House District 6 - Subdistrict B (6B)

State Senator: Joyce Foster

State Representative: 

Lois Court

State Representative
LoisCourt.jpg

MESSAGE FROM LOIS

It was an honor and a challenge to represent House District 6 in the legislature this past session. I look forward to continuing during the 2010 session. Then it will be up to you, my constituents, to decide if you'd like me to continue serving as your state representative since I plan to run for re-election in November 2010.  
 
Please know that my major goal is to represent you well. I intend to be accessible to you and to be receptive to your ideas, concerns, as I work on your behalf at the Capitol. We plan to send out periodic email newsletters to keep you informed. Please click here and add yourself to my email list if you have not already done so.  
 
I also intend to get to as many neighborhood meetings as my schedule will allow, so please contact me to let me know when you'll be having meetings in your neighborhood so I can get them on my calendar.  
 
Again, thank you for electing me to represent you in the Colorado House of Representatives.

 

Website: loiscourt.com

Email Address: 
lois@loiscourt.com


Greetings from HD 6B!


District Calendar

HD6 PICNIC SUNDAY SEPT. 12th Sun, 09/12/2010 - 3:30pm - 6:00pm

House District Updates / Blog Posts


The Blueprint: How the Democrats Won Colorado (and Why Republicans Everywhere Should Care)

Tuesday, August 24, 2010 - 6:00pm - 8:15pm
Location: 
WINDSOR GARDENS CENTREPOINT BUILDING 597 S. CLINTON STREET
The Blueprint: How the Democrats Won Colorado (and Why Republicans Everywhere Should Care)
Tuesday, August 24th at 6:00 PM
Centrepoint Building, 597 S. Clinton off Alameda
Adam Schrager, an author and award-winning reporter covering politics for KUSA-TV. has written this excellent book along with Rob Witwer, a former member of the Colorado House of Representatives who currently practices law in Denver. Mr. Schrager will discuss and sign their new book The Blueprint: How the Democrats Won Colorado (and Why Republicans Everywhere Should Care) at the August meeting of the Windsor Gardens Democratic Club and the House District 6B meeting. Adam Schrager came to our meeting several years ago to speak about his excellent book, The PrincipledPolitician, about Colorado Governor Ralph Carr. Governor Carr was a unique individual of conviction; a politician willing to stand by his beliefs and take an unpopular stance during World War II. This remarkable and ethical man was governor during the internment of Japanese –American citizens in Colorado during World War II. Schrager’s story telling and discussion was very informative and was extremely well received by all of the attendees.
Refreshments will be served.
 

HD6 PICNIC SUNDAY SEPT. 12th

Sunday, September 12, 2010 - 3:30pm - 6:00pm
Location: 
Cook Park, Mexico & Monaco Shelter 1, next to the playground

  SAVE THE DATE
 
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 12

3:30 - 6:00 PM

COOK PARK


HOUSE DISTRICT 6 ANNUAL PICNIC

JOIN US FOR A BARBECUE

  • CHATS WITH CANDIDATES
  • A DEMOCRATIC FASHION SHOW
  • GREAT MUSIC

ADULTS $12 OR $10 WITH A SIDE DISH

CHILDREN UNDER 12 ARE FREE
 
Please click here to purchase tickets on-line. 
                                              
 
 
 


GET OUT THE VOTE CANVASSING AND BARBEQUE

Saturday, June 26, 2010 - 10:00am - 6:30pm
Location: 
631 S. MAGNOLIA STREET Lew Gaiter and Lori Anderson's home Magnolia Street is opposite Geore Washingotn High School on Monaco.
VOTER REGISTRATION   &    CANVASSING ACTIVITY
THIS SATURDAY June 26th 10 to 6:30

This is it!!        Our first Get Out the Vote activity for the 2010 Election!!!! 
 Please Participate!!!
 
I am hoping that each of you will be able to assist in this important activity.  Some of you may not be able to do it on the 26th..... travel, work, vacations, visitors, etc. The 26th is our big day, BUT this is an on-going need so you may do it any day.  Please remember that registration for the August Primary closes on Friday July 9th, so we want to get a lot of these changes into the Elections Division as soon as we can.  If you cannot participate on the 26th, I will get packets to you for another time.  Just let me know when you can work on your precinct OR another one that needs help!!!. 
HOUSE DISTRICT 6B
GET OUT THE VOTE CANVASSING AND VOTER REGISTRATION
SATURDAY JUNE 26TH
Pick your time from 10:00 AM to 6:30 PM
BARBEQUE AND SOCIAL 6:30 PM for all volunteers
STAGING POINT AND BBQ
 Lew Gaiter and Lori Anderson’s home, 631 S. Magnolia Street (Magnolia St. is right across from George Washington High School on Monaco)
Voter Registration materials for change of address, new applications for mail-ins and registration for new residents will be included.  A welcome letter from the Democratic party, talking points about Democratic successes, dates and info for the primary and the general election, and lists of your Democratic neighbors will be available.  We will be trying to cover all 33 precincts in House District 6B.  This year is crucial to turn out Democrats as current polls show our candidates losing to the Republicans in November!

 
 Canvassing can be by walking or phoning or sending personal notes to your neighbors. You pick the way that works for you!!! Call me for more information!! Even volunteer for just your block!!! Every little bit helps!!!

Cary Kennedy Fundraiser in Washington Park

Wednesday, September 1, 2010 - 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Location: 
Cary Kennedy for Treasurer in Washington Park

 Join Cary, Ellin Rosenthal, Anne McGihon and Sallyanne Ofner for a fundraiser and conversation at the home of one her leading supporters. For more information contact Sallyanne Ofner 

 


House District 6B Executive Committee Meeting

Thursday, June 17, 2010 - 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Location: 
6825 E. TENNESSEE AVENUE CONFERENCE ROOM

The Executive committee will meet at Lew's office building to plan our GOTV activities for the summer.  We will also discuss the House District 6 picnic planning.  Anne will also report on the Yard Sale held on June 6th.

Snacks will be available.


House Party Benefiting Andrew Romanoff, Candidate for United States Senate

Saturday, June 12, 2010 - 3:00pm - 4:00pm
 
House Party Benefiting Andrew Romanoff, Candidate for United States Senate
 

 
Saturday, June 12, 2010 - 3pm - 4:00pm
 
What: House Party
When: Saturday, June 12th.
Where: French Quarter Condominium Clubhouse
                       1155 South Monaco Parkway, Denver, CO 80224
Time: 3-4pm
 
Homemade cookies, food and musical entertainment.

 

Please RSVP:

Tamara Mya (303) 888-7370 or tamramya@gmail.com

Fran Rew - (303) 321-1064, info@TopicTalkWalks.com


 

The Democratic Party of Denver supports Democratic candidates for office by including their event announcements on our calendar.  The inclusion of event announcements does not represent an official endorsement of the candidate.

Representative Lois Court Recap of the Legislative Session

Greetings: 2010 Legislative Review The 2010 Legislative Session ended last Wednesday, May 12th. By all accounts it was a very tough session. But the good news is that we accomplished a great deal for the people of Colorado. I continued to address the issues that you elected me to work on 2 years ago: Constitutional Reform, Ballot Issue Understandability and Disclosure, and our Fiscal Knot. Below is a synopsis of the bills I sponsored and passed: SJR 002 – Request for Comprehensive Tax Study This Senate Joint Resolution was one of the measures that came from the Fiscal Stability Commission on which I served last summer. Colorado has not had a comprehensive tax and revenue policy study done for over 50 years. With this Resolution we have commissioned the University of Denver, using gifts, grants, and donations to report back to us by the end of the year about what we need to do to create a tax and revenue policy to meet the needs of our state in the 21st century. HB 1370 – Ballot Measure Disclosure Requirements This bill significantly tightens the requirements of ballot issue committees to disclose in a timely fashion where they get their funding and how they’re spending it. From now on, when you receive information in the mail about a ballot issue, the committee which has paid for it will be acknowledged on the piece. Furthermore, there will be information in the Blue Book – the pamphlet you receive that gives the pros and cons about ballot issues – about where to go online to get more complete information about the groups that submit comments for inclusion in it. SB 216 - Change Ballot Measure Order The idea for this bill was suggested to Senator Rollie Heath and me by Norma Anderson who served in the legislature in the 90’s. The bill changes the order in which measures appear on the ballot. Up until now citizen initiatives have been placed on the ballot ahead of measures referred by the legislature. This bill simply reverses that order so that starting on the 2011 ballot, issues that the legislature refers will be placed ahead of issues placed on the ballot by citizen initiative. As you know, I am passionate about our representative form of government, and I felt that this minor change would give more weight to the issues that we, your elected representatives, have fully debated. I also worked on bills to make our ballots more understandable; to further protect our state’s constitution; and to create a voluntary public financing option for Colorado. I was unable to get those measures passed this year, but like with so much legislation, if you do me the honor of re-electing me this fall, I’ll be back on these issues next year. Here’s a brief run-down of other issues: (For a complete review of the session go to www.leg.state.co.us) Our State’s Budget: Everyone knows what a tough year this was for our budget. Revenues are way down but needs like medical care, unemployment benefits, and infrastructure repairs continued to rise. As a result, we had to make some very difficult decisions – this was a year that truly reflected Lincoln’s loosely quoted adage that you can’t please all the people all the time – you’re lucky if you can please some of the people some of the time. I’m not thrilled with every vote I caste, but I did what I had to do to balance the budget, which is required by our state’s constitution. We cut 3.5 billion (yes, billion!) from our budget creating a leaner government. The good news is that we were able to protect lots of programs for those who need our help the most. I have often said that a civil society is judged by how we treat the least among us – I’m pleased that we are still able to provide for our most vulnerable populations in many different ways. Job, Jobs, Jobs: The lynchpin of our economy is small business. We targeted small business growth through innovative new programs like "Work Share," which helps stressed businesses save money by reducing the hours for a group of employees instead of laying off workers, and allowing workers with reduced hours to apply for some unemployment compensation. We estimate that about 5,000 new jobs will be created over the next several years by various bills that encourage our New Energy Economy. We also stimulated the Creative Industries by making it easier for small arts-related businesses to get loans and credit, and by increasing art in public places. Health Care: Insurance companies will no longer be able to discriminate against women seeking health insurance, and health care professionals will be encouraged to go to rural areas because of the Health Care Jobs Act and the Nurse Loan Repayment Program. Medical Marijuana: Just a reminder – the legislature had to act because Coloradans passed an amendment to our state constitution providing for the medicinal use of marijuana. We passed two bills to try to get a handle on this burgeoning industry. One tightened up the doctor/patient relationship and prohibits a relationship between a doctor and a dispensary. The other bill allows dispensaries (now called centers) to continue but within a regulated structure with requirements for licensing and operation. The bill was definitely a compromise between law enforcement and advocates. Under the bill, local communities can ban dispensaries by a vote of their elected officials or by ballot measures. Tuition Flexibility Of all the budget balancing we had to do, higher ed was one of the most painful. The situation will only get worse next year as the federal recovery money that helped support them over the last two years will run out. Fixing our Fiscal Knot is the only way that I see to overcome this ongoing crisis. With our state funding for Higher Ed ranking at 49th in the nation, this issue will continue to be on my front burner. The bill we passed this year will allow colleges to raise tuition by up to 9 % without legislative approval. I find it appalling that we in the top 3rd of states in the nation in our personal wealth, yet we burden students with this kind of tuition increase. Teacher Effectiveness and Evaluation: For me, this was, by far, the most difficult bill of the session. I was inundated with emails, phone calls, and visits from parents, teachers, school board members, and other community leaders about this bill. That’s probably because I would not take a position until I saw the final bill. I try to do this with many complex bills because I know they will change significantly as they go through the process and I don’t want to put myself in the position that Senator Kerry got into several years ago of “saying yes before I said no” or visa versa. In the final analysis I voted for the bill for two reasons: I do not see it as the Silver Bullet that the proponents hoped for, nor do I see it as the Armageddon that the opponents have feared. The final bill seems pretty balanced and reasonable to me. But the main reason I voted for it was that the majority of my constituents from whom I heard about this bill asked me to vote yes. As I’ve noted, I am passionate about our representative form of government. My job is to listen to my constituents and try the best I can to represent them. I’m not always successful – note Lincoln’s quote above – but my goal is to be a representative in more than my “title.” Which brings me to my final point - Re-election: As with our US Congressional members, Colorado’s State Representatives are up for election every two years. That means my name will be on the ballot again this November because my Democratic constituents nominated me at our County Assembly in April. To my knowledge, I do not have a primary opponent, but I will face a Republican challenger. I hope you’d like me to continue as your representative from House District 6. If so, you can help me get re-elected by going to my website www.LoisCourt.com and making a contribution to my campaign. Please remember – I do not accept contributions from Political Action Committees – PAC contributions – so I count on you, my constituents and friends, to finance my campaigns. I am the ONLY member of the Colorado House of Representatives who campaigns this way. As always, I appreciate the opportunity to serve in this capacity and I look forward to continuing to work with you. Please feel free to contact me at this email, or by phone: 303 355-3546. Sincerely, Lois


STAN GARNETT TO SPEAK TO HOUSE DISTRICT 6B

Tuesday, June 22, 2010 - 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Location: 
Windsor Gardens CenterPoint 597 S. Clinton Street (just off Alameda)

STAN GARNETT, CANDIDATE FOR ATTORNEY GENERAL TO SPEAK

House District 6B is delighted to have the unanimously choosen Democratic candidate for Attorney General to speak to us at our June meeting.  Mr. Garnett is currently the Attorney General for the 20th Judicial District, Boulder. 

Speaking at the Colorado State Assembly, Stan told delegates, "I will work tirelessly to protect law enforcement, protect Colrado's natural treasures, and aggressively pursue unfair business practices that threaten hardworking Coloradoans."

Come and join us and hear our next Attorney General! 


A Year in the Life of a PCP

Author: 
Gordon Blankenship
Publisher: 
Denver Democrats Captain-At-Large for Leadership Training
Pages: 
2

Click HERE for the newly revised, printable PCP Handbook (6/2010), or download a quick Timeline showing the life of a precinct committee person from his or her election at caucus for two years, through the following caucus.

AttachmentSize
A Year in the life of a PCP.doc1.12 MB

HD6B YARD SALE Saturday June 5th

Saturday, June 5, 2010 - 9:30am - 2:30pm
Location: 
Lowry Neighborhood 8th Place and Unita Street
HOUSE DISTRICT 6B YARD SALE
SATURDAY, JUNE 5TH 9:30 TO 2:30 PM
LOWRY
8TH PLACE AND UNITA
Donations of items to sell and workers are needed for the HD6B Yard Sale!
HD6B is collecting items to sell at our first yard sale.
Clean out your closets, basements and garages! Help us raise money for our Get Out The Vote campaign. 
Volunteers needed for afternoon shifts!
Start your Spring Cleaning today!

Where:  8103 E. 8th Place, 8th Place between Trenton and Unita. 

Contact:  Ann Farrell, HD6B Captain, at (303) 842-2765.