THIS WEEK IN THE LEGISLATURE

0 Comments | Gazette, The (Colorado Springs), Apr 7, 2008 | by ED SEALOVER,

Agenda

Today: The Senate State, Veterans and Military Affairs Committee will debate a constitutional amendment to make it harder for petitioners to submit constitutional amendments.

Thursday: A plan to use increasing federal mineral lease revenues to fund longterm higher-education needs gets its first hearing before the Senate Education Committee.

Toll road

The latest action affecting the proposed Super Slab toll road occurred Thursday when the House Transportation and Energy Committee killed a bill by Rep. Debbie Stafford, D-Aurora, that would have required any company claiming land as a railroad to prove it has rolling stock.

Under current law, tollroad companies like the one looking to build the corridor through seven Front Range counties can wield eminent-domain power by claiming they are looking to build a railroad.

Opponents criticized Stafford's bill as being too narrow, with the possibility for shutting out not only faux railroads but legitimate start-up companies. It was voted down 10-3.

Another bill by Rep. Marsha Looper, R-Calhan, that would clear the titles of people currently listed within the three-mile-wide corridor from Pueblo to Weld counties hits the Senate State, Veterans and Military Affairs Committee Wednesday.

Legislator to know

If the name Josh Penry sounds familiar, it's probably because the Republican senator from Grand Junction is a co-sponsor of much of this year's most prominent legislation. Just see the governor's school curriculum reform plan or his plan to use federal mineral lease revenues for higher education. Both incorporate several of Penry's ideas.

At age 32, Penry is considered one of the GOP's rising stars, and his name already has been floated as a possible 2014 gubernatorial candidate. As a married father of two young kids, however, he says he needs to balance his political goals against the need for family time.

Before making his name in politics, Penry drew attention while winning the national scholar-athlete of the year award while quarterbacking the Mesa State College football team. He then worked five years for former GOP Congressman Scott McInnis before being elected himself.