ProgressNow Colorado

Rep. Beth McCann reads messages in support of reducing gun violence in Colorado

2013-02-19T20:19:08Z

WATCH AND SHARE: Rep. Beth McCann reads messages from ProgressNow Colorado members in support of legislation to reduce gun violence during debate Friday. Hear from moms, neighbors, and yes, gun owners and NRA members--all calling for sensible legislation to protect our communities.

Release: Colorado Progressives Speak Out To Reduce Gun Violence

2013-02-14T19:19:14Z

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, February 14, 2013
CONTACT: Alan Franklin, Political Director at 303-991-1900

Representatives Beth McCann and Rhonda Fields receive comments from ProgressNow Colorado members in support of proposed legislation to reduce gun violence. Photo by ProgressNow Colorado

DENVER: As pro-gun lobbyists continue their duplicitous attacks against legislation before the Colorado General Assembly to reduce gun violence, ProgressNow Colorado, the state's largest online progressive advocacy organization, delivered hundreds of messages in support of this legislation to the bills' sponsors fighting to win passage.

"Despite the intense campaign from the gun lobby against these common-sense bills, I've heard from so many Coloradans who understand what we are trying to do," said Rep. Rhonda Fields. "I'm thankful for the support of Colorado progressives as we take these important steps to reduce gun violence."

"Pro-gun lobbyists and dishonest Republican officials have egregiously misinformed the public on what these bills would actually do," said ProgressNow Colorado political director Alan Franklin. "It's been an uphill battle against the gun lobby's limitless financial resources and lack of scruples when it comes to misleading their supporters about proposed legislation. Fortunately, Colorado progressives are not fooled, and stand with our legislators as they work to make our state a safer place."

Here are just a few of the many comments received from Colorado progressives in support of legislation to reduce gun violence:

Tracy in Denver: "I wholly support the introduction and passage of the proposed legislation on background checks, mental health support, banning high capacity magazines, and bringing together responsible parties to act responsibly in regard to certain firearms."

Randy in Highlands Ranch: "It is time for the Colorado legislature to put the safety of our citizens before the demands of the NRA."

David in Gunnison: "I'm a gun owner, hunter, and have no qualms about the ideas such as restricting high-capacity magazines, or some kinds of 'assault weapons,' requiring background checks of gun purchases in any venue, or similar measures to help reduce use of guns in crimes of violence."

Philip in Boulder: "It is time for sensible controls to help minimize future gun violence. As someone who has known people killed from both gun accidents, as well as gun violence, I encourage you to pass reasonable reforms."

Pamela in Denver: "We need a voice of reason with all the violence in not only mass shootings, but also those that occur every day in our cities."

Alberta in Black Forest: "These are all common sense solutions to the problem of gun violence. And none of these pieces of legislation will prevent any law-abiding citizen of Colorado from owning or purchasing a gun."

Patricia in Fort Collins: "These eight measures do not prevent me or you from purchasing or owning a firearm as long as we are not mentally or physically dangerous to ourselves or other people. These measures are long overdue and I hope you will support them."

Mark in Littleton: "These are common sense measures that don't restrict legitimate gun ownership. It is high time that the responsibility of gun ownership matched the right of gun ownership."

John in Durango: "Let's avoid the baseless hysteria and deliberate distortions that seem to dominate political discussion these days and adopt ALL eight of these common sense measures to reduce gun violence. The time is now."

Phyllis in Hesperus: "It seems that any legislation about guns, ammunition, registration or control, sets the NRA and many gun owners in a tizzy, thinking it is a direct attack on them and a plot to remove their weapons and their right to own weapons. If they would control their temper and read the proposals they would see the fairness and need to protect innocent people from gun violence. Please take action and protect innocent people of all ages from the shattering gun violence that has affected so many lives."

In addition to written petition comments, ProgressNow Colorado members have begun to directly reach out to their legislators by phone via online integrated contact tools, hoping to counter to flood of calls from opponents.

"These are just a few of the hundreds of heartfelt messages we've received in support of proposed legislation to reduce gun violence in Colorado," said ProgressNow Colorado's Franklin. "The gun lobby may be adept at scaring and lying to their supporters to turn them out for protests, but an objective and sober look at these proposals makes it clear that no one is trying to take away the rights of law-abiding Coloradans to possess guns. Colorado progressives urge our legislators to not be fooled or intimidated by the gun lobby or their misinformed pawns--and to stand firm on the side of reducing the scourge of gun violence in our state."

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Call For Colorado Republicans To Stop Lying About Proposed Gun Legislation

2013-02-13T22:59:48Z

Colorado Senator caught red-handed spreading falsehoods to constituents

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, February 13, 2013
CONTACT: Alan Franklin, Political Director at 303-991-1900

DENVER: Learning today of evidence that Colorado Republican legislators are falsely informing constituents that Democrats in the General Assembly are proposing to "prohibit and criminalize the private transfer of firearms," ProgressNow Colorado, the state's largest online progressive advocacy organization, demanded Republican legislators immediately stop misleading and inciting the public.

"It's been a mystery why so many citizens have shown up at the Colorado Capitol in a state of panic about what proposed legislation to reduce gun violence in Colorado might do," said ProgressNow Colorado political director Alan Franklin. "Now we know what's been happening: Republicans have been irresponsibly spreading lies and fear about these proposals. We call on Republicans to immediately stop lying to their constituents, apologize to fellow representatives whose legislation they have grossly misrepresented, and set the record straight with at least as much vigor as they spread these lies."

An email from GOP Sen. Mark Scheffel of Parker to his constituents, posted to a local political blog today, falsely claims that Colorado House Bill 13-1229, sponsored by state Representatives Rhonda Fields and Beth McCann, would "prohibit and criminalize the private transfer of firearms." In truth, HB13-1229 closes a loophole that allowed many firearms to be transferred without a Colorado Bureau of Investigations background check, and simply requires those checks on most private transfers of guns--just as is already done today at gun stores and gun shows. [1]

The language in Sen. Scheffel's message to constituents appears to have been duplicated verbatim from a National Rifle Association alert on the bills. [2]

"There is absolutely no excuse for a Colorado senator to brazenly lie to his constituents," said Franklin. "If outside groups like the NRA want to mislead their supporters, that's one thing. But a Colorado legislator has a higher responsibility to tell the truth about the bills they are considering. By claiming to his constituents that a bill to simply close the background check loophole would 'prohibit and criminalize the private transfer of firearms,' Sen. Scheffel has broken the trust the voters have placed in him."

"Colorado," said Franklin, "needs representatives who are honest with the public they serve. Once again, Colorado Republicans have failed that test."

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"The families of Aurora deserve a vote"

2013-02-13T20:11:53Z

President Barack Obama powerfully made the case for taking action to reduce gun violence in his State of the Union address yesterday--and today, the fight for common sense reform is ramping in our state. The misinformation is flowing thick at the Colorado Capitol from the gun lobby, and we need your help right now to stand up for what's right.

Two important bills to sensibly reduce gun violence are headed for the full Colorado House as early as Friday. These are two of the most popular and most basic reforms proposed by Colorado progressives to reduce gun violence in the wake of devastating mass shootings in Aurora last summer and elsewhere.

Please click here to call your Colorado legislator right now, and tell them you support these common-sense bills to reduce gun violence while protecting the rights of law-abiding citizens.

The two bills we need your help to pass TODAY are:

House Bill 1229, closing the background check loophole. This legislation will require background checks for all gun buyers, regardless of how they acquire their guns. The bill also includes provisions to enhance the real-time sharing of mental health data between state and federal agencies; and a provision to allow individuals denied access to firearms to appeal those denials. The bill is supported by the Colorado Bureau of Investigations, the agency responsible for conducting background checks for firearm purchases in Colorado.

House Bill 1224, prohibiting the sale of high capacity ammunition magazines. This bill will ban the sale and transfer of new ammunition feeding devices (magazines, strips, and drums) capable of accepting more than a prescribed number of rounds (10 to 15 based on different versions of the bill).

The gun lobby is flooding the state Capitol with misinformed citizens who have been fed all kinds of nonsense about what has actually been proposed. Once again, the facts: if you own guns, no one is coming to take them. If you are a law-abiding citizen who wants to legally buy a gun, no one is trying to prevent that. This is Colorado, and we respect the rights of our law-abiding neighbors to protect themselves and their families. These bills are not a "slippery slope," they are simply about common-sense steps we can take right now to save lives in Colorado.

Don't wait: your state representative needs to hear from you right now. Help us cut through the noise and misinformation flooding the Capitol at the behest of well-funded gun lobbyists. Please call your legislator today and help them do the right thing to prevent gun violence.

Attention Colorado: No one is coming to take your gun

2013-02-06T19:27:59Z

In response to terrible mass shootings last year, including the tragic deaths of 12 people and wounding of dozens more at an Aurora, Colorado movie theater, progressives in the Colorado legislature unveiled a common-sense package of new legislation yesterday to better protect the citizens of our state from gun violence.

Right wing groups are flooding the airwaves with misinformation about what these proposals would do. We're here to set the record straight: if you own guns, no one is coming to take them. If you are a law-abiding citizen who wants to legally buy a gun, no one is trying to prevent that. This is Colorado, and we respect the rights of our law-abiding neighbors to protect themselves and their families.

Click here to help us cut through the noise, and tell your Colorado legislators it is time for common-sense measures we can take right now to reduce gun violence.

Here are the simple facts on the eight gun violence prevention measures announced yesterday:

Assault Weapon Responsibility Act - (Senate President John Morse, Representative Beth McCann) This bill will create strict liability for manufacturers, sellers, owners, and possessors of firearms, with the exception of handguns, bolt action rifles and shotguns.

Firearm Background Check Modernization Act - (Representative Rhonda Fields, Representative Beth McCann, Senate Majority Leader Morgan Carroll) This legislation will require background checks for all gun buyers, regardless of how they acquire their guns. The bill also includes provisions to enhance the real-time sharing of mental health data between state and federal agencies; and a provision to allow individuals denied access to firearms to appeal those denials.

High-Capacity Magazine Ban - (Representative Rhonda Fields, Senator Mary Hodge) This bill will ban the sale, transfer, and ownership of all new ammunition feeding devices (magazines, strips, and drums) capable of accepting more than 10 rounds, after the enactment date of the bill. Additionally, it will prohibit the sale or transfer of large-capacity ammunition feeding devices lawfully possessed on the date of enactment of the bill.

Mental Health Support - (Representative Beth McCann) The bill directs mental health professionals to notify the CBI if in their professional capacity they conclude that a person poses a danger of serious physical harm to self or others. CBI would then place that person's information into the Insta-background check database so that the person would not be able to purchase a gun. Additionally, the bill would direct that an individual be assessed by a mental health professional for danger to possess a firearm at the time of release from civil commitment, if that commitment was for dangerousness. If the person is assessed dangerous to self or others, the mental health professional would notify CBI so that the person would be flagged in the system. The bill provides an opportunity to have gun rights restored to individuals through the courts.

Domestic Violence Safeguards - (Senator Evie Hudak, Representative Beth McCann) The bill will strengthen the protections in our laws to prevent those who have domestic violence convictions, or protective orders issued against them, from possessing firearms. This will help protect victims of domestic violence from further violence by clarifying state statute to comply with federal regulations and ensure those already convicted of a domestic violence crime, or who have a protective order against them, cannot access weapons.

In-Person Training for Concealed Carry Permits - (Senator Lois Tochtrop, Representative Jenise May) The legislation specifies that concealed carry permit holders, who are not exempt from training, must undergo training in-person. It prohibits training from being done online.

Closing the Background Check State Subsidy - (Representative Lois Court, Senator Rollie Heath) This bill would end an existing state subsidy and could reduce wait times by requiring individuals to pay for their own background checks from the CBI - which cost about $10.

Campus Safety - (Representative Claire Levy, Senator Rollie Heath) This bill clarifies that concealed carry is prohibited in most areas on college campuses in Colorado, including stadiums and arenas, to help keep our young people safe and our college campuses secure from violence.

Yesterday, Speaker of the House Mark Ferrandino said it best: "As a civilized society, we cannot stand back and wait for another Columbine, another Aurora." These are some common-sense measures Colorado can take right now to reduce gun violence--and to keep guns out of the hands of people who shouldn't have them, without infringing on the rights of law-abiding citizens to own guns.

Click here, and sign our petition in support of the Colorado gun violence prevention legislative package. We will deliver your names and comments to members of the Colorado legislature next week.

It seems like every time this issue is brought up, the extremist right wing tries to irrationally derail the conversation. But Speaker Ferrandino is right: the time is now to take common-sense action to protect our communities from gun violence. Thanks for your help cutting through the noise at this important moment: this time, it could really help save a life.

The next generation of Colorado voters

2013-02-04T18:55:56Z

This afternoon, an exciting new bill to allow for "voter preregistration" of 16 and 17 year olds to vote (once they turn 18, of course!) will be heard in the Colorado House State Affairs Committee. This legislation is simple: a preregistered voterʼs registration will be listed as "pending" until activating on his or her 18th birthday.

Voter preregistration is a great way to get the next generation of voters involved in the election process. The fact is, more than half of eligible 18-29 year olds in Colorado are not registered to vote. Preregistration has shown in other states (13 other states have some form of this law on the books) to increase the likelihood of voting by young adults--and also increases the long-term civic engagement of these voters.

Please take a moment right now to call or email members of the House State Affairs Committee, and urge them to vote YES on House Bill 13-1135 this afternoon!

House State, Veterans, & Military Affairs Committee

Rep. Su Ryden, Chair - Phone: 303-866-2942 E-Mail: su.ryden.house@state.co.us
Rep. Joe Salazar, Vice-Chair - Phone: 303-866-2918 E-Mail: joseph.salazar.house@state.co.us
Rep. Tim Dore - Phone: 303-866-2398 E-Mail: tim.dore.house@state.co.us
Rep. Jeanne Labuda - Phone: 303-866-2966 E-Mail: jeanne.labuda.house@state.co.us
Rep. Dan Nordberg - Phone: 303-866-2965 E-Mail: dan.nordberg.house@state.co.us
Rep. Mike Foote - Phone: 303-866-2920 E-Mail: mike.foote.house@state.co.us
Rep. Jovan Melton - Phone: 303-866-2919 E-Mail: jovan.melton.house@state.co.us
Rep. Ray Scott - Phone: 303-866-3068 E-mail: ray.scott.house@state.co.us
Rep. Steve Humphrey - Phone: 303-866-2943 E-Mail: rephumphrey48@yahoo.com
Rep. Dominick Moreno - Phone: 303-866-2964 E-Mail: dominick.moreno.house@state.co.us
Rep. Angela Williams - Phone: 303-866-2909 E-Mail: angela.williams.house@state.co.us

Thanks! Preregistration is something simple we can do to increase the electoral participation of youth in Colorado. That's something we can all support! Today is just the first step for this important legislation. Stay tuned, and we'll keep you informed as this bill makes its way toward becoming law.

PS. Read the full text of House Bill 13-1135: click here.

Colorado Progressives Cheer Renewed Focus on Immigration Reform

2013-01-29T21:55:46Z

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, January 29, 2013
CONTACT: Alan Franklin, Political Director at 303-991-1900

DENVER: After major announcements in the last two days of a renewed focus on comprehensive immigration reform efforts in Washington, D.C., ProgressNow Colorado, the state's largest online progressive advocacy organization, thanked leaders in both parties for bringing this critical issue back to the fore.

"Once in awhile, hope breaks out in Washington instead of the usual acrimony and gridlock," said ProgressNow Colorado political director Alan Franklin. "Between yesterday's announcement of a new push in the U.S. Senate for comprehensive immigration reform, and today President Barack Obama's declaration that 'now is the time,' supporters of a comprehensive solution to one of our nations' most vexing problems have more reason to hope now than we have in years."

Yesterday, the so-called "Gang of Eight" bipartisan group of U.S. Senators, including Colorado Sen. Michael Bennet, announced a plan that provides a path to citizenship for undocumented immigrants in the United States, along with tighter border enforcement and controls on visas. Today, President Obama offered an even bolder plan for reform, while expressing support for the work done in the Senate. These developments represent the most significant movement on the issue of immigration reform in at least the last five years. [1]

"A major debate on the issue of immigration to America is about to begin, and it's years overdue," said Franklin. "For far too long, attempts to achieve a comprehensive solution to immigration have been stymied by obstructionist conservatives--obsessed with radical, harmful, and unworkable solutions to this complex, decades-old problem. What progressives want is a solution to immigration that is fair to immigrants seeking prosperity and American workers fighting to preserve theirs. Progressives want a realistic pathway to citizenship for those who desire it, and to secure our borders in a sensible and humane manner. We look forward to engaging our members and Colorado public officials in this discussion."

"After years of thinking small on this issue, it's time to think big," said Franklin.

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"No one can tell me I can't have two moms"

2013-01-28T20:51:58Z

I'm really proud of this. This past weekend, something really cool happened that's spreading around the country. Denver Nuggets star Kenneth "Manimal" Faried came out in support of civil unions, in a special video message featuring Faried and his two moms--Carol and Waudda.

Don't miss this heartwarming message from Faried and his two moms, who have been together as a committed couple for eleven years. Faried's birth mother, Waudda, has lupus, and the protections of a civil union have been vital to help Carol care for her partner.

Click here to watch the video, and send a message to Faried via our friends at One Colorado thanking him for his support for civil unions. Then forward this video to everyone you know! And stay tuned for the next steps as the Colorado Civil Unions Act moves through the General Assembly.

Sign the 2013: Year of the Student Call to Action

2013-01-28T20:29:08Z

Overcrowded classes, narrowing curriculum, skyrocketing higher ed tuition. We can do better!

If, like me, you believe that it's way past time for the Colorado legislature to fund preschool, K-12 and higher education in a way that ensures success for every student, here's your chance to raise your voice. This Wednesday, January 30th, our friends at Great Education Colorado, together with the growing Year of the Student coalition, will deliverthousands of signatures to our Colorado legislators and Gov. John Hickenlooper, calling on them to reverse years of huge cuts--and create a plan this year to reinvest in public education.

The fact is, after a billion dollars in cuts during the recent recession, we as a state have failed to make the investment necessary to be sure every Colorado student, from pre-school to graduate school, receives the best education available. In 2013, it's time to take action.

Help our friends at Great Education Colorado reach 9,000 signatures today: sign this petition now.

Thanks for your quick response on this critically important issue.

Colorado ASSET: What progressives need to know

2013-01-24T20:34:51Z

Today, the "Colorado ASSET" bill, which will allow all qualified Colorado resident high school graduates to attend college at in-state tuition rates, is expected to pass its first test in the Colorado Senate Education Committee.

There is a great deal of misinformation being put out about this important legislation by opponents, and we as progressives have an obligation to help set the record straight. Here are some basic facts about Senate Bill 13-033: learn the truth, then contact your Colorado Senator and urge them to SUPPORT this important bill.

The Facts About ASSET

The fact is, we have already invested thousands educating all of the children who will benefit from Senate Bill 13-033. We have invested in their K-12 education, and these students have responded by succeeding academically in Colorado schools. By providing a path to these bright students to continue their studies, all we're doing is following through on an investment we've already made.

Colorado has a constitutional obligation, backed by a U.S. Supreme Court ruling, to provide a K-12 education to every child in our state regardless of their documentation or immigration status. It therefore makes no sense to create barriers for children who have demonstrated academic success in Colorado schools to completing their education. By making college an attainable goal for all Colorado students, ASSET will increase revenue for our cash-strapped institutions of higher education.

Remember, Colorado ASSET will only allow the children affected by the bill to pay in-state tuition at Colorado colleges and universities provided they can meet the following criteria:

The student must have already attended a Colorado public or private high school for a minimum of 3 years.
The student must have graduated from a public or private high school in Colorado, or received their general equivalency diploma (GED)--here in Colorado.

And of course, the student must meet all of the academic requirements and be admitted to a Colorado institution of higher education.

Many of the currently undocumented students who would benefit from Colorado ASSET are already working their way through the U.S. immigration system and are able to be legally employed. All other students who might benefit are required to seek lawful presence as soon as possible.

Please help us spread the truth about this important legislation. Click here to send a message to your Colorado Senator right now, urging them to support the Colorado ASSET bill. And forward this message to all of your friends and neighbors so they can get the facts as well.

Thank you. This is legislation that I expect to pass with at least some bipartisan support, but it's critical that we as progressives do everything we can to educate our friends and neighbors, and dispel misinformation. I support Colorado ASSET because it's the right thing to do, and the right thing for Colorado's competitiveness in a global economy.

And working together, our great state is going to take this positive step.

Read the full text of the Colorado ASSET bill as introduced here.

LET US LIVE: Gun violence prevention rally Monday, Colorado State Capitol

2013-01-23T19:56:47Z

Next Monday, January 28th at noon, concerned citizens, faith congregations, and progressives like you and me will come together at the Colorado Capitol for a rally to prevent gun violence. Monday's rally will feature friends and family of victims, faith leaders, elected officials, and others to call for the immediate passage of sensible policies to prevent the gun violence that claims dozens of American lives every day. Please read the information from our friends atTogether Colorado below, and we hope you can join us next Monday.

Thank you,

Alan Franklin
ProgressNow Colorado

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What: Gun Violence Prevention Rally
When: Monday, Jan. 28th, Noon - 12:45pm
Where: Colorado State Capitol Building, 200 East Colfax Ave. Denver 80203

Did You Know?

In Colorado

• 12 students and 1 teacher were killed during the Columbine High School Massacre in 1999
• On July 20, 2012, 12 people were killed and 58 injured at Century Movie Theater in Aurora, Colorado
• In 2011 (the latest year for which statistics are available) there were 147 homicides in Colorado, 50% involved guns

Nationwide

• The United States has the highest gun ownership rate in the world - there are 89 guns for every 100 Americans
• On December 14, 2012, 20 children and 6 teachers were killed in the Sandy Hook Elementary School Massacre in Newtown, Connecticut
• The United States has experienced 33 school shootings since Columbine High School
• 34 Americans are murdered with guns everyday - over 48,000 Americans were killed during President Obama's last term

Enough is ENOUGH! Let's gather on the steps of the Colorado State Capitol Building and tell our elected officials that the time is NOW for gun violence prevention policies - LET US LIVE!

If you have questions, please contact William Dickerson (Community Organizer, Together CO) 303.330.8311, will@togetherco.org

More about LET US LIVE: Gun Violence Prevention Rallyhttp://www.togethercolorado.org/action/let-us-live-gun-prevention-rally

Gov. Hickenlooper, we have a problem

2013-01-15T20:36:21Z

With a new progressive majority in the Colorado House, and new progressive leaders in our state boldly tackling the big problems, we at ProgressNow Colorado are excited about where Colorado is headed in 2013.

But we've got a problem, and we need your help.

Gov. John Hickenlooper has proven to be a friend of progressives on many issues: basic rights for committed gay and lesbian couples, expanding access to health care, reducing violent gun crime, and providing a great education for all of Colorado's students. But on the issue of oil and gas development and fracking, Gov. Hickenlooper has repeatedly sided with the oil and gas industry against protection for Coloradans. Last year, Gov. Hickenlooper even starred in a pro-oil industry ad that falsely claimed fracking has not resulted in groundwater contamination. [1]

Colorado is in the midst of an energy boom made possible by an extraction method for oil and gas called fracking. Energy production is an important part of Colorado's economy. Striking the right balance between developing these natural resources, and protecting Colorado's water supplies and communities, is one of the most important debates taking place today.

Click here to respectfully tell Gov. Hickenlooper to stand up for Colorado's water and families, not out-of-state energy companies.

Earlier this month, Hickenlooper's administration approved new groundwater testing and setback (minimum distance from existing structures) rules that fail, according to many experts, to adequately protect Colorado families from the harmful effects of oil and gas production near their homes. Some of these new rules, like a far less comprehensive water testing regimen, appear to be outright giveaways to energy companies at the expense of the health and safety of Coloradans. [2]

At ProgressNow Colorado, we applaud Gov. Hickenlooper for the things he has done right, but we can't ignore his blind spot on conservation issues any longer. Click here to send a message to Gov. Hickenlooper right now, asking him to stop siding with energy interests over the interests of local communities threatened by drilling across the state.

We all know that energy production is going to happen. Working together, let's make sure it's done responsibly--and that our families and other irreplaceable resources are protected. Thank you for doing your part.

The 2013 session is on: let's get to work!

2013-01-10T20:35:27Z

The 2013 session of the Colorado legislature is now underway! We're very excited about all the things we're going to accomplish this year with a new progressive majority in the Colorado House. Right now, we need your help on two very important pieces of legislation announced yesterday: one in the Colorado House, and one in the Senate. Take a moment right now to take action in support of both of these bills!

The first bill is so important, the Colorado Senate made it the very first legislation introduced this session. Senate Bill 1, the Working Families Economic Opportunity Act, creates permanent tax credits for working families, child care, and dependent care expenses. This is a bill to put money directly into the pockets of people who need it most: working families, single moms, families with dependents of all situations to care for.

"The Working Families Economic Opportunity Act is a great chance to make a real difference in the lives of families that have been hard hit by the back to back economic downturns of the last decade," says Carol Hedges of the Colorado Fiscal Institute. "Investing in Colorado working families helps with basic needs today and pays dividends of increased educational performance, health and economic earnings in the future. The proven common sense approach of Senate Bill 1 is a welcome addition to the economic debate at the Capitol."

Click here: send a message right now to your Colorado Senator, urging him or her to VOTE YES on Senate Bill 1.

The second economic development bill to watch as the session gets going is House Bill 1001, the Advanced Industries Accelerator Act. This is a smart, bipartisan-supported bill to set up grants for high-tech startups and critical industries to innovate and create jobs in our state. It's a common sense way to help Colorado businesses and create Colorado jobs--and something we can do right now to keep our local innovators and entrepreneurs competitive globally.

Click here: send a message right now to your Colorado representative, urging him or her to VOTE YES on House Bill 1001.

Thanks for your prompt attention to both of these important bills. We have many more pieces of legislation that will be needing your voice to help pass this year: bills to protect equality and fairness for all Coloradans, educate our kids, care for the sick, and maintain our infrastructure. But the progressive majority in the Colorado House and Senate decided to start off with two bills to create jobs, and put money directly in the pockets of Colorado working families.

And that's pretty cool too. Thanks for doing your part!

PS. Read the text of Senate Bill 1 and House Bill 1001. For the latest on these bills and every news item in the Colorado legislature this session, make sure to follow the #COleg channel on Twitter.

Coloradans Condemn Rep. Doug Lamborn's Shameful Hypocrisy

2013-01-04T20:11:13Z

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, January 4, 2013
CONTACT: Alan Franklin, Political Director at 303-991-1900

DENVER: Learning today of the vote by Colorado's Rep. Doug Lamborn against relief for victims of Hurricane Sandy, ProgressNow Colorado, the state's largest online progressive advocacy organization, released the following statement:

"It's a disgrace to the entire state of Colorado that Rep. Doug Lamborn would vote against disaster relief for victims of Hurricane Sandy, less than a year after asking the federal government for additional assistance in the wake of the devastating Waldo Canyon fire," said ProgressNow Colorado political director Alan Franklin. "This is a shocking act of hypocrisy and cold-heartedness that every citizen of our state has an obligation to repudiate."

Last spring, Rep. Lamborn co-sponsored legislation in Congress to restrict disaster declarations. At the time, Lamborn claimed that there was a need to restrain President Barack Obama's "very generous use of 'disaster declarations.'" After the Waldo Canyon fire near Colorado Springs in June, however, Lamborn requested additional FEMA disaster relief assistance for his district, and even toured the fire area with President Obama. [1]

"That Rep. Lamborn would turn his back on fellow Americans and victims of a terrible disaster, so soon after seeking the same kind of aid for his own constituents, is outrageous and totally unacceptable," said Franklin. "The states affected by Hurricane Sandy did not oppose Lamborn's request for FEMA disaster relief aid last summer--if anything, they helped pay for it. This is not the way we treat our neighbors in Colorado. Every Coloradan with a shred of decency should be outraged, and we have an obligation to tell the rest of the nation, loud and clear, that Lamborn's disgraceful hypocrisy does not represent Colorado."

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Release: Joanne Schwartz to depart ProgressNow Colorado

2012-11-13T19:37:10Z

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, November 13, 2012
CONTACT: Joanne Schwartz, Executive Director, 303-991-1900

DENVER: After a year of incredible work at ProgressNow Colorado, the state's largest online advocacy organization announced that executive director, Joanne Schwartz, will depart at the end of the year to become a Principal at Civitas Public Affairs Group LLC.

"I'm thankful to have had the opportunity to work with the talented team at ProgressNow Colorado who are driving progressive policy and creatively engaging Coloradans," said Schwartz. "I'm grateful to our board and to all of our members and donors for their continued dedication to the organization."

"We've seen ProgressNow Colorado's impact in the electoral successes for progressives this year," said Ted Trimpa, President of the Trimpa Group, and one of the founders and current board chair of the national association of ProgressNow affiliates. "I thank Joanne for her leadership and commitment to support the team through the transition period."

Over the past year, ProgressNow Colorado shaped coverage of the legislative session, reclaimed the term Obamacare, held Secretary of State Scott Gessler accountable for his harmful actions, and trained partners on messaging and social media. Additionally, ProgressNow Colorado developed multi-faceted, earned and social media campaigns for the presidential election and three congressional races, while playing a role in more than 15 individual legislative races.

Schwartz will join the Washington, DC based firm at the beginning of 2013.

Resumes and cover letters for ProgressNow Colorado's executive director position should be sent to apply@progressnowcolorado.org.

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