Printed on 8/30/10
DelGrosso earns the endorsement of NFIB.
NFIB (National Federation of Independent Business owners), a group of over 7,500 small business owners around the state of Colorado, has given Brian DelGrosso their endorsement. Brian scored a perfect 100% on their legislative issues this last session, and also earned their Guardian of small business award.
DelGrosso earns the endorsement of CACI.
CACI (Colorado Association of Commerce and Industry), the state Chamber of commerce has given Brian DelGrosso their endorsement for the 2010 election. "CACI has chosen to support legislative incumbents who voted with us on salient business issues," said Chuck Berry, CACI President and former Speaker of the Colorado House of Representatives, "These were issues that not only had a substantial financial impact on the business community, but they also affected job creation and economic development for Colorado."
"Our endorsements and contributions are intended as a vote of confidence and an investment in those who support business," said Loren Furman, CACI Vice President of Governmental Affairs."CACI has a bipartisan membership and is governed by a bi-partisan Board of Directors," said Rob LeVine, CACI Board Chair-Elect and General Manager of the Antlers at Vail, "We support those who support us, regardless of their party affiliation, and this policy is reflected by our bi-partisan endorsements."
DelGrosso earns the endorsement of CAR.
The Colorado Association of Realtors has given Brian DelGrosso their endorsement for the 2010 election. Brian scored a perfect 100% voting record on issues that were important to the association in the last session.
Thanks to the efforts of state Rep. Brian DelGrosso, R-Loveland, senior citizens and persons with a disability will still be able to participate in locally available programs that will allow them to work off part of their property taxes.
Under current law, citizens 60 years and older, and persons with disabilities are able to participate in the Senior Property Tax Work-off Program, which would allow them to pay off part of their property taxes by performing work for the local government. However, local governments were faced with the predicament of coming up with the money of paying the high costs of insurance claims in the event of an accident involving those participating in the program.
Under this new law, local governments will have the flexibility they need to maintain and continue these important programs for seniors and other taxpayers, DelGrosso said. These programs provide a great opportunity for Colorados seniors and disabled communities to get some help with their property taxes and help out their local government in the process.
Specifically, House Bill 1076 will allow local governments the option of purchasing workers compensation insurance, which would save local governments money while also clarifying the coverage provided to those workers who choose to participate in this optional program.
HB 1076 will allow local governments to choose an insurance plan that best fits their needs and the needs of those participating in the program.
HB 1076 was signed by the governor today and will go into effect on August 11, 2010.
###
DelGrossos Senate Bill 146 would increase the cap to $100,000 of a life insurance policy that is exempt from creditors. Currently, the law caps the value of a life insurance policy that is exempt at $50,000. The bill does not cost the state anything and will only affect the transactions of creditors and beneficiaries and will not involve additional workloads for the court.
There are 26 states that have unlimited exemption for life insurance cash value from claims of creditors.
It brings Colorado law closer to what the majority of the states do, DelGrosso said. It protects life insurance from creditors and specifically, it protects the family and the money that was saved up over the years.
This bill would put the cash value of life insurance policies out of the creditors hands if the title-holder or their beneficiaries are possibly sued.
This legislation provides protection for long term insurance assets and puts it aside for the family as a safety net, Sen. Lundberg said. In the 50s legislation was passed that put a cap of $5000 on the exemption of life insurance. Current law has it at $50,000 which is not a lot of money these days especially if you take a look at how expensive a home is, schooling, and how much an automobile costs. Raising the cap to a $100,000 is a reasonable measure given the value of money today.
SB 147 passed the House Judiciary Committee unanimously and now moves to the House Floor for further consideration.
###
Friday, March 12, 2010, 12:35pm MST
Give state Rep. Brian DelGrosso credit: It takes a gutsy freshman legislator to try to wipe out Colorados $1.2 billion business personal property tax with a floor amendment during debate on a green jobs bill.
Colo. Rep. Brian DelGrosso, R-Loveland
The Loveland Republican, as you might expect, was not successful in his effort. But the logic he used in proposing a too-quick solution to one of the business communitys longest-running issues with the state is likely to come back over and over again until it gains traction.
DelGrosso made his move during floor debate over House Bill 1267, which exempts leased residential solar electric-generating equipment from the business personal property tax. Sponsoring Rep. Andy Kerr, D-Lakewood, said he introduced the measure to create a level playing field between the leased equipment and residential solar equipment that is owned by residents, which is exempt from the tax.
But supporters of the measure argued also that the tax breaks will create jobs for the solar-installation industry and, in turn, generate new tax revenue from the state. Rep. Jerry Frangas, D-Denver, cited, for example, a consultants study showing that for every six solar residential installations that are done, one full-time job is created.
To DelGrosso, a member of the House Finance Committee who sat through the tumultuous hearings on the nine-bill package to suspend or eliminate about $118 million in tax exemptions earlier this year, the argument rang very familiar. Business leaders clamored that eliminating their tax breaks could cause them to lay off as many as 15,000 workers, but Democrats questioned that argument and said that the exemption cuts were necessary to balance the budget.
So, DelGrosso strode to the floor microphone and said that Kerrs arguments brought to light the positive benefits of tax exemptions toward businesses. And if this bill could generate hundreds of new jobs by creating a business personal property tax exemption for one piece of property, then think how many jobs could be created if the tax were eliminated altogether.
DelGrossos motion to amend HB 1267 to end the business personal property tax was ruled to not fit under the title of the bill, which narrowly addressed the property tax treatment of an independently owned residential solar electric generation facility. But after hearing for weeks that cutting tax exemptions would not harm Colorado employment numbers, his point was made.
It proves that giving some of these businesses exemptions and creating thousands of jobs will increase revenue for the state, DelGrosso said.
HB 1267, by the way, received preliminary approval Friday and could come up for a final House vote as soon as Monday.
R-Loveland, House District 51
What motivated you to get involved in public service?
As a small business owner, I have seen first hand the negative impact this current economic downturn has had on the prosperity of our community.
Because of the difficulties that I have observed and experienced, I felt compelled to get involved and help promote policies and ideals that would help get our state back in a position to move forward.
What are your top priorities for the 2010 session?
We need good, sound economic policy that will help create jobs. As a member of the
Finance Committee, I will be reviewing tax policy and matters of the economy. On all
of these issues, I will be fighting hard to ensure that the citizens of this state are
empowered with opportunity through policies that will help them keep the jobs they have and the money they earn. My priority for this session is to push policies that preserve and create jobs in all sectors of our community: from business to education, healthcare to the environment.
Local control means the authority of local elected officials to make decisions
"even when state legislators in Denver may disagree. As a legislator, how do you feel about municipalities being allowed to make decisions with which you may personally disagree?
I see the immense value of local governments and the invaluable role they play in helping citizens in a very real, direct way. The proximity that local authorities have to their constituents, gives them a clear, unique understanding of what the needs are in their communities. I am aware of this relationship and of the benefits it has. I have pushed for and promoted policies here at the State Capitol that would give more authority to the local government, and I will continue to help preserve the integrity of local control.
Denver Post Staff Writer
A program that lets retirees and disabled persons work off a portion of their property taxes through government volunteer work was thrown a lifesaver in the House this morning.
About 10 counties and 10 school districts throughout Colorado allow people who are disabled or are older than 60 to volunteer in libraries, county offices and other jobs in lieu of paying their full property taxes, according to bill sponsor Rep. Brian DelGrosso, R-Loveland.
But in instances where those local governments are self-insured, big injuries like a recent $80,000 workers compensation claim in Larimer County threaten to wipe out the programs entirely.
House Bill 1076 allows those self-insured governments to purchase workers compensation insurance for the property tax work-off program. It passed 61-1 with three members absent.
Loveland Reporter-Herald
DENVER " The House Judiciary Committee on Monday unanimously passed state Rep. Brian DelGrossos House Bill 1277, which will make sexual misconduct in juvenile facilities a class 1 misdemeanor, a class 6 felony or a class 5 felony.
Current laws apply to correctional facilities but exclude juvenile justice facilities and city and county jails.
The new laws would prohibit engaging in sexual activity with a person or juvenile in a detention or commitment facility.
"Criminals have to pay their debt to society, but they still have to be detained in safe environments," the Loveland Republican said in a press release.
The measure will proceed to the House Appropriations Committee.
As the newest member of the State House of Representatives, I will be working tirelessly to protect Colorado taxpayers, small businesses, and working families from economic policies that will hinder economic recovery in Colorado.
I hope to work with friends across the aisle on legislation to help our ailing economy, but will certainly not hesitate to voice my opposition to any measure intended to raise taxes, increase government spending, or otherwise stifle economic growth.
Like many of my constituents, I am a small business owner. I own three pizza chains in our area and had originally planned to focus on my business instead of taking on this new role at the capitol. However, the current business climate and my concern for our community and state drove me to want to fight for small businesses and my fellow citizens.
The private sector is, and always has been, responsible for job creation and economic prosperity. Thwarting the ability for small businesses to hire new workers through burdensome regulations and higher taxes is bad economic policy. The last thing Colorado needs in a recession are policies that make hiring new workers and retaining current employees more difficult. The Legislature should focus on business friendly solutions that create real private sector jobs instead of new bureaucratic positions.
Past policies enacted by the legislature have had very serious implications for all of Colorados citizens from small business owners to senior citizens. In recent years, $1 billion in new taxes and fees were enacted despite high unemployment and poor economic conditions. A $250 million car tax, which hits every driver in the state, and a new tax on housing for seniors, struggling to make ends meet, clearly hurt Colorado families facing job loss and smaller paychecks.
Clearly, state government has a revenue shortage. A recent economic forecast shows that Colorado faces a $1.5 billion budget gap in the next two years due to revenue shortages. However, Colorado businesses and families are also facing budget shortages and decreased revenues. The answer to these problems is not higher taxes and fees, and more regulations that hinder economic growth and investments.
Colorado has seen tough economic times before, and the right policies at the state level will help ensure that we get our state back on track. To address the impact of this recession and to stimulate economic growth, Colorado must live within its means, abiding by a constitutionally-required balanced budget and spending cap requirements. Colorado simply cannot raise taxes, increase spending, and enlarge government bureaucracy if we are to fix our ailing economy. Making the cost of doing business rise for those who supply jobs, only leads to increased layoffs, business closures, and businesses leaving the state.
We must focus on reining in government spending, lowering the tax burden on small businesses and Colorados working families, and proposing ideas that will drive new companies to invest in Colorado while maintaining economic policies that will keep Colorado companies from leaving our state or just going out of business. These are the solutions Colorado needs.
As a member of The House Finance Committee, I will take part in the debate on legislative proposals impacting the state's business climate, economy, regulatory environment and the state's finances. Considering our current economic climate, my responsibilities on this committee will be extremely important.
My position on The State, Veterans, and Military Affairs Committee will provide me with the opportunity to address more local issues important to our community, including illegal immigration, and private property rights.
As the legislative session progresses, I will introduce legislation that I have been working on with county commissioners to save money and help seniors. I will also be drafting legislation to alleviate some of the burden that the car tax has had on our community.
I would like to thank the people of House District 51 for trusting me with the opportunity to serve in the Colorado State House. I look forward to hearing from all of you as the legislative session gets under way. It is time to get Colorados economy back on track.
Rep. Brian DelGrosso represents House District 51 in Loveland, Colorado.
Currently, local governments are required to enroll elderly and disabled persons participating in a property tax work-off program in either the Workers Compensation Act of Colorado or the Colorado Employment Security Act. DelGrossos proposal would grant local governments the option of opting out individuals from state benefit packages that are registered in property tax work-off programs.
"This legislation gives local governments more control over their expenditures" DelGrosso said. "Opting out of these expensive programs will save local communities money during these tough economic times."
Presently, local governments may establish a property tax work-off program for any taxpayer who is at least 60 years of age or disabled and who is behind on property taxes owed on a non-income producing property. The taxes are worked off at the federal minimum wage hourly rate and participants in the program are currently entitled to workers compensation benefits.
"Giving local communities the choice of providing compensation packages is the step in the right direction" DelGrosso said. "This program will help our local governments cope with the current recession."
###
Amid public outcry last year over a change to Colorados vehicle late fee charges, state Rep. Brian DelGrosso, R-Loveland, will be introducing a bill that would restore balance to the system.
"One of the biggest complaints my office receives is that the recent changes that were made to the way vehicle late fees are assessed are not working for a lot of Coloradans" DelGrosso said. "That is why I am running a proposal to return to a fairer and balanced approach."
DelGrosso is referring to changes to the system as a result of the Democrats FASTER proposal. Under the new rules, County Clerk and Recorders do not have the authority to waive late fees under any circumstances.
"What we found is that under these new rules, a lot of people who own trailers, campers, and other seldom used vehicles, are being unfairly hit with sizable late fees when they register their vehicles" DelGrosso said. "These new rules are simply not working and the legislature has a responsibility to address this issue."
DelGrosso says that vehicle owners who own vehicles that are seldom used and therefore not registered year-round, are being penalized under the current system. His proposal would allow the clerk to take individual circumstances into consideration and decide whether a waiver to the fee should be assessed.
"I am simply proposing to allow clerks the ability to waive late fees only in appropriate situations" DelGrosso said. "Right now there are just too many people who are being forced to pay high late fees in situations where they should not have to."
DelGrossos proposal would also offer a grace period for temporary tags in circumstances when the tag expires.
###
August 24th-
Brian DelGrosso was sworn in to be the Representative for house district 51.
Lawmakers driven to alter auto late fees
Votes on tax measures largely fell along party lines
Tax Junk Food to Balance the Budget?
Who Knew? Luxury-Box Beer Is A Crime
Legislators, Governor honor armed forces
House Panel Kills Bill Allowing Lobbyists to Bypass Capitol Security
Direct mailers oppose devastating new tax; legislator says it may violate TABOR provisions
General Assembly starts '10 session amidst promises of progress and solutions to state's problems
Newbies come to Legislature with eyes wide open
In the News
DelGrosso earns endorsements
August 2010-DelGrosso earns the endorsement of NFIB.
NFIB (National Federation of Independent Business owners), a group of over 7,500 small business owners around the state of Colorado, has given Brian DelGrosso their endorsement. Brian scored a perfect 100% on their legislative issues this last session, and also earned their Guardian of small business award.
DelGrosso earns the endorsement of CACI.
CACI (Colorado Association of Commerce and Industry), the state Chamber of commerce has given Brian DelGrosso their endorsement for the 2010 election. "CACI has chosen to support legislative incumbents who voted with us on salient business issues," said Chuck Berry, CACI President and former Speaker of the Colorado House of Representatives, "These were issues that not only had a substantial financial impact on the business community, but they also affected job creation and economic development for Colorado."
"Our endorsements and contributions are intended as a vote of confidence and an investment in those who support business," said Loren Furman, CACI Vice President of Governmental Affairs."CACI has a bipartisan membership and is governed by a bi-partisan Board of Directors," said Rob LeVine, CACI Board Chair-Elect and General Manager of the Antlers at Vail, "We support those who support us, regardless of their party affiliation, and this policy is reflected by our bi-partisan endorsements."
DelGrosso earns the endorsement of CAR.
The Colorado Association of Realtors has given Brian DelGrosso their endorsement for the 2010 election. Brian scored a perfect 100% voting record on issues that were important to the association in the last session.
Rep. DelGrosso’s Senior Assistance Bill Signed by Governor
Thanks to the efforts of state Rep. Brian DelGrosso, R-Loveland, senior citizens and persons with a disability will still be able to participate in locally available programs that will allow them to work off part of their property taxes. Under current law, citizens 60 years and older, and persons with disabilities are able to participate in the Senior Property Tax Work-off Program, which would allow them to pay off part of their property taxes by performing work for the local government. However, local governments were faced with the predicament of coming up with the money of paying the high costs of insurance claims in the event of an accident involving those participating in the program.
Under this new law, local governments will have the flexibility they need to maintain and continue these important programs for seniors and other taxpayers, DelGrosso said. These programs provide a great opportunity for Colorados seniors and disabled communities to get some help with their property taxes and help out their local government in the process.
Specifically, House Bill 1076 will allow local governments the option of purchasing workers compensation insurance, which would save local governments money while also clarifying the coverage provided to those workers who choose to participate in this optional program.
HB 1076 will allow local governments to choose an insurance plan that best fits their needs and the needs of those participating in the program.
HB 1076 was signed by the governor today and will go into effect on August 11, 2010.
###
DelGrosso Protecting the Family Insurance
State Rep. Brian DelGrosso, R-Loveland, today successfully made the case for his proposal to protect family insurance to the House Judiciary committee.DelGrossos Senate Bill 146 would increase the cap to $100,000 of a life insurance policy that is exempt from creditors. Currently, the law caps the value of a life insurance policy that is exempt at $50,000. The bill does not cost the state anything and will only affect the transactions of creditors and beneficiaries and will not involve additional workloads for the court.
There are 26 states that have unlimited exemption for life insurance cash value from claims of creditors.
It brings Colorado law closer to what the majority of the states do, DelGrosso said. It protects life insurance from creditors and specifically, it protects the family and the money that was saved up over the years.
This bill would put the cash value of life insurance policies out of the creditors hands if the title-holder or their beneficiaries are possibly sued.
This legislation provides protection for long term insurance assets and puts it aside for the family as a safety net, Sen. Lundberg said. In the 50s legislation was passed that put a cap of $5000 on the exemption of life insurance. Current law has it at $50,000 which is not a lot of money these days especially if you take a look at how expensive a home is, schooling, and how much an automobile costs. Raising the cap to a $100,000 is a reasonable measure given the value of money today.
SB 147 passed the House Judiciary Committee unanimously and now moves to the House Floor for further consideration.
###
Lawmaker Uses Solar Bill To Shine Light On Tax Issue
Ed SealoverFriday, March 12, 2010, 12:35pm MST
Give state Rep. Brian DelGrosso credit: It takes a gutsy freshman legislator to try to wipe out Colorados $1.2 billion business personal property tax with a floor amendment during debate on a green jobs bill.
Colo. Rep. Brian DelGrosso, R-Loveland
The Loveland Republican, as you might expect, was not successful in his effort. But the logic he used in proposing a too-quick solution to one of the business communitys longest-running issues with the state is likely to come back over and over again until it gains traction.
DelGrosso made his move during floor debate over House Bill 1267, which exempts leased residential solar electric-generating equipment from the business personal property tax. Sponsoring Rep. Andy Kerr, D-Lakewood, said he introduced the measure to create a level playing field between the leased equipment and residential solar equipment that is owned by residents, which is exempt from the tax.
But supporters of the measure argued also that the tax breaks will create jobs for the solar-installation industry and, in turn, generate new tax revenue from the state. Rep. Jerry Frangas, D-Denver, cited, for example, a consultants study showing that for every six solar residential installations that are done, one full-time job is created.
To DelGrosso, a member of the House Finance Committee who sat through the tumultuous hearings on the nine-bill package to suspend or eliminate about $118 million in tax exemptions earlier this year, the argument rang very familiar. Business leaders clamored that eliminating their tax breaks could cause them to lay off as many as 15,000 workers, but Democrats questioned that argument and said that the exemption cuts were necessary to balance the budget.
So, DelGrosso strode to the floor microphone and said that Kerrs arguments brought to light the positive benefits of tax exemptions toward businesses. And if this bill could generate hundreds of new jobs by creating a business personal property tax exemption for one piece of property, then think how many jobs could be created if the tax were eliminated altogether.
DelGrossos motion to amend HB 1267 to end the business personal property tax was ruled to not fit under the title of the bill, which narrowly addressed the property tax treatment of an independently owned residential solar electric generation facility. But after hearing for weeks that cutting tax exemptions would not harm Colorado employment numbers, his point was made.
It proves that giving some of these businesses exemptions and creating thousands of jobs will increase revenue for the state, DelGrosso said.
HB 1267, by the way, received preliminary approval Friday and could come up for a final House vote as soon as Monday.
GET TO KNOW Representative Brian DelGrosso
R-Loveland, House District 51 What motivated you to get involved in public service?
As a small business owner, I have seen first hand the negative impact this current economic downturn has had on the prosperity of our community.
Because of the difficulties that I have observed and experienced, I felt compelled to get involved and help promote policies and ideals that would help get our state back in a position to move forward.
What are your top priorities for the 2010 session?
We need good, sound economic policy that will help create jobs. As a member of the
Finance Committee, I will be reviewing tax policy and matters of the economy. On all
of these issues, I will be fighting hard to ensure that the citizens of this state are
empowered with opportunity through policies that will help them keep the jobs they have and the money they earn. My priority for this session is to push policies that preserve and create jobs in all sectors of our community: from business to education, healthcare to the environment.
Local control means the authority of local elected officials to make decisions
"even when state legislators in Denver may disagree. As a legislator, how do you feel about municipalities being allowed to make decisions with which you may personally disagree?
I see the immense value of local governments and the invaluable role they play in helping citizens in a very real, direct way. The proximity that local authorities have to their constituents, gives them a clear, unique understanding of what the needs are in their communities. I am aware of this relationship and of the benefits it has. I have pushed for and promoted policies here at the State Capitol that would give more authority to the local government, and I will continue to help preserve the integrity of local control.
Bill preserves property tax work-off programs
By JESSICA FENDERDenver Post Staff Writer
A program that lets retirees and disabled persons work off a portion of their property taxes through government volunteer work was thrown a lifesaver in the House this morning.
About 10 counties and 10 school districts throughout Colorado allow people who are disabled or are older than 60 to volunteer in libraries, county offices and other jobs in lieu of paying their full property taxes, according to bill sponsor Rep. Brian DelGrosso, R-Loveland.
But in instances where those local governments are self-insured, big injuries like a recent $80,000 workers compensation claim in Larimer County threaten to wipe out the programs entirely.
House Bill 1076 allows those self-insured governments to purchase workers compensation insurance for the property tax work-off program. It passed 61-1 with three members absent.
Juvenile Facility Sex Bill Passes Panel
Front Range briefsLoveland Reporter-Herald
DENVER " The House Judiciary Committee on Monday unanimously passed state Rep. Brian DelGrossos House Bill 1277, which will make sexual misconduct in juvenile facilities a class 1 misdemeanor, a class 6 felony or a class 5 felony.
Current laws apply to correctional facilities but exclude juvenile justice facilities and city and county jails.
The new laws would prohibit engaging in sexual activity with a person or juvenile in a detention or commitment facility.
"Criminals have to pay their debt to society, but they still have to be detained in safe environments," the Loveland Republican said in a press release.
The measure will proceed to the House Appropriations Committee.
NewThe New Year brings with it a renewed focus on jobs and the economy.
By Rep. Brian DelGrosso (R-Loveland)As the newest member of the State House of Representatives, I will be working tirelessly to protect Colorado taxpayers, small businesses, and working families from economic policies that will hinder economic recovery in Colorado.
I hope to work with friends across the aisle on legislation to help our ailing economy, but will certainly not hesitate to voice my opposition to any measure intended to raise taxes, increase government spending, or otherwise stifle economic growth.
Like many of my constituents, I am a small business owner. I own three pizza chains in our area and had originally planned to focus on my business instead of taking on this new role at the capitol. However, the current business climate and my concern for our community and state drove me to want to fight for small businesses and my fellow citizens.
The private sector is, and always has been, responsible for job creation and economic prosperity. Thwarting the ability for small businesses to hire new workers through burdensome regulations and higher taxes is bad economic policy. The last thing Colorado needs in a recession are policies that make hiring new workers and retaining current employees more difficult. The Legislature should focus on business friendly solutions that create real private sector jobs instead of new bureaucratic positions.
Past policies enacted by the legislature have had very serious implications for all of Colorados citizens from small business owners to senior citizens. In recent years, $1 billion in new taxes and fees were enacted despite high unemployment and poor economic conditions. A $250 million car tax, which hits every driver in the state, and a new tax on housing for seniors, struggling to make ends meet, clearly hurt Colorado families facing job loss and smaller paychecks.
Clearly, state government has a revenue shortage. A recent economic forecast shows that Colorado faces a $1.5 billion budget gap in the next two years due to revenue shortages. However, Colorado businesses and families are also facing budget shortages and decreased revenues. The answer to these problems is not higher taxes and fees, and more regulations that hinder economic growth and investments.
Colorado has seen tough economic times before, and the right policies at the state level will help ensure that we get our state back on track. To address the impact of this recession and to stimulate economic growth, Colorado must live within its means, abiding by a constitutionally-required balanced budget and spending cap requirements. Colorado simply cannot raise taxes, increase spending, and enlarge government bureaucracy if we are to fix our ailing economy. Making the cost of doing business rise for those who supply jobs, only leads to increased layoffs, business closures, and businesses leaving the state.
We must focus on reining in government spending, lowering the tax burden on small businesses and Colorados working families, and proposing ideas that will drive new companies to invest in Colorado while maintaining economic policies that will keep Colorado companies from leaving our state or just going out of business. These are the solutions Colorado needs.
As a member of The House Finance Committee, I will take part in the debate on legislative proposals impacting the state's business climate, economy, regulatory environment and the state's finances. Considering our current economic climate, my responsibilities on this committee will be extremely important.
My position on The State, Veterans, and Military Affairs Committee will provide me with the opportunity to address more local issues important to our community, including illegal immigration, and private property rights.
As the legislative session progresses, I will introduce legislation that I have been working on with county commissioners to save money and help seniors. I will also be drafting legislation to alleviate some of the burden that the car tax has had on our community.
I would like to thank the people of House District 51 for trusting me with the opportunity to serve in the Colorado State House. I look forward to hearing from all of you as the legislative session gets under way. It is time to get Colorados economy back on track.
Rep. Brian DelGrosso represents House District 51 in Loveland, Colorado.
DelGrosso to Present Proposal to Save Local Governments Money
State Rep. Brian DelGrosso, R-Loveland, today will present his proposal to give local governments across Colorado a larger say in their property tax work-off programs.Currently, local governments are required to enroll elderly and disabled persons participating in a property tax work-off program in either the Workers Compensation Act of Colorado or the Colorado Employment Security Act. DelGrossos proposal would grant local governments the option of opting out individuals from state benefit packages that are registered in property tax work-off programs.
"This legislation gives local governments more control over their expenditures" DelGrosso said. "Opting out of these expensive programs will save local communities money during these tough economic times."
Presently, local governments may establish a property tax work-off program for any taxpayer who is at least 60 years of age or disabled and who is behind on property taxes owed on a non-income producing property. The taxes are worked off at the federal minimum wage hourly rate and participants in the program are currently entitled to workers compensation benefits.
"Giving local communities the choice of providing compensation packages is the step in the right direction" DelGrosso said. "This program will help our local governments cope with the current recession."
###
DelGrosso Proposes Late Fee Waivers
DelGrosso Proposal Would Restore Balance to Vehicle Late Fee SystemAmid public outcry last year over a change to Colorados vehicle late fee charges, state Rep. Brian DelGrosso, R-Loveland, will be introducing a bill that would restore balance to the system.
"One of the biggest complaints my office receives is that the recent changes that were made to the way vehicle late fees are assessed are not working for a lot of Coloradans" DelGrosso said. "That is why I am running a proposal to return to a fairer and balanced approach."
DelGrosso is referring to changes to the system as a result of the Democrats FASTER proposal. Under the new rules, County Clerk and Recorders do not have the authority to waive late fees under any circumstances.
"What we found is that under these new rules, a lot of people who own trailers, campers, and other seldom used vehicles, are being unfairly hit with sizable late fees when they register their vehicles" DelGrosso said. "These new rules are simply not working and the legislature has a responsibility to address this issue."
DelGrosso says that vehicle owners who own vehicles that are seldom used and therefore not registered year-round, are being penalized under the current system. His proposal would allow the clerk to take individual circumstances into consideration and decide whether a waiver to the fee should be assessed.
"I am simply proposing to allow clerks the ability to waive late fees only in appropriate situations" DelGrosso said. "Right now there are just too many people who are being forced to pay high late fees in situations where they should not have to."
DelGrossos proposal would also offer a grace period for temporary tags in circumstances when the tag expires.
###
August 24th-Brian DelGrosso was sworn in to be the Representative for house district 51.
Aug 18th-
House Republican Leader Mike May, R-Parker, today announced that he will appoint Rep. Elect Brian DelGrosso R-Loveland, to serve on the house Finance Committee and the State, Veterans, and Military Affairs Committee.
"As an experienced small business owner, Brian will be able to serve as a thoughtful and effective leader in the discussions about Colorado's Fiscal Future", May said. "I am confident that Brian will serve as a strong voice for his district and Coloradoans across the state on these important committees."
House Republican Leader Mike May, R-Parker, today announced that he will appoint Rep. Elect Brian DelGrosso R-Loveland, to serve on the house Finance Committee and the State, Veterans, and Military Affairs Committee.
"As an experienced small business owner, Brian will be able to serve as a thoughtful and effective leader in the discussions about Colorado's Fiscal Future", May said. "I am confident that Brian will serve as a strong voice for his district and Coloradoans across the state on these important committees."
August 13th-
A Larimer County selection committee elected Brian DelGrosso to fill the house vacant seat left by Rep. Don Marostica.
A Larimer County selection committee elected Brian DelGrosso to fill the house vacant seat left by Rep. Don Marostica.
Links to more articles about Representative Brian DelGrosso
Lawmaker Uses Solar Bill To Shine Light On Tax IssueLawmakers driven to alter auto late fees
Votes on tax measures largely fell along party lines
Tax Junk Food to Balance the Budget?
Who Knew? Luxury-Box Beer Is A Crime
Legislators, Governor honor armed forces
House Panel Kills Bill Allowing Lobbyists to Bypass Capitol Security
Direct mailers oppose devastating new tax; legislator says it may violate TABOR provisions
General Assembly starts '10 session amidst promises of progress and solutions to state's problems
Newbies come to Legislature with eyes wide open
