STATE CAPITOL UPDATE – February 20, 2012
By Representative Randy Fischer, Colorado House District 53

It’s hard to believe but we are already a third of the way through the 2012 legislative session!  The time seems to have really flown during this fast-paced session.  

This week is yet another busy time at the Capitol because February 23 is the deadline for committee action on all bills originating in the House.  I anticipate late nights in committee meetings this week as we work to process all the bills that remain on the committee calendars.   

Despite the busy schedule this week, I feel it’s important to stay in contact with people in my district.  I hope you’ll take a few minutes to look over my e-newsletter and let me know if you have any thoughts, suggestions, questions, or concerns.  I especially hope you will take time to attend my community issues forum on the cost of higher education coming up this Saturday.  Please read below for details.  

YOU’RE INVITED: COMMUNITY FORUM
Ensuring Access to an Affordable and Quality College Education: How Do We Address Increasing Student Costs?
Saturday, February 25

Please join Rep. John Kefalas, Senator Bob Bacon, and me for a community issues forum focused on higher education access, affordability, and quality in the face of rising student costs. The event will feature six panelists, including Colorado State University and Front Range Community College students, administrators, faculty members, and a local business person.  Panelists will share their perspectives on the importance of an affordable and high quality post-secondary education as well as their ideas for addressing the barriers to access caused by increasing costs.  

The forum will explore the intersection of state funding of public colleges and universities and increasing tuition and fees; global workforce development and technology transfer; classroom instruction and faculty; research and development; and the missions of community colleges and land-grant institutions.  Presentations will be followed by a robust community dialogue intended to focus on identifying solutions to these complex issues.

What:
Community Forum
Ensuring Access to an Affordable and Quality College Education: How Do We Address Increasing Student Costs?  

When:
Saturday, February 25, 2012
2:00 P.M. – 4:00 P.M.

Where:
Colorado State University (map)
Lory Student Center, ASCSU Senate Chambers
1101 Center Avenue
Fort Collins, Colorado 80523

Who:  
Representative Randy Fischer (Fort Collins HD-53)
Representative John Kefalas (Fort Collins HD-52)
Senator Bob Bacon (Fort Collins SD-14)

Panelists:
Chase Eckerdt, Director of Governmental Affairs, Associated Students of Colorado State University;
Marissa Slezak, Student Government Vice President,  Front Range Community College, Larimer Campus;
Bruce Walthers, Vice President, Front Range Community College, Larimer Campus;
Mary Ontiveros, Vice President for Diversity, Colorado State University;
Bill Timpson, Ph.D, Faculty Member, Colorado State University;
Local business person, to be determined

I hope to see you there!  

Adjunct Faculty Job Stability Bill Advances

Last week my bill to help provide greater job stability and academic freedom to non-tenure track instructors at Colorado colleges and universities PASSED out of the House State Affairs Committee on a favorable vote of 5 yes to 4 no!   Sometimes referred to as adjuncts or contingent faculty, non-tenure track faculty have few, if any, due process rights and lack even the most basic rights around academic freedom.  Yet, these highly qualified, skilled, and dedicated professionals are carrying the majority of the teaching loads at many, perhaps most, of our higher education institutions in Colorado and nationwide.   

I have worked to improve working conditions and job stability for non-tenure track faculty for several years.  I am so proud to be associated with the instructors who came to testify at the committee hearing this past week.  Their testimony was truly inspiring and compelling.  They demonstrated political courage by speaking out with eloquence about the harsh realities of contingency on our college campuses.   The committee hearing on HB-1144 was one of the highlights of my legislative career. It was a thrill to stand up for the rights of adjuncts.  I am honored to be on the correct side of such an important issue and hopefully to succeed in making good public policy.   My work on HB-1144 now turns to the House floor.  Wish me and all of Colorado’s non-tenure track faculty luck! 

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Saturday, Feb. 11; 10:00 a.m. 
Town Hall Meeting with Rep. Fischer, Rep. Kefalas & Sen. Bacon 



WHAT:           Please come join Reps. Fischer and Kefalas and Sen. Bacon for their second Town Hall Meeting of the 2012 legislative session. They will be sharing their latest legislative news and openly taking your questions. In addition, they will be seeking feedback and questions from those in attendance about any issues that constituents might have.


WHO:                     Rep. Randy Fischer (D-Fort Collins) 
Rep. John Kefalas (D-Fort Collins) 
Sen. Bob Bacon (D-Fort Collins) 


WHERE:          Harmony Library (map) 
4616 South Shields Street
Ft. Collins, Colorado 80526

WHEN:           Saturday, Feb. 11, 2012 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

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STATE CAPITOL UPDATE – January 25, 2012
By Representative Randy Fischer, Colorado House District 53

Colorado’s 2012 legislative session is off and running.   I’ve been spending most evenings burning the midnight oil down at the Capitol, away from home, missing my wife.  No matter how well prepared I try to be, I always find the first few weeks of the session overwhelming.  Still, I feel it’s important to stay in contact with people in my district.  I hope you’ll take a few minutes to look over my e-newsletter and let me know if you have any thoughts, suggestions, questions, or concerns.  

YOU’RE INVITED: COMMUNITY FORUM
Mobile Home Parks: A Vanishing Source of Affordable Housing?
SATURDAY, JANUARY 28

Join Rep. Kefalas, Sen. Bacon, and me for a community issues forum discussing mobile home parks as a vanishing source of affordable housing. The event will feature panelists representing mobile home park residents, community organizations, local and state government, affordable housing developers, and a national manufactured housing homeowners association. Topics of discussion will include the human impacts of mobile home park dislocation, current policy on mobile home parks in the context of affordable housing, and potential reforms and community solutions.  An open forum for community questions and discussion will follow.  Feedback and ideas are always appreciated.
Please see the details below.  I hope to see you there!  

What:
Community Forum
Mobile Home Parks: A Vanishing Source of Affordable Housing?

When:
Saturday, January 28, 2012
2:00 P.M. – 4:00 P.M.

Where:
Fort Collins Coloradoan
Community Room
1300 Riverside Avenue
Fort Collins, CO

Who:  
Representative Randy Fischer (Fort Collins HD-53)
Representative John Kefalas (Fort Collins HD-52)
Senator Bob Bacon (Fort Collins SD-14)
Plus Panelists:
Debra Goodson, former resident, Bender Mobile Home Park
Cheryl Distaso, Coordinator, Fort Collins Community Action Network and the Open Communities Collective
Gerry Horak, City Council Member, City of Fort Collins
Isabel Dickens, Executive Director, Manufactured Home Owners Association of America
Joe Rowan, Executive Director, Funding Partners
Pat Coyle, Executive Director, Colorado Division of Housing

SB 12-003 - THE EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY ACT
 
Damaged consumer credit scores resulting from the economic meltdown represent a little known but huge impact on workers’ abilities to find and keep jobs and receive job promotions.  Most people who have been laid off or lost their jobs in the recession have seen a dip in their credit score.  

In these tough times when so many credit scores have suffered as a result of the economic downturn, it would seem reasonable that employers would reduce their reliance on credit scores in their hiring and job-related decisions.  Yet, the trend is for greater use of credit scores as a basis for personnel decisions by employers.  Estimates are that over 60 percent of employers use private consumer credit information as part of their evaluations of their existing employees’ job performance as well as in hiring new employees.  In addition, the credit reports of an estimated 20 million Americans contain significant material errors that may cause devastating consequences for existing and prospective employees.  

So here’s the current situation.  The loss of a job can easily result in a bad credit score, then a bad credit score can result in real problems finding a new job.  This seems like a modern-day “Catch 22”.  Using credit scores for purposes they were not designed for is wrong and unjust.  Evidence supports the fact that credit scores are a poor measure of an employee's merit.  The increasing use of credit data is structurally prolonging the ability of people to become re-employed and back to work.  

That’s why I am proud to be the House sponsor of Senate Bill 12-003, The Employment Opportunity Act of 2012, along with Senator Morgan Carroll.  This bill prohibits use of credit scoring in hiring unless relevant for the job position and gives disclosure to the employees or applicants if their credit was an adverse factor in the decision.  

For more information about the uses and misuses of credit scores you may be interested in reading the following document:  http://

www.demos.org/sites/default/files/publications/Discrediting_America_Demos.pdf

I hope you will feel free to contact me at any time with comments, issues, or concerns about state government.  

Sincerely,     

Randy Fischer, State Representative
House District 53
3007 Moore Lane
Fort Collins, CO 80526
970-215-7898

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STATE CAPITOL UPDATE – January 9, 2012
By Representative Randy Fischer, Colorado House District 53

On January 11, 2012, I will begin my sixth year in the Colorado General Assembly.  The start of a new legislative session offers a point of beginning from which to measure progress for the citizens of Colorado.  The first few days will offer a brief opportunity to reflect on the responsibilities and expectations for the new session with speeches by the Governor, Speaker of the House, House Minority Leader, and the Chief Justice of the Colorado Supreme Court.   Quickly, though, we will get to work doing the people’s business in the people’s house.  
Serving as State Representative for House District 53 is one of the greatest privileges of my life.  I resolve to never take my constituents for granted and to always be humbled by the trust they have conveyed in me.   I hope you might take a moment to read below about upcoming opportunities to participate in your state government and about ways that I’m helping to make state government work for you.

Session Kickoff Town-hall Meeting Scheduled
Share Your Ideas and Input for the 2012 Legislative Session

With the start of the 2012 legislative session, I want to hear from community members, like you!  Please join Representative John Kefalas, Senator Bob Bacon, and me for an opportunity to provide your input as we refine our legislative agendas and priorities.  Bring your questions and ideas!

WHAT:  
Town-Hall Meeting for the 2012 Legislative Kick-Off

WHEN:
Saturday, January 14, 2012
10:00 A.M. - 11:30 A.M.

WHERE:
Harmony Branch Library
Community Room
4616 South Shields Street
Fort Collins, Colorado 80526
(Wheel-chair accessible)

WHO:  
Representative Randy Fischer (Fort Collins HD-53)
Representative John Kefalas (Fort Collins HD-52)
Senator Bob Bacon (Fort Collins, SD-14)

Opening of the 2012 Legislative Session

Please consider experiencing the opening ceremonies in the Colorado House of Representatives this year.  Opening day at the legislature is Wednesday, January 11, 2012, at 10:00 A.M. speeches that will outline the legislative agenda for the coming session.  The next day, Governor John Hickenlooper will deliver his second State of the State address on Thursday, January 12 at 11:00 A.M.  

You may attend these ceremonies or any other events at the State Capitol in person at 200 E. Colfax Ave, Denver.  Please feel free to contact me at 303-866-2917 if you are planning to be at the Capitol anytime during the legislative session.  I would enjoy meeting with you to help make your visit as enjoyable and informative as possible.  

Can’t or don’t want to drive to Denver?  You can listen to legislative sessions and committee hearings on-line.  Please visit the state legislative website at http://www.leg.state.co.us and click on the link for “Audio Broadcasts” at the very top of the page.  In addition, you can now watch the House proceedings on the Colorado Channel on your TV at Comcast Channel 165 or on your computer at www.coloradochannel.net.    A tremendous variety of information about pending legislation, member biographies, photos, district maps, and other items is available at the www.leg.state.co.us website.  

Connecting with My District

One of my most important responsibilities is to help make state government work for people.   That’s why I’ve worked hard to be open and accessible, to listen to my constituents’ issues and questions, and to do my best to address people’s concerns.   I hope you will feel free to contact me at any time with comments, issues, or concerns about state government.  
Have a safe, prosperous, and happy new year!  
Sincerely,

Randy Fischer, State Representative
House District 53
3007 Moore Lane
Fort Collins, CO 80526
970-215-7898

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STATE CAPITOL UPDATE – December 5, 2011
By Representative Randy Fischer, Colorado House District 53

I hope this finds you well and enjoying the warmth of home, friends, and family as the first really cold weather of the season sets in.   

The start of the 2012 legislative session is now just a little more than 5 weeks away.  I’ve been working for the past several months preparing for the coming session.  I’d like to chat with you about what to expect when the legislature reconvenes on January 11.  That’s why I am continuing my series of town hall meetings this coming Saturday.  Information on this meeting is provided below.  I hope to see you there.  

YOU’RE INVITED:  TOWN HALL MEETING

I will hold an open town hall meeting this coming Saturday, December 10, 2011.  I hope you’ll take this opportunity to join Senator Bob Bacon, Representative John Kefalas, and me for an update on our preparations for the upcoming legislative session.   We will have some updated information regarding the State budget, legislative district boundaries, and anticipated legislative initiatives.  

Business owner Charles Kaine has graciously offered to host this town hall at Reader’s Cove Bookshop and Half Moon Coffee located on the southwest corner of Harmony Road and Lemay Avenue.  Please help us thank Charles by supporting these two local businesses.  

What:
TOWN HALL MEETING
Legislative Update and Look Forward

When:
Saturday, December 10, 2011
10:00 - 11:30 A.M.

Where:
Reader’s Cove Bookstore
1001 East Harmony Road, Unit C
Fort Collins, CO 80525
Wheelchair Accessible

Who:  
Representative Randy Fischer (Fort Collins HD-53)
Representative John Kefalas (Fort Collins HD-52)
Senator Bob Bacon (Fort Collins SD-14)

Please bring your questions, comments, concerns, and suggestions; and please do a little shopping at Reader’s Cove!  


Family Leadership Training Institute Now Accepting Applications

I am pleased to support the Family Leadership Training Institute (FLTI).  The FLTI offers amazing growth opportunities for those ready to share their voices for children, youth, and families.  

The FLTI is currently recruiting parents and family members for the Class of 2012.  There is a simple on-line application at www.coloradofamilyleadership.com or one can request a hard copy application from Larimer County extension agent, Jacque Miller.   The deadline for applications is December 16 followed by interviews conducted on December 19th and 21st.

For more information about the 2012 FLTI, please contact Jacque.  

Jacque L. Miller, Community Development Agent
Colorado State University Extension - Larimer County
1525 Blue Spruce Drive, Fort Collins, CO  80524
Phone: 970-498-6014
Fax: 970-498-6025
Email: millerj@co.larimer.co.us

CONNECTING WITH MY DISTRICT

Although the Colorado General Assembly meets for 120 days each year, I consider the responsibility of representing House District 53 a full-time job.  That’s why I strive to remain open and accessible to my constituents year round.   Even when I’m not at the Capitol, I continue to work on legislation, meet with constituents, help Fort Collins residents navigate state government, and participate in two interim committees – the interim water review committee and transportation legislative review committee.  

I hope you will feel free to contact me at any time with comments, issues, or concerns about state government.

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STATE CAPITOL UPDATE – May 2, 2011
By Representative Randy Fischer, Colorado House District 53

The end of the 120-day legislative session is just a few days away.  By law, the legislature must adjourn by midnight on May 11.  As in years past, I will offer one final opportunity for open discussion of legislative issues prior to the end of the session.  Information on my legislative wrap-up meeting is provided below.  

This edition of my newsletter also provides some better news about funding for K-12 education, as well as a summary of redistricting and reapportionment efforts.  I hope you find this information useful.  

YOU’RE INVITED:  TOWN HALL MEETING
END OF SESSION WRAP-UP

 I will hold my final town hall meeting of the 2011 legislative session on Saturday, May 7.  I hope you’ll take this opportunity to join Senator Bob Bacon, Representative John Kefalas, and me for a final update and summary of this year’s session.  Please bring your questions, comments, concerns, and suggestions!  

What: 
TOWN HALL MEETING
End of Session Wrap Up

When: 
Saturday, May 7, 2011 
10:00 - 11:30 A.M.

Where: 
Harmony Library 
4616 Shields Street
Fort Collins, CO 80526
Wheelchair Accessible 

Who:  
Representative Randy Fischer (Fort Collins HD-53)
Representative John Kefalas (Fort Collins HD-52)
Senator Bob Bacon (Fort Collins SD-14)

SCHOOL FINANCE SUMMARY

The outlook for K-12 education funding improved by $90 million last week as House Democrats worked to add dollars through an amendment to the School Finance Act.  This amendment provided an immediate $22.5 million from the State Education Fund to address funding shortfalls in local school districts.  Pending a positive June revenue forecast, the amendment will also direct $67.5 million to the Public School Fund.  This money can be applied to the neediest school districts across the state for changes in enrollment, special needs students, and to reduce mid-year cuts. 

 As a legislator, I have few more important tasks than investing in our children’s education.  By ensuring the success of our students, we ensure the success of our state.   While this additional funding is good news, schools will still be facing a deep cut this year.  The pain is reduced somewhat, from $338 million to $160 million in cuts.  However, I consider a $160 million cut to education unacceptable.  Please be assured that I will continue to fight for every dollar for our schools.  

This last minute addition of $90 million in school funds would not have happened without strenuous negotiations between House Democrats and the Governor’s office.  I thank those of you who helped make this possible by attending my Budget Listening tour and letting me know about your budget priorities and values, including a strong public education system.

REDISTRICTING SUMMARY

Colorado's population has grown by 16.8 percent since 2000.  The U.S. Constitution requires state legislatures to redraw congressional boundaries every 10 years to account for this population growth and to ensure each Congressional district provides equal representation.  With only 8 days remaining in the session, the legislature’s 2010 redistricting efforts are coming down to the wire
 
This year, the General Assembly’s leadership created a the Joint Select Committee on Redistricting to help guide the process.  The Committee was tasked with soliciting feed-back from citizens around the state and making recommendations to the legislature. Hundreds of Coloradans testified at the Committee’s hearings to offer their thoughts on how our congressional districts should be drawn.  A consistent message was heard indicating that citizens prefer competitive districts in which every vote counts.  Above all, the Committee heard that the public opposes the creation of so-called “safe seats” and “congressmen for life.” 

The Committee agreed that the new congressional districts should incorporate the following principles:  

•    Ensure equal population among districts;
•    Uphold all federal and state voting rights laws;
•    Maintain communities of interest;
•    Preserve local subdivisions as much as possible;
•    Assure competitiveness.

The Committee completed its work in mid-April having developed 11 maps depicting the newly redrawn boundaries of our 7 congressional districts.   One map has been introduced as a bill in the legislature.  This is Senate Bill 11-268, Concerning the Congressional Redistricting of Colorado, by Senator Rollie Heath and Representative Dan Pabon.   

click here to see the bill

So far, no competing bill has been introduced in the House.  With only 8 working days left in the session, House leadership is running out of time to introduce their bill.  

CONNECTING WITH MY DISTRICT

Although the Colorado General Assembly meets for 120 days each year, I consider the responsibility of representing House District 53 a full-time job.  That’s why I strive to remain open and accessible to my constituents year round.   During the interim until next year’s legislative session, I continue to work on legislation, meet with constituents, help Fort Collins residents navigate state government, and participate in at least two interim committees.  

I hope you will feel free to contact me at any time with comments, issues, or concerns about state government.

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STATE CAPITOL UPDATE – April 18, 2011
By Representative Randy Fischer, Colorado House District 53

Last week, the House of Representatives adopted the 2011/2012 Long Bill, the state’s budget for the next fiscal year.  This was the first budget in 5 years on which I voted “NO”.  I’ve written a summary for this newsletter that describes some of the key points in the budget debate.  I hope you’ll take time to read it.  

But first, I want to let you know of some other important news and events.     

YOU’RE INVITED:  COMMUNITY ISSUE FORUM
Local Efforts to Advance Sustainability

In celebration of Earth Day, please join Representative John Kefalas, Senator Bob Bacon, and me for a community issue forum about efforts to create and strengthen a sustainable local economy in Fort Collins.  This event is a continuation of our monthly community issue forums.  The forum will feature four panelists who have experience with local efforts to advance sustainable green building practices in commercial and residential construction, the new energy economy, and community- supported agricultural production.  Following brief presentations from each panelist, we will moderate a community dialogue on this topic.  I hope you will attend and please let others know about this forum.  

What: 
Community Issue Forum
Local Efforts to Advance a Sustainable Fort Collins 

When: 
Saturday, April 23, 2011 
10:15 - 11:45 A.M.

Where: 
Council Tree Library Community Room
2733 Council Tree Ave.
Fort Collins, CO 80525
Wheelchair Accessible 

Who:  
Bill Franzen, Green Building Consultant, SAGE 2 & Associates 
Nic Koontz, Owner/Farmer, Native Hill Farm
Dan Bihn, Renewable Energy Consultant
Sue Oberle, Horticulture Educator and Consultant, On the Vine at Richmond Farms 
Representative Randy Fischer (Fort Collins HD-53)
Representative John Kefalas (Fort Collins HD-52)
Senator Bob Bacon (Fort Collins SD-14)

COMMUNITY SUPPORT NEEDED
Four PSD Teams Qualify for Odyssey of the Mind World Finals

In late March, I was privileged to hand out ribbons to the winning teams at the Poudre School District Odyssey of the Mind competition held at Fossil Ridge High School.  A total of 92 teams of local 4th and 5th graders competed in this year’s local tournament.   The OM program www.odysseyofthemind.com/wf2011/ encourages elementary students to learn creative problem-solving and team-building skills. 

PSD recently announced that four of their OM teams earned the right to compete at the OM World Finals by placing first or second in their respective categories at the OM State tournament held in Loveland on April 9.  The teams qualifying for the World Finals include Traut Core Knowledge, Shepardson and Werner Elementary, and Bennett International Baccalaureate World schools.  The OM World Finals will be held on May 27 to 31 at the University of Maryland.  According to the PSD website, “the World Finals give students a chance to meet young people from around the world and learn how students from other cultures solve OM problems.  OM teams will come from countries around the globe, including China, India, Germany, Poland and Mexico.” http://www.psdschools.org/news/2011/03/26-odyssey-mind-teams-advance-state-tournament.

Competing in OM at the World Finals level is very expensive.  Without community support, it will be difficult to for some qualified teams to participate.  I’m sure these teams would appreciate your generous support.  At this time, I know that the Shepardson team is raising funds to be able to compete at the World Finals.  Other teams may be fundraising, but I lack specific information about their fundraising efforts.  The Shepardson team competed in the Extreme Mousemobiles division. Their problem was to complete challenges using a vehicle powered only by a mousetrap. Their solution was an eight minute circus-themed show that earned them the right to represent Colorado in the World Competition. 

To make a donation, please mail a check (Made to Shepardson, with “Odyssey of the Mind” on the memo line) Attn: Odyssey of the Mind, Shepardson Elementary School, 1501 Springwood Drive, Ft. Collins, CO 80525. If it is more convenient for you, staff would be happy to pick up your donation.

GOVERNOR HICKENLOOPER  APPOINTS NEW  CSU GOVERNORS 

Congratulations to Dennis Flores and Penfield Tate on their recent appointments to the CSU Board of Governors of the Colorado State University System.  Dennis E. Flores is a Pueblo insurance executive and a member of the Latino Chamber Development Corporation.   Penfield W. Tate is a principal in the Denver law firm of Greenberg Traurig and serves on the Board of the Metro Denver Chamber of Commerce.   Both men are CSU alumni.  Their terms run until December of 2014.  These appointments require confirmation by the Colorado Senate.

Decisions made by the Board of Governors can have huge impacts on Fort Collins and the entire state.  This important Board oversees the entire CSU system, including the Fort Collins, Pueblo, and Global campuses.  The Board selects the presidents of these institutions, establishes university policies, controls the budgets, sets student enrollment levels and tuition, confers degrees, and carries out other legal functions. 

2011 BUDGET SUMMARY 

Last week, I voted against the state’s annual budget bill, the Long Bill, for the first time in 5 years.  I applaud the hard work and responsible negotiations conducted by the Governor’s office, the Joint Budget Committee, and House and Senate leadership that resulted in the version of the Long Bill that we debated in the House last week.  Ultimately, however, I voted “NO” on the total budget package because of provisions which I find unacceptable, including the following representative sampling:

•    Cripples  early childhood education councils;
•    Cuts  K-12 education by an average  $400 per student; 
•    Reduces spending on higher education to historical low levels; 
•    Cuts cancer screening and treatment for low-income women;
•    Guts critical child protection services; 
•    Reduces funding for community health centers;
•    Other cuts to critical services too numerous to mention.  

At the same time these cuts were being made, huge amounts of state revenue were given away to special interests or held in reserve.  Most notably, the 2011/2012 budget gives away $44 million to a handful of large corporations, increases the general fund reserve over this year’s by approximately $130 million, and reinstates sales tax exemptions for business sectors singled out for special tax treatment.  

During the House deliberations, more than 40 amendments were run to remedy the Long Bill’s more onerous provisions.  Every one of these amendments failed on straight party-line votes.  

As I wrote recently in the Coloradoan, I ran for office to support education, not to slash it.  I ran to invest in the futures or children and young adults, not to foreclose on their futures.  I ran to expand access to health care, not to shrink it.  I ran to make our tax policy fair and equitable, not to give tax revenues away to vested special interests.  The current Long Bill may be balanced financially, but it is imbalanced morally.  That is why I voted “NO.”  

The Colorado Fiscal Policy Institute recently published some interesting perspectives on the recently passed budget.  According to CFPI, spending in the state budget next year will be $658 million below the current year, even as the state continues to grow.  In the past three years funding will have declined by 3.5 percent for the Division of Child Welfare, 12.8 percent for the Division of Child Care; 12.1 percent for mental health institutions; 11.8 percent for higher education.

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STATE CAPITOL UPDATE – April 4, 2011
By Representative Randy Fischer, Colorado House District 53


YOU’RE INVITED
Town Hall Meeting Saturday April 9, 2011

Please join Senator Bob Bacon, Representative John Kefalas, and me for another of our monthly town-hall meeting to discuss the policy issues I’m working on during the 2011 legislative session.  This town hall will be an open forum on state legislative issues.  I encourage you to bring your ideas, questions, comments, and concerns.  

What: 
April Legislative Town Hall Meeting

When: 
Saturday, April 9, 2011 
10:00 - 11:30 A.M.

Where: 
Fort Collins Coloradoan 
Community Room 
1300 Riverside Avenue
Fort Collins, CO

Who:  
Representative Randy Fischer (Fort Collins HD-53)
Representative John Kefalas (Fort Collins HD-52)
Senator Bob Bacon (Fort Collins SD-14)

CHECK-OFF COLORADO:  A SIMPLE WAY TO GIVE
Please be aware that your 2010 Colorado income tax return provides an easy and convenient opportunity for charitable giving.  Colorado started the nation’s first income tax check-off charitable giving program back in 1977.  The program has matured over the years.  This year you may give to many worthwhile organizations by simply indicating the recipient of your donation on your tax form.  There are 15 organizations in this year’s program, including the Homelessness Prevention Activities Program, the Colorado Domestic Abuse Prevention Fund, Colorado Healthy Rivers Fund, the Colorado Breast and Women’s Reproductive Cancers Fund, and other extremely worthwhile causes.   You have the option to donate a specified amount of your tax refund to a charity or cause of your choice on your state return form or on many popular tax software platforms visitwww.checkoffcolorado.com for a complete list of tax check-offs to which you may donate this tax season.

COUNTY-LEVEL REPORT CARD GAUGES STATE’S HEALTH
How healthy are the counties in our state? The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) and the University of Wisconsin’s Population Health Institute recently released the second annual County Health Rankings. Nearly every county in the country is ranked on health outcomes (how healthy we are) and on health factors (how healthy we can be).

Colorado’s Report Card is locally produced by the Colorado Health Foundation and the Colorado Health Institute.  This Colorado-specific  the Report Card tracks 38 health indicators divided into five life stages -- Healthy Beginnings, Healthy Children, Healthy Adolescents, Healthy Adults, and Healthy Aging.  Click here to see the full 2010 Colorado Health Report Card.

 
The latest version shows Colorado making gains among its elderly but falling behind in prenatal care and childhood obesity. Read this summary for a quick synopsis of the high points (and low points) of the 2010 Report Card.   Also available is a commentary from Anne Warhover, president and CEO of the Colorado Health Foundation, in The Denver Post about the Report Card, its implications for the state and some positive indications that some key indicators may be improving.

Sincerely,     

Randy Fischer, State Representative
House District 53
3007 Moore Lane
Fort Collins, CO 80526
970-215-7898

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STATE CAPITOL UPDATE – March 22, 2011
By Representative Randy Fischer, Colorado House District 53

Thanks to all who attended our budget listening tour this past Saturday.  Approximately 65 community members showed up to express their priorities and provide their input on the state’s 2011/2012 budget.  Please read on to learn about the next opportunity coming up this weekend to engage in civic dialogue on the important issue of meeting educational needs in the 21st century.  I’m also providing some information about the most recent economic and revenue forecast that will inform our upcoming deliberations on the 2011 Long Bill, our 2011/2012 state budget.  

YOU’RE INVITED: COMMUNITY ISSUE FORUM- MARCH 26, 2011
Meeting Educational Needs for the 21st Century

Please join Representative John Kefalas, Senator Bob Bacon, and me for our monthly community issue forum, entitled “Meeting Ft. Collins’ Educational Needs for the 21st Century.”    We will moderate a panel discussion with four distinguished educators.  The panelists will present information about efforts to address the educational needs of Fort Collins students to prepare them for the 21st century.  The panelists’ presentations will be followed by community dialogue on this issue.   

WHAT:  
Community Issue Forum
Meeting Educational Needs for the 21st Century

WHEN:
Saturday, March 26, 2011
10:30 A.M. – Noon

WHERE:
Council Tree Library Community Room
2733 Council Tree Ave.
Fort Collins, Colorado 80525
Community Room is wheelchair accessible

WHO:  
Rep. Randy Fischer
Rep. John Kefalas
Senator Bob Bacon.
Gully Stanford, Director of Partnerships, College in Colorado
Dr. Oscar Felix, Executive Director, Division of Enrollment and Access, CSU
Dr. Jim Butzek, Larimer Campus Vice-President, Front Range Community College
Dr. Jerry Wilson, Superintendent of Schools, Poudre School District

MARCH ECONOMIC AND REVENUE FORECAST
 
Next week, the legislature takes up the “Long Bill” which, when adopted, will become the state’s budget for the next fiscal year, 2011/2012.  The legislature is required to balance the state’s budget each year as part of passing the Long Bill.  The budget is considered “balanced” if our expenditures are equal to projected revenues plus a statutory reserve.  That’s why the quarterly economic and revenue projections we receive are such a significant factor in our budget deliberations.  

This past Friday, March 18, I attended the presentation of the March 2011 Economic and Revenue Forecast presented by the Office of Legislative Council and the Office of State Planning and Budget.  These projections contained some encouraging news about the state’s economy, but any optimism regarding the economic outlook appears to be tempered with caution.  

Compared with the previous quarter’s forecast released in December of 2010, state general fund revenues are rebounding at a faster-than-expected rate.   The most conservative estimate indicates the state will bring in $161 million more in general-fund revenue in 2011/2012 than was projected in December.  However, the economy continues to struggle due to forces related to the economic downturn.  Also, to put things in perspective,  general-fund revenue in 2011/2012 will be 8.1 percent or $625.3 million below the 2008/2009 level.  Thus, a structural gap remains that will have to be filled with deep cuts in state services and programs in 2011/2012.  

The Office of Legislative Council’s complete March 2011 revenue forecast is available by clicking here:

 http://www.colorado.gov/cs/Satellite?c=Document_C&childpagename=CGA-LegislativeCouncil%2FDocument_C%2FCLCAddLink&cid=1251590190680&pagename=CLCWrapper

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STATE CAPITOL UPDATE – March 16, 2011

By Representative Randy Fischer, Colorado House District 53

I am providing two opportunities for public input into the legislative process during the next 2 weekends.  This coming Saturday, March 19, I will hold a budget listening tour to gather your ideas, thoughts and suggestions on balancing the state’s budget as we prepare to pass the Long Bill. Then, on Saturday, March 26, I will hold a community issue forum on meeting the educational needs of Fort Collins student for the 21st century.  Please read below about these opportunities to share your comments, questions, and concerns.  

YOU’RE INVITED: BUDGET LISTENING TOUR
SATURDAY, MARCH 19

Times are tough.  How we respond to our current fiscal emergency is a test of who we are as Coloradans.   That’s why I will be hosting a "Budget Listening Tour" on March 19th to hear your ideas, thoughts, and concerns about Colorado’s budget situation.  I care about protecting the services you rely on and care about.   I want to ensure that I take the ideas brought by my constituents into consideration when the legislature goes about balancing the state budget given our significant revenue shortfall.  

This budget listening tour is timed to gather your input just prior to the legislature’s work on the 2011/2012 budget bill , the so-called Long Bill.  We will receive the March revenue forecast on Friday, March 18.  This forecast will provide us with the final figures with which to balance the state’s next fiscal-year budget.  I will bring this information to the meeting on Saturday to better inform the discussion.   Please see the details below.  I hope to see you there!  

What: 
Budget Listening Tour

When: 
Saturday, March 19, 2011 
11:00 A.M. - 12:30 P.M.

Where: 
Fort Collins Coloradoan 
Community Room 
1300 Riverside Avenue
Fort Collins, CO

Who:  
Representative Randy Fischer (Fort Collins HD-53)
Representative John Kefalas (Fort Collins HD-52)
Senator Bob Bacon (Fort Collins SD-14)

MARCH 26 COMMUNITY ISSUE FORUM

I hope you can attend my community issue forum this month on Saturday, March 26, from 10:30 A.M. to Noon at the Council Tree Library community room.  The topic will be Meeting Fort Collins’ Educational Needs for the 21st Century.  Stay tuned for more information on this event in my next e-newsletter.  

HONORED BY FOOTHILLS GATEWAY INC.
I was recently honored to be named the 2010 Elected Official of the Year by Foothills Gateway, Inc.  Foothills Gateway is Larimer County’s Community Centered Board (CCB) which is tasked with case management and service provision for citizens with cognitive and intellectual disabilities.  
I’m honored to have received this award from such an important organization.  I truly appreciate their recognition.  And I’m privileged to help make people aware of the great work that Foothills Gateway does to improve the lives of Coloradans with cognitive disabilities.  The Foothills Gateway board of directors, in collaboration with their clients and the families they serve in Larimer County, presented me with this award at their annual meeting on Monday, March 7. 

 
PROJECT SELF-SUFFICIENCY CELEBRATES 25 YEARS
Congratulations to Project Self-Sufficiency (PSS) in celebrating 25 years of helping single parents achieve financial independence.  PSS is a local non-profit that started in 1986 with 60 families from around the Fort Collins and Loveland areas.  Executive Director, Mary Carraher, and her staff celebrated the organization’s 25th year anniversary at their annual breakfast on Tuesday, March 8, 2011.   PSS is a great organization that is helping our community with tough issues during an increasingly important time in our community.  PSS deserves our recognition and our support for the work they do to help lift families out of poverty.  
I hope you will feel free to contact me at any time with comments, issues, or concerns about state government.  

Sincerely,     

Randy Fischer, State Representative
House District 53
3007 Moore Lane
Fort Collins, CO 80526
970-215-7898

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