Aug. 18, 2009– We have been faced with real challenges in Colorado and there are no easy answers, but it’s important to recognize that the state’s budget is merely a reflection of what is happening in households all over Colorado.
I would like to thank the Governor his leadership and for engaging the legislature in this process in an inclusive manner. While he had to make some difficult choices, we appreciate the thoughtful, responsible approach the Governor took in making these strategic cuts.
Through this process we will do the best we can to protect the most vulnerable and keep Colorado’s safety net in place—like as community based mental health and developmental disability services, programs for at-risk youth, and the Children’s Basic Health Plan. We appreciate the protection of these important programs. These cuts announced today show a compassionate fiscal restraint.
This is an unprecedented period in Colorado’s history, but I am confident that we will get through this, thanks to the strength and perseverance of everyone in this state. Last week, I traveled across Northwest Colorado and spoke with people about what was important to them. It is our responsibility as leaders of this great state to continue to make Colorado the best place in America to raise a child and to help lead Colorado to recovery.
We will continue to do this even in the face of our current budget challenges-we will continue to invest in our education system, work toward affordable health care, and make sure our economy is stable and predictable.
Posted by SenatorShaffer as Blog, Budget at 2:14 PM UTC []
If you have never had a Palisade Peach, you have not really lived. They are the best things I’ve ever eaten. We visited the Palisade Peach Festival in Palisade, CO on the last day of the first part of our statewide tour. We even made the local tv!
Some local lawmakers are eating peaches in Palisade Thursday evening, and shaking some hands.
Senate President Brandon Shaffer and Senate Majority Leader John Morse, joined hundreds at the peach festival and talked with people about how to make the state a better place. The senators say while a lot of Coloradans have been speaking about education, heath care, and the economy, most Western Slope folks want to talk about land management, water, and tourism.
Both Senators say they had an amazing time at the peach festival and plan on coming back soon. And of course, they helped themselves to some peach ice cream.
August 10-13 I travelled with Senate Majority Leader John Morse on the first leg of our 4 part Statewide Listening Tour. As a legislator from Longmont I hear very differnt issues than what we heard in Northwest Colorado. Bark Beetle devastation, forest fires, tourism funding, and the loss of oil and gas jobs are usually not the first things out of my constituents mouths.
As leadership we felt it was very important for us to listen to the voices of all Coloradans so we can make informed and compassionate decisions next session.
We are leaving today on our statewide listening tour. We’re going to meet county leaders, cut down trees with the Rocky Mountain Youth Corps, and fly fish. I can’t wait!
Highlights of the Northwest Tour:
**The public is welcome at all following events! The Senators will be available for interviews.
Please call Abigail Vacanti if you would like to arrange an interview (917-750-2272)
Monday, Aug. 10:
2pm-3pm: Happy 150th Birthday, Breckenridge! (Loc: Blue River Plaza, on the corner of Corner of Washington and Main, Breckenridge, CO)
3pm-4pm: Community Happy Hour for Breck 150 (Loc: Gold Pan Saloon 103 North Main Street, Breckenridge, CO)
5pm-6pm: Meet and Greet at the Lewis Sweet Shop (Loc: 208 E. Park Ave, Empire, CO 80438)
Tuesday, Aug. 11:
8:30am- 10:30am: Meet and Greet at The County Seat Grill (Loc: 512 Byers Avenue Hot Sulphur Springs, CO 80451)
10:45a-11:15a: Speak with Grand County Commissioners at their weekly meeting (Loc: 308 Byers Avenue, Hot Sulphur Springs, CO)
Noon- 1:30pm: Winter Park Fraser Valley Rotary Club (Loc: Beaver Village Lodge Restaurant)
4:30p-5:30p: Cowboy sing-along (Loc: Outside the Discovery Center at the base of the Winter Park Ski Resort)
6pm-7pm: Picnic in the Park (Loc: Old School House Park next to Fraser Town Hall on Fraser Ave, Fraser, CO)
Wednesday, Aug. 12:
10am- noon: Cut down trees in a beetle-infested forest corridor with the Rocky Mountain Youth Corps (Loc: Routt National Forest. Please call Abigail for exact location if you are interested in covering this event) ***NOTE: This event is only open to the press.
Thursday, Aug. 13:
8:30a-9:30a: Routt County Fair (Loc: Routt County Fairgrounds, Hayden, CO)
12:45-1:45: Meet at Greet at Meeker Café (Loc: The Meeker Café, 536 Main Street, Meeker, CO 81641)
6pm-7pm: Palisade Peach Festival (Loc: Downtown Palisade, CO)
August 10-13 I travelled with Senate Majority Leader John Morse on the first leg of our 4 part Statewide Listening Tour. As a legislator from Longmont I hear very differnt issues than what we heard in Northwest Colorado. Bark Beetle devastation, forest fires, tourism funding, and the loss of oil and gas jobs are usually not the first things out of my constituents mouths.