GOV. RITTER, BIPARTISAN LAWMAKERS TO INTRODUCE CLEAN AIR-CLEAN JOBS ACT

 

Tuesday, March 16, 2010

 

8:30 a.m.         Gov. Ritter and a group of bipartisan lawmakers will announce the introduction of the Colorado Clean Air-Clean Jobs Act at a news conference. Gov. Ritter, lawmakers and experts will also testify about the bill before the House Transportation and Energy Committee later in the morning. The lead sponsors of the act are Reps. Ellen Roberts (R-Durango) and Judy Solano (D-Brighton) and Sens. Bruce Whitehead (D-Hesperus) and Josh Penry (R-Grand Junction).

                       

The legislation will make Colorado a national leader in cutting air pollution, creating jobs and increasing the use of cleaner energy sources. It would require Xcel Energy to sharply reduce pollutants by retiring, retrofitting or repowering Front Range coal-fired power plants by the end of 2017 and replacing them with facilities fueled by natural gas and other lower- or non-emitting energy sources, including greater energy efficiency measures.  

                       

News Conference Location: West Foyer, State Capitol.

                                    House Transportation and Energy Committee Hearing: Old Supreme Court Chambers, State Capitol.

                             

COLORADO A FINALIST FOR 'RACE TO THE TOP' FUNDING

 

COLORADO A FINALIST FOR 'RACE TO THE TOP' FUNDING

 

Lt. Gov. O'Brien to Lead a Team for Washington, D.C. Presentation

 

Gov. Bill Ritter, Lt. Gov. Barbara O'Brien and Colorado Education Commissioner Dwight D. Jones announced today that the U.S. Department of Education has named Colorado as one of 16 finalists for the first round of Race to the Top education reform grants. Colorado and the other finalists were selected from 40 states and the District of Columbia.

 

"Colorado is committed to providing a 21^st century education that fully prepares our students to compete and succeed in a global economy," Gov. Ritter said. "I am pleased we have been named a finalist, but this is a competitive grant process and we still need to make our case. Regardless of the outcome, we now have a roadmap that leads directly to stronger and more effective student-centered education reforms."

 

The state's Race to the Top proposal was developed with input from more than 600 people. The proposal is being supported by 134 local school districts serving 94 percent of Colorado's K-12 public school students.

 

"It's gratifying to be in the finalist list, but we know this is just the beginning of our work. The end goal is reducing the achievement gap, turning around struggling schools and improving our skills, data and tools for students," said Lt. Gov. O'Brien, who spearheaded the proposal process.

 

"We are thrilled to be included in the group invited to make presentations," said Commissioner Jones. "We are confident that Colorado will continue to move forward in this process. One key to Colorado's application is the strong alliance among the state's education community, and we believe that strength will carry us on this final lap."

 

All 16 finalists will present their proposals to a panel of reviewers in Washington, D.C., the week of March 15. Lt. Gov. O'Brien and Commissioner Jones will lead the Colorado team of presenters. Colorado's Race to the top proposal asks for $377 million over four years. Successful first round Race to the Top applicants will be announced in April.

 

Work will continue on education reform at the local level, as Gov. Ritter today also announced the appointees to the Colorado Council for Educator Effectiveness. The council was created by executive order to work on defining educator effectiveness and new educator evaluations tied to student growth. The council will meet at 3 p.m. March 11 at the Colorado Community College System office, 9101 E. Lowry Blvd., Bldg. 959, President's Conference Room, Aurora.

 

Members of the Council for Educator Effectiveness:

 

·         Colorado Department of Education: Nina Lopez, Special Assistant to Education Commissioner

 

·         Colorado Department of Higher Education: Lorrie Shepard, Dean, School of Education, University of Colorado - Boulder

 

·         Teachers: Shelly Genereax of Brighton School District 27J, Kerrie Dallman of Jefferson County Public Schools, Amie Baca-Oehlert of Adams District 12, Nikkie Felix of Aurora Public Schools

 

·         Public School Administrators: Margaret Crespo, Principal of John Evans Middle School in Weld County, Tracy Dorland, Executive Director of Teacher Effectiveness  in Denver Public Schools

 

·         Public School Superintendent: Sandra Smyser, Superintendent of Eagle County Schools

 

·         School Board Members: Bill Bregar of Pueblo District 70, Jo Ann Baxter of Moffat County

 

·         Charter Schools: Colin Mullaney, Principal of Cheyenne Mountain Charter in Colorado Springs

 

·         Public School Parent: Towanna Henderson of Denver Public Schools

 

·         Student: Shelby Gonzales-Parker of Justice High School in Denver Public Schools

 

·         At-Large Member: Matt Smith, Vice-President of Engineering, United Launch Alliance

 

STATEMENT ON GOV. RITTER ACCIDENT

 

Shortly after 6 a.m. this morning, Gov. Ritter was involved in a bicycle accident at 23^rd Ave. and High St. in Denver. He is being treated at Denver Health Medical Center for several injuries. It appears he has multiple rib fractures on his right side.

 

The Governor rides with a group of friends two to three times a week, and this morning was with a group of four other riders when he and another rider collided. The Governor is in good spirits, laughing and joking with hospital staff and his wife Jeannie.

 

# # #

 

 

GOV. RITTER SIGNS BILLS SUSPENDING SPECIAL TAX BREAKS

 

Gov. Bill Ritter today signed nine pieces of legislation that suspend or eliminate several special tax breaks in order to help balance the state's budget by generating $15.6 million in revenue this fiscal year and $132.6 million next fiscal year. The Governor will hold a media availability in his office at 3:45 p.m. today to discuss the bills with reporters.

 

"Over the past 18 months, we have cut spending and closed shortfalls of $2.2 billion, while also addressing a $1.3 billion shortfall in the next fiscal year and preparing for even more cuts in the fiscal year after that," Gov. Ritter said. "We have taken a balanced approach to keeping the budget balanced. We have asked everyone – government agencies, state workers, nonprofits, medical providers, senior citizens, schools, colleges, the conservation community and businesses – to share in the burden and share in the solutions so that no one group is unfairly or unduly impacted.

 

"Signing these bills was not something I wanted to do," Gov. Ritter said. "But it was something that was necessary in order to keep the budget balanced and to continue positioning Colorado for a strong and healthy recovery. My sincere thanks to those lawmakers who supported this package of bills and made the difficult but right decisions for the future of Colorado."

 

Gov. Ritter signed the following bills today:    

House Bill 1189, Eliminate Sales Tax Exemption for Direct Mail

House Bill 1190, Suspend Industrial Fuel Sales and Use Tax

House Bill 1191, Eliminate Candy and Soda Sales Tax Exemption

House Bill 1192, Repeal Sales and Use Tax of Standardized Software

House Bill 1193, Sales Tax Out-of-State Retailers

House Bill 1194, Eliminate Non-Essential Articles Sales Tax Exemption

House Bill 1195, Suspend Ag Sales & Use Tax Exemption

House Bill 1196, Income Tax Credit Vehicles Using Alternative Fuels

House Bill 1199, Limit the Net Operating Loss Deduction Temporary Limit

 

Two additional bills are pending:

House Bill 1197, Reduce Conservation Easement Cap Amount

House Bill 1200, Limit Enterprise Zone Investment Tax Credit

 

 

 

 

GOV. RITTER'S SCHEDULE FOR TODAY & WEDNESDAY

 

GOV. RITTER'S SCHEDULE FOR TODAY & WEDNESDAY

 

Tuesday, Feb. 9, 2010

 

9 a.m.              Gov. Ritter will attend the monthly meeting of the United Veterans Committee of Colorado. Location: VFW Post 9644, 2680 W. Hampden Ave., Englewood.

 

10:15 a.m.       Gov. Ritter will deliver remarks and answer questions during the American Cancer Society's Day of Action at the Capitol. Location: Old Supreme Court Chambers, State Capitol.

 

2 p.m.              Gov. Ritter and his mother, Ethel, who turns 85 years old Tuesday, will help dedicate the opening of Plains Medical Center's new health clinic in Strasburg, where Mrs. Ritter resides. Location: 55981 Colfax Ave., Strasburg.

 

4 p.m.              Gov. Ritter will deliver remarks and answer questions during the Fort Collins-Loveland Chamber of Commerce Annual Day at the Capitol. Location: Old Supreme Court Chambers, State Capitol.

 

Wednesday, Feb. 10, 2010

 

9:15 a.m.         Gov. Ritter will visit the 9HealthFair Day at the Capitol and perhaps get his blood pressure checked. Location: Capitol Press Room, Room 326, third floor.

 

9:30 a.m.         Gov. Ritter will deliver remarks and take questions during Action 22 Day at the Capitol. Action 22 advocates and addresses issues on behalf of 22 counties in southeastern Colorado. Location: Old Supreme Court Chambers, State Capitol.

 

# # #

 

GOV. RITTER APPOINTS COLORADANS TO BOARDS & COMMISSIONS

 

Gov. Bill Ritter today announced the appointments of 10 Coloradans to statewide boards and commissions:

 

Colorado Board of Veterans Affairs

 

James C. Bobick of Aurora to fill a vacancy for a term expiring June 30, 2010, and then to a full four-year term expiring June 30, 2014.

William L. Robinson of Castle Rock for a term expiring June 30, 2014.

 

The seven-member board addresses challenges facing Colorado veterans and makes recommendations to the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. Appointments require Senate confirmation.

 

Board of Real Estate Appraisers

(for terms expiring July 1, 2012)

 

Wayne L. Hunsperger of Englewood

Anthony J. Navarro of Denver (re-appointed)

Susan E. Secrest of Denver

 

The seven-member board sets fees for those seeking a real estate appraisers license, administers tests and disciplines licensees for misconduct Appointments require Senate confirmation.

 

Water Quality Control Commission

(all re-appointments, for terms expiring Feb. 15, 2013)

 

Chris J. Wiant of Centennial

Patricia Wells of Denver

Andrew S. Todd of Denver

 

The nine-member commission is responsible for developing and maintaining a comprehensive and effective program for prevention, control and abatement of water pollution throughout the state. Appointments require Senate confirmation.     

 

Ground Water Commission

(re-appointments to terms expiring May 1, 2014)

 

Douglas L. Shriver of Monte Vista

Carolyn F. Burr of Denver

 

The 12-member commission determines the boundaries of ground water basins, considers well permit applications, promotes economic development and protects water rights. Appointments require Senate confirmation.

 

For more information about Colorado boards and commissions, or to obtain an application, visit the Boards and Commission website, e-mail boards@state.co.us, or call 303.866.6380.

 

GOV. RITTER ANNOUNCES OUTREACH MEETINGS FOR RECOVERY ACT BROADBAND MAPPING PROJECT

Gov. Bill Ritter today announced two public meetings to help Internet providers and the public participate in the Colorado Broadband Data and Development Program, funded by $2.1 million from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The meetings are organized by the Governor's Office of Information Technology (OIT) and will be held in Denver on Tuesday, Feb. 2 and Tuesday, Feb. 9, 2010.

"The Recovery Act is helping Colorado bridge the digital divide by investing in a number of projects that will expand high-speed Internet to communities across the state," said Gov. Ritter. "These meetings are part of an ongoing effort to help Coloradans and the business community access opportunities and to take part in shaping Colorado's future."

OIT has been awarded $1.6 million for broadband data collection and mapping activities over a two-year period and almost $500,000 for broadband planning activities over a five-year period. In December, the office released Colorado's first ever maps of broadband availability throughout the state. While these maps provide important baseline data, the ARRA-funded project will enable OIT to update these maps over a multi-year period to account for coverage changes and new information.

To kick off the project, OIT is hosting the two meetings at its Denver office for providers of broadband internet and interested parties. Individuals may participate in-person or via conference bridge.

Meeting Information:

• Tuesday, Feb. 2, from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. at 601 East 18^th Avenue, Confluence Park Conference Room.
• Tuesday, Feb. 9, from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. at 601 East 18^th Avenue, Confluence Park Conference Room.
• Contact COBroadband@state.co.us to RSVP and to obtain call-in instructions. Registration will close on Jan. 29, for the first meeting and on Feb. 5, for the second meeting.

 

At least $5.7 billion in Recovery Act funds are expected to come to Colorado over the next two years. More information about the Recovery Act and its impact on Colorado can be found at www.colorado.gov/recovery.