Living within our means and investing in the future…

This week, we passed a balanced budget that goes a long way to help Colorado families. The Senate assembled a fiscally responsible budget that begins the process of restoring cuts to public education, shoring up the safety net and investing in our people and our economy.  This budget reflects our values of a government that lives within its means and cares about the most vulnerable among us, and one that invests in our future. We increased K-12 funding, higher education funding, made greater investments in economic development, tourism, and mental health. My first two years in the Senate were all about making budget cuts, but this year we’re starting to restore those cuts.  Colorado is paving the way for national economic recovery. It was a long and difficult negotiation but, it felt good to move away from making cuts and begin to restore funding as we reduced the waitlist for people with developmental disabilities, invested in child welfare/protection, and increased sex offender treatment in prison. Our budget added funding for the Senior Homestead Act and senior services for transportation, living independently in their homes longer, and Meals on Wheels. We also increased oil & gas inspectors, added air quality studies and infrared detection for oil & gas, and we set aside a 5% reserve for a rainy day. The budget goes on for deliberation in the House this next week. Take a look at some more info if you are interested in budget specifics!

Our aides, Sasha and Donna, enjoying a drink with the interns before Jessie and I arrive!

My office mate, Senator Ulibarri, and I gathered our aides and interns for dinner Wednesday night as a small token of our gratitude for their hard work in the first half of a difficult and historic session. We wanted to acknowledge their work, especially in dealing with the fallout from the gun legislation. They bore the brunt of some pretty awful messages directed at me and at Jessie and their workloads were expanded. We committed to providing a broader experience more tailored to their individual interests in this second half of the session and I am so proud of the quality team we have working to make us look good.  Jessie and I arrived late (due to budget deliberations) and I forgot to snap a picture of the whole group but, I promise to include a group photo in a future blog.

March winds and April showers................ Bring forth May flowers

March is a month of considerable frustration – so close to Spring yet the weather is still so erratic. It’s a little like that in this year’s legislative session – we are more than half-way through with so much work to be done, the outcome of which remains unpredictable.  We are tackling the budget in the week ahead and while I have passed 12 bills, I have at least 10 more to work on passing. 

This past week, the governor signed 3 more bills that I sponsored but, the bill signings were tinged with our great sadness over the tragedy of Tom Clements’ murder.  I was able to spend some time with Governor Hickenlooper and shared my thoughts on how this tragedy will have impact on his administration, the state and our Department of Corrections staff.  We were able to share with one another our thoughts on what Tom’s loss means to us, personally.  We are dealing with the immediate devastating effects of what happened but, my longer term fear is our loss of Tom’s vision for reform of our system. He will be greatly missed in so many ways.  I plan to be present at his memorial service on Monday to pray with and offer my condolences to his wife, Lisa, and the rest of his family and friends.

CSU-Pueblo Library Ribbon Cutting    I'm saying, "There'll be more ribbon cuttings to come!"

In more uplifting news, I received word this week that my plan to bring $75 million dollars to Southern Colorado was approved!!!  The Joint Budget Committee met Wednesday to vote on capital projects to be included in the 2013 state budget, known as the Long Bill.  Having followed the last two quarter reports, I was anticipating a surplus so I used my position on the Capitol Development Committee (CDC) to submit a list of priorities. That plan was approved by the CDC, to supplement the Governor’s Office of State Planning and Budgeting recommendations.  The list I submitted emphasized the need to fund higher education projects, which had not been funded since 2008.

This $75 million dollars will fund 13 projects, including requests from CSU-Pueblo, Adams State University, Otero Junior College, and Trinidad State Junior College.  I was thrilled to have  bipartisan support on the Capital Development and Joint Budget Committees to provide Southern Colorado institutions much needed resources for higher education. This is certainly a benefit to our entire region. The money for CSU-Pueblo means a new academic building for the campus. The money means more construction work and much needed dollars to fuel our local economy. It feels GREAT to get a big piece of the pie for Pueblo!

Chef Klaus from Isle Casino Restaurant in Blackhawk

MozzarAngela salad was the big WINNER

WINNER! I had nothing to do with cooking it but a dish named for me was the overall winner of Ag Day at the Capitol! At an annual event to honor the agricultural industry, 10 teams (consisting of a chef, an Ag partner, and a legislator) cooked, competed and promoted Ag products last Tuesday. Yup, Chef Klaus Krebs’ MozzarAngela Salad took the top honor. It was a delicious dish consisting of mozzarella cheese in basil pesto (donated by the Western Dairy Association), and roasted vegetables, served on kalamata olive bread crostini, and drizzled with a balsamic reduction. Yum! Chef Krebs gets bragging rights and a big purple ribbon and I get to make this awesome salad this summer with Salmon a la Steve.

CIRC gathers 120+ grassroots organizers in Pueblo

The highlight of my weekend (other than the delicious Sunday brunch Steve cooked) was a visit with activists and organizers with the Colorado Immigrant Rights Coalition (CIRC).  Over 120 folks from all over the state traveled to Pueblo this weekend for ready themselves and their communities for immigration reform at the federal level! I was able to share some of what is happening at the state level to get us ready for federal reform and I will certainly be sharing with Colorado’s congressional delegation that we would all be well served to listen closely to folks on the ground who have been struggling through a broken (and sometimes non-existent) immigration system. I was reminded that the time is NOW and I’m grateful to CIRC for the work they are doing right here in Pueblo and across the state. I left their gathering very inspired. We need one another to do the work of planting the seeds, tending the fledgling seedlings, and reaping the harvest of justice for all! 

Tom Clements

Because of the large number of correctional professionals in Senate District 3, I felt the need to reach out in this difficult time. By now, you will have heard that DOC Director, Tom Clements, was murdered at his home in Monument last night. At this time, very little is known about the circumstances surrounding this tragedy.

I helped to welcome Tom to Colorado in 2011 when he accepted the position as DOC Director and I found him extremely receptive to addressing and solving issues in the department. I am crushed and struggling to find words to express my grief at the loss of such a kind man and capable leader.

I will be following the investigation and I ask that you join me in keeping Tom's family, friends, and colleagues in our thoughts and prayers.

Half Way Point???

We are just past the half mark in the 2013 Legislative session and I'm already hearing rumblings of a 2013 Special Session. The buzz around the Capitol is that there'll be a special session scheduled to deal with the Amendment 64 (recreational marijuana) regulations. We've been down this rumor road before but, I aim to seek out Senate President Morse to ask him what he's heard. Stay tuned...

Meanwhile, my stats are sitting at about 11/11. I have successfully passed 11 bills and I've got 11 (or possibly more) to go. This is already my best session yet - I'm defining success here only in numbers. I also believe a successful legislator focuses on building strong relationships inside and outside of the Capitol, passing meaningful legislation that matches our values, and understanding the needs of the community. We have a lot of work ahead of us and I am looking forward to celebrating many more successes.

March is Women's History month and I celebrated by, in a sense, returning to my roots. As far back as 30 years ago, I was introduced to marking Women's History Month by Kerry Kramer and Joann Dodds. Kerry was the Director of El Pueblo Museum and Joann worked at the City/County Library. They facilitated a number of programs over the years that highlighted women's contributions and helped me to better understand the ways women and women's stories have been excluded from history. I remember taking groups of girls from the Boys & Girls Club and sitting on the floor with them to listen and learn. Yesterday, I spent a Saturday morning back in the El Pueblo History Museum with a group of women scholars, historians, and community members to talk about Women's Leadership Then & Now.  It was refreshing to talk together about women in our local history, to discuss mothers as our first models of leadership, and affirm that women's ways of being in leadership are to be preserved, honored, and valued. I was encouraged and inspired to think about the many women who have come before us and to reflect on the strong women among us now. We talked about reclaiming women's work as community work and we recognized 3 generations of women present in Blasa Rivera, Lucia Rivera, and Deann Pujol. I changed the venue of my monthly town hall to be present at this community conversation. But, we're back on track for April 20th at the Library (100 E. Abriendo) 10:00-11:30 am.

Dr. Fawn Montoya, Dr. Claire Oberon Garcia, me, Maria Sanchez-Tucker, Deborah Espinosa, Dawn DiPrince

I have enjoyed the extra hour of sunlight at the end of the day that Daylight Savings brings but, trudging to the Capitol in the dark can be a little depressing. I'm looking forward to more light as the days get longer and I'm waiting to begin planting flowers in my home garden.

Wishing you all a Happy St. Patrick's Day! 

-Angela

Senator Angela Giron on Gun Safety Legislation

                                       

Colorado Senate passed five of seven bills aimed at reducing gun violence on Monday.

Senator Angela Giron, of Pueblo, after weeks of research and discussion with constituents, voted yes on each of the five bills. Giron notes a great appreciation for constituents who have helped her to understand responsible gun ownership.

Giron did not, after careful consideration, support the campus conceal carry ban that was eventually pulled by bill sponsor, Senator Rollie Heath.

Giron's transparent decision-making process has left her open to threats and intimidation as she deliberately chose to make legislative decisions after having all of the information. Opponents have run television, newspaper, and internet ads urging Giron to vote against the bills. Her office has received over 12,000 emails and 5,000 phone calls from around the country, with less than five percent of the messages coming from Pueblo County.

Giron comments on her votes today, by stating: "I would not support any legislation that ignores Colorado's Western heritage or erodes Second Amendment rights.  Modest gun laws, like the bills we passed today, do not violate the Second Amendment."

Giron sees this legislation as an important step within a comprehensive approach to solving today's complicated problem of gun violence. She says, "We must also improve prevention, early intervention, and treatment of mental illness. We need to address our culture's glorification of violence in movies, television, music, and video games."

About the legislative process, Giron says, "I acknowledge that this process has not been easy, but I am proud of all members of the Colorado Senate for our ability to engage fully and to facilitate productive civic discourse."

An overview of Senator Giron's votes:

HB-1228 - This legislation eliminates the government subsidy for background checks for firearm transfer.

Sen. Giron's vote: Yes

Giron says, "From 1994-1999, persons in Colorado buying a gun paid $10 for their background check. The passage of this legislation returns Colorado to the policy of customers paying for this service."

HB-1229 – This bill closes the private sales loophole by requiring background checks for all gun sales. Amendment: Giron introduced an amendment, in committee, that was passed, which expanded an exception for family members and creates temporary transfers.

Sen. Giron's vote: Yes

Giron says, "Background checks for everyone would tighten up our state system to help ensure that those who shouldn’t have guns can’t buy them."

HB-1224 – This bill would ban the sale of magazines holding more than 15 rounds of ammunition.

Sen. Giron's vote: Yes

Giron says, "High-capacity ammunition magazines are designed to shoot a lot of people, quickly. There is no hunting or sporting purpose for these magazines and they are simply too dangerous for sale to civilians."

SB-195 – This bill would end online training for concealed carry permit.

Sen. Giron's vote: Yes

Giron says, "People wanting to obtain a concealed carry permit should have training in person."

SB-197 – The legislation prevents convicted domestic violence offenders from possessing firearms.

Sen. Giron's vote: Yes

Giron says, "This is common sense legislation which will protect victims of domestic violence."

HB-1226 – This bill adds areas where a concealed carry permit holder is not authorized to possess a concealed handgun to include: buildings used by college/university, stadiums/arenas at colleges/universities, outdoor events sponsored by college/university.

No vote was taken on this legislation. It was removed from consideration by the bill's sponsor on Friday, March 8.

Giron says, "After much deliberation, I had concerns about this legislation because college campus safety is more complicated than this particular legislation addressed."

SB-196 – This bill would hold manufacturers and sellers of assault-style weapons liable for crimes committed with said weapons.

This legislation was removed from consideration by the bill sponsor on Friday, March 8.

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Staying Strong

I went to dinner with some friends last night. It was a perfectly delicious dinner in their home with great company and I did the unthinkable - I fell asleep. Yup, I dozed right off and my husband, Steve, had to wake me up to take me home. How embarrassing! Tackling this gun violence prevention legislation has been exhausting and I guess I just didn't know how much it has taken a toll. I'm glad it happened at the end of the night and not when I was eating my salad. I'm sorry my blog has suffered and if you're from Pueblo, you'll know that this blog title is particularly meaningful around an issue that has sometimes been lacking in civil discourse.

Most folks whom I've seen or visited with this weekend have wanted to know about the 14 hour gun legislation marathon session in the Senate on Friday.

ASSET activists

It was a long day but, a productive one. Despite the fact that these particular pieces of legislation have taken up a big chunk of the last few weeks, I've been able to work on other bills, as well. At the same time that we started to debate the first bill on Friday, the House was taking a final vote on ASSET. I was sure to get away for a Senatorial Five (five minute break) to get over to hear Crisanta Duran's remarks before the historic 40-21 vote in favor of ASSET was taken. I took another few minutes to join the many advocates who were gathered to celebrate. Most moving were the youth who will be directly impacted by ASSET - they made a circle and each took a turn to say how the legislation would impact their life. I was sorry that I couldn't be more present. I was needed on the Senate floor and even when I was with these amazingly articulate youth, my mind was mostly focused on the work of the long day ahead. I am committed to joining them for a big ol' celebration when ASSET is signed into law later this month!  

I was also able to (literally) run in and out of the Governor's office to be present when he signed into law a Critical Care Bill I sponsored. Most interesting about my quick trip through his office is that I was able to meet his dog, Sky. I'll be back in that office, for sure, asking to visit and pet Sky, whenever I get the chance. The Governor told me Sky is a rescue dog that was trained as part of a Colorado Corrections program. Inmates have dogs that live with them and they train the dogs. Inmates say that carrying for the dogs is life-changing for some. It's really a wonderful program that I visited this past summer. I'll have to remember to put a few treats for Sky in my bag.

10:00pm on Friday night - licorice sustained me!

The rest of my day on Friday was all about the gun legislation. As you probably know, 5 of the 7 measures received enough votes to pass on to the final, recorded vote that will be taken on Monday. One of the measures that was pulled by the sponsor, the Concealed Carry on College Campus bill, was one I probably would have voted against. I heard testimony last Monday and what I came to realize is that campus safety is more complicated than that legislation addressed. I do plan to vote in favor of the 5 bills that will be presented for final vote on Monday.
I am aware that a some people from here in Pueblo and many, many people throughout the country have threatened consequences for my votes. The gun industry claims to have a candidate who has agreed to take their money to run a primary against me in 2014. Over 10,000 emails have poured in from across the country (less than 3% are from Pueblo) and thousands of calls (about 5% from Pueblo). Ads are in newspapers and now on television, my Facebook page has never seen so much action, someone got a hold of my personal cell phone number and I can't answer my phone for a while. But, for every person who yells in my face or tries to spit on my husband, there are 10 others who come up to hug me - even a few people who are opposed to all or just some of the legislation. Pueblo people ARE the best! I have really appreciated your prayers, the letters, your words of encouragement, the communications you send through other people. When I talked to Steve on Friday, he had a list of folks who had called or told him of their support for me. And, the messages have almost all been the same, person after person saying, "Stay strong!" and "Tell Angela to stay strong." None of this has been easy but, with your help, I am, most definitely, STAYING STRONG!