Senate President Brandon Shaffer offers statement in honor of Martin Luther King Day

DENVER–Today, Senate President Brandon Shaffer (D-Longmont) offered the following comment in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day:

"Words cannot describe the debt we, as a civil and free society, owe to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The United States stands as a beacon of hope and opportunity for the world and Dr. King's commitment to civil rights helps give that beacon its brilliance.  In his historic speech at the Lincoln Memorial on August 28, 1963, Dr. King said he dreamt of a freedom that spread across this entire nation including, "the snow capped Rockies of Colorado." Today, in the humble shadow of those mountains we are honored to carry Dr. King's torch and to revel in its light."

Senator Newell introduces bill to protect Colorado jobs

“Retaining and supporting our existing businesses”

DENVER—Today, Senator Linda Newell (D-Littleton) introduced an important Colorado jobs protection bill during the opening day of the Colorado General Assembly’s 2012 legislative session. The legislation establishes the Colorado Business Retention and Expansion Program in an effort to continue supporting local businesses and the employment opportunities they provide. The Colorado Business Retention and Expansion Program will be established by the Colorado Office of Economic Development, and will expand upon the “Colorado Blueprint,” a bottom up approach to economic expansion developed by Governor John Hickenlooper.

The program will be responsible for engaging and protecting existing businesses in Colorado, gathering relevant information about their current needs and obstacles, and facilitating the relationship between businesses and government. The Colorado jobs protection bill introduced by Senator Newell today is one component of the Senate Majority’s “Colorado Works” jobs package, a series of bills that will be introduced throughout the session that are focused on continued job creation and economic growth in the state.

Senator Newell offered the following comment on the Colorado jobs protection bill introduced today:

“I come from business. Small businesses in Colorado employ 95 percent of our citizens and are critical to our state’s economic success.  As we continue working to attract new industry to our state, we must also ensure that we are retaining and supporting our existing businesses.”

Senator Hodge introduces bill to help Colorado win the space race

Legislation works to grow jobs in the state’s strong aerospace industry

DENVER—Today, Senator Mary Hodge (D-Brighton) introduced the “Colorado Aerospace Jobs Act” during the opening day of the Colorado General Assembly’s 2012 legislative session. This bill is one component of the Senate Majority’s “Colorado Works” jobs package, a series of bills that will be introduced throughout the session that are focused on job creation and economic growth in Colorado.

Senator Hodge offered the following comment on the Colorado Aerospace Jobs Act:

“The Colorado Aerospace Act will be the first step in attracting new industry to Colorado. Our state has some of the most highly educated workers in the country and the second largest aerospace workforce, so it is imperative that we work to bring these jobs to our state.”

Senators help families prepare for the holidays

Lawmakers volunteer at local hospital

AURORA— President Brandon Shaffer (D-Longmont), Senator Evie Hudak (D-Arvada), and Senator Linda Newell (D-Littleton) helped Children’s Hospital Colorado families choose donated gifts for their young loved ones.  The Senators volunteered at the hospital this week during the yearly “Snow Pile” event.

 “Snow Pile” is a holiday program for low-income and inpatient families who may not have the means or time to holiday shop.  The participating families are allowed to select free clothing, books, and toys for the youngsters in their family.  The Senators helped the families to choose the perfect gifts.   

The lawmakers offered the following comments:

“I helped families pick out books and was thrilled to use my skills as a former English teacher and library staffer.  Books offer children an escape, away from the stresses that come from being sick or having a sick brother or sister,” said Senator Hudak.  

“Being with these families reminds me of why I believe in the human spirit and the miracles that happen here at Children’s Hospital Colorado.  It’s just so humbling.  I’ll continue to help children and families any way I can,” said Senator Newell.  

Senator Linda Newell volunteers at Childrens Hospital Colorado for the holidays

DENVER— Tomorrow, Senator Linda Newell (D-Littleton) will help the Children’s Hospital Colorado community celebrate the holidays at the yearly “Snow Pile” event.  During Snow Pile, patient families will select presents for their loved ones.  Newell will accompany families as they shop for complimentary toys that have been donated to the hospital.   

Senator Newell offered the following comment:

“As the mother of two, my heart goes out to families with sick children.  I feel blessed to be invited into the Children’s Hospital Colorado community for the Snow Pile event.  I'm hoping I can help, in some small way, to brighten the holidays a bit for these kiddos and families.”

WHAT: Newell will volunteer at the yearly Snow Pile event, helping families select toys for their loved ones
WHEN: Tomorrow, Wednesday, December 21, 2011
11:30 a.m.
WHERE: Children’s Hospital Colorado
13123 East 16th Ave., Aurora, CO 80045
****Please park in the Emergency Department parking lot off Colfax and Aurora Court Parkway in the marked “Media Parking” spaces and walk around to the front main entrance. A Children’s Colorado PR representative will meet you at the front information desk.
WHO: Senator Linda Newell and the Children’s Hospital Colorado patient families

Children’s Hospital Colorado Media Contact:
Elizabeth Whitehead, 720-777-6388, pr: 303-890-8314

Senator Newell brings holiday cheer to Littleton Buck Community Recreation Center

DENVER—Senator Linda Newell (D-Littleton) joined Littleton senior citizens today at the Littleton Buck Community Recreation Center, a division of South Suburban Parks and Recreation.  Senator Newell and her daughter Brittany, a 21 year old music major at Arapahoe Community College, sang a chorus of holiday tunes for a group of about 100 community members.

Along with extensive business experience, Senator Newell has a professional background in theatre and music.  She enjoys using her creative skills as a way to bring cheer to others during the holiday season.

Senator Newell offered the following comment, today:

“I love the holidays because it gives me an excuse to sing with my family and neighbors.  It’s a privilege and joy to share the holiday season with the seniors in my community.”

Senator Carroll fights for election transparency

DENVER— Today, Colorado State Senator Morgan Carroll (D-Aurora) sent an open letter to Secretary of State Scott Gessler asking him to stop rewriting Colorado law with which he does not agree. Senator Carroll is the author of legislation designed to provide transparency in elections by ensuring the public knows who is spending money on those elections.

According to Senator Carroll, Secretary Gessler’s proposed rules “are a major change to existing law” and “are designed to allow the cloak of secrecy to remain firmly in place, providing a major loophole which would allow corporations, unions, trade associations and other entities to escape reporting requirements.”

Senator Carroll noted that the District Court has already admonished Gessler for overstepping his authority in rulemaking and encouraged him to exercise prudence in adopting rules inconsistent with the Colorado Constitution and state statute.

Senator Carroll said, “These laws were passed by both chambers of the General Assembly and signed by the Governor. It is not the prerogative of the Secretary of State to negate these laws.”

Senate President statement in commemoration of the 70th anniversary of Pearl Harbor Attack

DENVER-Today, Senate President Brandon Shaffer (D-Longmont) released the following statement in commemoration of the 70th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor. 

“It is my honor to have served in the U.S. Navy and to have done so on a Naval Destroyer overseas. During that time I often thought about what it must have been like to have been at Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. It is impossible for those of us who weren’t there to truly understand what that moment was like, but we all owe an enormous debt to those who lost their lives that day and to those who answered the call.We will never forget your service or your sacrifice.” 

President Shaffer served as an officer in the United States Navy.  He was twice decorated for his exemplary work as Navigator and Anti-Submarine Warfare Officer aboard the U.S.S. Hewitt. Shaffer served in the Western Pacific for four years and was deployed to the Persian Gulf twice.

Senator Newell asks all Coloradans to take part in Colorado Gives Day

“Today is about recognizing and supporting the causes we feel passionately about”

LITTLETON – Today, Senator Linda Newell (D – Littleton) is joining thousands of Coloradans in participating in the second annual Colorado Gives Day.  The event brings over 900 local charities together with corporate sponsors and thousands of individual donors in a multimillion dollar fundraising effort.  
Senator Newell offered the following comment:

"Today is about recognizing and supporting the causes we feel passionately about, and about taking action to support the organizations that fight to protect some of our most vulnerable citizens.  I encourage all Coloradans to take advantage of the matching funds component of Colorado Gives day to help make our charitable donations go further during these tough times."

Last year, Colorado Gives Day shattered its $1 million fundraising goal, bringing in $8.4 million from 12,540 individual donors.  Event organizers have high hopes for an even bigger total this year, with increased participation from corporate sponsors and charities.  In order to participate, individual donors should to go to givingfirst.org before midnight tonight and select a charity to support.  Givingfirst.org can help donors find their charities by name, cause, or location.

Senator Hudak asks all Coloradans to give during Colorado Gives Day

“I hope all Coloradans join me in using Colorado Gives Day as an opportunity to support those in need.”

ARVADA  – Today, Senator Evie Hudak (D – Westminster) is joining thousands of Coloradans in participating in the second annual Colorado Gives Day.  The event brings over 900 local charities together with corporate sponsors and thousands of individual donors in a multimillion dollar fundraising effort.  

Senator Hudak offered the following comment on Colorado Gives Day today:

“One of the true measures of a society is our ability to be generous even during the toughest of times. In my district and across Colorado, there are nearly a thousand charities and non-profit organizations that have dedicated themselves to helping those who are less fortunate. I hope all Coloradans join me in using Colorado Gives Day as an opportunity to support those in need. I’m proud that my district is home to such a generous initiative. "

Last year, Colorado Gives Day shattered its $1 million fundraising goal, bringing in $8.4 million from 12,540 individual donors.  Event organizers have high hopes for an even bigger total this year, with increased participation from corporate sponsors and charities.  In order to participate, individual donors should to go to givingfirst.org before midnight tonight and select a charity to support.  Givingfirst.org can help donors find their charities by name, cause, or location.