State and Local

Dems are seeking to ban high capacity magazines; and create strict liability for gun manufacturers, distributors and owners

DENVER–Democratic legislators rolled out a sweeping package of gun-control measures Tuesday, setting the stage for a blistering confrontation with gun-rights advocates who said the proposals would make Colorado the most anti-gun state in the nation.

The proposed package of eight bills would ban ammunition magazines holding more than 10 rounds; create strict liability for manufacturers, distributors and owners of so-called assault weapons; require background checks for all buyers, and eliminate state subsidies for background checks. Read more »

Gessler is arguing that the dispute falls well beyond the scope of the commission’s jurisdiction

DENVER–The Colorado Independent Ethics Commission was established by voters in 2006 to investigate influence-peddling, not rule on criminal cases.

That’s the argument being made by Secretary of State Scott Gessler in his effort to stop the commission from ruling on a complaint filed against him in October by the left-wing group Colorado Ethics Watch. Read more »

SEEING RED: An audit of office records uncovered deficiencies in accounting, prompting Senate action

DENVER– After a scathing audit of the Colorado Energy Office, the Colorado Senate wants the office to either account for $252 million spent over the past six years and improve internal accounting – or lose state funding. Though the Democrat and Republican lawmakers differed vastly on how to get the office under control, they unanimously passed a “wake up call” bill today.  Read more »

Liberal gay rights groups and leaders in Colorado have been conspicuously silent on Chuck Hagel

DENVER – Since the moment President Obama announced the nomination of former U.S. Senator Chuck Hagel as his choice to head the Defense Department, the ex-lawmaker has been embroiled in controversy.  In addition to being criticized for advocating elevated ties with Iran and negotiations with terrorist groups like Hamas, Hagel has faced condemnation for making what many perceive to be anti-Semitic and anti-gay comments during his time in Congress. Read more »

The bill would have allowed parents to have a drink with their kids in public

DENVER– A bill sponsored by state Sen. Greg Brophy (R-Wray) to allow parents to drink in public with their children, ages 18 – 20, was roasted instead of toasted Wednesday by the Senate State, Veterans and Military Affairs Committee.

The bill is “extending to responsible parents the ability to show their kids how to enjoy an adult beverage in a public setting,” said Brophy, who added the concept originated from conversations with constituents. Read more »

For now, ever-present claims that fracking is responsible for health problems remain unsubstantiated

DENVER–Anyone listening to April Beach’s harrowing description of her family’s health problems might be tempted to introduce her to a good personal-injury lawyer.

A founder of the anti-fracking group Erie Rising, Beach says that she has suffered from the following since hydraulic fracturing began in her community: a spinal lesion, memory loss, headaches, migraines, an allergy to alcohol, body aches, weakness, acid reflux, itching, dizziness, new asthma symptoms, lethargy, and abdominal pain. Read more »

STIMULUS SLUSH FUND? The audit, which evaluated a sample of the Colorado Energy Office functions and expenses, revealed major deficiencies

DENVER – Longstanding concerns voiced by critics of the Colorado Energy Office were validated Tuesday when an audit concluded that $252 million spent on energy projects over the past six years could not be justified.

Perhaps not surprisingly, more records exist related to how funding was acquired than to how it was spent. Read more »

Several of those posting comments on the RMGO Facebook page were quick to point out the discrepancy in turnout between the two events

DENVER – Attendance at Monday’s gun-control rally at the state capitol was a little disappointing, but that may be because it was competing with another firearms-related event.

The “gun violence prevention rally” called “Let Us Live,” sponsored by Together Colorado, drew more than 100 demonstrators at lunch time on a warm, cloudless day, according to the Associated Press. Read more »

The measure would have let local schools districts determine whether to allow teachers and personnel with permits and training to carry concealed weapons on school grounds

DENVER– Democrats killed a Senate bill to empower public school districts to decide whether to end “gun free” zones and let teachers and employees carry concealed weapons to protect children from another shooting tragedy.

Despite their claims of wanting more public discussion over how to prevent another Sandy Hook Elementary school massacre, Democrat Senators Jesse Ulibarri of Commerce City, Lucia Guzman and Dr. Irene Aguilar, both of Denver, voted against Senate Bill 9 – preventing further debate on the Senate floor and potentially the House. Read more »

Sen. Michael Johnston (D-Denver) was among those who voted to advance the controversial proposal to grant tuition discounts to illegal aliens

DENVER– Once again cheers and applause erupted under the golden dome when a bill to award in-state tuition to illegal immigrants was passed Thursday by the Senate Education Committee on a 6-3 vote.  The aye votes were cast by five Democrats and a Republican – state Sen. Owen Hill of Colorado Springs. Read more »