GOV. RITTER ANNOUNCES RECOVERY ACT FUNDING TO BOOST K-12 EDUCATION PROGRAMS

 

Gov. Bill Ritter announced today he has directed more than $7 million in federal Recovery Act funds to support nearly 10 different K-12 education programs to help reduce the dropout rate, enhance teacher compensation, and improve Colorado's chances of winning a federal "Race to the Top" competitive grant next year.

 

"These investments reflect my ongoing commitment to the promise that all Colorado students be given an equal opportunity to succeed," Gov. Ritter said. "Using Recovery Act funds to grow innovative programs will strengthen Colorado's education system and maintain the momentum for education reform we've created over the past few years."

 

Lt. Gov. Barbara O'Brien chairs Colorado's P-20 Education Council and is overseeing the state's Race to the Top grant application. "We're already doing groundbreaking work to improve the skills and knowledge we provide students in classrooms throughout Colorado," Lt. Gov. O'Brien said. "These strategic investments will allow us to continue leading Colorado forward, and they'll pay untold dividends down the road by putting us in a stronger position for the Race to the Top competition."

 

Today's announcement includes $1 million to restore the state's alternative compensation grant program, $500,000 to develop the state's first educator identifier data system (matched with $400,000 in private funds), $1.5 million to dramatically expand the Teach for America program in Colorado, and $2.5 million to enhance the state's renowned Colorado Growth Model data system. 

 

In addition, Gov. Ritter directed that $1.3 million be used to reinstate a National Board Certification Stipend Pilot Program. Teachers will be eligible for $1,600 stipends, or $4,800 enhanced stipends for those who agree to serve in low-performing schools where highly effective educators are needed the most.

 

"We deeply appreciate Gov. Ritter's support for these important programs," Education Commissioner Dwight D. Jones said. "It's critical that Colorado advances meaningful, long-term reforms and invests in teachers who strive to meet rigorous national standards and accept challenging assignments."

 

Other programs included in today's announcement:

 

·         $53,000 to help initiate the new Colorado ASCENT program, which was created by House Bill 09-1319. Colorado ASCENT is the nation's first statewide program that will allow students to simultaneously pursue high school and community college degrees, which will keep students in school, lower the dropout rate and help graduates find better jobs quicker.

 

·         $300,000 to help launch the new Office of Dropout Prevention and Student Reengagement. The office was created earlier this year by HB 09-1243. "This is just the jump-start we needed," said Rep. Karen Middleton, who co-sponsored the legislation. "This funding will help us reduce Colorado's dropout rate and increase the odds of long-term success for our kids. It is time to drop-kick our dropout problem and help all children stay in school and graduate."

 

·         $200,000 to reinstate the state's National Board Assessment Stipend program.

 

·         $25,000 for Principal Leadership Academy grants.

 

GOV. RITTER'S SCHEDULE FOR TUESDAY, SEPT. 29, 2009

 

Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2009

 

8:30 a.m.         Gov. Ritter will open Day 2 of the three-day Western States Water Council 2009 Symposium. The conference brings together water and land-use planners to explore innovative solutions to the water challenges facing the West. Location: Red Lion Hotel, 4040 Quebec St., Denver.

 

3 p.m.              Gov. Ritter will deliver keynote remarks at an Urban Land Institute Speaker Series Event, "Finding Your Place in the Sun (and Wind) – What Colorado's New Energy Economy Means for Land Use." Location: Denver Athletic Club, Grand Ballroom, 1325 Glenarm Place.

 

6 p.m.              Lt. Gov. O'Brien will deliver remarks at the unveiling of the Mordecai Children's Garden featuring Richard Louv, author of Last Child in the Woods. Location: Denver Botanic Gardens, Mitchell Hall, 007 York St., Denver.

   

GOV. RITTER ANNOUNCES VETERANS GREEN JOBS WILL PROVIDE SAN LUIS VALLEY ENERGY WORK

 

Gov. Bill Ritter today announced that Veterans Green Jobs has been selected by the state energy office to provide weatherization services to income-qualified households in a six-county region of the San Luis Valley.

 

"We're proud to have these service veterans join our New Energy Economy," Gov. Ritter said. "These men and women have served their country admirably in the military, and now they return to serve again to help Colorado families reduce energy costs, increase our energy security and decrease our carbon footprint."

 

Veterans Green Jobs will provide weatherization services in Saguache, Mineral, Rio Grande, Alamosa, Conejos and Costilla counties. The $1.1 million contract runs through June 30, 2010, and calls for Veterans Green Jobs to weatherize and improve efficiencies in 240 homes.

 

"We are honored to have the opportunity to provide weatherization services for the residents of the San Luis Valley," said Brett KenCairn, CEO of Veterans Green Jobs. "Veterans Green Jobs is also excited to incorporate the dedicated Valley residents who have been previously providing these services. In working together as a team, this weatherization program enables veterans to continue their service to the country by helping families save money, reduce energy consumption and environmental impacts, and build and protect a more energy-secure future for our nation."

 

"I am tremendously pleased to see Veterans Green Jobs being named the weatherization provider for the San Luis Valley," said state Sen. Gail Schwartz, who serves on the Veterans Green Jobs board and whose district includes much of the San Luis Valley. "Veterans Green Jobs is the embodiment of three issues that I am firmly committed to: supporting our veterans as they return home, promoting job growth in the clean energy industry and working toward American energy independence."

 

"It's high time we give our returning vets the respect and the good jobs they deserve," said Rep. Dennis Apuan, who represents Fort Carson in El Paso County.  "With job training preparing them for a career in a growing sector, and with the leadership skills learned in the military, our vets are ready to lead us into the New Energy Economy."

 

The Governor's Energy Office, through 11 local partners – including Veterans Green Jobs – is significantly expanding its weatherization services to income-qualified households under the Recovery Act.

 

With nearly $80 million in additional funding provided over three years, Colorado plans to weatherize more than 10,000 homes, cutting utility bills for low-income families, reducing pollution and adding jobs across the state.

 

Click here to learn more about the GEO's weatherization program, Veterans Green Jobs, and the federal weatherization assistance program. 

 

GOV. RITTER THIS WEEK: ECONOMIC SPEECH TODAY; VETERANS GREEN JOBS TOMORROW

Monday, Sept. 21, 2009

 

12:30 p.m.      Gov. Ritter will address the South Metro Denver Chamber of Commerce. Gov. Ritter will discuss the state's economy, including Friday's announcement that the unemployment rate has declined 0.5 percent, and how the recession is impacting the state's budget. Location: 6840 S. University Blvd., Centennial.

 

Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2009

 

9:30 a.m.         Gov. Ritter will be joined by veterans from the nationally recognized Veterans Green Jobs organization to announce the Governor's Energy Office has hired Veterans Green Jobs to weatherize about 240 homes in the San Luis Valley over the next year. The counties are Saguache, Mineral, Rio Grande, Alamosa, Conejos and Costilla. The $1 million contract is funded by the Recovery Act. Location: Governor's Office, State Capitol.

 

 

 

GOV. RITTER LAUDS URBAN SUSTAINABILITY TOUR, TOUTS 'LIVABLE PLACES'

 

Gov. Ritter joined federal, state and local officials today for a White House-sponsored urban sustainability tour of Denver. The tour was part of a nationwide Obama administration initiative to create more livable communities through economic, land-use, transportation and energy-efficiency sustainability efforts.

 

Among those also on today's tour: Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper, U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet, U.S. Rep. Diana DeGette, U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, Housing and Urban Development Secretary Shaun Donovan and EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson.

 

The group toured Union Station, traveled on RTD light rail and visited the South Lincoln Park neighborhood. During the tour, HUD Secretary Donovan announced $10 million in Recovery Act funding for energy efficiency efforts in the South Lincoln Park neighborhood homes.

 

"Colorado is poised for a strong economic recovery," Gov. Ritter said. "As we move forward and grow, we must create livable places, open spaces and sustainable communities. Working with partners like Mayor Hickenlooper at the local level and the Obama administration at the national level, Colorado has become a national model for how to build sustainable 21^st century communities."

 

LT. GOV. O'BRIEN HONORED FOR RECONNECTING KIDS TO THE OUTDOORS

Choose Outdoors, a Colorado-based national nonprofit coalition of outdoor recreation interests, honored Lt. Gov. Barbara O'Brien for her work this year in reconnecting kids to the outdoors. Just this month, Lt. Gov. O'Brien is finishing up a statewide tour of 11 forums that highlighted efforts that encourage children to spend time outside. Lt. Gov. O'Brien was honored yesterday at a Colorado Kids Outdoors Forum in Silverthorne.

 

"Getting Colorado's kids outdoors is important for their entire well-being, including their: health, balance, behavior, understanding their world, and their ability to learn," said Lt. Gov. O'Brien. "Colorado's love of the outdoors and nature is a tradition that we need to pass on to our children and grandchildren or we will lose an entire generation of stewards."

 

Choose Outdoors recognized Lt. Gov. O'Brien for her "efforts connecting Americans to the land through outdoor recreation and for instilling the appreciation of natural environments to future generations."

 

"Now more than ever, we need a focused and coordinated effort to increase the awareness and support for getting young people off the couch and involved in healthy outdoor activities,"  said Choose Outdoors President Bruce Ward. "We are proud to honor Lt. Gov. O'Brien for her leadership in developing the statewide forums that serve as the perfect catalyst for the development of an effective strategy."

 

Lt. Gov. O'Brien will conduct her final Colorado Kids Outdoors Forum in Golden on September 23 at the Colorado Mountain Club. Her office will issue a report on the tour and an action plan for next steps in late October. As part of the tour, Lt. Gov. O'Brien also requested suggestions from kids across the state on what should be included in the Colorado Kids Outdoor Bill of Rights.  Their final responses are posted on her website at www.colorado.gov/ltgovernor.

 

GOV. RITTER TO JOIN OBAMA ADMIN. OFFICIALS FOR URBAN SUSTAINABILITY TOUR

 

Friday, Sept. 18, 2009

 

10:15 a.m.       Gov. Ritter will join EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson, Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan, White House Director of Urban Affairs Adolfo Carrion and other leaders for an urban sustainability tour. The Denver stop – part of a nationwide multi-city initiative – will highlight innovative city, county and regional efforts to integrate transportation, land use, housing and environmental sustainability. The group will arrive on a light rail train at 10th and Osage for a tour of the South Lincoln Park Homes and will end with a White House Urban Affairs Community Forum focusing on sustainable communities in urban areas. 

 

Locations & Details:

 

10:15 a.m.: Officials will tour South Lincoln Park homes and the 10th and Osage Light Rail Stop. Media access time: 10 a.m. Press conference immediately follows the tour.

 

1 p.m.: Officials will participate in a White House Urban Affairs Community Forum, King Center, 855 Lawrence Way, Auraria Campus. Media access time: 12:45 p.m.

 

For logistical questions only, contact Caroline Hughes at caroline.e.hughes@hud.gov.