Legislative Final report May 12th 2010 Rick Metz, lobbyist
The 165th legislative General Session will end today. Late last night, SB 191 (teacher effectiveness bill) was debated, amended (totaling 202) and finally passed on 2nd reading. Many advocates for Colorado’s teachers stood up and voiced opposition to the bill. Representatives Todd, Benefield, Salano, Pace, Merrifield, Schafer, Levy were passionate, reasonable, intelligent and committed as they spoke for teacher’s rights to a fair evaluation system. The bill will be passed on to the Governor for his signature and the Council for teacher effectiveness will have a huge task to accomplish during the next few years. I sent “thank you” emails to legislators and pledged our support with future education legislation. It was an emotional and hard fought battle for teacher respect and these legislators deserve our praise.
During the last month of this General Session, National Board Certified teachers (including my wife, Suzan) were recognized on the House floor as well as our leader, Clay Ellis, for being the high school physical education teacher of the year. Clay’s recognition was part of COAHPERD’s 1st “lobby day” at the capitol. COAHPERD’s three presidents and advocacy committee members participated in discussions with capitol lobbyists and legislators during the day. Our board members experienced a meeting in a House committee room, being on the House floor, time in the gallery and we took a capitol tour. Bob and Jill Fox, Colorado’s cup stacking business connection, joined the group for the day. I gave selected legislators the advocacy committee’s zip drive including COAHPERD and physical education promotional information. “Thanks” goes to Kenny Webb for making the zip drives.
Work has begun for “charter” writing and reorganization of the HEAL (healthy eating, active living) committee. This is a powerful group of advocates for physical education, physical activity and healthy food in schools and communities. I look forward to meaningful legislative ideas coming from this group. Scott Groginsky, Colorado Children’s Campaign policy director, serves on this committee and has been nominated for COAHPERD’s Distinguished Service award. Another nominee is Elaine Belansky, Rocky Mountain Research Prevention director. I’m working with Elaine’s committee (School Policy Indicators) along with Terry Jones and Mary Lou Miller. Physical education information will be surveyed and organized into “fact sheets” for future physical education projects and legislation. I am lucky to be working with so many knowledgeable, passionate, dedicated professionals.
Here is the latest on the bills being tracked this session:
Signed by our Governor= HB 65 (supplemental appropriations to CDE), HB 1037 (on line education), 1044 (neighborhood youth organization requirements), SB 81 (farm to school task force), SB 106 (food systems advisory council), HB 1191 (revising the tax exemption on soda/candy)
Sent to our Governor= HB 1022 (SNAP- supplemental nutrition assistance program), HB 1131 (kids outdoor grant program), HB 1147 (safer streets for non motorized transport-helmet requirement taken outL), HB1430 (new K-12 student assessment system)
It was a challenging General Session due to the budget problems. I feel that physical education issues and COAHPERD’s role in developing meaningful legislation are more recognized at the capitol. My goals for this summer and next fall are centered on educating legislators about the needs of physical educators and sharing concrete data about the state of physical education in Colorado. I will continue to build a solid network of advocates and plan strategies which will result in meaningful legislation. Thank you for your attention and support. Please call 303-642-2802 or write rickmetz@q.com if you want more information from the capitol.