Senate President Brandon Shaffer:
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.
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.