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The I-70 Scout & Eastern Colorado News

Category: Politics & Elections

  • Bipartisan Group Of Senators Introduce Legislation To Strengthen U.S.-Israel Economic Partnership

    Bipartisan Group Of Senators Introduce Legislation To Strengthen U.S.-Israel Economic Partnership

     WASHINGTON D.C. – U.S. Senators Cory Gardner (R-CO), David Perdue (R-GA), Chris Coons (D-DE), and Jon Tester (D-MT) today introduced bipartisan legislation to recognize the economic accomplishments of the U.S.-Israel economic partnership and support new agreements for collaboration across a variety of sectors within the technology sphere.

     

    Since the signing of the U.S.-Israel Free Trade Agreement, Israel has become one of our country’s most dynamic economic collaborators in the Middle East and North Africa. Today, individual states are partnering with Israel to collaborate on life-changing medical breakthroughs and clean energy technology. This legislation supports and improves on these partnerships.

     

    “The U.S.-Israel alliance not only plays an important role to ensure peace and stability across the globe, but also serves both countries’ economic interests,” said Senator Gardner. “As the only democracy in the Middle East, Israel highlights the benefits of a free society. Strong economic ties between our two nations has led to a partnership that both countries can be proud of, and as we look toward the future, we must continue to find ways we can work together to develop new technologies that will change the world.”

     

    “Israel is a hub for innovation, and our strong alliance has paved the way for great economic opportunities,” said Senator Perdue. “We will continue working with Prime Minister Netanyahu to explore new areas for collaboration across the economic spectrum.”

     

    “I am proud to cosponsor a resolution that commemorates the strong economic ties between the United States and Israel and highlights opportunities for increased partnerships in fields such as agriculture, cybersecurity, and medicine,” said Senator Coons. “I continue to be impressed with the entrepreneurial spirit of the Israeli people and will work with my colleagues to counter the economic isolation of Israel.”

     

    “Israel is one of our strongest allies in the world and our economic partnership only strengthens this alliance,” said Senator Tester. “I look forward to expanding our diplomatic and economic relationship with Israel for decades to come.”

     

    The senators were joined by U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME), Ted Cruz (R-TX), Johnny Isakson (R-GA), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Gary Peters (D-MI), and Marco Rubio (R-FL) in introducing S. Res. 90 which seeks to: (1) affirm the robustness of the economic relationship; (2) recognize that science and technology innovation present new frontiers for economic cooperation; (3) encourage the Administration to expand and regularize existing forums of economic dialogue with Israel; and (4) support the exploration of new agreements, including in the fields of energy, water, agriculture, medicine, neurotechnology and cybersecurity.

     

    U.S. Congressmen Ted Lieu (D-CA-33) and Ted Poe (R-TX-02) today introduced companion legislation to S. Res. 90 in the U.S. House of Representatives.

  • Colorado Responds to North Korea Missile Launches

    Gardner Statement on North Korea Missiles

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Cory Gardner (R-CO) today released the below statement after reports that North Korea fired multiple projectiles into the Sea of Japan:

    North Korea’s reported launch of multiple missiles comes approximately one month after the regime claimed it successfully tested a new type of ballistic missile. Pyongyang’s growing aggression must be met with a tough policy response from the United States, including new sanctions, show-of-force exercises in the region and the expedited deployment of the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system. It is also important that we strengthen our alliances in the region and reassure our allies South Korea and Japan that the United States unequivocally stands with them against the North Korean threat. I look forward to seeing immediate and determined actions from the Trump Administration and will be asking for a full briefing outlining the actions it will take to stop the madman in Pyongyang – Senator Cory Gardner (R-CO)

     

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  • Child Sex Offenders Crackdown

    Child Sex Offenders Crackdown

    Unanimous Approval to Prosecute Child Sex Offenders

    Bipartisan Danielson-Carver Bill Eliminates the Need for Multiple Trials

     A Bill by Rep. Jessie Danielson, D-Wheat Ridge, to crack down on repeat child sex offenders and eliminate the need for victims to endure multiple trials earned unanimous approval from the House this morning.  

    “This is a bill to crack down on repeat child sex offenders,” said Rep. Danielson on the House floor during second reading. “Any time a child is victimized by a sexual predator, it is a tragedy for the victim and a vile crime that deserves swift punishment. When a child is assaulted multiple times by a pattern offender, law enforcement must be able to use every tool at their disposal to remove the predator from society.”

    There is currently a requirement in state law that when a predator victimizes a child in more than one judicial district in Colorado, a separate trial must be held in each jurisdiction where an offense occurred. This means potentially re-traumatizing a child and family for each trial while costing taxpayer dollars.

    HB17-1109, also sponsored by Rep. Terri Carver, R-Colorado Springs, allows a prosecutor to charge and bring a pattern-offense case for all such assaults in any jurisdiction where one of the acts occurred. This will allow prosecutors to do their job and not require a victim to go through several trials unnecessarily.

    The 64-0 vote sends the bill to the Senate.

     

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  • Next-Gen Cellphone Technology: 5G

    Next-Gen Cellphone Technology: 5G

    A Bill to speed up the rollout of the next generation of wireless broadband technology in Colorado received voice-vote approval from the House today.

    Mobile data traffic has grown 4,000-fold over the last decade, and a new system is needed to handle the ever-increasing demand. The 5G (fifth generation) system has 10 times more bandwidth than the existing 4G system and is up to 100 times faster. It relies on a larger number of smaller transmitters that can be mounted unobtrusively on lamp-posts.

    HB17-1193, sponsored by Reps. Tracy Kraft-Tharp, D-Arvada, and Jon Becker, R-Fort Morgan, updates statutory definitions and expedites the permitting process for installation of the new transmitters.

    “The cellphone providers are ready to begin installing the system this year,” Rep. Kraft-Tharp said. “This bill will help keep Colorado at the forefront of broadband technology.”

    After a recorded third-reading vote, the bill will go to the Senate.

     

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  • Unanimous Approval for Hamner-Wilson Education Bill

    Unanimous Approval for Hamner-Wilson Education Bill

    Bill Eliminates Double Testing for English Language Learners

    Currently, although the purpose is to evaluate reading ability and not language proficiency, some students are required to take their annual reading assessment in both Spanish and English. Double testing these students unnecessarily overburdens a specific subgroup of students, risks misidentifying English learners as having significant reading deficiencies, and is not aligned with other state assessment policies.

    With a 61-0 vote, the House today gave final approval to a bill sponsored by Reps. Millie Hamner, D-Dillon, and Jim Wilson, R-Salida, to allow students from kindergarten through third grade who are English language learners to take their annual required reading test in their language of instruction, rather than being double-tested.

    “This test is meant to demonstrate how well a student can read, and when it’s given to students in their language of instruction, it gives us better indicators of reading ability and gives teachers the information they need to help their students improve,” said Rep. Hamner. “This bill cuts testing time and increases instructional time for the very students who need it.”

    “It was great to work with Rep. Hamner on this bill,” said Rep. Wilson. “It simplifies the process to answer two critical questions: one, can you read? And two, how well?”

    HB17-1160 now proceeds to the Senate.

     

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  • Crucial Act Passed: Patient Safety

    Crucial Act Passed: Patient Safety

    Buckner Passes Crucial Patient Safety Act

    Bill Enhances Protections for Coloradans in Health Care System

    The House, Health, Insurance & Environment Committee passed the Patient Safety Act, a bill by Rep. Janet Buckner, D-Aurora.
    “Colorado is one of only five states in the country that doesn’t require fingerprint background checks for nurses, and one of only six States that doesn’t require the same for doctors,” said Rep. Buckner. “The Patient Safety Act addresses that gap by requiring fingerprint background checks for doctors, nurses and other healthcare providers authorized to prescribe controlled substances.  This is a common sense change and it is time Colorado joins the rest of the nation to better protect our patients.”

    Federal-level fingerprint based background checks are the most comprehensive means available to ensure patient safety and transparency. Currently, Colorado relies on self-disclosure to ensure doctors do not have past criminal convictions that would flag them as potentially unfit to provide care.

    Michelle Shelley, the mother of a young girl with special needs and the cognitive ability of a 6-month-old, testified in support of the bill. Ms. Shelley described the traumatic experience of realizing that her daughter Aislinn was being abused by a registered nurse who was hired to care for her last summer in the family’s home.

    “Her bed is no longer a peaceful place of rest—it is filled with nightmares,” said Shelley. “The abuse shouldn’t have ever happened. Today I ask you to support the Patient Safety Act because we have an obligation to add this protection for those who cannot speak.”

    HB17-1121 also enters Colorado into the Enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact to enable these professionals to continue to provide telehealth nursing services and be able to practice in other states with their Colorado license. The bill also aligns the Nursing Practice Act to the Medical Practice Act to eliminate an existing “safe harbor” for addiction-related violations.

    The 6-4 vote sends the bill to the House Appropriations committee.  
     

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  • Republicans Propose Small Business Changes

    Republicans Propose Small Business Changes

    DENVER— Senate Bill 001, sponsored by House Republican Leader Patrick Neville (R-Castle Rock), would have defined a small business as one of fewer than 500 employees, and provided leniency for minor, first-time violations of State Agency Rules; except rules pertaining to safety.

    Specifically, the bill allowed a 30 day period to cure the violation before a fee was levied, and required State Departments to make attempts to solicit feedback from small businesses during the rule making process.  

    This bill would have shifted the culture of government to one of cooperation with the private sector and helped achieve a high-level of compliance through education rather than fines and penalties. This bill passed with strong bipartisan support in the Senate, but unfortunately Democrats that support small business seem to be in short supply in the House, said Neville.

    However, Democrats on the House Business Affairs and Labor Committee killed the bill on a party-line vote.

    Currently, “small business” is defined by average annual receipts and, some industries, by number of employees: see SBA chart here. 

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  • ‘Gray Market’ Marijuana Regulated

    ‘Gray Market’ Marijuana Regulated

    Cracking Down on ‘Gray Market’ Marijuana

    Bipartisan Bills that would reduce the amount of marijuana being diverted to illicit uses, protect Colorado communities from industrial-scale growing operations and assist law enforcement agencies in enforcing Colorado marijuana laws were introduced on Thursday.

    Colorado law allows up to 99 marijuana plants to be grown on residential property for medical use and places no hard limits on recreational-use home grows. In contrast, of the 28 states that have legalized marijuana for recreational or medical use, 12 states ban home growth altogether and no other state allows for more than 16 plants to be grown in a home.

    Colorado is witnessing increasing numbers of large-scale growing operations by criminal enterprises in residential areas involving hundreds of plants.

    HB17-1220, sponsored by Majority Leader KC Becker, D-Boulder, and Assistant Minority Leader Cole Wist, R-Centennial, limits home-grown marijuana to 12 plants — with allowances for larger grows with approval of local officials — to allow for continued legitimate medical cultivation while also setting a statewide standard more in line with those in other states that have legalized medical or recreational marijuana.

    “Colorado has been a national leader in regulating the medical and retail marijuana market,” Rep. Becker said. “Large home grows that are run for illegal sales undermine our efforts to make sure marijuana stays out of the hands of kids, criminals and cartels. This balances the needs of caregivers who rely on home-grown marijuana for legitimate medical purposes with the need for a regulated market.”

    HB17-1221, sponsored by Reps. Dan Pabon, D-Denver, and Yeulin Willett, R-Grand Junction, creates a grant program to help law enforcement crack down on diversions of marijuana into the black market.

    Colorado has led the nation in regulating medical and recreational marijuana, responding to issues as they arise to preserve the integrity of the industry while ensuring the health and safety of Colorado communities.

    The two bills are to be heard in committee this week.

     

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  • Senate Passes Marijuana Bills with Joint Approval

    Senate Passes Marijuana Bills with Joint Approval

    DENVER — Today, the Senate passed several Republican bills to address issues with marijuana policy, increase public safety, and create workforce pathways. 

    House Bill 1034, carried by Senator Randy Baumgardner (R-Hot Sulphur Springs) aligns law for medical marijuana licenses with the retail marijuana code, allowing medical facilities to move their license across Colorado.

    “This is a commonsense fix to align the licensing process for two similar business models selling the same produces,” said Baumgardner. “Reducing barriers and creating a uniform code is one way to help small businesses flourish, no matter the product.”

    House Bill 1034 now continues on to the governor’s desk for approval.

    Senate Bill 187, carried by Senator Larry Crowder, allows non-residents to apply for occupational marijuana licenses. 

    “We have a new frontier industry here in Colorado on which young people from other states are looking to Colorado for education and guidance,” said Crowder. “Students and folks in our state temporarily, hoping to learn more about this unique market as they complete their education need a legal pathway to enter their chosen field.

    Senate Bill 187 now moves to the House for consideration.

    Senate Bill 178, sponsored by Senator Vicki Marble (R-Fort Collins) prohibits a court from barring medical marijuana patients from use of marijuana while out on bond. 

    “This is a clean-up expanding upon existing law that allows the use of medical marijuana while on parole or probation,” said Marble. “It is important to remember that medical marijuana patients released on bond have not been convicted of a crime. No judge should have the authority to overturn a doctor’s medical order.”

    Senate Bill 178 will be heard in the Senate on a Third Reading vote before moving to the House.

  • Combatting Cyber Threats…

    Combatting Cyber Threats…

    Bipartisan, Bicameral Group Introduces Bill to Help States Combat Cyber Threat

    Washington, DC  – U.S. Senators Cory Gardner (R-CO) and Mark Warner (D-VA), founders of the Senate Cybersecurity Caucus, along with Representatives Derek Kilmer (D-WA) and Barbara Comstock (R-VA) introduced bipartisan, bicameral legislation to help state, local, and tribal governments more effectively counter cyber threats. The State Cyber Resiliency Act would set up a cybersecurity grant program that would provide resources for states to develop and implement effective cyber resiliency plans. This includes efforts to identify, detect, protect, respond, and recover from cyber threats. It also encourages states to invest in the cybersecurity workforce. 

    According to a 2015 Ponemon Institute study, 50 percent of state and local governments faced six to 25 cyber breaches in the past 24 months. In the past year, hackers also breached more than 200,000 personal voter records in Illinois and Arizona. Most states use less than two percent of their IT budget on cybersecurity.

    “It’s critical that our state and local governments invest in cyber preparedness and training, and I’m proud to work with Senator Warner and Representatives Kilmer and Comstock to create a grant program to help our communities with this effort,” said Gardner. “Colorado is at the forefront of our nation’s cybersecurity efforts and home to the National Cybersecurity Center in Colorado Springs. As the threat of cyber warfare intensifies, it’s important that local governments are properly prepared to deter and protect themselves from cyber-attacks.”

    “One of the fastest growing threats to our country is the danger posed by cyberattacks. From data breaches at retailers like Target and Home Depot to ransomware attacks on cities’ transportation networks, cyberattacks pose a significant threat,” said Warner. “Despite the velocity of the threat, 80% of states lack funding to develop sufficient cybersecurity. I’m proud to partner with Reps. Kilmer and Comstock, and Sen. Gardner, who co-chairs with me the Senate Cybersecurity Caucus, to provide grants to state and local jurisdictions so they are better prepared to take on the emerging challenges in the cyber domain.”

    “Cyber-attacks are a threat to our communities,” said Kilmer. “Too often we hear stories of personal records being compromised by hackers punching holes in our cyber defenses. It’s time we had better protection for consumers, workers, businesses, and governments. I’m proud to join with my colleagues to introduce a plan that gives states more tools to fight back against these attacks and encourage the continued growth of a talented cyber workforce in our region and across the nation.”

    “As Chairwoman of the Research and Technology Subcommittee, cybersecurity has been a focus of mine since the beginning of my Chairwomanship,” said Comstock. “I hear stories everyday where personal information of Americans is compromised and used by cyberterrorists. Cybersecurity has become even more critical to our nation as government agencies and private companies rely on technologies that are susceptible to hacking. The resources in the State Cyber Resiliency Act will give states the means necessary to protect their citizens from cyberattacks like those at OPM and IRS so that personal information remains private.”

    “We are proud to support Senator Gardner’s proposed legislation to direct more funding to cybersecurity,” said Ed Rios, CEO of the National Cybersecurity Center based in Colorado Springs. “The collaborative work with Senator Warner is exactly what we need to protect our state and country against cyber threats.”

    “This legislation represents a great partnership between Washington, the states, and local governments to address a very serious issue. The Colorado Municipal League is proud to support Senator Gardner’s efforts,” stated Sam Mamet, Colorado Municipal League Executive Director.