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Colorado Senate Democrats Elect Leadership for the 2019 Legislative Session

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The Colorado Senate Democratic Caucus Elects Leroy Garcia as the First Latino President of the Senate

 Denver, CO – The Colorado Senate Democrats today elected their leadership for the 2019 legislative session that begins on January 4th.Senator Dominick Moreno (SD-21) nominated Senator Leroy Garcia (SD-3) – who currently serves as Senate Minority Leader - for the position of President of the Senate stating “Senator Garcia has been a fearless leader for our caucus in the minority and I know he will do an excellent job as our President.” No other candidates were nominated for the position. Senator Garcia accepted the nomination and received unanimous support. Senator Garcia will serve as the first Latino President of the Senate.“The Senate Presidency is a great responsibility and I am honored by my colleague’s vote of confidence in my ability to lead this caucus,” said Senate President-elect Leroy Garcia. “Our state faces some tough challenges, but I am confident that our caucus, under these dynamic leaders, will represent every Coloradan and find solutions to those challenges that will move every community across Colorado forward.”Senator Steve Fenberg (SD-18), nominated by Senator-elect Jessie Danielson (SD-20), will serve as Majority Leader. Upon winning election, Senator Fenberg said, “With a solid majority comes the responsibility to govern. We will be judged not by how many political wins we get, but by how we improve the lives of Coloradans. Thank you to my colleagues for entrusting me with this responsibility.”The following Senate Democratic Caucus members were also elected to leadership positions:

  • Joint Budget Committee Member: Senator Dominick Moreno (SD-21)
  • Joint Budget Committee Member: Senator Rachel Zenzinger (SD-19)
  • Senate President Pro-Tempore: Senator Lois Court (SD-31)
  • Assistant Majority Leader: Senator Rhonda Fields (SD-29)
  • Caucus Chair: Senator-elect Faith Winter (SD-24)
  • Caucus Whip: Senator Kerry Donovan (SD-5)

On Tuesday, Coloradans voted to give Democrats control of the State Senate with a 19-16 seat advantage over Republicans. With a Democratic governor and democratic majority in both the House and Senate, Democrats will now control all three branches of state government.The 19 member Senate Democratic Caucus for the 2019 legislative session includes Senators Leroy Garcia, Kerry Donovan, Pete Lee, John Kefalas, Tammy Story, Matt Jones, Stephen Fenberg, Rachel Zenzinger, Jessie Danielson, Dominick Moreno, Brittany Petterson, Faith Winter, Daniel Kagan, Nancy Todd, Rhonda Fields, Lois Court, Robert Rodriquez, Angela Williams, and Julie Gonzales.

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Democrats Gain a 19-16 Majority in the Colorado State Senate

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Denver, CO – Coloradans yesterday voted to give Democrats control of the State Senate. The Senate will convene for the 2019 legislative session on January 4th with 19 Democrats and 16 Republicans. Democrats will now control all three branches of state government.“Voters across our great state have spoken, and they have said that it is time for Democrats to lead the way. Every Coloradan, whether you are a Democrat, Independent, or Republican, has reason to celebrate. They have elected leaders who will stand up for our children, for our environment, and for the health, safety, and prosperity of every Coloradan,” said Senate Democratic Leader Leroy Garcia.Democrats flipped three seats previously held by Republicans or Independents including Tammy Story (SD-16, previously held by Republican Sen. Tim Neville), Rep. Jessie Danielson (SD-20, previously held by Independent Sen. Cheri Jahn), and Rep. Faith Winter (SD-24, previously held by Republican Sen. Beth Martinez Humenik).Voters chose to elect Julie Gonzales (SD-34), Rep. Brittany Pettersen (SD-22), Robert Rodriquez (SD-32), and Rep. Pete Lee (SD-11) to replace term-limited Democratic Senators and to re-elect Senators Leroy Garcia (SD-3) and Kerry Donovan (SD-5).“Coloradans have resoundingly chosen progress over the status quo. They have decided not to give up in the face of tough challenges. They have decided that Coloradans can find solutions to problems that move every community across this state forward together,” added Garcia.“We are going to build on this energy and, with a democratic trifecta, we are going to get to work fighting for every Coloradan - no matter what corner of the state you live in,” said Garcia.The 19 member Senate Democratic Caucus for the 2019 legislative session includes Senators Leroy Garcia, Kerry Donovan, Pete Lee, John Kefalas, Tammy Story, Matt Jones, Stephen Fenberg, Rachel Zenzinger, Jessie Danielson, Dominick Moreno, Brittany Pettersen, Faith Winter, Daniel Kagan, Nancy Todd, Rhonda Fields, Lois Court, Robert Rodriquez, Angela Williams, and Julie Gonzales.

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GARCIA: Fighting Homelessness and Addiction at Fort Lyon

A version of this piece appeared in the Pueblo Chieftain. 

As a paramedic, I’ve seen firsthand how devastating addictive drugs can be. I know that addiction has ripped apart families and devastated rural, suburban, and urban communities without regard for age, race, or income. I also know that the people suffering aren’t drug addicts – they’re our neighbors, veterans, friends, and even our family.

Sadly, Pueblo County has one of the highest overdose rates in the state. Of the more than 900 Coloradans who died at the hands of opioids in 2016, 40 were Puebloans. Drug addiction is a health crisis on its own, but it is also often a cause of homelessness.

Our resiliency and the strength of our community makes Colorado, and Pueblo in particular, so amazing. It is in our DNA to come together and persevere, no matter the issue. That’s what we’ve done in Pueblo – and will continue to do - in response to drug addiction and homelessness.

Thanks to the hard work of residents, advocates, community organizations, and elected officials at all levels of government, we’re making a big impact in the lives of those struggling with addiction and homelessness.

Five years ago, my colleagues and I fought to pass legislation that would help fight homelessness and drug addiction in southern Colorado. We had a vision for the creation of a program with a holistic approach that wouldn’t just address homelessness, but also its underlying causes: addiction, substance abuse, and a lack of job training and opportunity.

We executed that vision by securing millions of dollars in funding to convert the former Fort Lyon Correctional Facility into a transitional center for homeless people. The program provides residents with substance abuse support services, mental healthcare, transitional housing, and job training in a safe, tranquil setting. Since 2013, more than 700 people – many of whom are homeless veterans – have entered the program.

Despite some critics, a recent report from the state shows that the program at Fort Lyon is having a profound impact on one of our state’s most vulnerable populations. The report found that nearly 50 percent of participants got permanent housing when they left Fort Lyon, and another 29 percent moved into transitional housing. It also found that the average cost of is about $18,000 a person, less expensive than three similar programs. This program isn’t just benefiting patients, it is also growing southern Colorado’s economy by creating more than 100 jobs and generating more than $10 million in economic activity every year.

It serves us well to put money into something that we know has a great return on investment, and I’m encouraged by the initial findings regarding the program at Fort Lyon. Like all programs, we must examine its effectiveness to ensure it makes sense for tax payer dollars. We must also ensure that those who are suffering are able to get the treatment they so desperately need. It is incumbent on all of us to do everything we can to combat these issues, and in true southern Colorado fashion, that is what we have done and will continue to do.

Leroy Garcia is the Colorado State Senate’s minority leader.

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Legislative Workplace Interim Study Committee Issues Recommendations

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Executive Committee to Review Recommendations at a Later Date

 Denver, CO - The Legislative Workplace Interim Study Committee held its final hearing on October 11th and approved a set of recommendations outlining a new process for handling workplace harassment complaints and improving workplace culture at the Capitol. The hearing focused on reviewing the recommendations the committee had worked on over the past few months and discussing areas of consensus and disagreement. Non-partisan staff released the final recommendations today. The recommendations can be found here.“We came into this process with the goal of removing the perception that politics could get in the way of a just outcome, protecting victim confidentiality, and ensuring a clearer, fairer process for all,” said Speaker Duran, D-Denver, who chaired the committee. “I’m proud of what we have been able to accomplish thus far through the bipartisan committee, and I hope the General Assembly will take action swiftly next session to make the necessary changes.”The committee recommendations outline the structure of a new process for handling workplace issues and building a more robust system for improving the culture, including establishing an Office of Legislative Workplace Relations, formalizing training requirements for legislators and employees, and creating a “workplace expectations” policy with guidelines and aspirational goals for all that work at the Capitol.“The policies this committee has put forward will make the workplace capitol more friendly and transparent and are clearly going to make a difference,” Rep. Faith Winter, D-Westminster. “One of our key goals was to build a better process so that victims feel more comfortable coming forward and that any issues can be addressed earlier, so we can avoid more serious problems. I will continue working to ensure that the people’s house is a harassment free workplace.”“Our process was broken and the work my colleagues and I did will take us a step in the right direction,” said Sen. Dominick Moreno, D-Commerce City. “I hope the members of our Executive Committee will be able to present our full chamber with a policy that works.”The executive committee will meet at a later date to consider the committee’s recommendations, and if approved, some of the changes will be able to be implemented immediately while others will have to be considered by the full General Assembly during the next session. More information about the committee and the hearings can be found here.

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Senator Williams on Cryptocurrency at Denver Startup Week

Denver, CO — Last week, Senator Angela Williams (D-Denver) learned firsthand how cryptocurrency can be used to buy and sell goods at Denver Startup Week. Click the video below to see cryptocurrency in action:[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hX7pn5Mrn6g[/embed]During the 2018 legislative session, Senator Williams co-sponsored the Cyber Coding Cryptology For State Records Bill (SB18-086) concerning the use of cyber coding cryptology for state records, and, in connection therewith, making an appropriation. This bill was signed into law by Governor John Hickenlooper on May 30, 2018.

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A Majority of Democrats in the General Assembly Call for Senator Holbert and Representative Neville to Attend Additional Training Before Voting or Making Recommendations on New Sexual Harassment Policies

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Denver, CO --  In response to several Republicans who recently trivialized the allegations of sexual assault made by Dr. Christine Blasey Ford against President Trump’s Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh on Facebook, a majority of Democrats in the General Assembly sent a letter to the Executive Committee asking that Senate Majority Leader Chris Holbert and House Minority Leader Patrick Neville attend additional training before any vote or recommendation on the development and implementation of new sexual harassment and sexual assault policies.These Democrats found it concerning that two members who apparently believe that sexual assault and sexual harassment are laughing matters – despite attending sexual harassment trainings and witnessing the dismissal of a Republican aide for similar actions on social media – should be tasked with shaping the policies around these issues in the Capitol.In the letter, lawmakers said “the behavior displayed by these elected officials shows blatant disregard for the emotional pain and psychological trauma that victims experience and further highlights the unnecessary harassment and potential retaliation they often endure.”“We cannot and will not remain silent. The General Assembly has spent hundreds of thousands of taxpayer dollars, held mandatory trainings, and put together an interim committee to recommend new policies and processes for dealing with sexual harassment and sexual assault in the Capitol. All of this will have been done in vain if these elected officials in positions of power, no matter what trainings they do, no matter how much money we invest, or how many committee hearings we hold, are dismissive of victims,” said the lawmakers.“All Coloradans deserve respect and should be able to work in a safe environment where their concerns are taken seriously. The word of any and all Capitol employees are worth the same regardless of their gender; however, the actions of these men, in positions of power in their respective chambers, say otherwise. As a result, we question their ability to lead on the issues of sexual harassment and sexual assault. Until everyone working within the People’s House understands that sexual harassment is not a joke, the Capitol will not be a work environment free of sexual violence, assault, or harassment,” the lawmakers added.“We request that Senate Majority Leader Chris Holbert and House Minority Leader Patrick Neville participate in mandatory sexual harassment and workplace diversity training to address attitudes, biases, and behaviors that cause offense to others, especially those who file complaints regarding these issues, prior to developing or implementing new sexual harassment and sexual assault policies for the General Assembly,” the lawmakers concluded.The full text of the letter can be found HERE.The letter was signed by:Senator Rhonda Fields, Senate Democratic Leader Leroy Garcia, Senator Irene Aguilar, Senator Lois Court, Senator Kerry Donovan, Senator Steve Fenberg, Senator Matt Jones, Senator Daniel Kagan, Senator John Kefalas, Senator Andy Kerr, Senator Michael Merrifield, Senator Dominick Moreno, Senator Nancy Todd, Senator Angela Williams, and Senator Rachel Zenzinger.Majority Leader KC Becker, Representative Adrienne Benavidez, Representative Jeff Bridges, Representative Janet Buckner, Representative Jessie Danielson, Speaker Crisanta Duran, Representative Daneya Esgar, Representative Tony Exum, Sr., Representative Alec Garnett, Representative Chris Hansen, Representative Leslie Herod, Representative Edie Hooton, Representative Dominique Jackson, Representative Chris Kennedy, Representative Susan Lontine, Representative Barbara McLachlan, Representative Jovan Melton, Representative Dafna Michaelson Jenet, Representative Brittany Pettersen, Representative Dylan Roberts, Representative Paul Rosenthal, Representative Joe Salazar, Representative Jonathan Singer, Representative Donald Valdez, Representative Mike Weissman, Representative Faith Winter, and Representative Dave Young.

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Senate Democratic Leader Leroy Garcia and Elected Officials Tour Fort Lyon

Elected Officials Visited Fort Lyon Following the Release of a State Audit Highlighting the Effectiveness of a Unique Program Helping Homeless People Fight Addiction

Pueblo, CO – Following the release of a state audit regarding the effectiveness of the Fort Lyon Supportive Residential Community Program last month, elected officials today visited the facility to see firsthand how the program is helping end homelessness and fight drug addiction in southern Colorado.

“After the audit committee’s findings, I thought it was imperative that my colleagues and I visit Fort Lyon to see the excellent work our state is doing to support our homeless population, particularly our homeless veterans,” said Senator Leroy Garcia (D-Pueblo). “From our visit today, it is clear that this program is having a profound impact on one of our state’s most vulnerable populations. I would like to thank the many people and organizations who worked tirelessly to ensure this program has been, and will continue to be a success.”

In 2013, Garcia co-sponsored bi-partisan legislation in the House to convert the former Fort Lyon Correctional Facility into a transition center for homeless people and military veterans. The legislation secured millions of dollars in funding to provide substance abuse support services, mental healthcare, transitional housing, and job training to more than 300 people – a majority of whom are homeless veterans.

“I sponsored this legislation five years ago because there was an incredible need to provide assistance to our armed service members who were returning from combat operations without the resources to support themselves. As a result, many were living on the streets, struggling to find employment, and fighting substance abuse,” said Garcia.

Five years later, a state audit released last month found that nearly 50 percent of participants got permanent housing when they left Fort Lyon, and another 29 percent moved into transitional housing.

“I’m encouraged by the initial findings from the audit. When we introduced this legislation, we had a vision for a program that wouldn’t just address homelessness, but also address the underlying issues of homelessness such as substance abuse or a lack of job training. It is clearly that our vision is having a positive impact on the lives of hundreds of Coloradans,” added Garcia.

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Senator Rachel Zenzinger Nominated for Woman of Metro North Award

The Metro North Chamber of Commerce and the Colorado Women's Chamber of Commerce Will Announce the Winner at the Women of the Metro North 2018 Reception

Arvada, CO – August 30, 2018 – State Senator Rachel Zenzinger was recently nominated for the Woman of Metro North Award by the Metro North Chamber of Commerce and the Colorado Women's Chamber of Commerce.Nominees for Woman of Metro North include women from every industry and profession who are business leaders, mentors, and community supporters who make a difference in their workplaces and communities every day. Nominations will be judged on three criteria: professional accomplishments, community leadership, as well as awards and milestones.“As an educator and an elected official, I’ve fought to improve the lives of everyone in our community,” said Zenzinger. “There are so many women in the Metro North area who are doing innovative, impactful work and it is an honor to be one of those women nominated for this award.”The Metro North Chamber of Commerce and Colorado Women’s Chamber of Commerce will also honor women across four other categories: STEAM Innovator, Champion of Diversity, Philanthropist, and Millennial Leader. The winner of each category is a highly selective process.The winners will be announced at the Women of the Metro North 2018 reception and awards program on Thursday, August 30th, from 5 – 8 pm at the Waymire Dome at the Riverdale Regional Park and Fairgrounds in Brighton, Colorado.For more information about the awards and the event, visit http://www.metronorthchamber.com/events/details/sold-out-women-of-the-metro-north-6210.

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Statement of Colorado Senate Democratic Leader Leroy Garcia in Response to President Trump’s Cancellation of Pay Raises for Federal Employees

Denver, CO — Colorado Senate Democratic Leader Leroy Garcia released the following statement in response to President Trump’s announcement this afternoon that he would cancel a scheduled pay increase of 2.1 percent for federal employees:“I’m deeply troubled by President Trump’s request to cancel a pay increase for our veterans and federal employees. Canceling the pay increase would be disastrous for Colorado families. Our state is home to tens of thousands of veterans and federal employees. It is unacceptable to decide that fiscal responsibility is a burden that should be borne by those who serve our country at time when we’re giving tax cuts to millionaires and billionaires. Congress has the opportunity to push back against this shortsighted action by passing a spending bill that includes a federal pay raise. I urge the entire Colorado congressional delegation to do so.”As of June 2017, there were tens of thousands of federal employees working in Colorado, including more than 37,000 federal civilians and more than 35,000 active duty military members.Source: http://www.governing.com/gov-data/federal-employees-workforce-numbers-by-state.html.

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WILLIAMS: Shortchanged on Black Women’s Equal Pay Day

August 7th was Black Women’s Equal Pay Day, but if you live in Colorado you probably wouldn’t know.

While the national awareness day was trending on Twitter and written about in publications like Vox and Fortune, nearly every publication in Colorado failed to highlight the importance of Black Women’s Equal Pay Day.

It is particularly concerning that the media failed to cover Black Women’s Equal Pay Day while providing ink and airtime for such important holidays as National Donut Day on May 24th, National Hotdog Day on July 18th, National Cheesecake Day on July 27th, and International Cat Day on August 8th. In all seriousness, the pay gap between black women and other peer groups is no joke.

Nationally, women make 80 cents for every dollar white men make. In Colorado, the pay gap is slightly less — 81 cents for every dollar their white male counterparts make. But the pay gap is even more pronounced for women of color — black women make just 63 cents to every dollar white men make, according to the National Women’s Law Center. But what does that actually mean in real dollars?

Given that the median annual income for black women in the United States is $36,227 and $57,925 for white men, black women make nearly $22,000 less per year. In Colorado, the annual pay gap — not accounting for race — is $9,938.

Nearly 80 percent of black mothers are primary breadwinners for their families — just think of the power that extra $10,000 or $20,000 dollars could provide! A black woman could afford the annual in-state tuition and fees at a four year university or a two-year community college in Colorado, at least a year of childcare, or a year’s worth of groceries for a family of four.

It has been 55 years since the United States introduced the Equal Pay Act, but the reality is that a gender pay gap persists — particularly for black women. And as long as it does, black women will continue to struggle. Struggle to provide for their families; struggle to pay for healthcare and housing; and struggle to buy everyday necessities like groceries and medicine. These strong women, many of them friends and family members of mine, go above and beyond to provide for their families. But they shouldn’t have to work harder to make as much as white men and women.

If nothing is done, the Institute for Women’s Policy Research predicts that black women won’t likely see equal pay until 2125.

Women deserve to get equal pay for equal work, regardless of race. But as long as we continue to acknowledge national food days instead of critical issues like equal pay, we may be waiting a lot longer than 2125 for pay equality.

Angela Williams is a Colorado State Senator representing Senate District 33 and Chairwoman of the Black Caucus

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Twelve New Laws Sponsored by Senator Rachel Zenzinger Took Effect on August 8th

A Total of 21 Pieces of Legislation and a Resolution Sponsored by Rachel Zenzinger Have Become Law

Arvada, CO – August 9, 2018 – Yesterday, twelve new pieces of legislation sponsored by Senator Rachel Zenzinger (D-Arvada), passed by the General Assembly, and signed into law by Governor John Hicknelooper went into effect. In addition to these 12 new laws, Senator Zenzinger also passed 9 laws and a resolution that took effect prior to August 8th.“I’ve fought tirelessly to pass inclusive legislation that reflects our state’s attitudes and serves the people of Colorado better, whether it be fixing outdated oddities in existing legislation or finding solutions to our state’s most pressing issues,” said Senator Zenzinger, who represents District 19, which incorporates the Jefferson County side of Westminster and most of Arvada.“Because I serve a politically diverse district in the State Senate, I carefully examined each piece of legislation to see how it would benefit the members of my district and Colorado. I proudly support each piece of legislation and know that these new laws will help Coloradans - regardless of party or politics,” added Senator Zenzinger.Senator Zenzinger is a member of the Education Committee, Transportation Committee, Statutory Revision Committee, Student Safety and Youth in Crisis Committee, School Finance Interim Committee, and the CDOT (Colorado Department of Transportation) Efficiency and Accountability Committee.These 12 pieces of legislation that took effect on August 8th include:Education

  • Enforcement Statewide Degree Transfer Agreements - SB18-069 – This bill concerns the enforcement of statewide degree transfer agreements, allowing individuals to freely transfer credits between institutions of higher education without having to spend additional money to retake courses.

Children and Domestic Matters

  • Outdated References to "Illegitimate" Children - SB18-095 - The bill removes or modernizes outdated statutory references to a 'legitimate' or 'illegitimate' child and a 'child born out of wedlock.' Colorado only recognizes parentage of a child and acknowledges that the parent and child relationship extends equally to every child and every parent, regardless of the marital status of the parents.
  • Terminology Referencing "Rights of Married Women" - SB18-090 - The bill modernizes the language in statutory sections concerning the 'rights of married women' to be inclusive of married men and women.

Transportation

  • Odometer Reading Physical Vehicle Identification Number Verification - SB18-102 - The bill repeals the requirement that the odometer be read when a motor vehicle's identification number is physically verified.
  • Private Interstate Commercial Vehicle Registration - HB18-1042 - The bill creates the expedited registration program. The program authorizes the department of revenue to promulgate rules authorizing private providers to register interstate commercial vehicles. The provider may collect and retain a convenience fee.
  • Reporting Requirements Department Of Transportation And Department Of Public Safety To General Assembly - HB18-1137 - Pursuant to section 24-1-136 (11)(a)(I), Colorado Revised Statutes, any report that is required to be made to the general assembly by an executive agency or the judicial branch on a periodic basis expires on the day after the third anniversary of the date on which the first report was due unless the general assembly, acting by bill, continues the requirement. The bill continues reporting requirements of the departments of transportation and public safety.

Human Services

  • Modernize Early Childhood Council Language - HB18-1141 - The bill removes outdated references in statute to 'early childhood care and education councils'. The term is no longer used. Instead, these entities are referred to as 'early childhood councils'.

Environment

  • Reporting Requirements for Park Fees Set by Rule - HB18-1139 - The bill removes obsolete references to a statutory subsection that was repealed on September 1, 2017. Because the repealed statutory subsection concerned the manner in which the parks and wildlife commission sets fees by rule, the bill replaces the obsolete references with references to the parks and wildlife commission's fee-setting rules.

Government

  • Repeal Nomination Vacancy Filling In Municipal Elections - SB18-107 - The bill repeals the process by which a vacancy in nomination may be filled for an election conducted under the 'Colorado Municipal Code of 1965' and makes conforming amendments.
  • Remove Term "Pauper" From Colorado Revised Statutes - HB18-1142 - The bill modernizes the language in statutory sections by replacing the terms 'pauper' and 'paupers' with 'indigent' or 'indigent persons'.
  • Public Officials Oaths & Affirmations - HB18-1138 - The bill establishes a single uniform text for swearing or affirming an oath of office and the requirements regarding how and when an oath or affirmation of office must be taken, subscribed, administered, and filed

Courts

  • Unconstitutional Language Interest On Damages - SB18-098 - The bill amends section 13-21-101 (1), Colorado Revised Statutes, concerning interest on damages to reflect a 1996 decision made by the Colorado supreme court that ruled certain language in that subsection violated the equal protection clause of the constitution.

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ABOUT SEN. ZENZINGER:An Arvada resident with a deep background in education and public school advocacy, Rachel Zenzinger was elected to the State Senate in 2016. Before coming to the State Senate, Rachel was elected twice to serve on the Arvada City Council, where she also filled the role of Mayor Pro Tem. Rachel had previously represented the district when she was appointed to serve in the State Senate for the 2014 legislative session. She currently serves on the Senate Education, Transportation, and Statutory Revision Committees. Sen. Zenzinger is also a member of the School Finance Interim Committee and the CDOT Efficiency and Accountability Committee.

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