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Under The Gold Dome: Recharge Colorado Recharged Without Subsidies

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Compiled by STATE BILL COLORADO

88 BILLS are up today.

BILLS OF NOTE TODAY: HB12-1111, Photo Identification For Voting, 1:30 p.m., House State Vet; HB12-1113, Preferences In State Public Contracts, 1:30 p.m., House State Vet; HB12-1132, Creative District Tax Incentives, 1:30 p.m., House Finance; HB12-1155, Improvements In College Completion, Upon Adjournment, House Education; HB12-1171, Limit Public Hwy Authorities Noncompete Agreements, 1:30 p.m., House Transportation; HB12-1251, Reforms To Urban & Rural Enterprise Zone Act, and HB12-1260, Limit Enterprise Zone Investment Income Tax Credit, 1:30 p.m., House Finance; HB12-1280, Video Lottery Terminals For College Scholarships, Upon Adjournment, House Agriculture.

UNLIKE THE PREVIOUS ADMINISTRATION, TEAM HICKENLOOPER aims to find places it can promote energy development with the private sector and determine where it has a role to play and where it doesn’t, Mark Jaffe of The Denver Post writes. The “Recharge Colorado” web-based service was created by the state energy office to disburse rebates for energy efficiency appliances and home improvements as part of the nearly $20 million Colorado received as part of the federal economic stimulus program. The website is now being spun-off as an independent, fee-for-service operation that will handle rebate programs run by utilitites around the state.

HAT IN: Buffie McFadyen, Pueblo County Commission.

MOVING ON: Bath salts bill.

MOVING ON, FOR NOW Ban employee credit checks bill.

DELAYED TO 2015: Christo’s “Over The River.”

START DATE IN DISPUTE: Trader Joe’s.

STOPPED: BPA ban.

STOPPED: Teen tanning limits bill.

STOPPED: Red-light ban bill.

TODAY, it’s Gov. Hickenlooper’s turn to deal with water diversion proposal.

IT’S DAY 8 of the bizarro confirmation standoff between Shaffer and Hickenlooper.

IT’S SPEAKER’S PREROGATIVE to make weekly committee appointments.

HOUSTON, TEXAS, ONLY RECENTLY SETTLED WITH RED-LIGHT CAMERA VENDOR two years after voters tossed the city’s program.

SEN. MORGAN CARROLL has taken to hyping the alleged dangers of drilling at the former Lowry Range bombing site, Vincent Carroll writes. She told the Aurora Sentinel that “if not done exactly right, this could be dangerous,” while raising the specter of chemical contamination and potential gas leaks in groundwater, as well as traffic congestion.

DOESN’T LIKE DRUG TESTS FOR WELFARE APPLICANTS: The Denver Post.

LATEST NEWSPAPER TO BACK CIVIL UNIONS: Glenwood Springs Post-Independent.

LIKES PROTECT UNBORN CHILDREN FROM VIOLENT CRIMES BILL: Colorado Springs Gazette.

FOUR DAYS LATER, DENVER POST FINALLY CREDITS CHIEFTAIN with breaking per-diem story, but not in the corrections column. It’s in an editorial backing the pay hike.

MEANWHILE, THE CHIEFTAIN calls the hike “terrible timing.”

MEETS TODAY: The state Capitol Construction Assistance Board, 1-3:30 p.m. at the Colorado Association of School Boards, 1200 Grant St. H/t Education News Colorado.

HICK/GARCIA have made improving early childhood literacy one of their education policy priorities, and Garcia has announced Feb. 27-March 2 as Colorado Literacy Week. Among the events is a Tuesday town hall meeting with U.S. Education Secretary Arne Duncan at the Denver School of Science and Technology’s Green Valley Ranch campus.

GOLD BOOKS: Buy in the a.m., delivered to Capitol in the p.m.

THE[NEWS]SEEN is looking for fun events to photograph. Email: barefootpr@me.com.

STATE BILL HAS SENT 220 BILL ALERTS SO FAR THIS WEEK

TODAY’S CALENDARS. House. Senate.

SUBSCRIBERS: Your Virtual Bill Box is here. Your Personal Calendar is here.

YESTERDAY’S BILL ROUNDUP FOR STATE BILL SUBSCRIBERS, COURTESY OUR VIRTUAL BILL BOX:
* Introduced bills
* Signed bills
* Bills acted upon
* New fiscal notes
* Bill amendments
* New bill versions
* Day’s archived audio
* Day’s archived video

NO HICK/GARCIA PUBLIC EVENTS TODAY. However, tomorrow’s busy:
* 9 a.m. – Hickenlooper will deliver remarks at the Governor’s Forum on Colorado Agriculture. Location: Renaissance Denver Hotel, 3801 Quebec St., Denver.
* 10:30 a.m. – Garcia will deliver the keynote address at the National Character Leadership Symposium. Location: Air Force Academy, Fairchild Hall, Colorado Springs.
* 2 p.m. – The two will deliver remarks at the Colorado Press Association Governor’s Reception. Location: Governor’s Residence at the Boettcher Mansion, 400 E. 8th Ave., Denver.

TWO RECEPTIONS ON TONIGHT’S SOCIAL CALENDAR:
* Reception: Hosted by Bruce and Marcy Benson, University of Colorado, President’s Reception for House Members, 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., to be announced, Contact : Connie Johnson 303-861-6192
* Reception, The Colorado Municipal league, 2012 Legislative Reception, 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., 1144 Sherman Street, Denver, Contact : Kevin Bommer 303-831-6411

CAPITOL RALLY DU JOUR:
* 11:00 AM 12:30 PM, Defend the Colorado River Coalition, West steps – 100 people

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Under The Gold Dome: Workout Reached In School Loan Drama

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Compiled by STATE BILL COLORADO

80 BILLS on today’s quick-look calendar.

BILLS OF NOTE TODAY: SB12-050, Prohibit Red Light Camera Vehicle Identification, 2 p.m., Senate Transportation. HB12-1170, Limit Minors’ Access Artificial Tanning Devices, 1:30 p.m., House Economic. HB12-1134, Prohibit Job Discrimination Against Unemployed, 1:30 p.m., House Economic. HB12-1130, First Degree Murder Of Unborn Child, 1:30 p.m., House Judiciary.

MESSY SCHOOL-LENDING SITUATION IN THE MOUNTAINS RESOLVED: A national banking company is walking away from a loan to a local school that violates the Colorado Constitution, Randy Wyrick of the Vail Daily reports. Wells Fargo loaned Stone Creek Charter School $1.2 million on Aug. 10, 2006. Stone Creek has repaid Wells Fargo more than $800,000 on the loan, school officials said told Wyrick. Because the loan spans several years, it violates Colorado’s TABOR amendment, ruled Colorado Attorney General John Suthers. According to Wyrick, Suthers issued his ruling last Thursday.

OBAMA COLORADO DIRECTOR: Carrie Doyle.

SHIRKING ITS DUTY? The Colorado Senate still has no confirmations for gubernatorial appointees on its calendar, which extends to March. It’s a long list of folks!

LOVELAND LEGISLATORS NIKKEL AND DELGROSSO could figure big in civil-unions vote.

ENTERING PIVOTAL STRETCH: Mitt Romney.

LET’S BAN BPA: Dan Kagan.

THE DENVER POST FAILED, IN PRINT OR ON WEB, to credit the Pueblo Chieftain with breaking the weekend story about the per-diem increase for out-state legislators, instead attributing the story to “chatter.”

NEITHER DID the Grand Junction Sentinel.

THE DURANGO HERALD did credit The Chieftain’s work.

MEANWHILE, THE EVER-ENTERPRISING CHIEFTAIN ADVANCES THE STORY, revealing today that Colorado lawmakers are likely to introduce legislation that would forgo the increase.

THANKS CS INDY for crediting State Bill on story about 31 unopposed statehouse candidates.

DU’S PRESIDENTIAL DEBATE TAB: $1.65 million.

CLOSELY WATCHED IN COLORADO: U.S. farm bill reauthorization.

GIVE THE MONEY BACK, nonprofit tells Tipton.

OUT STUMPING FOR REPUBLICANS: Frank McNulty.

WEAR YOUR BADGES: It’s the right thing to do, says the Colorado Association of Professional Lobbyists.

BIG BACKER: The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is running a TV ad supporting Rep. Mike Coffman.

HAPPY WITH PUTTING PROFESSOR PAY ONLINE: Pueblo Chieftain.

MOVING ON: Bill restricting employer credit checks.

MOVING ON: Legal protections for pregnant moms when drugs are involved.

MOVING ON: HOA transparency bill.

MOVING ON: Bring your gun to an emergency bill.

MOVING SLOWLY: High school students taking college classes bill.

ADVOCACY DAY FOR LATINOS drew activists and politicians from across the state.

NATIONAL EXPOSURE MONDAY for bipartisan native languages bill.

SIX BILLS THAT MATTER TO SCOTT GESSLER: HB12-1024, HB12-1267, HB12-1269, HB12-1274, SB12-062, SB12-123 and SB12-135.

IS IT JUST ME? It’s weird to see the rest of the Capitol closed on President’s Day, when the legislature is in session. Feels like people are playing hooky.

STATE BILL SENT 147 “bill alerts” to its subscribers on Monday.

THE[NEWS]SEEN is looking for fun events to photograph. Email: barefootpr@me.com.

TODAY’S CALENDARS. House. Senate.

SUBSCRIBERS: Your Virtual Bill Box is here. Your Personal Calendar is here.

YESTERDAY’S BILL ROUNDUP FOR STATE BILL SUBSCRIBERS, COURTESY OUR VIRTUAL BILL BOX:
* Introduced bills
* Signed bills
* Bills acted upon
* New fiscal notes
* Bill amendments
* New bill versions
* Day’s archived audio
* Day’s archived video

NO HICKENLOOPER PUBLIC EVENTS TODAY, but you can catch Joe Garcia at the following:
* 8:45 a.m. – delivering remarks at the GPS Satellite Processing Facility Open House. Location: Lockheed Martin Space Systems, 12257 S. Wadsworth Blvd., Littleton.
* 11 a.m. – delivering the keynote address at the Colorado Nonprofit Association Day at the Capitol. Location: Committee Room SER 352, State Capitol, Denver.

TODAY’S SOCIAL CALENDAR:
* Reception, American Institute of Professional Geologists – Colorado Section, Legislative Reception to discuss Mineral & Energy Economy in Colorado, 5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., University Club located at 1673 Sherman Street, Denver, Contact : Betsy Murray 303-478-1207
* Other, Colorado Nonprofit Association, Nonprofit Day at the Capitol, 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m., 200 East Colfax, Denver 80203, Contact : Mark Turner 303-832-5710 x203 mturner@coloradononprofits.org
* Reception, The Colorado Timber Industry Assoc. & Mountain States Lumber & Building Material Dealers Assoc. & Colorado–Wyoming Society of American Foresters, 5:00p.m. to 7:00p.m., The City Grill, 321 E. Colfax, Denver, Contact : Nancy Fishering nancyfishering@gmail.com

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Under The Gold Dome: The Pay Raise That Could Not Speak Its Name

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Compiled by STATE BILL COLORADO

70-PLUS BILLS on today’s calendar.

A SCOOP OTHER STATEHOUSE REPORTERS MUST HAVE ENVIED: The House of Representatives quietly and without debate passed a bill on Wednesday that would raise the daily pay of lawmakers who live outside of Denver by 22 percent, the Pueblo Chieftain’s Patrick Malone reported over the weekend. Pay for non-metro members of the Legislature would climb to $183 per day from $150 a day on July 1 under HB1301, which deals with appropriations for the Legislature. It is sponsored by House Speaker Frank McNulty, R-Highlands Ranch, and Senate Majority Leader John Morse, D-Colorado Springs. The pay raise would cost taxpayers an additional $189,420, benefiting 41 legislators, though there’s no fiscal note available.

PROPOSED PAY RAISE was back-handed and poorly handled, ColoradoPols comments.

31 UNOPPOSED SO FAR in statehouse election races.

BEST THING ON THE SPOT LAST WEEK, PART 1: Cory Booker speech notes.

BEST THING ON THE SPOT LAST WEEK, PART 2: Secret GOP caucus.

DOUBLE-CONGRATS to the Merritts.

DOESN’T LIKE NEW BAR: @SenJohnston sent this Tweet: “Great night on the town, except Green Russell which we were psyched to visit But was most pretentious unwelcoming place ive seen #coleg”

NOT FEELING WELL: Buckley the Dog.

GOLD BOOKS: Tell your clients they’re important to you.

THE[NEWS]SEEN is looking for fun events to photograph. Email: barefootpr@me.com.

STATE BILL SENT 223 BILL ALERTS TO ITS SUBSCRIBERS BETWEEN THURSDAY AND SATURDAY: Bill alerts keep you in the know at all times about legislation that’s key to you. We give you regular updates as bills move, as fiscal notes and amendments are released, as news is published and as audio/video is made available. You can send these alerts to your clients and stakeholders so that they’re in the know, too. You can set new alerts from both the Bill Center and from within your Bill Reports. If you’re not using alerts, give them a try!

GREEN GROUPS pump up Sal Pace.

ON LOCAL BESTSELLER LIST: Morgan Carroll.

DOESN’T LIKE BID BILL: The Denver Post.

HITTING THE ROAD: Economic blueprint.

WHEN GLENN KERLER ARRIVED AND HOOKED UP SEN. ELLEN ROBERTS’ CAR, he also hooked her in to a much bumpier ride than she expected.

WHEN WILL STATE BILL HAVE ITS 5,280TH FOLLOWER?

TODAY’S CALENDARS. House. Senate.

SUBSCRIBERS: Your Virtual Bill Box is here. Your Personal Calendar is here.

FRIDAY’S BILL ROUNDUP FOR STATE BILL SUBSCRIBERS, COURTESY OUR VIRTUAL BILL BOX:
* Introduced bills
* Signed bills
* Bills acted upon
* New fiscal notes
* Bill amendments
* New bill versions
* Day’s archived audio
* Day’s archived video

PEOPLE WITH NO LIVES? Here are the top 5 commenters on ColoradoPols.com since 2005, by number of comments:
1. DavidThi808: 22,328
2. Ralphie: 12,813
3. Phoenix Rising: 11,710
4. RedGreen: 11,407
5. parsingreality: 11,367

HICKENLOOPER/GARCIA PUBLIC EVENTS: Nothing. Maybe they’re skiing?

TODAY’S SOCIAL CALENDAR: Also nothing. But tomorrow, you can look forward to these events.
* Reception, American Institute of Professional Geologists – Colorado Section, Legislative Reception to discuss Mineral & Energy Economy in Colorado, 5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., University Club located at 1673 Sherman Street, Denver, Contact : Betsy Murray 303-478-1207
* Other, Colorado Nonprofit Association, Nonprofit Day at the Capitol, 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m., 200 East Colfax, Denver 80203, Contact : Mark Turner 303-832-5710 x203 mturner@coloradononprofits.org
* Reception, The Colorado Timber Industry Assoc. & Mountain States Lumber & Building Material Dealers Assoc. & Colorado–Wyoming Society of American Foresters, 5:00p.m. to 7:00p.m., The City Grill, 321 E. Colfax, Denver, Contact : Nancy Fishering nancyfishering@gmail.com

DON’T FORGET: In observance of Presidents Day on Monday, Feb. 20, many state offices will be closed. State driver’s license offices, the Department of Public Health and Environment’s vital records office, Colorado Parks and Wildlife Service Centers and administrative offices for executive branch departments will be among the facilities closed Monday. All Colorado State Parks will be open and staffed, but administrative offices and visitor centers will be closed. State troopers will be patrolling the highways and the Department of Transportation maintenance crews will be working as necessary.

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Under The Gold Dome: Do Colorado Hospital Bills Need A New Prescription?

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Compiled by STATE BILL COLORADO

88 BILLS on today’s calendar.

COLORADO CONSUMER ADVOCATES TODAY will pack a hearing on a proposal to limit hospital bills to actual costs for the uninsured, delay medical-debt collectors and require hospitals to highlight charity policies in plain language at every turn, The Denver Post’s Mike Booth reports. “Proponents … say Colorado hospitals are gouging the uninsured who don’t have big insurers to negotiate discounts for their care.” Hospital advocates counter that sticker-price charges are nearly meaningless, since almost no one pays full boat. Read SB12-134 and listen in at 1:30 to the Senate Health and Human Services Committee.

SIGNED: Teacher effectiveness rules bill.

ONLY NO VOTE ON TEACHER EFFECTIVENESS RULES: Ed Casso.

TURNING THEIR BACKS? Dems aren’t supporting Hickenlooper on business-impact bills.

SEVERAL CABINET MEMBERS among 174 gubernatorial appointees not yet confirmed by Colorado’s Senate.

A LIFE LESS ORDINARY: Douglas Bruce.

COLORADO GAY REPUBLICANS assure OutFront Colorado that the straw poll won by Rick Santorum means nothing.

NICE EYE FOR COLOR: Post’s Hyong Chang shot this photo at Wednesday’s civil unions hearing.

HICKENLOOPER TO SEEK REFORMS to child-welfare system amid dozens of kids’ deaths in past five years.

HAT OUT: Perry Haney, CD6.

PROVOCATIVE QUESTION: Is our state government illegal?

PAID $299.10 FOR PLEA IN FATAL ACCIDENT: Suzanne Williams.

FILL IN THE BLANK: House GOP press release included this line: “Szabo’s measure passed unanimously and now moves to the _____ for further consideration.”

A HAPPY TRAVELER: Regional tourism bill.

EATING RIGHT: Food sales-tax bill.

SMOOTH DRIVING: Emission exemption bill.

GOLD BOOKS: Keep those orders coming in!

THE[NEWS]SEEN is looking for fun events to photograph. Email: barefootpr@me.com.

SOME OF OUR SUBSCRIBERS RECEIVED TOO MANY ALERTS AT 3:45 P.M. YESTERDAY, and we’re sorry! In our quest to determine why some alerts weren’t going out, we opened a floodgate. We apologize that some of you had to delete a whole bunch of emails from us. Going forward, we’ll endeavor to send the right number of alerts at the right time. To turn off an alert on a bill, Bill Center > Bill Number > Set Alerts to “None.”

AND WHILE WE’RE ON THE SUBJECT OF ALERTS: Bill alerts keep you in the know at all times about legislation that’s key to you. We give you regular updates as bills move, as fiscal notes and amendments are released, as news is published and as audio/video is made available. You can forward these alerts to your clients and stakeholders so that they’re in the know, too. You can set new alerts from both the Bill Center and from within your Bill Reports. If you’re not using alerts, give them a try!

TODAY’S CALENDARS. House. Senate.

SUBSCRIBERS: Your Virtual Bill Box is here. Your Personal Calendar is here.

YESTERDAY’S BILL ROUNDUP FOR STATE BILL SUBSCRIBERS, COURTESY OF OUR VIRTUAL BILL BOX:
* 6 introduced bills
* 1 signed bill
* Many bills acted upon. Virtual Bill Box > Status Sheets
* 28 new fiscal notes
* 17 new bill amendments
* 54 new bill versions. Virtual Bill Box > Amended Bills
* Day’s archived audio.
* Day’s archived video.

YOU’RE WELCOME! We’ve added short titles to all areas of the Virtual Bill Box so you don’t have to remember what the bill number is.

NO HICKENLOOPER PUBLIC EVENTS TODAY, but at noon, Lt. Gov. Garcia will deliver the keynote address at the Colorado Association of School Boards Legislative Conference Luncheon. Location: Brown Palace Hotel, 321 17th St., Denver.

TODAY’S SOCIAL CALENDAR:
* Reception, Denver Art Museum, Colorado Nonprofit Association and Colorado Center for Hospice & Palliative Care, 5:00-7:00 p.m., Appetizers and cash bar, Denver Art Museum, Schlessman Hall, 100 West 14th Avenue Parkway, Denver 80204, Contact: Gerry Rasel 303-832-5710 x202 grasel@coloradononprofits.org
* Lunch , Colorado Association of School Boards, Special Guest Speaker: Lt. Gov. Garcia, 12:00 – 1:30p.m., Brown Palace Hote, 2nd Floor Ballroom, Denver, Contact: Robin Marlow 303-832-1000 rmarlow@casb.org

THE COLORADO HOUSE HAS AN OPEN HOUSE TONIGHT, but it might as well be a secret since it’s not on the General Assembly’s own social calendar.

SUBSCRIBERS, STOP BY AND HAVE YOUR IPADS OPTIMIZED: State Bill’s Don Knox will be on the second floor of the Capitol from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. and elsewhere in the building at other times. Stop by and see him or call 720-272-0961.

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Under The Gold Dome: A Little Dem-On-Dem Action

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Compiled by STATE BILL COLORADO

THE COLORADO SENATE has yet to schedule a single confirmation hearing on 174 people Gov. John Hickenlooper has appointed to boards and commission that oversee a variety of state functions, from water quality to parole hearings, both the Associated Press and The Denver Post reported. Traditionally the hearings begin as soon as the legislative session opens in mid January, but President Brandon Shaffer of Longmont said he wants to wait until action is taken on several jobs bills, The Post wrote. It didn’t take long for House Speaker Frank McNulty to egg on the “fighters” in this battle — Democrats Brandon Shaffer and John Hickenlooper. He Facebooked, “Senate Dems playing politics w Hick appointees. What are they demanding of the Guv?”

CONFIRMATION DUSTUP will add fire to those who feel Shaffer is taxed running the Senate and running for Congress.

CIVIL UNIONS WILL GET ALL THE COVERAGE TODAY, but the bill’s fate is assured in the Democratic-controlled Senate. The battle, as it was last year, is in the House.

90 BILLS UP TODAY. Our quick-look calendar is here.

COLORADOPOLS outs fake news reporter.

MCNULTY one of the DBJ’s “40 Under 40.”

MCNULTY A BOOB, or so says a Grand Junction Sentinel letter writer.

THE HOUSE is having an open house on Thursday. C’mon down, y’all.

I CHECKED, AND I DIDN’T HAVE ANY GUNS OR KNIVES: A Denver mayoral appointee admitted to breaching DIA security.

WILL THE GOVERNOR SIGN teacher effectiveness rules bill today, as expected?

HAT IN: James Shelton, HD-49.

BECAUSE YOU MAYBE DON’T LIVE IN THE DISTRICT, we bring you the latest anti-Marsha Looper postcard bomb. Hat tip: John Schroyer.

BARTELS UNHAPPY WITH POST’S NEW COMPUTER SYSTEM. She Tweeted yesterday, “ARGH. Computer problems finally fixed, story posted on Senate delaying action on Hick appointees. #coleg bit.ly/y26TpW”

COLORADO’S WORST-KEPT SECRET: Trader Joe’s in Boulder.

SUPPLY LOW: You won’t have long now to buy Gold Books for your most valuable clients.

THE[NEWS]SEEN proves it’s possible to drink pinot and help the homeless.

LIVES IN HOUSE, DIES IN SENATE: Business input on bills bill.

TODAY’S CALENDARS. House. Senate.

SUBSCRIBERS: Your Virtual Bill Box is here. Your Personal Calendar is here.

BILL ROUNDUP FOR STATE BILL SUBSCRIBERS, COURTESY OF OUR VIRTUAL BILL BOX:
* 3 introduced bills and resolutions
* 0 signed bills
* 50 bill revisions
* 18 bills assigned to new committees
* 17 fiscal notes (all new)
* All of Monday’s bill action
* All of day’s new archived audio
* All of day’s new archived video

WHAT IS THE VIRTUAL BILL BOX, ANYWAY? State Bill Colorado’s Virtual Bill Box is like the old paper bill box, only faster, bigger and electronic. Lobbyists, corporations, trade associations and government agencies use VBB to keep close tabs on all Capitol developments. We publish new bills, new bill versions, new fiscal notes, new amendments, new archived audio, new video and more as soon as they are released. If you’re already a subscriber and using an iPad, stop by the Capitol basement today to see State Bill’s Catherine Huggins or Don Knox. They’ll show you how to incorporate VBB and other State Bill features for maximum efficiency! [Give them a call at 720-272-0961.]

WONDER IF BRANDON SHAFFER IS GOING TO GO? Governor has one public appearance today, noon, remarks at the Rocky Mountain West Urban Leadership Symposium. Location: The Ritz Carlton Denver, 1881 Curtis St., Denver.

HEAVY SOCIAL CALENDAR TODAY:
* Dinner: Nurses of District 16, Colorado Nurses Association and the Public Health Nurses Association of Colorado (PHNAC) Twelfth Annual Legislative Connection Dinner with the Nurses, 5:00-8:00 p.m., Scottish Rite Masonic Center, 1370 Grant Street, Denver, Contact: Mary Kershner RN 303-758-4857 tllskr@comcast.net
* Lunch: Alliance (serving people with developmental disabilities, Noon, Denver Art Museum, Contact : Jeremy Schupbach 303-229-5434 jschupbach@alliancecolorado.org.
* Other: Alliance (serving people with developmental disabilities), Constituent Meet and Greet, 9:00 a.m., Old Supreme Court Chambers. Contact: Jeremy Schupbach 303-229-5434 jschupbach@alliancecolorado.org

WEIRD: Colorado House isn’t promoting tomorrow’s open house on its own social calendar.

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Under The Gold Dome: At Least He’ll Check Into A Jail That Isn’t Named For Him

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Compiled by STATE BILL COLORADO

LOTS OF BILLS UP TODAY: Our quick-look calendar is here.

FORMER STATE LEGISLATOR DOUGLAS BRUCE’S STRICT PROBATION, along with a 180-day stay at the Denver County Jail, includes something the anti-tax crusader isn’t used to: disclosure. Judge Anne Mansfield read off a long list of requirements that include reporting all of his bank accounts, reporting all his financial transactions, opening all his computer files, and paying for possible therapy, according to John Schroyer of the Colorado Springs Gazette. Mansfield said she wanted to make sure Bruce couldn’t be a repeat offender.

HERE’S REASON MANSFIELD GAVE FOR NOT LETTING PHOTOGS COVER SENTENCING: “Order Re Request For Expanded Media Coverage Filed By John Schroyer On 1/11/12. The Court Finds That There Is A Reasonable Liklihood That Expanded Media Coverage Would Unduly Detract From The Solemnity, Decorum, And Dignity Of The Proceedings And Would Create Adverse Effects Which Would Be Greater That Those Cause By Traditional Media Coverage. The Media Has Otherwise Been And Continues To Be Present During These Court Proceedings. Accordingly, The Motion Is Denied. /jdb.”

NEW COLORADO LOBBYISTS ASSOCIATION picks first officers, directors.

BUT THE HOUSE IS THE KEY CHAMBER, NOT THE SENATE: Civil-unions bill gains traction among Colorado Republicans.

LIKES CIVIL UNIONS: Denver City Council.

DUELING KERRS duke it out over raising parking fines.

A GREAT GRANDMOTHER IS IN A COMA and doctors don’t know if she’ll ever wake up. Denver Police say she and her husband were victims of a hit-and-run early Saturday morning. Colorado House Bill 1084 is a proposal to make hit-and-runs a more serious crime.

CRIMINAL LIBEL BILL gives us another chance to use the words “Howling Pig.”

BUY SOME GOLD BOOKS HERE, and start planning to buy your branded Gold Book for 2013 (details coming soon).

NOT UNLESS HE CAN SCORE 20 AGAINST THE LAKERS: Is Rick Santorum the Jeremy Lin of politics?

SAYS ITS TAX-SUBSIDIZED TOURISM PROJECT WILL BE THE BEST: Pueblo.

SPROUTING NEW LEAVES: Industrial hemp bill.

LIVING THE GOOD LIFE: Make my day better bill.

CURRENTLY HAS A 750 SCORE: Bar credit scores for hiring bill.

CLOSE TO GETTING SPRUNG: Inmate workplace redemption bill.

FLUSHED: Clean-water bill.

OUT OF WORK: Compliance cost bill.

THE[NEWS]SEEN catches local lawyers on the downhill slide.

MMJ CUSTOMERS CAN’T USE CREDIT CARDS TO BUY POT, so The Denver Post’s supports Steadman bill fixing things.

TODAY’S CALENDARS. House. Senate.

SUBSCRIBERS: Your Virtual Bill Box is here. Your Personal Calendar is here.

BILL ROUNDUP FOR STATE BILL SUBSCRIBERS, COURTESY OF OUR VIRTUAL BILL BOX:
* 7 introduced bills and resolutions
* 0 signed bills
* 30-plus new bill revisions
* 30-plus bills assigned to new committees
* 16 fiscal notes (all new)
* All of Monday’s bill action
* All of day’s new archived audio
* All of day’s new archived video

TODAY’S HICKENLOOPER/GARCIA PUBLIC EVENTS
* Noon – Hickenlooper will deliver remarks at The Denver Forum. Location: The Oxford Hotel, 1600 17th St., Denver.
* 1 p.m. – Garcia will meet with the Consulate-General of Japan at Denver and a delegation of officials from the Miyagi Prefecture who will express appreciation for Colorado’s support following the March 2011 tsunami. Location: Office of the Lieutenant Governor, Room 130, State Capitol, Denver.

TODAY’S SOCIAL CALENDAR:
* Colorado Community Health Network’s Legislator Reception and Awards Ceremony, 5:00 p.m. to 6:15 p.m., Warwick Denver’s Millennium Ballroom, 15th Floor, 1776 Grant Street, Contact: Suzanne Smith 303-861-5165 suzanne@cchn.org

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Under The Gold Dome: Health Takes Center Stage In Legislator Drama

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LOTS OF BILLS UP TODAY: Our quick-look calendar is here.

BRADFORD HUSBAND HEART ATTACK: Rep. Laura Bradford said last night she learned her husband, Linton Matthews, had two “episodes” in the last two weeks but “like so many men,” didn’t think he needed medical treatment. She said she is relieved Sunday’s heart attack didn’t happen after she had left for Denver to be at the Capitol this week because she doesn’t think her husband would have called a doctor. She’ll be out all week.

EPISODES MAY HAVE BEEN hidden heart attacks, and they often lead to permanent damage. Know the signs here.

WE WERE WRONG: We predicted ethics panel would kick the can for a while longer, but it closed Bradford inquiry taking no action.

MEDIA DISTRESSED, saying Bradford misled them about leaving GOP.

SHOCKED — SHOCKED! — BY SANTORUM’S COLORADO WIN: Curtis Hubbard.

HEADED TO JAIL? Douglas Bruce.

IN MUSIC HALL OF FAME: Barry Fey.

UP TODAY: Ban job credit checks.

NOW OPERATING IN CENTRAL LITTLETON: Obama for America.

MEMBERS OF OBAMA ‘TRUTH’ SQUAD: Dan Pabon. Crisanta Duran. Rhonda Fields.

THIS IS NEWS? 64% of Tweets not worth reading.

THEY’LL SOON BE GROUSING: Wyoming Governor Matt Mead has announced that Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper and Bureau of Land Management Director Bob Abbey will join him in co-chairing a sage-grouse task force. The task force will examine ways states can provide management tools and habitat protections for the sage-grouse.

INTERESTING: Ed Quillen says that from 1822 to 1848, the Arkansas River was part of the boundary between the United States and Mexico. So 60 years ago, a mixed-race marriage that was legal on the south side of Pueblo or Cañon City would have been illegal on the north side of town. Yet Colorado somehow managed.

TOURISM EXPANSION: A bill being considered in the General Assembly would strengthen Pueblo’s bid to land up to $20 million for a wide-ranging expansion of the Historic Arkansas Riverwalk of Pueblo, say its sponsor and local business leaders.

CRASHING THE JEFFERSON-JACKSON ‘PROM’ PARTY: Occupy Denver.

GOLD BOOKS: You can still get them here.

THE[NEWS]SEEN checks out American Red Cross Mile High Chapter.

TODAY’S CALENDARS. House. Senate.

SUBSCRIBERS: Your Virtual Bill Box is here. Your Personal Calendar is here.

BILL ROUNDUP, FROM STATE BILL COLORADO
* 0 introduced bills Friday

MR. HICKENLOOPER GOES TO WASHINGTON:
* 10:15 a.m. – joining Mayor Greg Fischer (Louisville, Ky.), U.S. Sen. Rob Portman (Ohio) and Jay Timmons, president and CEO of the National Association of Manufacturers, on a panel discussion at the “American Competitiveness: What Works” conference. Location: Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium, 1301 Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, D.C.

TODAY’S SOCIAL CALENDAR:
Hunger Free Colorado — Lunch and Panel Discussion focusing on hunger in Colorado and legislative efforts & solutions, with remarks from Senator Boyd and Hungry for Change Video Presentation by youth from Adams City High School, 12:00 Noon – 1:00p.m., Old Supreme Court Chambers, Contact: Maura Barnes 410-961-1144 maura@hungerfreecolorado.org

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Under The Gold Dome: If Hickenlooper Sells Data Park, Does He Get A Commission?

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Compiled by STATE BILL COLORADO

BUSY FLOOR SESSION TODAY: Quick-look calendar is here.

BOOSTING ENERGY PARK ON THE PLAINS: Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper spent the afternoon Wednesday touring the future site of the Niobrara Energy Park, a renewable energy data center project in Weld County. The 644-acre project between Fort Collins and Cheyenne will combine clean fossil fuels, alternative energy, smart grid, energy storage, renewable energy, research, and cloud computing data centers. Its zoning plat was signed in August 2011, and the project is currently on the market for a single buyer or joint venture.

GLITTER BOMB BLOWBACK: Senate Democrats.

GUN FRIENDLY: House Judiciary Committee.

SAID HURRICANE KATRINA INSPIRED HER TO CARRY BILL: Amy Stephens.

HAPPY WITH NO CHILD LEFT BEHIND WAIVER: The Denver Post.

DO THEY KNOW SOMETHING: 9News dog attack story gets play in “Claims Journal” trade publication.

UP TODAY: Immigrant tuition bill.

JEFFCO’S LOSS is Durango’s gain.

TOMORROW’S BRADFORD HEADLINE TODAY: Ethics panel meets, predictably takes no action

HERE’S HOW $205M IN FORECLOSURE SETTLEMENT MONEY breaks down.

IF ONLY THEY COULD ISSUE WELFARE CHECKS TO THEMSELVES: House panel wants to drug-test welfare recipients.

PUEBLO REP. SAL PACE erupted Thursday at a mountain-town representative’s claim that removing an asbestos-laden building near the Colorado State Fair is not a priority for the community.

SPENDING A LOT OF TIME TOGETHER LATELY: Hickenlooper and Miss Loveland Valentine.

CSU FOUNDERS DAY ORGANIZERS shouldn’t leave the Capitol today without buying Gold Books!

STATE RECOGNIZES STATE BILL’S PARENT, Circuit Media, for MLK Day community service.

PUBLICLY OUTED AS A PJ WEARER: Terrance Carroll.

THE[NEWS]SEEN visits with lawyers who love arts.

TODAY’S CALENDARS. House. Senate.

SUBSCRIBERS: Your Virtual Bill Box is here. Your Personal Calendar is here.

YESTERDAY’S BILL ROUNDUP, FROM STATE BILL COLORADO
* 2 introduced bills
* Wednesday bill amendments.

NO HICKENLOOPER PUBLIC EVENTS TODAY. Not even valentine-related ones.

GET OUT OF DENVER BABY: Nothing on the social calendar. On Monday, you can look forward to Hunger Free Colorado’s Lunch and Panel Discussion focusing on hunger in Colorado and legislative efforts & solutions, with remarks from Senator Boyd and Hungry for Change Video Presentation by youth from Adams City High School. 12:00 Noon – 1:00p.m. Old Supreme Court Chambers Contact : Maura Barnes 410-961-1144 maura@hungerfreecolorado.org

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Under The Gold Dome: Valentines And Pajama Parties

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Compiled by STATE BILL COLORADO

116 BILLS on today’s State Bill Coloado quick-look calendar.

THE U.S. JUSTICE DEPARTMENT said it will announce the resolution of a 16-month nationwide probe of abusive foreclosure practices at banks including Citigroup Inc. and Wells Fargo & Co. after the collapse of the housing bubble. Colorado AG John Suthers is joining Attorney General Eric Holder at the press conference.

THINKING THEY MAYBE VIOLATED STATE ETHICS LAWS: The association representing Colorado’s appointed and elected public trustees is expected to agree that it violated state ethics laws when it paid convention expenses at a Black Hawk casino with contributions from companies and individuals it did business with, The Denver Post’s David Migoya reports. Lawyers for the Public Trustee Association of Colorado and Colorado Ethics Watch, which charged the group with the violations in a complaint to the state Ethics Commission, said they were close to signing off on a settlement that includes fines and training to prevent future violations.

UP TODAY: Drug tests for welfare checks.

THREW ROMNEY GLITTER BOMB: Peter Smith.

MOVIE-SUBSIDY BUFF: John Hickenlooper.

HAPPY WITH BRADFORD ETHICS PANEL: Longmont Times-Call.

IT’S EITHER THIS OR A 9-11 HOLIDAY: Sales-tax holiday limps along.

THIS TURNOUT IS OFF THE CHARTS, REALLY: Ryan Call happy with GOP vote.

SCHOOLING IT: Half a dozen education measures, including bills that would exempt back-to-school purchases from state sales taxes and that would encourage wider use of students’ life experience for college credit, advanced Wednesday in the legislature.

INSIDE THE RICK ROLL: CS Indy examines Santorum phenomenon.

JUST WHAT COLORADO NEEDS: Lottery terminals at dog tracks.

HE WON A FREE GOLD BOOK YESTERDAY: Matt Elder. Buy yours today.

THE[NEWS]SEEN has your Romney photos.

TODAY’S CALENDARS. House. Senate.

SUBSCRIBERS: Your Virtual Bill Box is here. Your Personal Calendar is here.

YESTERDAY’S BILL ROUNDUP, FROM STATE BILL COLORADO
* 2 introduced bills

IT’S VALENTINES AND PAJAMA PARTIES TODAY for Hickenlooper and Garcia.
* 2 p.m. – Hickenlooper will join volunteers to hand-stamp Valentine cards. Location: Loveland Chamber of Commerce, Conference Room, 5400 Stone Creek Circle, Loveland.
* 2:30 p.m. – Hickenlooper will deliver remarks at the Solar Power Colorado Conference. Location: Embassy Suites Conference Center, 4705 Clydesdale Parkway, Loveland.
* 5:30 p.m. – Garcia will attend the PJ Party to benefit Denver’s Road Home. Location: Residence Inn, 1725 Champa St., Denver.

I’LL TOAST TO THAT: On today’s social calendar is the Colorado Beverage Association Legislative Reception, 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., The University Club, 1673 Sherman Street, Denver. Contact: Charlie Sheffield 303.810.0669 charlie@chrishowes.com

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Under The Gold Dome: Colorado Caucus As Irrelevant As Ever?

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Compiled by STATE BILL COLORADO

164 BILLS UP today, tomorrow.

LOTS OF BLEARY EYED LOBBYISTS TODAY: House introduced nearly 60 bills Tuesday afternoon.

FEWER PEOPLE THAN FILL SPORTS AUTHORITY FIELD ON A FALL SUNDAY voted in Tuesday’s Colorado GOP caucus, seemingly making Rick Santorum heir to Jerry Brown’s headline-grabbing 1992 Colorado caucus win over eventual victor Bill Clinton. Romney won all metro-area counties with the exception of Adams. “Romney spin can’t cover stinging defeat,” beltway paper The Hill headlined the story. But make no mistake: the biggest winners are TV stations in Maine, Arizona, Michigan and Washington — the states leading up to the March “Super Tuesday” primaries.

TODAY’S CAPITOL BRUSH WITH GREATNESS: Pam “Foxy” Grier, star of moderately successful films, to speak in favor of film bill.

SANTORUM SHOULD THANK HIM: Wyoming cowboy Foster Friess.

SANTORUM’S CHOICE: Go to Michigan and Arizona and pull a shocking upset, or focus on the southern slate of Super Tuesday states that offers a better ideological fit.

NOTHING’S CHANGED: Colorado’s “solid purple.”

STILL CAUCUS CRAZY: Denver’s John Wren hasn’t changed his tune, Tweeting, “The big story is all the new leaders and potential candidates that were born today across Colorado.”

FIVE THINGS CNN LEARNED from Santorum sweep.

CRIME BILL stirs abortion debate.

GJ SENTINEL WROTE ABOUT BRADFORD ATTORNEY RESPONSE LETTER but didn’t post it.

LAURA BRADFORD’S LAWYER: Richard Bryans.

RYDEN RIPS state Oil & Gas Conservation Commission.

HICKENLOOPER TALKS ABOUT CELEBRATING HIS BIRTHDAY: He turned 60 Tuesday. “It’s great to be getting old.”

WHO WORE IT BETTER? John Hickenlooper or B.J. Nikkel?

NEW BILLS OF NOTE EDUCATIONALLY: The expected third-grade literacy measure was introduced as House Bill 12-1238. This year’s attempt to expand electronic gambling for help fund higher education came in as House Bill 12-1280.

GIVING THAT PER DIEM BACK, WE HOPE: Many lawmakers took most of the day off Tuesday to return to their districts for precinct caucuses, so the avalanche of new bills moved across the House front desk largely unnoticed by members.

GOOD LUCK WITH THAT: As oil and gas development increases throughout Northern Colorado, Sen. Morgan Carroll wants to require energy companies to provide more information to the state about how much water is used for hydraulic fracturing and prevent possible groundwater contamination from the practice, particularly in areas where radioactive and explosive material can be found.

UP TODAY: “Concerning crimes against an unborn child.”

LOOK, IT’S SANTA COLORADO: Clothing and school supplies would be tax-free during an annual Colorado “sales tax holiday” under consideration in the Colorado House.

LATEST TO OUTSOURCE TO INDIA: Boulder Daily Camera.

DEBTOR UPDATE: Bennet, $500K; Norton, $473K; Buck, $0.

WIN A FREE GOLD BOOK! Be the 10th person to click on this link from our daily email.

THE[NEWS]SEEN shot photos last night at Romney event.

TODAY’S CALENDARS. House. Senate.

SUBSCRIBERS: Your Virtual Bill Box is here. Your Personal Calendar is here.

YESTERDAY’S BILL ROUNDUP, FROM STATE BILL COLORADO
* Nearly 60 introduced bills

HICKENLOOPER/GARCIA PUBLIC EVENTS
* 11 a.m. – Hickenlooper remarks at the Future Business Leaders of America, District IV Leadership Conference. Location: Northeastern Junior College, 100 College Ave., Sterling.
* 3:15 p.m. – Garcia remarks to the Colorado State Board of Education. Location: Department of Education, 201 East Colfax Ave., Denver.
* 4:15 p.m. – Hickenlooper joining in Weld County Commissioners Sean Conway and David Long for a media availability to discuss their tour earlier in the afternoon of the Niobrara Energy Park. Location: Grader Shed, southwest corner of Weld County Road 126 and U.S. Highway 85, Weld County.

YOU READ THAT RIGHT: Hickenlooper is having a press event in this grader shed.

SADLY, THEY WON’T BE SERVING WHEAT BEER: On today’s social calendar is the Colorado Association of Wheat Growers Lunch, 12:00-1:00 p.m., Scottish Rite Masonic Center, 14th and Grant, Denver. Contact: Darrell Hanavan 970-449-6994 dhanavan@coloradowheat.org

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