Bright idea to save energy
How many lawmakers does it take to replace a light bulb? Apparently, more than three. Several statehouse Democrats gathered Thursday on the second floor of the Capitol to launch their special renewable- energy committee with a ceremony to replace about 600 standard light bulbs in the statehouse. The new compact fluorescent bulbs, which produce as much light but use less energy, were donated by Paradigm Nouveau Enterprises LLC. The Capitol is expected to save $17,331 each year and $89,950 during the bulbs’ lifetime. One of the first bulbs to be replaced fritzed out after Rep. Tom Plant, D-Nederland, screwed it in. Plant said that was proof the state needs to spend more to maintain its buildings.
Sweet surprise from Springs
Rep. Keith King, R-Colorado Springs, brought some spice to the Capitol on Thursday. Well, OK, it was cocoa. Representatives found tins of “Pure Decadence” cocoa on their desks. The label described the cocoa as “pure adult pleasure.” King announced the company is based in his district. “Nobody can say Colorado Springs is a dull place when you see what you can get.”
Bar owners fight smoking bill
With the smoking ban expected to hit the Senate next week, a group of tavern owners converged on the Capitol for a news conference asking senators to exempt their establishments. The owners argue the ban will put them out of business. Supporters say the ban is needed to protect workers exposed to secondhand smoke. “I can honestly say in 36 years, I have never had one health- conscious bartender apply for a job,” said John Plessinger, owner of Denver’s Nob Hill Inn.
Donors join immigrant issue
Activists on both sides of a ballot initiative to limit services to illegal immigrants are raising money from donors in and out of state. The proponent group, Defend Colorado Now, has received $5,000 from U.S. Inc., a Michigan foundation created by longtime immigration-reform advocate John Tanton. The opposing group, Keep Colorado Safe, is seeking donations in Colorado and elsewhere, spokesman Manolo Gonzalez-Estay said. Each group must publicly report its donations in April.
Governor airs his concerns
Republican Gov. Bill Owens says he is concerned about bills to change the statute of limitations for child victims of sexual assault. At the same time, he conceded, he has advocated the need to extend the window for child victims. He said he also is concerned with bills that mandate policies for how much a company should spend on health care, when parents can leave work and when female employees can breast- feed. On the flip side, Owens said he’ll probably support a ballot measure to limit state services to illegal immigrants.
