality by providing a better life for their families.
 
This value of hard work has been passed down from generation to generation, eventually shared with my parents who started a small, modest business in Pueblo.
 
They worked hard to provide a good life for my brothers and me. Watching them, we too learned the value of hard work, which was an invaluable lesson that served us well when we enlisted in the Marine Corps.
 
For me, it was during that time that I learned not only the importance of service and honor, but to care for and respect my brothers and sisters in arms, regardless of where they came from or what their political views were. That was never truer than when I served in Iraq.
 
It did not matter who was to your left or right. We understood that we had a collective mission – and we had to have each other’s back!
 
It is that understanding of hard work and spirit of collaboration that we must bring back to the Capitol.
 
For too long, we have allowed political party to divide us. As a result, ego and politics determined what bills moved forward – not the merits of the policy.
 
Our state deserves better.
 
Our constituents expect more of us.
 
Unlike in Washington, D.C. – this Senate must bring a new energy that will yield a standard of trust and respect. We must engage in dialogue and collaboration. This is how we will find common ground and solutions to the bread and butter issues facing everyday Coloradans.
 
Coloradans did not elect us to engage in gamesmanship. They elected us to work, to reach across the aisle, and to have an open and working government that finds solutions to help them live their American Dream.
 
Make no mistake – Colorado is growing and prospering, but not everyone feels that growth and prosperity.
 
Too many cannot afford the healthcare they need.
 
Too many have died at the hands of opioids, and many more struggle with drug abuse and addiction.
 
Too many earn lesser pay for equal work.
 
Too many children in Colorado do not have equal access to a quality K-12 education.
 
And too many are saddled with tens of thousands of dollars of student loan debt.
 
But Coloradans do not give up in the face of challenges like these, and neither can we. Colorado is a special place – it is a state filled with people who innovate and find solutions, and I am absolutely confident that this body will be able to find many of those solutions.
 
Solutions that build on the steps we have taken to address the opioid epidemic by making greater investments into programs with a proven record of success.
 
Solutions that ensure student loan servicers do not take advantage of students in Colorado.
 
Solutions that help lower the cost of healthcare by increasing price transparency for prescription drugs.
 
And solutions that show Colorado can be a state that not only creates a booming business climate and grows good-paying jobs, but one that also values workers and pays them fairly.
 
I know each member of this Senate is different. And while we may disagree and debate about the solutions to the issues facing our state, we cannot allow our political differences to get in the way of our shared goals: to serve with honor and to improve the lives of hardworking Coloradans.
 
We – Democrats and Republicans – can accomplish these goals if we put our egos aside. I have no doubt that all of us can agree that we are most successful when we work together.
 
So, let us today mark a new day for the Colorado State Senate. A Senate where we return to our tradition of honor, trust, and integrity.
 
A Senate that has an unwavering commitment to take care of every Coloradan, no matter where they live.
 
Political parties do not determine what improves the lives of Coloradans. Good policy does, and no one party has a monopoly on good ideas.
 
That is why we should be willing to work with anyone – regardless of party – who has a solution to the serious issues that Colorado faces.
 
If we are willing to work hard and collaborate, we can empower every Coloradan to live their American Dream – just like my family and so many families in this room have been able to do – and ensure we pass on a better Colorado to our children and grandchildren.
 
It is a big task, but I know we can do it.
 
So, let’s get to work.

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JOINT RELEASE: JBC Dems Weigh in on New Revenue Forecast

Denver, CO – Colorado’s leading government economists stated today that economic activity remains strong in the near term, but warned of possible slower growth beginning next year due to actions at the federal level, constraints stemming from low unemployment, and a slowdown in housing price growth.

Providing their quarterly updates of economic activity and state revenues to the Joint Budget Committee, economists with the Governor’s Office of State Planning and Budgeting and the Legislative Council predict moderate economic growth for the next fiscal year.

The Office of State Budget and Planning report says the General Fund revenue forecast for FY 2018-19 is higher than the prior forecast by $93.0 million, or 0.8 percent, compared to the September 2018 forecast. These revisions are largely in response to year-to-date collections that have been stronger than anticipated. The forecast for FY 2019-20 is higher by $91.2 million, or 0.7 percent.

“The revenue forecasts show strong growth for Colorado’s economy, but are increasingly uncertain due to irresponsible federal tax policy,” said Senator Dominick Moreno, JBC Chair, D-Commerce City. “Regardless of what happens in Washington, we must continue to be good stewards of taxpayer dollars while also making smart investments that support hardworking Coloradans and improve the lives people across this state.”

“The state budget won’t be completed until March, and it’s our job to put forth responsible, bipartisan proposals to address our state’s pressing needs. I want to be sure we are helping hardworking individuals and families in Southern Colorado and across our state who are still struggling with the cost of living,” said Rep. Daneya Esgar, D-Pueblo. “Additionally, if the unintended consequences of the Gallagher amendment are not addressed in a bipartisan manner, Colorado will continue to face fiscal challenges.”

After a 14.1 percent increase in FY 2017-18, General Fund revenue is forecast to increase at a more moderate 6.5 percent rate in FY 2018-19. General Fund revenue is projected to increase at a rate of 5.9 percent in FY 2019-20.

“We are tasked with finding solutions to the problems facing our state in a financially responsible, bipartisan fashion,” said Senator Rachel Zenzinger. “No matter what the forecast predicts, that responsibility remains unchanged. We must carefully examine the needs of our state and the funds we have so that we are able to move every community across our state forward.”

“Needless trade wars and tariffs pushed by Washington have led to uncertainty in the economy and reduced farm incomes. We look forward to working with the new legislature and Governor-elect Polis to responsibly invest in education and transportation, take action to bring down the cost of health care and keep our state on the path to prosperity,” said Rep. Chris Hansen, D-Denver.

The OSBP report also stated “A larger slowdown in global economic growth or a geopolitical crisis could have an adverse impact on the U.S. economy.”

Senator Kerry Donovan Shapes National Recommendations for Future of Work Policy

Policymakers and leading experts develop state and local solutions for challenges of a changing workplace

Washington, DC – A newly released set of extensive recommendations for state and local elected officials to address the future of work features input from Senator Kerry Donovan (D-Vail), recognizing her as one of the nation’s most innovative state policymakers on economic issues.

The policy agenda, issued by the NewDEAL Forum, draws from the work of innovative policymakers, as well as input from leading think tanks and members of the private sector. Proposals are accompanied by an appendix of more than 20 specific programs, laws, and pieces of proposed legislation from policy experts and elected officials across the country who are concerned that public policy has not kept pace as globalization and technological innovation have transformed the modern workplace.

“Senator Donovan’s contributions to this agenda were tremendously valuable,” said NewDEAL Forum Executive Director Debbie Cox Bultan. “Any attempt to update public policies for the future of work must recognize the growing divide between rural and urban communities that has been exacerbated in the new economy. We have learned a lot from Senator Donovan about what is required to better support rural economic growth and now more leaders across the country will also have the opportunity benefit from her work.”

The agenda draws from Donovan’s work, including her efforts to expand access to broadband for rural Colorado and to advocate for her bill on Rural Economic Advancement of Colorado Towns, which authorizes coordination of the provision of nonmonetary resources to assist with job retention or creation in rural communities experiencing a significant economic event.

“In a nation of diverse communities, solving these challenges requires state and local leadership,” write U.S. Senator Mark Warner and former Delaware Governor Jack Markell in an introduction to the recommendations from the Honorary Co-chairs of the Forum’s sister organization, NewDEAL Leaders. “But it is hard, if not impossible, for individual policymakers to research and create comprehensive policy agendas. They need workable ideas for what to do, tailored to their levels of government and areas of oversight. And that is exactly what this report by the NewDEAL Forum is all about: providing state and local elected officials with a road map of practical steps they can take to help their constituents navigate the changing world of work.”

The report lays out stark statistics, and notes that inequalities and societal divisions are exacerbated by our economic transformation, to underscore the urgency with which leaders must act. Recommendations focus on policy ideas in three key areas:

Improving Workforce Training: To address the ongoing importance of digital skills, as well as increasing impacts of automation and artificial intelligence, the initiatives proposed by the Future of Work Policy Group include career pathways that prepare students for high-demand fields, expanded apprenticeship opportunities, and tax incentives for employers to invest in training for their employees.

Modernizing the Social Safety Net: To respond to a broken worker benefit system in which a decreasing number of Americans have access to employer-provided health care and retirement, the Group proposes portable benefit structures and innovative ways to increase retirement savings, as well as other reforms to prevent people from being left behind.

Supporting Entrepreneurship and Innovation: With insufficient lending to small businesses and other barriers creating barriers for economic growth and promoting inequality, the Group proposes ways to encourage startups and small business lending, address the challenges facing rural communities, and reform occupational licensing to reduce barriers to employment and entrepreneurship.

Embedded within the sections of the report are proposals to break down barriers to success in the workplace for women, who remain primary family caregivers and have lacked access to key supports like apprenticeships.

View the full recommendations here.

“State and local policymakers are developing creative solutions to address the challenges surrounding the future of work,” said Alastair Fitzpayne, Executive Director of the Aspen Institute Future of Work Initiative. “As leaders look for policies to better support workers in a rapidly changing economy, the NewDEAL Forum’s Future of Work Policy Group has developed promising ideas to help policymakers pilot new approaches and address these challenges in their communities.”

The NewDEAL Forum Future of Work Policy Group is co-chaired by Houston City Councilwoman Amanda Edwards and Massachusetts State Senator Eric Lesser, who have worked with more than a dozen contributing elected officials, as well as the Aspen Institute and other partner organizations, to develop practical solutions that state and local officials can pursue.

“In the coming months, we plan to build on this work by disseminating the recommendations broadly and providing implementation resources for leaders interested in pursuing these ideas,” write Edwards and Lesser in the report. “At a time of unprecedented changes in our economy, all elected leaders have a responsibility to act on the future of work if we are to restore the promise of the American Dream and give everyone the chance to reach their potential.”

“These ideas are a powerful start, but they are just ideas. We urge state and local leaders of all parties and perspectives, in all places, to consider these and other ideas,” write Senator Warner and Governor Markell. “We must act like the success of our people and our nation depend upon adapting and modernizing – because it does.”

The Senate Democratic Caucus Announces Committee Assignments for the 2019 Legislative Session

Denver, CO – The Senate Democratic Caucus today announced the committee composition and the majority party’s appointments to the Legislative Committees of Reference for the first session of the 72nd General Assembly which begins on January 4, 2019.“We have an incredibly diverse caucus that represents communities across this state – rural, suburban, and urban,” said President-designate Leroy Garcia. “I am confident that these leaders, who have worked on the issues of their respective committees for years, will put hardworking Coloradans first and work tirelessly to find solutions to the tough challenges facing our state so that we help move every community across this state forward.”“Coloradans elected us to find solutions to the issues they face and, under the leadership of these members, I believe that we will be able to pass better legislation to improve the lives of everyone in this state,” said Majority Leader Steve Fenberg. Agriculture and Natural Resources: 5 Total Members – 3 Majority, 2 Minority

• Chair: Senator Kerry Donovan
• Vice Chair: Senator-elect Jessie Danielson
• Member(s): Senator John Kefalas

“It is critical that Colorado have representatives who understand the importance of agriculture, natural resources, and water to our state’s economy and will be a champion on those issues in the Senate,” said Senator Donovan. “I am honored to be named Chair of the Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee and look forward to working with my colleagues on these issues so that we are able to strengthen and grow local economies across Colorado.” Appropriations: 10 Total Members – 6 Majority, 4 Minority

• Chair: Senator Rachel Zenzinger
• Vice Chair: Senator Dominick Moreno
• Member(s): Senator-elect Julie Gonzales; Senator Matt Jones; Senator-elect Robert Rodriguez; and Senator Nancy Todd

“In 2010, I worked as an aide to Senator Mary Hodge, who served as Chair of the Joint Budget Committee, and I am honored to follow in her footsteps,” said Senator Zenzinger. “I look forward to working across the aisle to ensure that we spend taxpayer dollars responsibly and in a way that moves every community across Colorado forward.” Business, Labor, and Technology: 5 Total Members – 3 Majority, 2 Minority

• Chair: Senator Angela Williams
• Vice Chair: Senator-elect Jessie Danielson
• Member(s): Senator-elect Tammy Story

“As champion for business in the Senate Democratic Caucus, my primary focus is opening up the lines of communication between government, business, and labor by creating a Legislative Business Caucus and Legislative Labor Caucus,” said Senator Williams. “I look forward to leading that effort and working with my colleagues this session to improve the climate in Colorado for both employers and employees.” Education: 5 Total Members – 3 Majority, 2 Minority

• Chair: Senator Nancy Todd
• Vice Chair: Senator-elect Tammy Story
• Member(s): Senator Daniel Kagan

“As a retired teacher of 25 years and a member of the Education Committee in both the House and Senate for 14 years, I am honored to have the opportunity to chair the Senate Education Committee,” said Senator Todd. “I look forward to working with all groups invested in providing the best education for every student in Colorado.” Finance: 7 Total Members – 4 Majority, 3 Minority

• Chair: Senator Lois Court
• Vice Chair: Senator-elect Pete Lee
• Member(s): Senator Nancy Todd; Senator-elect Julie Gonzales

“Having served as the chair of the Finance Committee in the House, I am looking forward to once again taking on that responsibility in the Senate and helping steer long-term fiscal policy for the state of Colorado,” said Senator Court. Health and Human Services: 5 Total Members – 3 Majority, 2 Minority

• Chair: Senator Rhonda Fields
• Vice Chair: Senator-elect Brittany Pettersen
• Member(s): Senator-elect Faith Winter

“We are committed to preserving and ensuring fair access to affordable healthcare as well as addressing the mental health and addiction crises affecting our state,” said Senator Fields. “I look forward to working with my colleagues, who are both knowledgeable and passionate about these issues, to improve the life of every Coloradan.” Judiciary: 5 Total Members – 3 Majority, 2 Minority

• Chair: Senator-elect Pete Lee
• Vice Chair: Senator-elect Julie Gonzales
• Member(s): Senator-elect Robert Rodriguez

“I’ve practiced law for 25 years and have had the honor of serving as Chair of the Judiciary Committee in the House,” said Senator-elect Lee. “I look forward to continuing to use my experience to responsibly allocate state resources to improve our criminal and juvenile justice systems and to expand the use of restorative justice in our state.” Local Government: 5 Total Members – 3 Majority, 2 Minority

• Chair: TBD
• Vice Chair: TBD
• Member(s): Senator John Kefalas; Senator Angela Williams; Senator Daniel Kagan

 State Affairs: 5 Total Members – 3 Majority, 2 Minority

• Chair: TBD
• Vice Chair: TBD
• Member(s): Senator Matt Jones; Senator Lois Court; Senator Rhonda Fields

 Transportation and Energy: 7 Total Members – 4 Majority, 3 MinorityDuring the legislative session, the Senate will put forth a resolution to remove Energy from the Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Energy Committee and merge it with the Transportation Committee.

• Chair: Senator-elect Faith Winter
• Vice Chair: Senator-elect Brittany Pettersen
• Member(s): Senator Matt Jones; Senator Kerry Donovan

“I’ve worked for years in the House to improve our transportation infrastructure, and I am honored to have the confidence of my colleagues to take the lead on this issue in the Senate,” said Senator-elect Winter. “Colorado is growing rapidly, but our investments in our infrastructure haven’t kept pace. There is no ‘silver bullet solution’ to our infrastructure needs, but I am confident that my colleagues and I can work to find a fiscally responsible path forward that helps every Coloradan.” Joint Budget Committee: 6 Total Members – 3 Senate (2 Majority, 1 Minority), 3 House (2 Majority, 1 Minority)

• Chair: Senator Dominick Moreno
• Member(s): Senator Rachel Zenzinger

“I appreciate my colleagues for entrusting me with the responsibility of leading the Joint Budget Committee,” said Senator Moreno. “We face tough times ahead, but I am confident that our caucus is prepared to make the investments that matter most to Coloradans, whether it be school funding, affordable housing, or healthcare.”

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The 19 member Senate Democratic Caucus for the 2019 legislative session includes Senators Leroy Garcia, Kerry Donovan, Pete Lee, John Kefalas, Tammy Story, Matt Jones, Steve Fenberg, Rachel Zenzinger, Jessie Danielson, Dominick Moreno, Brittany Pettersen, Faith Winter, Daniel Kagan, Nancy Todd, Rhonda Fields, Lois Court, Robert Rodriquez, Angela Williams, and Julie Gonzales.

Senator-Elect Faith Winter Selected as a 2018 Public Official of the Year by Governing Magazine

Senator-Elect Winter Recognized for Effort to Change Culture in the Capitol

 Denver, CO – Senator-elect Faith Winter was recently selected as a 2018 Public Official of the Year by Governing Magazine, a designation recognizing the work of 10 public officials from across the country who have made an indelible impact on the lives of the people they serve. Senator-elect Winter was one of three elected officials, along with Democratic State Senator Toi Hutchinson of Illinois and Republican State Representative Karen Engleman of Indiana, recognized for their work confronting the culture of harassment in state capitols.“The culture of sexual harassment in the Capitol has gone on far too long.  A strong democracy relies on valuing and including all voices in the process,” said Senator-elect Winter. “It is an honor to be recognized for my efforts to change the culture in the Capitol. We’ve made some real progress, but we still have a lot of work left to do.”According to Governing Magazine, “many states have enacted new sexual harassment measures, thanks to lawmakers like these. The efforts of these women are a crucial step forward, but they’re only a start. Much remains to be done to shift the conversation about harassment in state capitols.” You can read Governing Magazine’s full profile of these three women here.“Each of these public servants has laid out a bold vision for improving the lives of their constituents — and then worked tirelessly to make that vision a reality,” said Governing Executive Editor Zach Patton. “We’re talking about the kind of goals that push society in a new direction, whether that’s confronting sexual harassment in state capitols in the era of #MeToo, finding a way to make community college free for all students, putting an end to solitary confinement for prisoners, or eliminating every single traffic fatality on city streets.”Public Officials of the Year are selected from nominations submitted by readers, experts in the public and private sectors, and the Governing editorial team. Award winners are profiled in the December issue of the magazine and on governing.com. They will be honored at a dinner at the historic Willard InterContinental Hotel in Washington, D.C., on November 28.For more information about Governing Magazine and the 2018 Public Official of the Year, please visit: http://www.governing.com/poy.

Senators-Elect Faith Winter and Brittany Pettersen Respond to New Trump Administration Policies Regarding Allegations of Sexual Harassment and Assault

Senators-Elect Winter and Pettersen to Bring Back Bill to Protect Students on College Campuses

 Denver, CO -- Today, the Trump administration announced new proposals for how schools will be expected to handle allegations of sexual harassment and assault. The new rules are likely to replace Obama-era policies under Title IX - the federal civil rights law that prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in education programs or activities that receive federal funding.“These proposed changes are deeply concerning and, once again, take us in the wrong direction,” said Senator-elect Winter. “They would make it more difficult for victims to report sexual harassment and assault and possibly lead to retaliation against those who do report. While we brought forward legislation last session that would have enacted meaningful change, it died in a Republican-led Senate. I am confident that will not be the case in 2019.”“Enough is enough,” said Senator-elect Pettersen. “It is clear that the Trump administration isn’t serious about addressing the pervasive issue of sexual assault and harassment on college campuses. If Washington won’t act, Colorado will.”During the 2018 legislative session, then-Representative Winter sponsored – along with outgoing Speaker Crisanta Duran, Senator Beth Martinez Humenick, and Senator Andy Kerr - HB18-1391, a bill that would have require each institution of higher education to adopt, periodically review, and update a policy on sexual misconduct. The bill passed the House and failed in the Republican-controlled Senate.Senators-elect Winter and Pettersen plan to bring back a similar bill during the 2019 legislative session to ensure students on college campuses in Colorado are protected.Title IX has helped many victims of sexual assault and harassment find comfort including three brave survivors who shared their stories with the Colorado Coalition Against Sexual Assault (CCASA):"Previous Title IX guidance ensured that I did not have to spend the next four years of my undergraduate experience paralyzed by having to see my rapist on campus on a daily basis. The proposed rules published today by the U.S. Department of Education do not prioritize student safety and will afford no such right to future campus sexual assault survivors. I would not have reported if these recommendations were in place which would mean that the man who raped me would still be roaming a college campus here in Denver. These guidelines will protect violent individuals on campuses and allow them to us their privileged identities to get away with behaviors worthy of expulsion." - Ken Fowler."Three years ago, I walked into the Title IX Office in a Colorado School of Higher Education two weeks before the end of my freshman year. The Title IX Coordinator assured me I would be able to finish my finals and feel safe on my campus for the remainder of the semester and upon returning my sophomore year. I am shocked by the proposed rules issued today by the U.S. Department of Education as these changes will make campuses less safe for survivors to access a meaningful education. Colorado schools must strengthen protections for survivors of campus sexual assault to ensure our campuses can continue to do the tremendous work of keeping students safe and providing them with a violence-free education." - Grace Glaser"I am currently serving as a Peace Corps volunteer in Peru and I am also a survivor of sexual assault. Title IX helped me get through college and continue on to service. Undermining basic protections and human rights afforded to survivors under Title IX will rob the United States of a generation of leaders." - Olivia Storz

Colorado Senate Democrats Elect Leadership for the 2019 Legislative Session

The Colorado Senate Democratic Caucus Elects Leroy Garcia as the First Latino President of the Senate

 Denver, CO – The Colorado Senate Democrats today elected their leadership for the 2019 legislative session that begins on January 4th.Senator Dominick Moreno (SD-21) nominated Senator Leroy Garcia (SD-3) – who currently serves as Senate Minority Leader - for the position of President of the Senate stating “Senator Garcia has been a fearless leader for our caucus in the minority and I know he will do an excellent job as our President.” No other candidates were nominated for the position. Senator Garcia accepted the nomination and received unanimous support. Senator Garcia will serve as the first Latino President of the Senate.“The Senate Presidency is a great responsibility and I am honored by my colleague’s vote of confidence in my ability to lead this caucus,” said Senate President-elect Leroy Garcia. “Our state faces some tough challenges, but I am confident that our caucus, under these dynamic leaders, will represent every Coloradan and find solutions to those challenges that will move every community across Colorado forward.”Senator Steve Fenberg (SD-18), nominated by Senator-elect Jessie Danielson (SD-20), will serve as Majority Leader. Upon winning election, Senator Fenberg said, “With a solid majority comes the responsibility to govern. We will be judged not by how many political wins we get, but by how we improve the lives of Coloradans. Thank you to my colleagues for entrusting me with this responsibility.”The following Senate Democratic Caucus members were also elected to leadership positions:

• Joint Budget Committee Member: Senator Dominick Moreno (SD-21)
• Joint Budget Committee Member: Senator Rachel Zenzinger (SD-19)
• Senate President Pro-Tempore: Senator Lois Court (SD-31)
• Assistant Majority Leader: Senator Rhonda Fields (SD-29)
• Caucus Chair: Senator-elect Faith Winter (SD-24)
• Caucus Whip: Senator Kerry Donovan (SD-5)

On Tuesday, Coloradans voted to give Democrats control of the State Senate with a 19-16 seat advantage over Republicans. With a Democratic governor and democratic majority in both the House and Senate, Democrats will now control all three branches of state government.The 19 member Senate Democratic Caucus for the 2019 legislative session includes Senators Leroy Garcia, Kerry Donovan, Pete Lee, John Kefalas, Tammy Story, Matt Jones, Stephen Fenberg, Rachel Zenzinger, Jessie Danielson, Dominick Moreno, Brittany Petterson, Faith Winter, Daniel Kagan, Nancy Todd, Rhonda Fields, Lois Court, Robert Rodriquez, Angela Williams, and Julie Gonzales.

Democrats Gain a 19-16 Majority in the Colorado State Senate

Denver, CO – Coloradans yesterday voted to give Democrats control of the State Senate. The Senate will convene for the 2019 legislative session on January 4th with 19 Democrats and 16 Republicans. Democrats will now control all three branches of state government.“Voters across our great state have spoken, and they have said that it is time for Democrats to lead the way. Every Coloradan, whether you are a Democrat, Independent, or Republican, has reason to celebrate. They have elected leaders who will stand up for our children, for our environment, and for the health, safety, and prosperity of every Coloradan,” said Senate Democratic Leader Leroy Garcia.Democrats flipped three seats previously held by Republicans or Independents including Tammy Story (SD-16, previously held by Republican Sen. Tim Neville), Rep. Jessie Danielson (SD-20, previously held by Independent Sen. Cheri Jahn), and Rep. Faith Winter (SD-24, previously held by Republican Sen. Beth Martinez Humenik).Voters chose to elect Julie Gonzales (SD-34), Rep. Brittany Pettersen (SD-22), Robert Rodriquez (SD-32), and Rep. Pete Lee (SD-11) to replace term-limited Democratic Senators and to re-elect Senators Leroy Garcia (SD-3) and Kerry Donovan (SD-5).“Coloradans have resoundingly chosen progress over the status quo. They have decided not to give up in the face of tough challenges. They have decided that Coloradans can find solutions to problems that move every community across this state forward together,” added Garcia.“We are going to build on this energy and, with a democratic trifecta, we are going to get to work fighting for every Coloradan - no matter what corner of the state you live in,” said Garcia.The 19 member Senate Democratic Caucus for the 2019 legislative session includes Senators Leroy Garcia, Kerry Donovan, Pete Lee, John Kefalas, Tammy Story, Matt Jones, Stephen Fenberg, Rachel Zenzinger, Jessie Danielson, Dominick Moreno, Brittany Pettersen, Faith Winter, Daniel Kagan, Nancy Todd, Rhonda Fields, Lois Court, Robert Rodriquez, Angela Williams, and Julie Gonzales.

Legislative Workplace Interim Study Committee Issues Recommendations

Executive Committee to Review Recommendations at a Later Date

 Denver, CO - The Legislative Workplace Interim Study Committee held its final hearing on October 11th and approved a set of recommendations outlining a new process for handling workplace harassment complaints and improving workplace culture at the Capitol. The hearing focused on reviewing the recommendations the committee had worked on over the past few months and discussing areas of consensus and disagreement. Non-partisan staff released the final recommendations today. The recommendations can be found here.“We came into this process with the goal of removing the perception that politics could get in the way of a just outcome, protecting victim confidentiality, and ensuring a clearer, fairer process for all,” said Speaker Duran, D-Denver, who chaired the committee. “I’m proud of what we have been able to accomplish thus far through the bipartisan committee, and I hope the General Assembly will take action swiftly next session to make the necessary changes.”The committee recommendations outline the structure of a new process for handling workplace issues and building a more robust system for improving the culture, including establishing an Office of Legislative Workplace Relations, formalizing training requirements for legislators and employees, and creating a “workplace expectations” policy with guidelines and aspirational goals for all that work at the Capitol.“The policies this committee has put forward will make the workplace capitol more friendly and transparent and are clearly going to make a difference,” Rep. Faith Winter, D-Westminster. “One of our key goals was to build a better process so that victims feel more comfortable coming forward and that any issues can be addressed earlier, so we can avoid more serious problems. I will continue working to ensure that the people’s house is a harassment free workplace.”“Our process was broken and the work my colleagues and I did will take us a step in the right direction,” said Sen. Dominick Moreno, D-Commerce City. “I hope the members of our Executive Committee will be able to present our full chamber with a policy that works.”The executive committee will meet at a later date to consider the committee’s recommendations, and if approved, some of the changes will be able to be implemented immediately while others will have to be considered by the full General Assembly during the next session. More information about the committee and the hearings can be found here.

Senator Williams on Cryptocurrency at Denver Startup Week

Denver, CO — Last week, Senator Angela Williams (D-Denver) learned firsthand how cryptocurrency can be used to buy and sell goods at Denver Startup Week. Click the video below to see cryptocurrency in action:[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hX7pn5Mrn6g[/embed]During the 2018 legislative session, Senator Williams co-sponsored the Cyber Coding Cryptology For State Records Bill (SB18-086) concerning the use of cyber coding cryptology for state records, and, in connection therewith, making an appropriation. This bill was signed into law by Governor John Hickenlooper on May 30, 2018.

A Majority of Democrats in the General Assembly Call for Senator Holbert and Representative Neville to Attend Additional Training Before Voting or Making Recommendations on New Sexual Harassment Policies

Denver, CO --  In response to several Republicans who recently trivialized the allegations of sexual assault made by Dr. Christine Blasey Ford against President Trump’s Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh on Facebook, a majority of Democrats in the General Assembly sent a letter to the Executive Committee asking that Senate Majority Leader Chris Holbert and House Minority Leader Patrick Neville attend additional training before any vote or recommendation on the development and implementation of new sexual harassment and sexual assault policies.These Democrats found it concerning that two members who apparently believe that sexual assault and sexual harassment are laughing matters – despite attending sexual harassment trainings and witnessing the dismissal of a Republican aide for similar actions on social media – should be tasked with shaping the policies around these issues in the Capitol.In the letter, lawmakers said “the behavior displayed by these elected officials shows blatant disregard for the emotional pain and psychological trauma that victims experience and further highlights the unnecessary harassment and potential retaliation they often endure.”“We cannot and will not remain silent. The General Assembly has spent hundreds of thousands of taxpayer dollars, held mandatory trainings, and put together an interim committee to recommend new policies and processes for dealing with sexual harassment and sexual assault in the Capitol. All of this will have been done in vain if these elected officials in positions of power, no matter what trainings they do, no matter how much money we invest, or how many committee hearings we hold, are dismissive of victims,” said the lawmakers.“All Coloradans deserve respect and should be able to work in a safe environment where their concerns are taken seriously. The word of any and all Capitol employees are worth the same regardless of their gender; however, the actions of these men, in positions of power in their respective chambers, say otherwise. As a result, we question their ability to lead on the issues of sexual harassment and sexual assault. Until everyone working within the People’s House understands that sexual harassment is not a joke, the Capitol will not be a work environment free of sexual violence, assault, or harassment,” the lawmakers added.“We request that Senate Majority Leader Chris Holbert and House Minority Leader Patrick Neville participate in mandatory sexual harassment and workplace diversity training to address attitudes, biases, and behaviors that cause offense to others, especially those who file complaints regarding these issues, prior to developing or implementing new sexual harassment and sexual assault policies for the General Assembly,” the lawmakers concluded.The full text of the letter can be found HERE.The letter was signed by:Senator Rhonda Fields, Senate Democratic Leader Leroy Garcia, Senator Irene Aguilar, Senator Lois Court, Senator Kerry Donovan, Senator Steve Fenberg, Senator Matt Jones, Senator Daniel Kagan, Senator John Kefalas, Senator Andy Kerr, Senator Michael Merrifield, Senator Dominick Moreno, Senator Nancy Todd, Senator Angela Williams, and Senator Rachel Zenzinger.Majority Leader KC Becker, Representative Adrienne Benavidez, Representative Jeff Bridges, Representative Janet Buckner, Representative Jessie Danielson, Speaker Crisanta Duran, Representative Daneya Esgar, Representative Tony Exum, Sr., Representative Alec Garnett, Representative Chris Hansen, Representative Leslie Herod, Representative Edie Hooton, Representative Dominique Jackson, Representative Chris Kennedy, Representative Susan Lontine, Representative Barbara McLachlan, Representative Jovan Melton, Representative Dafna Michaelson Jenet, Representative Brittany Pettersen, Representative Dylan Roberts, Representative Paul Rosenthal, Representative Joe Salazar, Representative Jonathan Singer, Representative Donald Valdez, Representative Mike Weissman, Representative Faith Winter, and Representative Dave Young.

Senate Democratic Leader Leroy Garcia and Elected Officials Tour Fort Lyon

Elected Officials Visited Fort Lyon Following the Release of a State Audit Highlighting the Effectiveness of a Unique Program Helping Homeless People Fight Addiction

Pueblo, CO – Following the release of a state audit regarding the effectiveness of the Fort Lyon Supportive Residential Community Program last month, elected officials today visited the facility to see firsthand how the program is helping end homelessness and fight drug addiction in southern Colorado.

“After the audit committee’s findings, I thought it was imperative that my colleagues and I visit Fort Lyon to see the excellent work our state is doing to support our homeless population, particularly our homeless veterans,” said Senator Leroy Garcia (D-Pueblo). “From our visit today, it is clear that this program is having a profound impact on one of our state’s most vulnerable populations. I would like to thank the many people and organizations who worked tirelessly to ensure this program has been, and will continue to be a success.”

In 2013, Garcia co-sponsored bi-partisan legislation in the House to convert the former Fort Lyon Correctional Facility into a transition center for homeless people and military veterans. The legislation secured millions of dollars in funding to provide substance abuse support services, mental healthcare, transitional housing, and job training to more than 300 people – a majority of whom are homeless veterans.

“I sponsored this legislation five years ago because there was an incredible need to provide assistance to our armed service members who were returning from combat operations without the resources to support themselves. As a result, many were living on the streets, struggling to find employment, and fighting substance abuse,” said Garcia.

Five years later, a state audit released last month found that nearly 50 percent of participants got permanent housing when they left Fort Lyon, and another 29 percent moved into transitional housing.

“I’m encouraged by the initial findings from the audit. When we introduced this legislation, we had a vision for a program that wouldn’t just address homelessness, but also address the underlying issues of homelessness such as substance abuse or a lack of job training. It is clearly that our vision is having a positive impact on the lives of hundreds of Coloradans,” added Garcia.

Senator Rachel Zenzinger Nominated for Woman of Metro North Award

The Metro North Chamber of Commerce and the Colorado Women's Chamber of Commerce Will Announce the Winner at the Women of the Metro North 2018 Reception

Arvada, CO – August 30, 2018 – State Senator Rachel Zenzinger was recently nominated for the Woman of Metro North Award by the Metro North Chamber of Commerce and the Colorado Women's Chamber of Commerce.Nominees for Woman of Metro North include women from every industry and profession who are business leaders, mentors, and community supporters who make a difference in their workplaces and communities every day. Nominations will be judged on three criteria: professional accomplishments, community leadership, as well as awards and milestones.“As an educator and an elected official, I’ve fought to improve the lives of everyone in our community,” said Zenzinger. “There are so many women in the Metro North area who are doing innovative, impactful work and it is an honor to be one of those women nominated for this award.”The Metro North Chamber of Commerce and Colorado Women’s Chamber of Commerce will also honor women across four other categories: STEAM Innovator, Champion of Diversity, Philanthropist, and Millennial Leader. The winner of each category is a highly selective process.The winners will be announced at the Women of the Metro North 2018 reception and awards program on Thursday, August 30th, from 5 – 8 pm at the Waymire Dome at the Riverdale Regional Park and Fairgrounds in Brighton, Colorado.For more information about the awards and the event, visit http://www.metronorthchamber.com/events/details/sold-out-women-of-the-metro-north-6210.

Statement of Colorado Senate Democratic Leader Leroy Garcia in Response to President Trump’s Cancellation of Pay Raises for Federal Employees

Denver, CO — Colorado Senate Democratic Leader Leroy Garcia released the following statement in response to President Trump’s announcement this afternoon that he would cancel a scheduled pay increase of 2.1 percent for federal employees:“I’m deeply troubled by President Trump’s request to cancel a pay increase for our veterans and federal employees. Canceling the pay increase would be disastrous for Colorado families. Our state is home to tens of thousands of veterans and federal employees. It is unacceptable to decide that fiscal responsibility is a burden that should be borne by those who serve our country at time when we’re giving tax cuts to millionaires and billionaires. Congress has the opportunity to push back against this shortsighted action by passing a spending bill that includes a federal pay raise. I urge the entire Colorado congressional delegation to do so.”As of June 2017, there were tens of thousands of federal employees working in Colorado, including more than 37,000 federal civilians and more than 35,000 active duty military members.Source: http://www.governing.com/gov-data/federal-employees-workforce-numbers-by-state.html.

Twelve New Laws Sponsored by Senator Rachel Zenzinger Took Effect on August 8th

A Total of 21 Pieces of Legislation and a Resolution Sponsored by Rachel Zenzinger Have Become Law

Arvada, CO – August 9, 2018 – Yesterday, twelve new pieces of legislation sponsored by Senator Rachel Zenzinger (D-Arvada), passed by the General Assembly, and signed into law by Governor John Hicknelooper went into effect. In addition to these 12 new laws, Senator Zenzinger also passed 9 laws and a resolution that took effect prior to August 8th.“I’ve fought tirelessly to pass inclusive legislation that reflects our state’s attitudes and serves the people of Colorado better, whether it be fixing outdated oddities in existing legislation or finding solutions to our state’s most pressing issues,” said Senator Zenzinger, who represents District 19, which incorporates the Jefferson County side of Westminster and most of Arvada.“Because I serve a politically diverse district in the State Senate, I carefully examined each piece of legislation to see how it would benefit the members of my district and Colorado. I proudly support each piece of legislation and know that these new laws will help Coloradans - regardless of party or politics,” added Senator Zenzinger.Senator Zenzinger is a member of the Education Committee, Transportation Committee, Statutory Revision Committee, Student Safety and Youth in Crisis Committee, School Finance Interim Committee, and the CDOT (Colorado Department of Transportation) Efficiency and Accountability Committee.These 12 pieces of legislation that took effect on August 8th include:Education

• Enforcement Statewide Degree Transfer Agreements - SB18-069 – This bill concerns the enforcement of statewide degree transfer agreements, allowing individuals to freely transfer credits between institutions of higher education without having to spend additional money to retake courses.

Children and Domestic Matters

• Outdated References to "Illegitimate" Children - SB18-095 - The bill removes or modernizes outdated statutory references to a 'legitimate' or 'illegitimate' child and a 'child born out of wedlock.' Colorado only recognizes parentage of a child and acknowledges that the parent and child relationship extends equally to every child and every parent, regardless of the marital status of the parents.
• Terminology Referencing "Rights of Married Women" - SB18-090 - The bill modernizes the language in statutory sections concerning the 'rights of married women' to be inclusive of married men and women.

Transportation

• Odometer Reading Physical Vehicle Identification Number Verification - SB18-102 - The bill repeals the requirement that the odometer be read when a motor vehicle's identification number is physically verified.
• Private Interstate Commercial Vehicle Registration - HB18-1042 - The bill creates the expedited registration program. The program authorizes the department of revenue to promulgate rules authorizing private providers to register interstate commercial vehicles. The provider may collect and retain a convenience fee.
• Reporting Requirements Department Of Transportation And Department Of Public Safety To General Assembly - HB18-1137 - Pursuant to section 24-1-136 (11)(a)(I), Colorado Revised Statutes, any report that is required to be made to the general assembly by an executive agency or the judicial branch on a periodic basis expires on the day after the third anniversary of the date on which the first report was due unless the general assembly, acting by bill, continues the requirement. The bill continues reporting requirements of the departments of transportation and public safety.

Human Services

• Modernize Early Childhood Council Language - HB18-1141 - The bill removes outdated references in statute to 'early childhood care and education councils'. The term is no longer used. Instead, these entities are referred to as 'early childhood councils'.

Environment

• Reporting Requirements for Park Fees Set by Rule - HB18-1139 - The bill removes obsolete references to a statutory subsection that was repealed on September 1, 2017. Because the repealed statutory subsection concerned the manner in which the parks and wildlife commission sets fees by rule, the bill replaces the obsolete references with references to the parks and wildlife commission's fee-setting rules.

Government

• Repeal Nomination Vacancy Filling In Municipal Elections - SB18-107 - The bill repeals the process by which a vacancy in nomination may be filled for an election conducted under the 'Colorado Municipal Code of 1965' and makes conforming amendments.
• Remove Term "Pauper" From Colorado Revised Statutes - HB18-1142 - The bill modernizes the language in statutory sections by replacing the terms 'pauper' and 'paupers' with 'indigent' or 'indigent persons'.
• Public Officials Oaths & Affirmations - HB18-1138 - The bill establishes a single uniform text for swearing or affirming an oath of office and the requirements regarding how and when an oath or affirmation of office must be taken, subscribed, administered, and filed

Courts

• Unconstitutional Language Interest On Damages - SB18-098 - The bill amends section 13-21-101 (1), Colorado Revised Statutes, concerning interest on damages to reflect a 1996 decision made by the Colorado supreme court that ruled certain language in that subsection violated the equal protection clause of the constitution.

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ABOUT SEN. ZENZINGER:An Arvada resident with a deep background in education and public school advocacy, Rachel Zenzinger was elected to the State Senate in 2016. Before coming to the State Senate, Rachel was elected twice to serve on the Arvada City Council, where she also filled the role of Mayor Pro Tem. Rachel had previously represented the district when she was appointed to serve in the State Senate for the 2014 legislative session. She currently serves on the Senate Education, Transportation, and Statutory Revision Committees. Sen. Zenzinger is also a member of the School Finance Interim Committee and the CDOT Efficiency and Accountability Committee.

Transcript of Minority Leader Guzman's opening day remarks

Colorado Senate Minority Leader Lucia Guzman delivered the following address on the opening day of the 2018 legislative session.

Mr. PresidentMr. President Pro TemMr. Majority LeaderMr. Assistant Minority Leader

ColleaguesFamily and friends

I have been honored to serve as the Democratic Leader of the Senate for these years, and my first desire today is to honor and thank those Senators whose last session of service begins today:

Senator Cheri JahnSenator Andy KerrSenator Irene AguilarSenator and President GranthamSenator LundbergSenator Lambert

The graduating class of 2018 has made significant contributions to the State of Colorado and served their constituents with honor and respect. Please join me in applauding their service.

We know that those of us entering our last legislative session are not yet finished with our work. Each of us joins all of you in making this session of the 71st general assembly one of historic progress for the people of Colorado.

Today, I’m honored to welcome and recognize some special guests.

Every year, each of our 35 Senate Districts selects one student to serve as a member of the Colorado Youth Advisory Council (COYAC). These students play a vital role in advancing the values of civic engagement in our next generation of leaders.

I’m honored to introduce the exceptional young woman chosen to represent my own Senate District in Northwest Denver County: Winta Goyne

Winta’s family came to our country as refugees from Eritrea. A journey that began in a refugee camp at the age of 2 brought her to this moment and her new home in Denver. Now, she’s an outstanding 10th-grade student at North High School. Both of her parents are hardworking, proud residents who hope to become full citizens of the United States.

I’d also like to welcome our friends from the Bureau of Land Management and the Great Escape Mustang Sanctuary.From the BLM are Jayson Barangan and John Beck. From the Great Escape Mustang Sanctuary are Michelle Sander, Executive Director and Stephanie Lindsay, Lead Trainer as well as Michelle’s two children, Carson and Preston and three members of the GEMS Board.

Through the efforts of dedicated professionals and volunteers alike, they’ve made great progress in balancing protecting the wild horse population and the management of our cherished public lands. This cooperative spirit in service of preserving Colorado’s unique natural beauty and ecosystems is a wonderful example of what makes our home state so special.

President Theodore Roosevelt once said that “what makes a hero is the romantic notion that they stand above the tawdry give and take of everyday politics, where division gives way to unity, and where the nation regains its lost innocence, and the people share a sense of purpose."

I believe that elected officials must strive to live up to these ideals each and every day. Last year’s legislative session has been called one of the best in decades thanks to our collective will to reach across the aisle. When we allow divisions to give way to unity, we pass major bills that improve the lives of the people we’re bound to serve.

This spirit of collaboration and unity shows us a better way forward. A way to cross the bridges that divide rural and urban, rich and poor. A way to truly commit to our shared purpose of guaranteeing that a good life is available to all Coloradans. And we must commit to that vision, now more than ever.

Over the past several decades, Colorado families have been hit hard by a brutal economic reality: everything keeps getting more expensive, but people barely make enough money to keep up.

Rent, housing, childcare, healthcare. The cost of living marches to new heights every year, but paychecks stay the same.

Hundreds of thousands of Coloradans work full-time jobs that pay less than what it takes to keep a family of four out of poverty.

Despite having one of the strongest economies in the country, Colorado spends roughly $2,000 less per K-12 public school student than the national average — lagging behind 37 other states.

The obscene cost of healthcare continues to drive families into debilitating debt when a loved one gets sick or injured — even if they have insurance.

These are just a small sample of the challenges we must face together. The question remains whether or not we can summon the collective courage to put partisanship aside and advance an agenda that improves the lives of the working and middle class.

In years past, we’ve seen far too many bipartisan bills die along party-line votes in Republican-controlled Senate Committees.

A bipartisan affordable housing bill offering relief from obscenely high housing costs in urban and rural Colorado alike — killed.

A badly-needed transportation bill, which saw collaboration from both parties — died in committee.

Effort after effort to finally expand high-speed broadband Internet to our rural and mountain communities — blocked.

Today, I invite us to look past conventional partisan labels, Democrat, Republican and Independent...and work to advance a policy agenda that truly serves the working class:

Let’s work together to make healthcare available for all.

Let’s create a public option that gives every resident of our state the choice to get affordable care through Health First Colorado.

Let’s legally brand pharmaceutical price gouging as what it is — a deceptive trade practice — and create real consequences for companies that maximize their profits at the expense of access to life-saving drugs.

Let’s continue our bipartisan work to confront the opioid crisis by expanding access treatment and addiction counseling, stopping the over-prescription of dangerously addictive pain medications, and fight to keep the cost of behavioral health services as low as possible.

Let’s work together to join nearly every other nation on earth in providing paid leave for the people of Colorado. Let’s stop forcing parents to choose between being present for some of the most precious moments in their children’s lives and putting food on the table. Let’s stop forcing workers from going to work with the flu because they have no other option.

As state employees, elected officials like us have the opportunity to earn paid time off. How can we continue to deny the people of Colorado the same opportunity?

Let’s work together to ensure the long-term health of PERA, our state retirement program that currently serves 500,000 Coloradans. Let’s make sure that we create a long-term, automatically adjusting solution that keeps pace with cost of living and provides peace of mind for our retirees.

Let’s make sure every Colorado has access to high-speed broadband Internet — an absolute necessity for modern life and business. Far too many rural and mountain communities across Colorado remain isolated from the growing opportunities offered by broadband services. Many students in schools across Colorado are falling behind because of the lack of access to reliable Internet.

Doctors and nurses and physician assistants cannot serve people who live far from their offices through telemedicine without high-speed Internet. Ranchers, farmers, and exciting startup programs throughout rural Colorado remain at a disadvantage. This year, there is a bipartisan bill to usher in a major expansion of broadband Internet access. Our colleagues are ready, the people are ready. Internet Service Providers must get with the program this year. Let’s make it happen.

On these and so many other issues, we have an opportunity to create a Colorado where the building blocks of a good life are available to everyone, not just a privileged few.

A better world is possible — for all.

We’ve seen what happens when we set Coloradans up to succeed. We see it in the entrepreneurial spirit that drives our states’ businesses. In Colorado’s craft beer industry. In specialized outdoor companies like Osprey in Cortez, or Melanzana in Leadville.

We see in women like April Archer, a true entrepreneur who’s with us here today. April owns Sarabella Fishing, a company launched in 2014 out of frustration with the lack of fishing equipment tailored to women. Today, April’s company produces fishing rods with a variety of weights and grips so that women across the country can enjoy one of her favorite pastimes with their families just as she does with hers.

We envision a world where these success stories are not the exception, but the rule.

Finally, I cannot in good conscience let today pass without speaking to this unique moment in political history. In order to be genuine advocates for the working class, we must be honest about the root causes of one of the most urgent problems plaguing our society: the ever-widening gulf between the ultra-wealthy and the rest of us.

The truth is that the economic struggles of the middle and working class are not the inevitable outcome of economic forces beyond our control. They are a direct result of a broken system where money buys access and influence for powerful interests at the expense of everybody else.

A political system corrupted by money is at the core of almost every major issue we face.

Elected officials who fail to acknowledge this reality are part of the problem. If we want to solve it, we can start by giving a stronger voice back to the people we serve.

While we can’t control what happens at the federal level, we can continue to protect state-level politics here in Colorado from the same fate.

Anti-corruption reform will be at the heart of our agenda in 2018 because we must do everything in our power to build a political system that truly works for the people.

This legislative session, we are introducing a bill that will cap the flow of unlimited money into county and school board elections. And we will fight to require transparency from the monied interests pouring millions of dollars into our elections.

To borrow one more quote from Theodore Roosevelt: "If we condone political theft, our civilization itself cannot endure.”

We will never stop fighting to protect our political system from corruption. A government that truly represents the people — the very foundation of a free society — cannot exist any other way.

Let me tell you about the vision of a political leader who is a hero of mine and day by day becoming the hero of his constituents. He is following through on the challenge of rebuilding a dying community — one of many across Colorado whose community is changed because of the end of longtime business investments. Through his hope, hard work, building community and relationships across the aisle.The good senator from Montrose is guiding one of his communities towards a business shift.

He has dared to move the promise of hemp production and has plans for developing the business which include bringing jobs, training and a new life to an area long lost hemp, a new agricultural product in places where old ways have gone by. I have taken the personal move towards establishing the hemp award and this award goes to the great senator from Senate District 6. A true hero who has dared greatly taken risks and made sacrifices.

When we were kids, we had no toys to speak of, but we did have a tree to climb. The tree was a chinaberry tree. It had small, but hard green berries. We each choose a limb of the tree that we called our own. We took our pocket knife and carved our name in the limb to secure our very own property right.

We would take some old thin limbs from the tree and some old inner tube rubber and make ourselves some slingshots. While we were above the yard, we would shoot at my daddy’s chickens. Some didn’t survive. And we had to let our dad believe that, for some odd reason, some of his chickens had heart problems and died on the spot from a heart attack. We loved climbing that tree.

My brother climbed almost to the top. As high as he could go without losing his balance. I chose the limb closer to the trunk of the tree. It was a strong limb, and I could sit comfortably for a long time. My brother tried his best to coax me up to his highest limb. He would say, “I can see in Charles Black’s backyard.I can see the train coming” and he would say, “come on up and you can see”.

His limb was high enough to see above the leaves. And he no doubt had a clear view of things I could not see. But to this day, I don’t know if he was really seeing what he said he saw or if he was making it up just to get me to climb where I did not want to climb. We would even climb the tree at night, and he said, “I can see the stars — Come on up,” or “I can see the milky way from here”. I always loved the stars and I wanted so much to believe him. I wanted to experience what I could not see. To believe in the unknown

One day, when no one else was around, I climbed to my limb and on up, up to as far as I could go. I secured myself on the spindly limb. Looked around, above the tree leaves, and I did not see the train coming down the track, nor could I see in the backyard of Charles Blacks. But I could see far more than when I sat on my own limb. I could see farther than ever before and did not fall off.

As electeds, we are dared to heed the call to risk the unknown for the promise of greatness. Not for the greatness of oneself, bt for the greatness of  a people. The greatness of our society. Of the state of Colorado.

Those of us who have one last session have one last chance to accomplish something else for Colorado.

To those staying and for those preparing to leave, whether or not we accomplish all of our goals, we must continue to set the stage for daring to be the best that we can be. There will be the urge to consider the unknown, always calling us to go places we’ve not been before.

My advice: climb up there. So that you can know that you did the best you could to fulfill the promises made to those who elected you to build an even better Colorado.

Legislative Leaders to Meet on Review of Workplace Harassment

Denver, CO – Responding to workplace harassment allegations involving Colorado legislators, House and Senate leadership announced today that they will meet to consider a review of how workplace harassment issues are handled in the General Assembly.

The Executive Committee of the Legislative Council will meet to discuss moving forward with hiring an independent consultant to review the legislature’s existing procedures regarding workplace harassment and issue recommendations to the legislature, as well as to determine the review’s scope and timeline.

The review will involve gathering research and seeking input from interested parties during the course of the review, and holding a hearing on the recommendations and any proposed rule changes that result from the review. The review will also look at issues including but not limited to:

• A best-practices survey of workplace harassment policies in other states and the private sector
• Whether an independent body or other neutral third-party organization should be established to handle workplace harassment complaints and potential models to consider
• Suitable methods for reporting complaints, including online reporting options
• How confidentiality should be handled in workplace harassment or sexual harassment complaints
• Suitable remedies for complaints of workplace harassment
• Record keeping
• Protections against retribution
• Proper safeguards to allow patterns of harassment to be clearly detected and handled appropriately
• Best practices for awareness and training on what constitutes workplace harassment and the procedure for filing a complaint under the policy

As a part of the review, research and input will be gathered from a wide range of sources, including but not limited to: the Office of Legislative Legal Services, Legislative Council, the National Conference of State Legislatures, the state Department of Personnel and Administration, the state attorney general’s office, human resources and employment law experts, victims’ advocacy groups, legislators, employees and others who do business at the legislature.

In addition to setting up this process, the leaders agreed to discuss formalizing proposals for workplace harassment training to be conducted annually for all legislators and staff and to be expanded to offer the most comprehensive training available.

The Executive Committee of the Legislative Council includes Senate President Kevin Grantham, House Speaker Crisanta Duran, Senate Majority Leader Chris Holbert, House Majority Leader KC Becker, Senate Minority Leader Lucia Guzman and House Minority Leader Patrick Neville. The date and time of the Executive Committee meeting will be announced as soon as it is confirmed.

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This press release was originally published on November 21, 2017. Please visit our press page for follow-up questions and additional media inquiries.

Senate Minority Leader Guzman Calls for Rep. Steve Lebsock’s Resignation

Denver, CO -- Today, KUNC reported that nine people have come forward with accusations of sexual harassment and misconduct against Rep. Steve Lebsock. Senate Democratic Leader Lucia Guzman released the following statement:

“Steve Lebsock’s behavior is unacceptable, and he must resign immediately. No one should be made to feel unsafe by unwanted sexual advances, period.

We stand with Representative Winter and applaud her decision to come forward, as well as the eight others who chose to speak up and seek justice. Coming forward with an accusation of sexual harassment is an incredibly difficult decision, and we commend those who have spoken out regarding their experiences.

We take this issue extremely seriously, and will strongly advocate for a thorough and impartial investigation of these allegations. The very fact that so many victims have come forward is a clear indication that the Colorado legislature’s process for reporting and addressing sexual harassment is in urgent need of review and improvement.

The massive number of people across the country who have come forward with their own stories in response to the #MeToo campaign shows how commonplace this behavior has become. That enduring incidents of sexual harassment is an expected aspect of so many people’s day-to-day lives speaks to a systemic crisis in America’s workplaces.

We strongly encourage victims who are comfortable speaking out to do so, and will stand with them in ensuring that this crucial issue continues to receive the attention it deserves. The national movement to finally end a culture that protects harassers and abusers has gained undeniable momentum in the past month. We will continue to fight for policies that both prevent as many of these incidents as possible and provide true justice for victims."

Full report from KUNC: Lawmakers And Lobbyists Accuse Steve Lebsock Of Sexual Harassment; Speaker Calls For His Resignation

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This press release was originally published on November 10, 2017. Please visit our press page for follow-up questions and additional media inquiries.

Guzman: Potential DACA Repeal "Anti-American"

Denver, CO -- Senate Democratic Leader Lucia Guzman, D-Denver, released the following statement on the news that President Trump is deciding whether or not he will end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program (DACA):

“The very idea of deporting the children of immigrants, who were brought to this country through no fault of their own and have grown up here, gone to school, worked, and have been wonderful members of our communities is nothing short of anti-American. Here in Colorado alone, DACA has allowed over 17,000 young people to pursue their American dreams without fear of deportation. We passed legislation so Dreamers who graduate high school in Colorado can access in-state college tuition rates. Some of our proud educational institutions have even made scholarship and work opportunities available so those young people can pursue their dreams. Is the President really going to turn back the clock on them?”

“It is my sincere hope the President considers very carefully what the consequences of ending DACA would be for the 800,000 young people who have only known the United States as their home. They have been contributing members of our society, and they embody the ideals that make our country great. The President needs to make the right decision, and not take action that would separate families and tear us apart as a country.”

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This press release was originally published on August 30, 2017. Please visit our press page for follow-up questions and additional media inquiries.