Legislature

Several months ago, we wrote you about "TBD Colorado" – Gov. John Hickenlooper's non-partisan, collaborative effort to spark informed and constructive conversations among Coloradans about some of the biggest issues facing the state.

More than a thousand Coloradans have invested a great deal of time in community meetings to learn about the state's budget, education, health care and transportation systems and personnel challenges. Then, they considered policy options.

Ensuring that more students complete post-secondary education credentials is a key policy goal that not only helps students but also strengthens our state's workforce and economic competitiveness. House Bill 12-1155, "Improvements in College Completion," signed into law by Gov. John Hickenlooper today, contains several key provisions that will help Colorado make progress toward these important outcomes.

Letter to the editor, The Denver Post, published in the March 23 edition

Re: "Leave state's juvenile justice system intact," March 14 guest commentary.

The research does not support Attorney General John Suthers' assertions on proposed reforms to Colorado's juvenile justice system (House Bill 1271).

Gov. John Hickenlooper signs the Colorado READ Act,
under the watchful eyes of second-graders from
Kenton Elementary School in Aurora.

Surrounded by second-graders and childhood literacy supporters, Gov. John Hickenlooper today signed House Bill 12-1238, the "Colorado READ Act," into law.

The inglorious end to the 2012 legislative session and the special session required to tie up loose ends have garnered much attention. While that is warranted, we don't want the conclusion to overshadow what was otherwise a productive 120 days at the Capitol.

Given the realities of an election year and the continued effects of the Great Recession, most observers expected an acrimonious and highly partisan session from day one. But for the most part, lawmakers worked together quite well and accomplished a great deal.

The inglorious end to the 2012 legislative session and the special session required to tie up loose ends have garnered much attention. While that is warranted, we don't want it to overshadow what was otherwise a productive 120 days at the Capitol.

Given the realities of an election year and the continued effects of the Great Recession, most observers expected an acrimonious and highly partisan session from day one. But for the most part, lawmakers worked together quite well and accomplished a great deal.

By Peter Marcus
The Colorado Statesman

Gov. John Hickenlooper joined with legislative leaders and members of the Joint Budget Committee on Monday, May 7, to sign the state budget for fiscal year 2012-13, praising lawmakers for having passed a budget with more support than it has received in 17 years.

Senate Bill 12-015

Oral Testimony to the House Education Committee
Frank Waterous, Senior Policy Analyst
April 23, 2012

My name is Frank Waterous, and I am a senior policy analyst with the Bell Policy Center. The Bell is a nonpartisan, nonprofit research and policy organization founded on progressive values and dedicated to expanding opportunity for all Coloradans.

Gov. John Hickenlooper signs the bill creating the Hospital Payment
Assistance Program. At left is Sen. Irene Aguilar, the Senate sponsor,
and Rep. Cindy Acree, the House sponsor, is at right.

Jay Dedrick
CU Connections
(News and information for faculty and staff)

State funding woes remained at the center of discussion among higher education constituents during the current session of the Colorado General Assembly – and during a gathering of speakers and panelists last week steps away from the Capitol.