Update from the Capitol

A lot has been going on at the Capitol recently. I want to inform you about some of the issues being debated at our Capitol and let you know where I stand.

Civil Unions Bill

On Monday March 7, the Senate Judiciary Committee gave initial approval to a civil-unions bill that grants same-sex couples with greater equal protection rights and responsibilities. The Civil Unions bill passed on a bipartisan, 6-3 vote. It will likely pass in the Senate, but it’s fate in the House is less clear as the Republicans have a one-seat majority.

As a sponsor of this bill in the House, I believe it is paramount that we allow civil-unions in Colorado. It is a family values issue that will advance equality and respect throughout the state. As a straight ally, I believe it is my duty to ensure that we stand up for those who do not enjoy the same rights and privileges simply because of sexual orientation.

Proof Of Citizenship For Voter Registration

On Wednesday March 9, Secretary of State Scott Gessler and Republican Rep. Chris Holbert proposed legislation to ostensibly prevent voter fraud by non-citizens. The legislation, under House Bill 1252, would allow the Secretary of State to search the voter database to determine whether registered voters are actually citizens. If a voter is suspected of being a noncitizen, that individual must submit proof of citizenship within 90 days to the state.

This bill would essentially shift the burden of proving citizenship from the state to the individual, making it more time-consuming, more expensive, and less likely for citizens to get to the polls. This bill would be especially burdensome for low-income and elderly people who cannot easily provide this information.

I believe it is important that we do everything possible to get our citizens to vote. We have a process that works, and we should not detract from that process by implementing excessive and bureaucratic roadblocks.

Redistricting