After winning a historic majority in both the House and Senate in November, I and my fellow Democratic legislators set out to make the 2005 legislative session a landmark year that would put our state back on track for a strong and vibrant future.

While there is still significant work to be done after this session expires, the 2005 session has been characterized by productivity, bi-partisan cooperation and progress.

After winning a historic majority in both the House and Senate in November, I and my fellow Democratic legislators set out to make the 2005 legislative session a landmark year that would put our state back on track for a strong and vibrant future.

While there is still significant work to be done after this session expires, the 2005 session has been characterized by productivity, bi-partisan cooperation and progress.

WATER

Water Conservation Board Construction Fund : Enhance water conservation and infrastructure throughout the state thereby protecting our most valuable resource.

Interbasin Water Compact Negotiations : Strengthen local control over water disputes.

CONSUMERS

Securities Regulation : Give teeth to investigating securities fraud, protecting the investments and retirements of residents throughout the state.

Identity Theft : Give consumers more control over their credit to protect against identity theft.

Low-income Energy Assistance: Improve the energy assistance program by allowing residents to donate money to the fund.

Appeal from the Denial of Health Benefits: Strengthen the appeals process for people denied health benefits.

JOBS

The Colorado Economic Recovery Act : Balance the state budget and strengthen Colorado 's economy by funding K-12 education, higher education, health care, and by financing critical state needs including repairing roads and bridges and replacing deteriorating school facilities. (See Referenda C&D)

HEALTHCARE

Lower the cost of pharmaceuticals: Lower the cost pharmaceuticals by joining a multi state purchasing pool, developing a preferred drug list, and creating a Colorado Rx Clearinghouse to help consumers purchase lower cost drugs.

Increase the number of children who are immunized: Notify parents when children are behind in immunizations and strengthen immunization data and record-keeping.

Expand the number of families and children with health care: E xpand eligibility for health insurance with tobacco tax revenues and identify large businesses that fail to cover their employees.

EDUCATION

Increase Funding for K-12 Education : Lead rather than lag the nation in public education by increasing classroom funding, allowing three-thousand more children to attend preschool, offering full day kindergarten in unsatisfactory schools, providing grants for before and after school programs, and giving extra funding for at-risk and non-English speaking students.

K-12 School Accountability: Require low performing and unsatisfactory schools to adopt a school improvement plan and give parents information about what their child needs to attend college including necessary college preparation courses.