Friday, January 18, 2008

CDP Week in Review

Week in Review January 16, 2008

Save the Date: Wednesday January 23 - Alamosa to Host Convention Seminar

Democratic National Convention Committee (DNCC) Deputy CEO for
Intergovernmental Affairs, Sky Gallegos, will join Colorado Democratic
Party Chair Pat Waak to conduct a Convention Seminar on Wednesday,
January 23 at 5 p.m. at the Alamosa Family Recreation Center, 2222 Old
Sanford Road, Alamosa. The pair will discuss opportunities for
involvement in the 2008 Democratic National Convention, including
running for delegate and volunteering opportunities. The seminar will
begin with a brief presentation on the 2008 Democratic National
Convention followed by a question and answer period. Attendees will
also have the opportunity to participate in caucus and Neighbor-to-
Neighbor training workshops. Neighbor-to-Neighbor is part of the
Democratic National Committee (DNC) State Partnership Program to
recruit Democratic activists throughout the state. The Neighboring
communities in the San Luis Valley are also urged to attend the
seminar in Alamosa.

Gov. Bill Ritter delivered his second annual State of the State
Address to the people of Colorado and the legislature announcing major
bi-partisan plans to revitalize Colorado's education systems,
strengthen businesses and the economy, and address health-care cost,
quality and access issues.

"It's my hope that each of us approaches this new legislative session
with a sense of hope, of promise and of immense possibility," Gov.
Ritter said. "My hope for the next 120 days is that we strengthen what
is great about Colorado and build on the work we started in 2007. We
must make steady progress across the board, doing what we know is
right and what we can afford. This will take discipline, focus,
leadership and courage."

The Colorado Senate convened for opening day of the 2nd Regular
Session of the 66th General Assembly on Jan. 9. The morning ceremony
was marked by the historic election of Senator Peter C. Groff (D-
Denver) as President of the Senate. Groff is the first African-
American Senate President in Colorado history, and the third in United
States history.

Taking the gavel, President Groff invoked Robert Kennedy, saying, "If
our times are difficult and perplexing, so are they challenging and
filled with opportunity."

Groff thanked family, friends, and his Senate colleagues for their
support on this momentous day for Colorado. "My friends, we are told
all our lives to be mindful of history. Today, I am particularly
mindful of the history we make in this chamber, and humbled to stand
before you today as your President."

Colorado Speaker of the House Andrew Romanoff kicked off the House
session. Romanoff highlighted Jobs, schools, and healthcare as
priorities for the Legislative session. Romanoff also announced
committee changes for the 2008 legislative session, including
assignments for the majority party's three newest members: Reps. Mark
Ferrandino (D-Denver), Christine Scanlan (D-Silverthorne), and Debbie
Stafford (D-Aurora).

* Rep. Ferrandino, who replaced former Rep. Mike Cerbo, will serve on
the Business Affairs and Labor Committee and the State, Veterans and
Military Affairs Committee.

* Rep. Scanlan, who replaced Sen. Dan Gibbs, will serve on the
Agriculture, Livestock and Natural Resources Committee and the
Transportation and Energy Committee.

* Rep. Stafford, who joined the Democrats in November, will replace
Rep. Morgan Carroll (D-Aurora) as vice chair of the Judiciary
Committee. (Rep. Carroll was elected chair of the House Majority
Caucus). Rep. Stafford will also retain her seat on the Health and
Human Services Committee.

* Rep. Gwyn Green (D-Golden) will replace Sen. Gibbs as vice chair of
the Transportation and Energy Committee.

* Rep. Cheri Jahn (D-Wheat Ridge) will join the Judiciary Committee,
replacing former Rep. Cerbo.