“Colorado has a long and proud tradition in the film industry and this legislation will help keep this tradition alive”

 
Senator Newell (left) looks on as Colorado resident and recent Academy Award winner Daniel Junge testified for the Film Production Activities in Colorado Act today. He brought his new friend Oscar with him.

High Resolution image available upon request.

DENVER – Today, the Senate Business, Labor, and Technology Committee passed the bipartisan Film Production Activities in Colorado Act. House Bill 1286, sponsored by Senator Linda Newell (D-Littleton) and Senator Jean White (R-Hayden), will help create new jobs in the Colorado film industry.

The Film Production Activities in Colorado Act is the first of its kind in the country in that it creates a loan guarantee program for production activities. The bill will also make Colorado more attractive for movie production by increasing the existing film incentive from a 10 percent rebate for production costs to 20 percent, thereby allowing Colorado to meet or exceed similar programs in other states. This rebate will apply to production costs for films, television series, commercials, documentaries, music videos, and video game creation.

Senator Newell offered the following comment on the committee passage of the Film Production Activities in Colorado Act today:

“Colorado has a long and proud tradition in the film industry and this legislation will help keep this tradition alive. I’m glad that we were able to work across the aisle to move this bill forward to bring back these jobs and attract new investment to the state.”

The combination of diverse and scenic landscapes, the availability of experienced film crews, and an existing infrastructure make Colorado a desirable state for film production. More than 400 films have been filmed in the state, including feature films like Mr. & Mrs. Smith, Catch and Release, True Grit and City Slickers. However, incentive programs in other states have lured movie production to other regions in recent years.

The Film Production Activities in Colorado Act works to reverse this trend. The legislation has wide support from film and creative industries all over the state, including the CINEMA (Colorado Innovators of New Entertainment, Media, and Arts) Colorado Coalition and a division of Governor John Hickenlooper’s Office of Economic Development and International Trade. The creative industry is the fifth largest employment sector in the state, and one of the fastest growing in the country.

Donald Zuckerman, Director of the Colorado Office of Film, Television, and Media offered the following comment on the importance of the Film Jobs Act:

“This bill is so important for Colorado’s content creation industry. Content creation is one of America’s fastest growing industries and one of its greatest exports.”

Under the Film Production Activities in Colorado Act, an in-state production company’s local expenditures must be at least $100,000 and an out-of-state company must spend at least $1 million to qualify for the performance-based incentive program. In addition, 50 percent of the jobs must be filled by Colorado residents, an increase over the existing 25 percent requirement.

This legislation will now be heard in the Senate Finance Committee.

The focus of the event was to bring to the attention of legislators the concerns parents, caregivers, health care professionals and others have about the health and well-being of Colorado children.

The program was hosted by Colorado Children’s Campaign and Children’s Hospital Colorado. Those attending the event took part in a training session to learn about how to lobby legislators and to be advocates for child safety and well-being.

In a news release, it was noted there are about 124,000 Colorado children who have no health coverage. Those attending the rally sought to bring attention to the voices, stories and health care needs of children. Many participants took part in the rally in order to take action because of health challenges their children have faced.

State Sen. Linda Newell, D-Littleton, and State Sen. Ellen Roberts, R-Durango, were the guest speakers at the training event.

Newell said she urged those attending the Speak Up for Kid’s Health Rally to step up and volunteer to lobby legislators on issues concerning the health and safety of children.

“I told them there are about 1,100 individuals at the state Capitol who are there to lobby for support of specific issues and few, if any, speak up for children health and safety issues,” she said. “ So, I told them it is up to concerned citizens to volunteer to lobby legislators on issues dealing with the health and well-being of children.”

After the session with the two state senators, those taking part in the rally went to the state Capitol to meet with their legislators in order to discuss ways to improve access to children’s health care in Colorado.

The news release quoted attendee Fiona Blasius, who said she came to the event with butterflies in her stomach and feeling insecure. She said, after the hands-on training and support, she is fearless and no longer intimidated about approaching a politician.

Men over age 75 are at highest risk. A death by suicide affects the entire community. It has a profound impact on family and friends, and the workplace, and results in an untold loss of productivity.

House Bill 1140, sponsored by Rep. Matt Jones and Sen. Linda Newell, will help prevent suicide. If passed, it will ask hospitals to provide information about suicide (risk factors, signs, and sources of help) to family and friends to whom a suicidal person is being discharged. The State Office of Suicide Prevention would work with hospitals to develop appropriate materials. Suicidal persons who go to the hospital are often those who have attempted suicide, and these individuals are at serious risk for eventually dying of suicide. Any effort that gets information into the hands of those closest to suicidal persons will help save lives.

Please contact the members of the Health and Environment Committee and ask them to support HB1140. Together, we can save lives in Colorado. Learn more at http://www.suicidepreventioncolorado.org.

ABBY LANDMEIER, Board Member
Suicide Prevention Coalition of Colorado
Grand Junction

DENVER —Today, the Senate Appropriations Committee passed Senate Bill 5, The Colorado Business Retention and Expansion Act by Senator Linda Newell (D-Littleton). This legislation establishes the Colorado Business Retention and Expansion Program in an effort to continue to support local businesses and the employment opportunities they provide. The Colorado Business Retention and Expansion Program will be established by the Governor’s Office of Economic Development and International Trade, and will expand upon Governor John Hickenlooper’s “Colorado Blueprint,” a bottom-up approach to economic expansion.
The Office of Economic Development and International Trade will be responsible for engaging and supporting existing businesses in Colorado, gathering relevant information about their current needs and challenges, and facilitating the relationship between businesses and government resources.
Senator Newell offered the following comment on the The Colorado Business Retention and Expansion Act today:
“Our businesses are our job creators and economic drivers. As we continue working to grow our economy it’s imperative that we foster a supportive environment that helps retain and grow loyal existing Colorado business.  I’m proud to be a part of this bipartisan solution.”
The Colorado Business Retention and Expansion Act has been widely praised by members of the business community.  Jeff Holwell, Director, Economic Development Group, South Metro Denver Chamber of Commerce, offered the following endorsement of the bill:
“The South Metro Chamber Economic Development Group is undertaking a massive business retention and expansion effort ourselves. This bill will compliment those efforts and our board has voted unanimously to support it.”
The Colorado Business Retention and Expansion Program will:
· Coordinate regional resources to ensure that they are being utilized in an efficient way to effectively benefit Colorado businesses
· Create a clearing house of assistance information and better facilitating communication between the public and private sector aimed at reducing barriers to economic growth
· Build strong relationships between the private sector and economic development partners at the state, regional and local levels
· Anticipate problems, research solutions and respond to business-related concerns
· Provide businesses with access to resources available to them as well as information regarding policy initiatives, funding and other means of assistance through the use of “Business Retention Specialists”
· Create an early warning detection system to connect resources and relationships to companies before they fail or before they need to relocate outside the state
This bill will now go to the full senate for consideration.This legislation will be sponsored in the House byRepresentative Tom Massey (R-Poncha Springs).

Improving access to childhood services for the future health and well being of our children

DENVER – Today, the Senate gave initial approval to Senate Bill 130 sponsored by Senator Linda Newell (D-Littleton). This legislation will align several of the state’s early childhood service programs into one office called the “Office of Early Childhood.” The new office will operate under the Colorado Department of Human Services.

The Office of Early Childhood will allow the state’s splintered early childhood programs to better coordinate efforts and collaborate to improve the health, safety and welfare of Colorado’s most vulnerable children. Currently, there are multiple child service funding sources spread across several departments.  The Office of Early Childhood will streamline the delivery of these services in an unprecedented collaboration between agencies and programs.

Senator Newell offered the following comment on the second reading passage of Senate Bill 130 today:

“We should always be looking for opportunities to make our government more efficient. Unifying these different early childhood organizations into one department will increase accountability, allow for consistent policy making, and ensure that we are offering quality programs and services.”

Senate Bill 130 requires the Office of Early Childhood to create a state plan for the delivery of early childhood services to ensure standardized guidelines and policies.  The Office of Early Childhood will also be responsible for establishing performance methods to measure service effectiveness and child outcomes.  This legislation directs the Early Childhood Leadership Commission to be the advisory board for the implementation of the Office of Early Childhood.

Senate Bill 130 is also sponsored by Senator Mary Hodge (D-Brighton), Representative Tom Massey (R-Poncha Springs) and Representative Millie Hamner (D-Summit County).  This legislation will now be heard again on the Senate Floor for a third and final vote.

DENVER –

 What: Colorado Health Information Technology Advocacy day

Who: Senator Linda Newell (D-Littleton)

When: Wednesday, March 7, 12:15 p.m.

Where: Scottish Rite Consistory, 1370 Grant Street, Denver

The Office of Early Childhood will allow the state’s splintered early childhood programs to better coordinate efforts and collaborate to improve the health, safety and welfare of Colorado’s most vulnerable children. Currently, there are multiple child service funding sources spread across several departments.  The Office of Early Childhood will streamline the delivery of these services in an unprecedented collaboration between agencies and programs.

Senator Newell offered the following comment on the committee passage of Senate Bill 130 today:

“We’re putting politics aside when it comes to the health and safety of Colorado kids. We should always be looking for opportunities to make our government more efficient. Unifying these early childhood programs into one department will increase accountability, allow for consistent quality, and ensure better outcomes for kids and families.”

Senate Bill 130 requires the Office of Early Childhood to create a state plan for the delivery of early childhood services to ensure standardized guidelines and policies.  The Office of Early Childhood will also be responsible for establishing performance methods to measure service effectiveness and child outcomes.  This legislation directs the Early Childhood Leadership Commission to be the advisory board for the implementation of the Office of Early Childhood.

Senate Bill 130 is also sponsored by Senator Mary Hodge (D-Brighton) and in the House byRepresentative Tom Massey (R-Poncha Springs) and Representative Millie Hamner (D-Summit County).  The bill will now go to the Senate Appropriations Committee.

Students from Adams City Middle School Shadow Senator Newell as part of Gifted and Talented day at the Capitol

DENVER – Today, two Adams City Middle School eighth grade students, Sean Valdez and Angel Orona, shadowed Senator Linda Newell (D-Littleton) as a part of the Colorado Association for Gifted and Talented’s Legislative Day at the Capitol. This is the 13th 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.

Senator Newell offered the following comment on working with Sean and Angel today:

“It’s an honor to meet with such exceptional students. These children truly have a gift to share with us, and it’s important that we work to provide them with the educational opportunities to help them reach their potential. Loved my time with them.”

Students were nominated to shadow a legislator by a school official, and were then required to complete an online application and submit an essay. Students were also encouraged to research current bills and explore the legislative process prior to their trip to enhance the experience.

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

Gifted children are typically defined as scoring in the top five percent of the population on an I.Q. test.

There are more than 50,000 gifted students in Colorado.

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 ]]> http://senlindanewell.com/2012/02/23/senator-newell-to-be-shadowed-by-local-gifted-and-talented-students-from-mountain-ridge-and-sheridan-middle-schools/feed/ 0