And We’re Off!

The 2012 legislative session has begun, and also one of the most gratifying parts of my life: serving the people of Colorado as a State Senator. While Washington D.C. continues to struggle with division and gridlock, the Colorado state legislature will hopefully again rise above the partisanship, balance the budget, and continue to lay the foundation for a brighter economic future. While we may sometimes disagree, I will continue my commitment of working across the aisle and with all stakeholders to work together for the common good of Coloradans.  As most of you know by now, I work very hard to represent all the people of Senate District 26, no matter their party, faith or status.

You can read my “Session Kick-off” Op-Ed here: http://bit.ly/wBb4nm

I am proud to say the Senate Democrats are working hard to pass the “Colorado Works” plan to get Coloradans back to work and move businesses forward.  On Monday, January 30th, the Senate Business, Labor, and Technology committee will hear my “Colorado Business Retention and Expansion Act” bill, Senate Bill 5.  I am leading this bipartisan legislation that will:

The program will help strengthen Colorado’s business-friendly environment, while supporting existing businesses to grow.

This legislative session, I again have the honor of serving as Vice Chair of the Senate Health and Human Services committee.  My service on this committee is so meaningful to me because so much of my work as a Senator has been related to issues I care deeply about: child protection and youth in foster care; seniors and people with developmental disabilities; and health care coverage for all.

This year brought a new opportunity to serve as a member of the Senate Transportation committee.  I never thought I would learn so much about license plates, highway funding, and emissions testing centers!  I am looking forward to building relationships with a new set of stakeholders and looking for ways to improve infrastructure in Colorado.

With my appointment to the Transportation committee, I was unable to continue serving on the Senate Judicial committee this year.  I am saddened that I will not be able to work as intimately with these issues right now, but I’ll definitely still pay close attention when they come to me on the floor.

Year-round, I serve on the Capitol Building Advisory Committee, Early Childhood Leadership Commission, Colorado Workforce Development Council, Juvenile Justice Taskforce, Community Corrections Advisory Council, and occasionally, the Public Arts Selection Council.  This past year, I served as Chair of the Public School Discipline Interim Taskforce. (More to come about that later.)

This week, we honored those who have given valor to our country.  Together — Democrats, Republicans, Senators, and Representatives — read resolutions to recognize American troops and veterans.  To me, their selfless service demonstrates the resilience of the American people.

One of the resolutions supports efforts to make I-70 part of the nationwide Tuskegee Airmen Memorial Trails.

Others recognized prisoners of war and military men and women missing in action who have pushed our nation forward though examples of bravery and camaraderie.

I had the pleasure of bringing a friend and veteran, Damien McGee, to sit with me on the floor of the House Chamber for the ceremony.  Damien served several years in the Army and now resides in Aurora.  We sat next to Col. John Smith who was one of the legendary Tuskagee Airmen!

Thank you for taking the time to read about what’s happening at the Capitol.  If you’d like to be even more engaged in your Colorado Legislature, you are welcome to come down and shadow me at the Capitol anytime for 30 minutes, 2 hours or all day.  I’ll take you to Committee or onto the Senate Floor, whatever you like.

You’re also invited anytime to any of my nonpartisan town halls.  The regular ones are:

I will also start having additional town halls toward the eastern part of our new Senate District 26 in Greenwood Village and Aurora.  Stay tuned.

Hope to see you in the district or at the Capitol!

Linda.newell.senate@gmail.com

(303) 866-4846