GOP worked for voters in session
The legislative session has finally come to a close, and it has been a rewarding experience. Thank you for allowing us to serve as the voice of El Paso County at the capitol.
This session was especially challenging because of the downturn in our economy, our job market and the state budget. These challenges presented unique opportunities for success.
Statehouse Republicans fought for measures to unleash the potential of small businesses and to get Colorado moving again.
We were pleased with several of the economic proposals that were passed this session, including a bill to create a low-cost health option for workers, a bill to create incentives for job creation in Colorado, and a measure to increase loan options for businesses.
Representing the interests of our constituents and standing up for the men and women who serve our country is a top priority for us. This session we successfully advanced proposals to allow members of the armed forces serving overseas to vote, by allowing ballot requests and voting to be available via a secure Web site. Another proposal important to our region will would grant unemployment insurance to the spouses of Colorado's fallen combat soldiers.
We were discouraged by the governor's decision to raise taxes and fees this year by $1 billion, even as families struggle to make ends meet and to survive in a shrinking job market.
One of the largest new fees came in the form of a car tax to fund transportation. The proposal was passed at the same time the governor approved another measure to remove the only existing transportation dollars from the budget. Together, these proposals were probably the most harmful economic measures of the session.
Government this session also grew with the addition of 1,400 taxpayer-funded employees, while at the same time the governor supported a measure to raise property taxes on seniors.
Gov. Bill Ritter and Democrat leadership don't understand how increasing taxes and fees harm Colorado families and business owners.
El Paso County Republicans stood in solidarity against these new taxes and fought for common-sense solutions to get our economy back on track.
Unfortunately we were not able to defeat a bill that blocks the expansion of the Piñon Canyon training site for the Army. While honoring the private property rights of the ranchers in south-eastern Colorado, the expansion of Piñon Canyon Maneuver Site would bring 5,000 new jobs to our struggling southern Colorado economy. With help from our colleagues on the other side of the aisle we may have been able to prevent this bad piece of legislation from passing.
It is particularly troubling that Rep. Dennis Apuan (who represents Fort Carson) did nothing to contribute to this fight. His silence was particularly damaging because it gave the appearance that the expansion was unnecessary.
As this bill was a regional issue, it was important for all El Paso County legislators to participate in the debate. It is no doubt Apuan's silence contributed to the passage of this horrible piece of legislation.
It is an honor to serve you at the capitol, and we look forward to continuing to stand with you on the issues that matter to the citizens of our districts and El Paso County. Together, we can preserve the traditions, the values, and the way of life that we all love.
-
Looper, Liston and Waller, all Republicans, represent Districts 19, 16 and 15, respectively, in the Colorado House of Representatives.
