Yesterday (Monday, March 6) Senate Republicans held a full caucus to discuss their overall agenda for the remainder of the legislative session. Did they discuss solving real problems in the State of Colorado, well not really.

They railed on Ref. C, lamenting that "D" didn't pass and now the Democrats have too much control over "C dollars." Did they pledge to make sure that those monies would be used to ensure that Health Care, Education, and Transportation budgets would be shored up? No.

What they did do was talk about how they wanted no funding for any new programs, any, in any department, no matter what its' purpose. The only things the caucus was interested in giving money to were business programs, programs that Republicans themselves had slashed while they were in power.

The caucus came to the cunclusion that not an extra penny should go to highways in the state, and even suggested budgeting down to safegaurd against high budget estimates. However, Senator Dave Owen calmed the room when he assured them that despite their own hesitation to properly fund transportation in Colorado, it was okay because "deep down in their hearts (Democrats) don't wanna give ANY money to transportation."

Well, not to worry Senator Owen, Democrats are working to fund transportation issues, not to mention Health Care and Education, which were eerily ignored in the caucus.

Well here's some good news from today (well sort of, thanks to soon up for re-election John Evans). Senator Deanna Hanna got an excellent bill passed through the Education Committee.

Here's the brief description they give out on the daily calendars down there "Senate Bill 067 -- Suicidal Behavior in Higher Ed." Yikes right? Well, what it does is it would allow Universities to include a waiver for all incoming students to designate a person to call if they are reported to or are observed displaying suicidal behavior. It is "common sense" legislation in my view, I know of several suicide stories from college, and this bill could have possibly prevented at least some of them.

You see, as it stands today Universities are prohibited from contacting or releasing information to ANYBODY in regards to their student body. This is due to current Federal Privacy Laws. However this waiver would allow the appropriate person (designated by each university) on campus to contact whomever the student designated on the form in case they displayed suicidal behavior. Sounds great right, the waiver is optional for the student, and the school actually designs it in the way it feels is appropriate for their campus.

What's the problem? Well, evidently Senator Evans felt like it would be better to have a "pilot program" instead of simply passing the bill as it was intended, to go out statewide. Now, thanks to Senator Evans the wording in the bill will allow for as few as one public university in this state to institute this program over the next two years. [Read: It could also be allowed in ALL state universities, but when it can be as few as one, it seems doubtful it will be all or even close to it]. After the two-year "Pilot" period, the program will be judged and then will either sunset (die) or used at every State School in Colorado.

This is good legislation that has been mucked up by compromise because John Evans isn't sure about suicide prevention, what a shame. Still, a big cheers for Senator Hanna.

Well, we are roughly half way through the session, and the big question on our mind is where to begin? How about a couple of weeks ago on Monday February 20th when Republican Senator Ed Jones (District 11 - Colorado Springs) announced his re-election. Jones, who is seemingly always up to something, attacked Democratic Senators who sit with him on the education committee by calling them socialists, leftists, and educrats (you know, educrats). This from a man who is convinced that people are out to get him for simply being him. Jones also attacked teachers for not trying hard enough with children, and accused them of only being interested in the state of their buildings and getting paid. Because teachers are so well paid . . . well, I hope someone finds this interesting, please share your thoughts with us as there will be multiple voices and styles on this blog so tell us what you think! (And hopefuly we will be up to date within days!)

Welcome to the blog people, in this space we will be discussing Capitol News fresh from the hill. I hope you enjoy!