| Update from Representative Priola |
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The 2010 Legislative Session Begins
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I hope that everyone enjoyed the holidays and is looking forward to a new year, filled with new opportunities and a better economy and job market.
It is hard to believe that yet another decade has passed.
The end of the holidays also marks the beginning of another legislative session, which started a few days ago. This will be my second session as a member of the State House of Representatives, and I've been spending much of my time in recent months preparing my bills and getting ready for the difficult decisions to come. Working to get Colorado's economy back on track is my number one priority.
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Economy and Jobs
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State House Republicans know that increased fees, taxes, and burdensome regulations are not the answer if we want to address Colorado's economic woes successfully. That is why Republicans this year will offer positive solutions that do not increase the burden on struggling families and businesses. Instead, government must live within its means, even when revenues are down and difficult choices must be made.
Unfortunately, Governor Ritter's policies have often made a bad economic situation worse. Tax and fee increases, accounting gimmicks and spending sprees have not moved us any closer toward economic recovery.
This year, the governor has announced his intentions to eliminate critical tax incentives that promote business and job growth and help keep costs down for consumers. The governor wants to increase these taxes to generate additional revenue for newly created government programs and government jobs, both of which he has grown since coming into office. This is not the route to economic prosperity. Taking more money out of the pockets of consumers and businesses will only hurt Colorado's economy.
The governor boasted this summer about increased revenue for transportation despite the recession. That additional money came directly from the wallets of Colorado families in the form of increased car registration costs. Yet, construction hasn't started on a single bridge, and construction isn't even planned on those critical projects until next summer.
As we face this legislative session, I will stand up for taxpayers on these important issues, opposing tax increases without a vote of the people, addressing increased car registration costs, and protecting the voice that taxpayers have through the Taxpayers' Bill of Rights.
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My Bills
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As part of my focus on long-term economic stability, I plan to continue my push to phase out the onerous business personal property tax, which is especially harmful to job creation and retention during tough economic times.
Another jobs bill I am sponsoring this year will help bring more trucking companies to the state.
I am also working with the Attorney General's office to close a loophole in the law regarding money laundering, and I will be working to continue the state's efforts to protect our land and water in the event of a petroleum leak.
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Local Road Improvements
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I have been working with the Department of Transportation and members of the community to improve our roads and safety. One new improvement will take place at the intersection of 144 and Highway 85. CDOT is in the early stages of this new upgrade and the study and design are complete. The ground breaking will take place sometime this spring. The new intersection will have longer and wider left and right turning lanes and acceleration lanes.
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Local Military Heroes
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Every year, the legislature sets aside a morning to honor the men and women of the military. Our Military Appreciation Day is a great opportunity to recognize local heroes.
If you have served or are currently serving in the military and are interested in attending, please drop me a line and I will reserve a space for you in the House chamber.
As always, contact me any time, I always appreciate hearing from you! I can be reached at 303-923-5138 or by email at kpriola@gmail.com.
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Colorado Export Development Grant Award
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The Rocky Mountain Hydrostatics - Inc., recently announced that the Colorado International Traden Office awarded them a grant.
The Colorado Export Development Grant aims to assist companies with fewer than 50 employees develop export sales in new markets. 2009 was the first year the Colorado ITO offered the grants.
Rocky Mountain Hydrostatics will use the grant to launch into markets in South America.
South America is home to some of the largest mines in the world. Offshore Brazil, one of the largest oil reserves ever, was discovered last year. These emerging economies are projected to grow in the coming decade.
Rocky Mountain Hydrostatics is located in Brighton and remanufactures and repairs highly engineered Denison brand hydrostats. RMH pumps and motors are currently working on US Navy aircraft carriers, frigates, and LPD's.
Visit the website at www.rmhydro.com
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Meeting and Events
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I plan to continue my "Conversation with Kevin" town hall meetings this year. Currently, I am working on a meeting location, and will keep you posted!
Kevin Priola
Check out:
http://www.leg.state.co.us/
www.kevinpriola.com
Office Location:
200 E. Colfax Room 205
Denver, CO 80203
Capitol Phone: 303-866-2912
E-mail: kpriola@gmail.com
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