Giron works through the interim on legislative committees, continues to serve Southern Colo.

DENVER -- Today, Sen. Angela Giron (D-Pueblo) took her post on the Joint Technology Committee and was subsequently chosen unanimously by her peers to serve on the Election Commission.

The Joint Technology Committee was formed this past legislative session to address technology use throughout the state system, and the Colorado Voter Access and Modernized Elections Commission was formed to monitor the advancement of the election system, particularly through technology.

Sen. Giron worked diligently to enhance the election process this past session with her work on HB 13-1303.   It was signed into law by Gov. John Hickenlooper on May 10 and will save counties an estimated $9.5 million. 

Senate Majority Office issues statement on Tweet

Statement from Colorado Senate Majority Office:

These laws are meant to prevent criminals – domestic violence offenders and convicted murderers from getting a gun.  Why would the sheriffs oppose that? And why would they hold a press conference with a man convicted of shooting at his wife?  In 2011, the background check system caught 38 murderers from having guns.  38 murderers.  Why would anyone not want to prevent even more criminals from getting guns, much less sheriffs?  The answer, they are elected politicians.

Schwartz lauded as champion for Colorado forest health

DENVER --  Choose Outdoors and Colorado Bark Beetle Cooperative lauded Sen. Gail Schwartz (D-Snowmass) as a proponent and activist who has tackled the mountain pine beetle crisis in Colorado. 

In a letter congratulating Sen. Schwartz on the recognition, Gov. John Hickenlooper said:  “Your tireless efforts to increase the use of beetle killed trees and to bring attention to the critical need to evolve and adapt how we manage our forested lands is creating a dramatically healthier forest for generations to come.  It is critical that we preserve the beautiful and magnificent landscapes that define our state and our region.”

Statement re: sheriff politicians who are threatening a costly lawsuit against public, gun safety laws

DENVER -- Sen. Mary Hodge (D-Brighton) the sponsor of HB 13-1224, limiting high-capacity magazines, released the following statement in response to sheriff politicians who are threatening a lawsuit against the state because of new public safety laws.

Sen. Giron fights to keep Ft. Lyon project alive

Sen. Giron releases a statement

DENVER -- Sen. Angela Giron (D-Pueblo) is at the helm of a group of legislators and Coloradans from Bent County, who are fighting to help homeless Coloradans while creating jobs in rural Colorado.

Earlier today, a project to convert the unused Ft. Lyon prison into a transitional homeless community died in Senate Appropriations committee.  Moving swiftly, this afternoon, Sen. Angela Giron worked with other legislators and the Governor to find a way to save the project. 

Pioneering pot public policy

DENVER -- To fulfill the mandate Colorado voters gave the legislature in 2012 with Amendment 64, today, the Senate Finance committee worked through marijuana regulations (HB 13-1317).  With a 5 to 0 decision, the Senate Finance committee moved HB 13-1317 to the Senate Appropriations committee.

The legislation is in response to Amendment 64, which was approved by Coloradans in a statewide vote in 2012.  Amendment 64 legalizes the use and limited possession of recreation marijuana for people 21 and older.

Senate Breaking New Ground

Denver - Tonight, the Senate passed landmark legislation implementing Amendment 64 which legalized the use and limited possession of recreational marijuana for adults 21 and older.  In a bipartisan effort, Sen. Cheri Jahn (D- Wheat Ridge) passed SB 13-283 that sets forth a groundwork for implementation of the constitutional amendment.

Tackling two problems in one fell swoop

DENVER -- Today, with homeless Coloradans outside on a snowy day, the Senate State, Veterans, and Military Affairs committee moved forward a plan that would fight homelessness, while putting rural Coloradans to work.  

At the helm of the plan is Sen. Angela Giron (D-Pueblo) who is working with other Democrats, Republicans, and Governor Hickenlooper

Over the mountains and through the woods, broadband internet; here it comes.

DENVER -- In a bipartisan effort, Sen. Jeanne Nicholson (D-Gilpin County) and Sen. Greg Brophy (R-Wray) teamed up today to help connect rural Colorado to broadband internet service.  The Senate State, Veterans, and Military Affairs committee moved forward the Rural Telecommunications Act (SB 13-287) on a 4 to 1 decision.

The Democratic Majority fights through the night for democracy

DENVER -- At 1:00 a.m. democracy emerged victorious from the State Senate!  The legislation (HB 13-1303) enhances access to elections and keeps voting mechanisms contemporary.  As it is now, Colorado election laws are unnecessarily complex.  Mail ballots, for example, are automatically sent in several elections, but not in others.  The changes outlined in the legislation will not only eliminate confusion, but will save counties an estimated $9.5 million.