February 2012
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Press Releases

Colorado State Senator Linda Newell – Press Releases

Senator Newell to be Shadowed by Local Gifted and Talented Students from Mountain Ridge and Sheridan Middle Schools

Senator Newell to be Shadowed by Local Gifted and Talented Students from Mountain Ridge and Sheridan Middle Schools

DENVER – Tomorrow Senator Linda Newell (D-Littleton) will be shadowed by two students, Pedro Valdez and Katherine Stevens, as a part of the Colorado Association for Gifted and Talented’sLegislative Day at the Capitol.

Katherine Stevens is an eighth grade student at Mountain Ridge Middle School in Colorado Springs, and Pedro Valdez is an eighth grade student at Sheridan Middle School in Englewood.

The students will be joining the Senator on the floor, for a luncheon, and attending committee in the afternoon. This is the 13^th year that the Colorado Association for Gifted and Talented has brought students from around the state to shadow a lawmaker for the day to gain firsthand experience about the legislative process. Students learn how to engage in effective advocacy, and about critical issues affecting gifted education.

The Colorado Association for the Gifted and Talented focuses on creating a broader understanding of gifted children, and advocates for appropriate education and resources for specific learning needs.

WHO: Senator Linda Newell (D-Littleton)

WHAT: Colorado Association for Gifted and Talented Legislative Day at the Capitol

WHEN: Thursday February 23, 7:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

WHERE: State Capitol Building, 200 E. Colfax, Denver

Posted in Press Releases

Video: Senator Newell Speaks at Cinema Day

Posted in Press Releases

Senator Newell Works to Build a Sustainable High-Tech Workforce

DENVER - Today, Senator Linda Newell (D-Littleton) and the University of Colorado facilitated a talk between Information Technology (IT) employers and educators. The purpose of the talk was to determine how to put Colorado educated graduates to work and keep up with the demand for well educated, efficient employees.

The participants included the South Metro Denver Chamber of Commerce, Colorado Technology Association, University of Phoenix, and others. The discussion focused on how to develop an effective curriculum aimed at preparing students for the workforce. The University of Colorado has a number of different computing tracks including technology, arts and media minor (MTAM), business administration/operations and information management, computer science engineering, and telecommunications and interdisciplinary telecommunications.

“I was excited to work with my South Metro Chamber in bringing business, workforce, and higher education folks together today in looking at how we can build our bench for the future IT workforce. Colorado is poised to be a key state in the computing industry, particularly with growing, innovative programs like the programs at the University of Colorado. We need to create Colorado solutions to filling the talent pipeline of qualified IT professionals so we can keep those jobs filled with Coloradans. We have more work to do, and it will take some time, but stay tuned,” said Newell.

The U.S. Department of Labor projects that 1.4 million computing jobs will open between 2008-2018. However, the National Center for Women and Information Technology projects only 61 percent of the open jobs could be filled by U.S. educated workers if schools continue to produce computing graduates at the existing rate.

“Senator Newell provided a key link between necessary stakeholders in the computing industry for workforce development. The computing industry is vital for the South Metro Denver community, and it provides consistent growth to our local economy. We need to keep the conversation going, but this was an exciting start,” said John Brackney, President of the South Metro Denver Chamber of Commerce.

The group agreed that the following topics warranted further exploration: continuing education programs, K-12 curriculum, and coherent internships for students who study computing.

This meeting was part of series of talks organized by the University of Colorado to connect employers, educators, stakeholders, and leaders such as Senator Newell.

Posted in Press Releases

Speak Up for Kids Health: Day at the Capitol

Posted in Press Releases

Senator Newell on Developmental Disability Awareness Day

Posted in Press Releases

CINEMA Day at the Capitol

Show Your Support for the Creative Industries at CINEMA Day at the Capitol February 8

Join us on February 8 For CINEMA Day at the Capitol and help us rally support for increased film incentives in Colorado.

CINEMA stands for Colorado Innovators of New Entertainment, Media, and Arts. It is a coalition of Colorado entertainment, media, and artistic interests engaged in promoting Colorado’s creative industries.

On February 8 a bill will be introduced in the House that will increase the film incentive from 10% to 20%. The bill will also create a loan-guarantee program in which Colorado will take a facility fee from the production company in exchange for the guarantee. A bank will lend the money, not the state. The legislation has sponsors from both the House and the Senate.

Increased incentives for television, commercial and gaming productions will drive economic growth in Colorado. Production positively impacts hotels, restaurants, caterers, equipment rentals and many other support services. And they add visibility to our state’s image, boosting tourism as well.

CINEMA Day event schedule:

Colorado Film & Video Association is sponsoring an information/sign making party at Lighting Services Inc. from 6-7 p.m. on February 7. We will get final details on the following morning’s event, talking points and answer any questions you may have.
On February 8 we will arrive at the capitol around 7:30 a.m. Parking is available in the Denver Art Museum’s parking garage. We will hear from the House sponsors Representative Massey and Representative Ferrandino and Senate sponsors Senator Newell and Senator White.
At 8:30 a.m. we will enter the capitol and go through metal detectors. Everyone will need to empty their pockets so we can get into the building quickly and be seated in the House Chambers on the second level. We will wait for the introduction of the bill by Representative Tom Massey.
There will be a post-rally event at City-o-City.

Watch this great video on supporting the film incentive legislation and CINEMA Day. Thanks to James Drake and all of those who volunteered to make this happen.

Visit the CFVA website for more information and check our Facebook and Twitter feeds for details. On Twitter use #CINEMACO to talk about the event.

For more information contact: info@coloradofilm.org. All supporters are encouraged to attend both events and should RSVP to coftmevent@state.co.us. We hope to see a huge turn out for this important event.

Thank you to these local organizations and companies that support this legislation:

Colorado Organizations: Boulder International Film Festival, Colorado Hotel Lodging Association; Colorado Film Society; Colorado Film & Video Association; Colorado Restaurant Association; Denver Film Society; Denver Theatrical Stage, Film and Exhibition Employees Union; Screen Actors Guild; Teamsters Local Union No. 17.

Colorado Businesses: Alan Hamilton Films, LLC; Asgard Entertainment, LLC; Babcock Film Services; Bourbon Street HD LTD; Comcast/NBC Universal; Doug O’Kane Production Services; FX West; Gripworks CO, LLC; Haskins Law Group; Helmans Movie Suites, LLC; High Noon Productions, LLC; iFilm, Inc.; Kerndt Design, LLC.; Light Factory Entertainment, LLC; M2 Productions; Payreel, Inc.; Postmodern Company; PropWorks; Red Beard Trucking; Sets By Uss; Starz Entertainment, LLC; Steico Rigging and Grip, LLC; Two Strong Productions; UMB Bank; US Bank; Walk the Line Films; Workingman’s Film, LTD.

Posted in Press Releases

And We’re Off!

My Opening Day of the 2012 Session started with a 5:40 a.m. TV interview outside in a snowstorm!

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

My Business Retention and Expansion Bill

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:

Connect businesses with vital resources and relationships to help them remain and grow in Colorado
The Colorado Business Retention and Expansion program will coordinate regional resources, facilitate local public/private partnerships, and
Anticipate businesses’ challenges so we can proactively work to keep Colorado companies here and thriving.

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

Committees This Year

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.)

Honoring Why We Are Free

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!

You’re Invited!

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:

First Tuesday night 6:30pm — South Metro Chamber of Commerce in Centennial

Second Saturday mornings at 9am — Blueberry’s in Littleton

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

Posted in Press Releases

Reforms Pitched for Colorado Schools’ Zero-Tolerance Rules

View the article from the Denver Post here.

Posted in Press Releases

Event: Re-Elect Senator Newell

New Year!

New Senate District Map!

Come start the year off by supporting Senator Newell, connecting and re-connecting with friends.

Hear about the Campaign, the upcoming Legislative Session, the new maps, and all things SD26!

Or just come by and visit, the more the merrier!

Friday, January 6 at 6:00 PM

Home of Meg Froelich, 5300 Preserve Pkwy S., Greenwood Village, CO 80121

Posted in Press Releases

Happy Holidays!

Senator Linda Newell

Happy Holidays,

There are so many gifts that the holiday season brings to us all. For me, the season ushers peace and rejuvenation. It is easy to let the course of an entire year bring stress and fatigue into our lives, and I encourage you to not let that happen. The holiday season is one of only a few times in the year that allows us to recharge in the company of our family, friends, and loved ones. We can let go of the hardships that we all face for a short while and refocus our energy towards reconnecting with what drives us for the rest of the year and motivates us all to continue to overcome the hurdles that still lie ahead.

Not only in my personal life, but as a Colorado State Senator, I know there will be tremendous challenges to surpass in the coming year. However, the coming weeks will serve as a time for me to spend with my girls and my community so I can arrive with a sense of peace, relaxation, and renewal to tackle the challenges of the New Year. Going into 2012, nothing feels insurmountable or too big to tackle.

From the bottom of my heart, a happy holidays to everyone!

Sincerely,

Senator Linda Newell

NOTES

Please look forward to an update in January about my monthly events where you will receive an in-depth briefing on the Legislative Session that starts on January 11 and how I am focusing on bringing jobs to Colorado and strengthening our economy.

I am still accepting end-of-year donations for office and communications supplies. You can donate on my website at SenLindaNewell.com. Anything you can give goes a long way!

Here are just a few fun holiday memories from 2011!

Town halls
Second Saturdays at Blueberry’s on Littleton Blvd. 9am

First Tuesdays at So. Metro Denver Chamber of Commerce on University Blvd. 6:30pm
October – May

Office phone: 303-866-4846
www.senlindanewell.com

Posted in Press Releases