February 2010 begins

Time certainly has been flying by at the Legislature this year! We’ve already had several bills signed into law after only two and a half weeks. A few Senate committee hearings have lasted until after 8 p.m., but that’s nothing compared with the House burning the midnight oil twice last week to get budget-fixing bills done. Will the groundhog see its shadow on Tuesday? – I don’t know, but the state budget isn’t out of winter yet.

Please join your fellow community members and me on Thursday, February 4, at a slightly earlier time, 7:15 - 8:15 a.m., at Panera’s, 7739 Wadsworth Blvd., for coffee (or tea or breakfast). There are no agendas or programs for these Legislative Coffees – so take advantage of the opportunity to discuss legislative issues of concern to you. 

 

The General Assembly hosted Military Appreciation Day on Monday, January 25, when we honored the brave servicemen and women who have sacrificed so much to protect our freedom. Legislators presented a series of tributes and resolutions honoring veterans, wounded service members, those who were killed in military service, prisoners of war, and those missing in action. It was an honor for me to have 5 veterans from Senate District 19 in attendance.

 

On Friday, the Senate gave preliminary approval (on 2^nd Reading) to two bills dealing with key issues of concern, both of which were drafted and amended based on a considerable amount of negotiation and compromise with all concerned parties:

Find out what’s going on with the state budget and how we plan to deal with a revenue shortfall of over a billion dollars in order to balance it. State Representative Mark Ferrandino from the Joint Budget Committee will be coming to explain at my next Town Hall Meeting on Saturday, February 20, 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. at theStandley Lake Library, 8485 Kipling Street.  

If you know someone between the ages of 14 and 21 who needs a summer job, tell him or her to attend the Youth Job Fair at the Jeffco Fairgrounds on March 2, 1:30-5:30 p.m. Attendees should bring a resume and wear career dress. Pre-registration online is encouraged at http://jeffcoyouthworks.org/. You may call 303-271-4613 with questions.

 

I have updated my website and included a blog, which I will occasionally be posting items to. You can also get previous copies of my Senate Notes there. It’s www.eviehudak.com.