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Randy Fischer in the News
 Thumbs UpThe Coloradoan
June 28, 2008
"Thumbs up to local representatives, Rep. Randy Fischer and Sen. Steve Johnson, who were each recently awarded the Friend of Higher Education Award from the State Conference of the American Association of University Professors for 2008. Colorado State University AAUP member John Straayer commended each, noting that, 'Both are rock-solid friends of higher ed and CSU but, at least as important, they are not blind institutional boosters. They are sensitive to the fundamental purposes of the institutions to all of those who make the system work.' "
Stephen Mumme, president, AAUP, Colorado State University Chapter
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Press Release
From: Colorado House Majority Communications
State Capitol
June 2, 2008
Rep. Fischer Applauds
Signing of his Bill
to Protect Wild Areas and Mitigate Boom-and-Bust Cycle
(DENVER) - Rep. Randy Fischer (D-Larimer) applauded the enactment today of Senate Bill 13, his plan to ensure that recreational economies do not go bust during the current energy boom. Governor Bill Ritter signed the bill into law this morning at the Solar Power Plant in Alamosa.
As lead sponsor in the House, Rep. Fischer worked with the energy industry to craft an agreement that will invest additional dollars in energy-impacted communities to support and develop outdoor recreation and wildlife-related economies. The development of these non-energy related activities will help communities to sustain themselves beyond the current energy boom.
"I want to make sure that we preserve and protect Colorado's recreation economy even as we diversify. With this new law, we will protect wildlife and natural resources by investing our energy dollars to protect wild areas and state parks, as well as our economies. Wildlife and wild areas are what made Colorado special before the energy boom; I want to make sure they'll be here after," Rep. Fischer said.
"This is the fruit of a year's worth of labor. I worked on it as a member of last summer's Interim Committee on Severance Taxes, I worked with constituents and the energy industry throughout the year, and I am proud to have ushered this important bill through the House."
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Randy's bills that help out old town and CSU all signed into law by Governor Ritter
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Governor signs DDA
extension in Old Town
The Coloradoan
May 22, 2008
With a who's who list of Fort Collins' elected officials, business people and community leaders in attendance, Gov. Bill Ritter signed Senate Bill 170 Wednesday on Old Town Square, extending the life of the Downtown Development Authority through 2031.
The legislation, which ensures the continuation of DDAs, including the one in Fort Collins, for another 20 years, passed the General Assembly in the last days of this year's session.
The DDA uses money from tax increment financing - money gained from higher taxes brought on by increased property values in the district - for downtown improvements.
The district includes Old Town, undeveloped land near Vine Drive and the Wal-Mart Supercenter near Mulberry and Lemay.
The new legislation allows the DDA to keep at least half of its incremental tax revenue rather than 100 percent. The rest of the money will go to other taxing entities, such as Larimer County and the city, unless the DDA can negotiate a smaller percentage.
Ritter, who graduated from Colorado State University in 1978, said he was impressed with how much Old Town had changed since his college days with the help of the DDA.
"It's exciting to look at this (Old Town) area and see how it has evolved over the last 30 years," Ritter said. "For years, DDAs have been major engines of economic development in Colorado."
Mayor Doug Hutchinson said the extension of the DDA will allow for important infill and redevelopment to continue in the downtown area.
"Great things are being accomplished, and indeed good things will continue to happen," Hutchinson said, calling the DDA critical to the Old Town economy and cultural development.
Ritter also signed two CSU-related bills Wednesday including House Bill 1405 that allocates $500,000 to the newly-named Colorado Water Institute and Senate Bill 232, which allows the legislature to make line-item appropriations to three CSU entities. The three entities are the Colorado State Forest Service, the Agricultural Experiment Station Department and the CSU Cooperative Extension Service.
___________________________ Water institute gets new state fundingCSU arm expanding research areas The Coloradoan
May 29, 2008
"There are too many questions that need unbiased scientific research," said institute director Reagan Waskom. "They are saying we need you to do more. They said we're going to rename you and give you even more responsibility. And in recognition, here's additional money."
One of the institute's current projects is an analysis of why recent snowpack levels have not correlated to typical water runoff. For some reason, the projections used have been off recently, and the institute is trying to figure out why.
The institute is also looking into how the pine bark beetle epidemic, which is killing millions of trees across Colorado, will alter water flows due to the dead trees high in the mountains.
"CSU will (also) continue to fund us. This will be an increment we can put into research," Waskom said. "It's not theoretical. It's applied research in Colorado to solve real problems."
The legislation signed by Ritter was sponsored by Rep. Randy Fischer and Sen. Brandon Shaffer.
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Uranium Measure Signed Into Law
The Coloradoan
May 21, 2008
DENVER - Robin Davis was so overwhelmed at the state Capitol on Tuesday when Gov. Bill Ritter asked her to step forward that she began to cry.
Standing with friends and political allies, Davis explained how grateful she was that House Bill 1161, a law strengthening uranium mining restrictions in Colorado - and more specifically her backyard - was being signed into law.
"A year ago, we felt so helpless and discouraged, and we were scared," Davis said as she wiped tears away. "I just want to say thank you to all of our local legislators."
HB 1161, sponsored by Fort Collins Democratic Reps. John Kefalas and Randy Fischer and Republican Sen. Steve Johnson, requires uranium miners to prove they can return groundwater either to pre-mining conditions or those in line with existing state standards. The bill also requires mining operations to notify nearby landowners of their intent to mine.
The legislation is important to property owners such as Davis who live northeast of Fort Collins near the site of a proposed Powertech (USA) Mining Corp. uranium mine.
Any water testing now must be completed by a third-party contractor approved by the state, a shift from former state requirements that allowed the mining company to do the testing.
The proposed Powertech mine would employ in-situ leech mining, a process where water and chemicals are injected into the ground in order to bring uranium to the surface.
Davis and her supporters were lauded by Ritter and other lawmakers for starting a grass-roots effort to get the new requirements passed through the Legislature and into law.
"This is a pretty amazing example of an engaged citizenry acting positively on something that affects their community," Ritter said. The legislation was introduced in the House to encompass almost all mining operations in Colorado. But after hard-rock mining advocates protested, the bill's language was watered down to include only proposed in-situ leech uranium mines in Colorado.
Fischer, an engineer, said he spent many years working in mining reclamation and saw a need for the bill after Davis and others approached him and Kefalas last year.
"I have traveled all over the world cleaning up abandoned mine sites, and there is a huge legacy of abandoned sites that are leaking toxic waste and heavy metals into the groundwater," Fischer said. "Having this bill signed today represents a unique opportunity...to make sure we protect groundwater and our environment before a new kind of mining technology is brought to use--not after."
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Session Helps State's Kids Soapbox from The Coloradoan
May 26, 2008
By Randy Fischer
Looking back on the 2008 legislative session, I'm struck by how much we accomplished - especially how much we accomplished for Colorado's kids. The 2008 legislature will be remembered for the action we took to ensure our kids have a healthy environment, a great education, affordable health care, and the tools they will need to compete in the 21st century global economy. We also invested in job-creating industries like bioscience and renewable energy so that the jobs of the future will be located right here in northern Colorado. Keeping our eyes on the prize, we guarded against partisan politics and, instead, tackled the real issues Coloradans care about.
Focusing on the facts, we did more for children than at any other time in recent memory, including the following:
* Keeping children healthy - One out of every seven children in Colorado is uninsured. These children are more likely to go without vaccinations, to develop chronic conditions, and to use the emergency room as their primary source of care. That is why we voted to provide health care for 50,000 more kids, brought more accountability to the insurance industry, and increased reimbursement rates for health care providers so that they could continue to treat Colorado's most vulnerable children.
* Giving children a good start - Science confirms what most parents and teachers already know, early childhood education works. Children who participate in high-quality preschool and kindergarten are far less likely to lag behind their classmates, repeat a grade, or drop out. Yet too many families can't afford such programs. That is why we made 25,000 more spaces available for 4- and 5-year-olds to attend preschool and full-day kindergarten.
* Providing safe schools - Nearly 90 percent of the school districts in Colorado report a health or safety problem in at least one of their facilities, and many school buildings are literally falling down. The 2008 legislature acted to "Build Excellent Schools Today." The BEST Act will steer up to $1 billion toward school repairs - the single largest investment in school construction in state history.
* Developing skills to succeed - High-paying jobs in the 21st century will demand more than a high-school diploma. Yet, nearly a quarter of Colorado's high-school students fail to graduate. To solve this problem, we invested in teacher training and professional development. We allowed schools and school districts to pursue more innovation. We adopted a new blueprint for public education - the Colorado Achievement Plan for Kids - to prepare students for post-secondary work.
* Building the 'New Energy' economy - Thanks to 2008 legislative action, Colorado is pursuing new industries, such as bio-technology, bio-science and renewable energy to ensure cutting-edge companies establish themselves here in Colorado, rather than Indiana or India, China or Chicago.
* Lowering college costs - The new energy economy will require more well-educated students, who, in turn, will require more opportunities for a college education. For this reason, we invested heavily in higher education - increasing the budget by $215 million, and dedicating an additional $50 million to the College Opportunity Fund and $10 million to work-study funding and financial aid. We hope to put college in reach of every student who wants to attend.
* Preserving our environment - With future generations in mind, we expanded an existing program to conserve our open spaces and passed new legislation to keep more water in our rivers and streams. Together, our environmental package helped maintain Colorado's most beautiful landscapes, its wildlife habitats and its burgeoning recreation economy. We also protected our drinking water supplies from radioactive pollution by requiring uranium mining companies to restore ground water aquifers to their clean, pre-mining quality.
It's been more than a decade since Gov. Roy Romer vowed to make Colorado the best place in America to raise a child. This year, we came closer than ever to meeting that goal.
Randy Fischer of Fort Collins represents District 53 in the state House of Representatives. ______________________________________________________________
Lawmakers Encouraged To Go With Flow
House Bill 1280 helps boost stream flows without penalizing water users
The Coloradoan
March 2nd, 2008
Imagine doing the right thing, but still being penalized. Such is the case with antiquated water law in Colorado, where users are required to use their allotted water each year or lose it.
But House Bill 1280, sponsored by Fort Collins Rep. Randy Fischer, a Democrat, might bring that "use it or lose it" measure up to date by allowing water holders to lease or temporarily donate their water rights to the Colorado Water Conservation Board for nonconsumptive purposes without permanently forfeiting their rights. The concept is expected to allow for healthier stream flows without penalizing water rights holders. Currently, rights holders have to meet what is called "historic consumptive water use" each year in order to retain their water appropriations. Such an outdated requirement discourages conservation and altruism, particularly when creativity and cooperation will be required to balance population growth and limited resources. "It's essential that we reward - not punish - those who conserve and leave some of the water that they are entitled to in the stream for all," Fischer said in a statement. Fischer explained that healthier stream flows could allow for more agricultural endeavors, allow for additional recreation and protect wildlife habitat dependent upon water. Colorado water law has always been difficult to alter, but adjustments are necessary as this state grows and water usage evolves. House Bill 1280 passed the House last week and is headed to the Senate, where it deserves passage. ___________________________________________________________
Can Republicans Beat Fischer in HD 53?
The Coloradoan
January 29, 2008
by Jason Kosena
Fort Collins Democrat Rep. Randy Fischer announced his plans to seek reelection Monday. An incumbent announcing a run for reelection isn't really surprising and rarely makes it past the brief rail in the newspaper, but GovReport thought we would bring it to you with some added background.
Fischer won the House 53 seat by a wide margin in 2006 receiving 58.6 percent of the vote to Republican Anne Yeldell's 36.6 percent and Libertarian Mark Brophy's 3.8 percent.
We haven't heard of any Republican rumors about who might challenge Fischer for the HD 53 seat that has securely been in Democrat hands for more than 25 years. Whoever jumps into the race will have an uphill battle though.
Yeldell, a former Poudre School District Board of Education director, was quoted after her 2006 loss as saying, "I don't know what kind of candidate it's going to take in the Republican Party to win this seat," adding that she didn't know what else her campaign could have done to win. We are sure Fischer is hoping the Republicans are still wondering the same thing come November.
Full text of press release below:
State Representative Randy Fischer Announces Reelection Plans
Fort Collins - State Representative Randy Fischer announced today that he will seek reelection in 2008 to his west Fort Collins seat in the Colorado state legislature. Fischer was elected to the legislature by a wide margin in November of 2006. He represents State House District 53, which encompasses most of the west side of Fort Collins.
"Over one year ago you put your trust in me, and I look forward to continuing to work for the benefit of the people here in my home town, Fort Collins," said Fischer. "I am truly humbled by the privilege of serving the community where I was born and have lived my entire life." Fischer serves on the House Education Committee and on the Agriculture, Livestock and Natural Resources Committee. He also served on the Severance Tax Interim Committee in 2007.
During his term in the legislature, Fischer has successfully addressed a variety of issues important to the community, including health care, education, water quality, and renewable energy. Currently, in response to citizen concerns about possible uranium mining near Fort Collins, he is sponsoring two bills which strengthen state mining regulations making them more protective of human health and of our groundwater. "I take the job of serving the public interest very seriously," he said. "I pledge to continue to work hard; to be responsive, open and accessible to my constituents; and to fight for the needs of this community ."
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Hope, Optimism on 2008 Agenda
Soapbox from The Coloradoan
January 1, 2008
By RANDY FISCHER At the completion of my first full year as state representative for House District 53, I wish to thank you, the residents of Fort Collins, for the privilege of representing you in state government. I am truly honored to serve this wonderful community, and I am filled with hope and optimism for Colorado's future. The coming 2008 legislative session promises to be momentous. Policy panels established by Gov. Ritter and the Legislature have completed their work and will soon submit their recommendations for legislative action. I am looking forward to working with my House and Senate colleagues and the governor on the critical issues that these commissions and blue-ribbon panels have been discussing. Health-care reform: For the past year, I have attended meetings of the 208 Commission on health-care reform, met with local health-care organizations and advocacy groups, and I have listened to the health-care concerns and experiences of many Fort Collins residents. Sky-rocketing health-care costs are among the top concerns of individuals, businesses and health-care providers. The Legislature has a solemn responsibility to work collaboratively and thoughtfully toward meaningful, effective reforms that address out-of-control costs and growing disparities. Coloradans expect action on this issue. I am hopeful that the General Assembly will seize the opportunity for health-care reform in 2008.
K-12 education: Gov. Ritter's blue-ribbon education panel, called the P-20 Council, recently issued its reform proposals. As a member of the House Education Committee, I am looking forward to helping implement these proposals. I am especially pleased at the recommendation to fully fund the Colorado Preschool and Kindergarten Program and to provide access to quality full-day kindergarten. Increased funding for early childhood programs is one of the best investments we can make as a state. I am optimistic the Legislature will act quickly to implement this recommendation.
Higher education: In 2007, the P-20 Council and the Colorado Commission on Higher Education actively sought increased access to post-secondary education opportunities. As a Fort Collins legislator, one of my top priorities is to address the shortfall in higher education funding for Colorado State University and Front Range Community College that creates barriers to post-secondary education for too many students. Both these institutions are central to Northern Colorado's economic prosperity. Yet their funding levels are significantly below that of their peer institutions throughout Colorado and the nation. I am hopeful about discussions involving the use of a portion of the growth in federal mineral royalties as a possible solution to higher education funding.
Uranium mining: I have received a large volume of correspondence from residents requesting legislative action to address their concerns over possible uranium mining near Fort Collins. I want to reassure folks from Northern Colorado that I am taking action to prevent the public health, environmental and economic risks posed by uranium mining in our area. I am jointly sponsoring legislation with other local legislators aimed at protecting public health, safeguarding our valuable groundwater resources and lifting the veil of secrecy around uranium prospecting. The passage of this legislation is one of my top priorities for 2008.
These are only a few of the issues I will be actively working on in 2008. I am eager and energized to begin the upcoming legislative session. Thank you, again, for the privilege of serving you in state government.
Randy Fischer is a Democrat representing west Fort Collins' House District 53 in the state legislature. He is a member of the House Education and Agriculture, Livestock and Natural Resources Committees. He invites citizen input on the 2008 legislative agenda and may be contacted at Randy.Fischer.House@state.co.us.
Fischer launches 'government at the grocery'
Campaign House District 53 representative hopes to meet more constituents
The Coloradoan
October 9 2007
By HALLIE WOODS
With an upcoming legislative session starting in January, Fort Collins state Rep. Randy Fischer started to compile his political agenda at the grocery store Monday.
Fischer, a Democrat, camped out at King Soopers, 1015 S. Taft Hill Road, for three hours meeting the constituents of House District 53 and asking them what issues in state government they would like to discuss.
"I want to meet the people in my district and find out what's on their minds," Fischer said. "What better way to meet their legislator than on their way home for some bread?"
Fischer said this was the beginning of a series of "government at the grocery" events, something he hopes to continue every week.
For people who feel their representatives aren't easily accessible, the three-hour meet-and-greet was appreciated.
"They seem to be accessible when it's time to get votes," said Linda Cohen, a Fort Collins resident. "But for the most part, we don't see people walking door to door."
Cohen said Fischer's presence was a great way for her to voice her concerns on issues such as health-care costs.
Fischer said participation among the people he represents is high, as he gets regular e-mails and phone calls from those in his district.
His district includes Colorado State University students.
"Some of the most active folks I know are students, but there is a serious disconnect with part of the student population," Fischer said.
Fischer said the easier he can be accessed, the more feedback on state issues he hopes to get.
Another resident said she appreciated the ability to talk to a representative for as long as she wanted.
"I started to feel disgruntled with feeling like we don't have a voice," said Dianne Renfro of Fort Collins.
Fischer said it was also an opportunity for constituents to learn what state representatives do in the Legislature.
"This was designed for people to become acquainted with what we do in the state government and know that they can make a difference," he said.
Sonya Ridgway said she knew very little about the politics of state government.
"I haven't been into state issues as much as federal (issues)," she said.
Ridgway said she had questions on uranium mining and renewable energy that she would like to find out more about from Fischer.
Because some grocery shoppers coming in couldn't think of issues or questions right off the top of their heads, Fischer passed out contact cards.
"If they haven't thought about issues ahead of time, they can think while they shop and come find me after," he said.
Ritter signs bill funding carbon-storage research
The Coloradoan
May 24 2007
By JASON KOSENA
Gov. Bill Ritter gives Rep. Randy Fischer, D-Fort Collins, the pen
he used Wednesday to sign into law a carbon credit bill.
Fischer sponsored the bill. (Photo credit: Jason Kosena)
DENVER - Promoting his new energy economy, Gov. Bill Ritter signed a bill Wednesday funding Colorado State University researchers to study effective ways for farmers to store carbon in soil.
Eventually, farmers will make money by selling carbon credits to individuals and businesses trying to offset their greenhouse-gas footprint.
"Carbon sequestration will be an important strategy to reduce greenhouse gasses across the state, and it will support CSU's investigation into the Colorado-based market in carbon emissions reduction credits," Ritter said.
House Bill 1203, sponsored by Rep. Randy Fischer, D-Fort Collins, will bring $175,000 to CSU's Natural Resources Ecology Lab, which will conduct the study.
Farmers in other states, including Nebraska and Iowa, already have tapped into the rapidly growing carbon-credit market, earning long-term income by changing farming practices and storing carbon in the soil.
"Colorado farmers don't have access to those markets now because we haven't done studies about how much carbon can be taken out of the air and put into Colorado soil," Fischer said. "This study could have a great impact on the rural communities and could become a great source of income for the agricultural community."
Storing carbon in ground soil is a win-win for farmers, said Keith Paustian, a professor in soil and crop science at CSU and a senior research scientist at the Natural Resources Ecology Lab.
Pulling carbon out of the air and placing it in the soil will help crops grow and eventually will lead to farmers' ability to sell the offsets on the carbon credit market, he said.
"We're going to do a detailed assessment of what really the potential is for Colorado agriculture to sell carbon credits," Paustian said.
The second part of the study will look at a Colorado-specific tool that farmers can use online to assess their farming practices and evaluate different types of agricultural changes to see what kinds of effects they will have in terms of greenhouse gasses, Paustian said.
Fischer, who worked on many CSU-related bills this past Legislative session, said this bill carries much importance for the university.
"I believe we need to take steps to create a more-sustainable economy, and this is one way we can do something that really supports the whole idea of business being able to do what is good for the planet and also generate revenue on the side," Fischer said. "It also goes to support higher education and our research universities, which is a positive for Fort Collins."
State looks to open door for research opportunities in Colorado:
Legislature looks to compete with top-tier schools in luring 'bright minds'
The Campus Press
February 27 2007
By CASSIE HEWLINGS
Gov. Bill Ritter is expected to sign a bill this week to allow state-supported universities an unlimited number of long-term research contracts.
The legislation, co-sponsored by Representative Randy Fischer and Sen. Bob Bacon, both Democrats from Larimer County, would repeal an existing law limiting the number of contracts a school can have at one time to six.
The bill has left its final reading in committee and awaits the governor's approval.
"We have a situation in Colorado where universities are limited by law the number of contracts a school can enter into," Fischer said. "This creates a problem with retention. Some of our state's best and brightest minds are being lured away to other schools because we can't compete."
Each university is limited to six contracts of five years or more and most are occupied by non-research staff contracts, such as sports staff and university officials.
Currently, state universities can only offer tenured teaching positions to researchers. This is an unattractive option to some.
"Unfortunately, most of the university contracts are being held by exceptions that have been made, and not utilized to capture valuable scientists and research dollars. To most scientists, the requirements of being a professor do not fit with the scope of their research interests," Fischer said.
Fischer said the bill would not further tax university resources because it stipulates that any costs incurred with new research contracts, such as salaries and laboratory equipment, must be paid for with the grant money awarded to the contract.
"It isn't our intention here to invite universities to spend money they don't have on research. The intent is to bring more money to the schools with grant dollars and world-renowned scientists," Fischer said.
Bacon is also drafting legislation for matching research money granted to schools through private or public donations with state dollars up to a certain amount.
This comes in concert with the recently established Collabratory, a cooperative research venture between CU, CSU, the Colorado School of Mines and the Golden-based National Renewable Energy Laboratory to explore renewable energy sources.
The general assembly established a fund to match up to $2 million in donations with state money annually to the Collabratory.
"Our state must match research grants to all universities as much as we can because there are some federal grants that require a state match in funds. Colorado hasn't been doing that, and opportunities have been passing us by," Bacon said.
The Collabratory agreement is one way lawmakers attempted to stifle a potential increase in competition for research grants between state schools.
Fischer said he believes any interstate competition that comes as a result of the bill could only be a good thing for the state.
"A little healthy competition brings researchers from around the world to Colorado. I think that it will encourage more cooperative research in the long run," Fischer said.
The Collabratory is already having an effect on the research capabilities of Colorado schools, both through increased funding and pooled resources.
"We already have three major proposed projects that we could not have done as individual institutions," said CU Vice Chancellor of Research Susan Avery. "I am excited about the possibilities this opens for new research, new educational opportunities for students, and new partnerships that ultimately should position Colorado as the intellectual and economic leader in renewable energy."
Lawmaker seeks input on education issues
The Coloradoan
February 22 2007
By RANDY FISCHER
As the new state representative for west Fort Collins' House District 53, I am pleased and honored to have been appointed to the House Education Committee. Coloradans deserve the best public schools and colleges in America, but we have a lot of work to do before we can rest on that achievement. That is why I view my work on the education committee as one of my most challenging and important responsibilities.
Our education system has a powerful influence over any family with school-aged children or grandchildren, those who teach or work in school settings, business people who expect to hire skilled employees or anyone who works for a living or pays taxes. We distribute about $4.8 billion of state and local tax revenue annually to some 178 school districts statewide. Clearly, the effectiveness of our schools is a concern to just about everyone.
I am pleased to announce that educational progress is being made at the Statehouse. In the first 30 days of this legislative session, the Legislature passed, and the governor signed, the Student Progress Bill, HB07-1048. This new law will help parents and teachers to track better the progress of their children by redesigning our school report cards. This is a first step in streamlining our school accountability system to make it easier to understand and to provide a more meaningful tool in helping our students achieve success. This new approach will hold schools accountable for how far they move students, not just where they happen to find students at a given point in time.
Streamlining Colorado's educational accountability system is only one of several major reforms being discussed in the 66th General Assembly. I am eager to engage the residents of my district in a broad range of ideas about how we educate our children. The following are only a few of the key issues the Legislature is scheduled to debate in the next few months:
- Redesigning high-school graduation requirements to address changing economic expectations and realities.
- Possibly enacting more rigorous college entrance requirements, especially in math and science.
- Creating a preschool to post-secondary education council, known as the P-16 council.
- Expanding and improving early childhood education opportunities across the state.
- Identifying new revenue sources for our public schools and more effectively allocating existing revenues.
- An important lesson I've learned as a new legislator is that collaboration is needed to achieve even the simplest of legislative goals. Education issues are some of the most complex, controversial and costly we will deal with as a community and as a state. I am making every effort to gather input from my community on education policy matters at this moment when the discussion of key issues is just beginning.
As part of my effort to gather community input, I invite Fort Collins residents to attend a community forum on education at 9:30 a.m. Saturday in Room 228 of the Lory Student Center on the Colorado State University campus. I invite you to join our community's education leaders and me to discuss the issues of statewide interest that will likely be debated during this legislative session. If you are unable to attend this forum, I invite your input via e-mail (click link to left for email).
Education policy discussions occurring in the Legislature may lead to important decisions that could significantly affect local schools, students, teachers, parents and taxpayers.
It is important for residents to become active participants in these discussions and to make their ideas and concerns known to their elected representatives. I hope to see you at the forum.
Fischer water pollution bill passes second reading
The Coloradoan
February 3, 2007
By JASON KOSENA
DENVER - A bill that would allow Larimer County to enforce federal water pollution regulations passed the Colorado House this morning on a second reading.
House Bill 1197, sponsored by Rep, Randy Fischer, D - Fort Collins, is now awaiting adoption on third reading.
The storm water quality regulations, set forth under federal Environmental Protection Agency, include violations such as illicit discharges of dirt and sediment from construction sites or chemical discharges from companies and homes, among others.
Cities with populations over 100,000 already are responsible for policing such water quality issues in their storm drainage run-off systems, but counties have long relied on state agencies for enforcement in their unincorporated areas.
"This bill is especially important for our county," Fischer said. "It's critical that we pass the bill this year so counties can have police powers to handle this problem."
Some Colorado counties, including Larimer, that have high population densities in areas outside of city limits and will be responsible for regulating their own storm water runoff beginning in March 2008, making Fischer's bill, which gives them such authority, imperative.
Unlike municipalities, which have implied powers, counties have only the expressed powers given to them by the Legislature making this bill a necessary motion before applicable counties can comply with the March 2008 deadline, Fischer said.
The legislation is heavily favored by the Colorado Water Congress, a group aimed at promoting proper water management and stewardship of Colorado water resources.
Democratic legislators spend the morning with constituents
Excerpted from The Coloradoan
February 3, 2007
By JASON KOSENA
Many Fort Collins residents spent Saturday morning asking questions and sharing concerns about on many statewide issues when Reps. John Kefalas and Randy Fischer joined Sen. Bob Bacon at a town hall meeting at Harmony Library.
The state's handling of Referendum C spending, the right to a peaceful death mandates and the impact of the recently passed Amendment 41 were some of the issues discussed during the 90-minute meeting attended by approximately 50 Fort Collins residents...
All three lawmakers were asked whether the Colorado Legislature would follow Oregon's lead on allowing doctors to prescribe a lethal dose of medication to terminally-ill patients with less than six months to live.
"I am very much in support of such a measure going on the books in Colorado," said Fischer, who is talking with other lawmakers about the best way to bring it forward. "We probably aren't going to see anything come on this issue this year though."
Bringing the issue to voters as a ballot issue or a referendum might be a more politically safe route for elected officials though who fear such controversial issues - and the votes they cast on them - will be used against them in later campaigns...
After the meeting, Fort Collins resident Kevin Caffery said he was happy to see his elected officials take time out of their Saturday to talk with residents.
"I think this is very, very important," Caffery said. "We're only going to get as good of a government as the citizens who show up to participate in it and I appreciate the fact that they show up on weekends to help answer our questions."
CSU water study given buoyancy
Research granted $500,000 each year through 2009
Excerpted from The Coloradoan
January 25, 2007
By JASON KOSENA
DENVER - Enjoying bipartisan support, a bill that would bring $500,000 each year to Colorado State University for the next two years to help support its Water Resources Research Institute passed the House Finance Committee by a 10-0 vote Wednesday.
The House bill, sponsored by Reps. Randy Fischer and John Kefalas - both Democrats from Fort Collins - and partnered by Sen. Bob Bacon, D-Fort Collins, now will head to House Appropriations for consideration...
"Our mission with the state funding is to attack Colorado water issues and needs," Waskom said. "But the technology could spin off to other areas."
...
"CSU is working with graduate programs and students to train new and young people into the water (industry)," Treese said. "We support that because we want to keep Colorado a leader in water technology and water investment."
Fischer said he strongly believes in CSU and the ability of the Legislature to bring funding to its research efforts.
"The institute's important," Fischer said. "I made a commitment to come down to Denver and fight for every dollar we can get for higher education and for CSU. We have a center that is doing great work for CSU and for the community, and I will always try and bring more funding to that."
Higher education a priority
Excerpted from The Coloradoan
January 24, 2007
By SARA REED
Public support and a unified front will be necessary if higher education in Colorado is going to be funded at the national average, Colorado State University President Larry Penley said Tuesday... "What we're trying to do is say that we must do this," Penley said during a phone interview. "Everyone has to come together: the governor, the Legislature and the public."
Such a funding source might also include funding for other essential state needs, such as transportation or K-12 education, Penley said.
State Rep. Randy Fischer, a Democrat from Fort Collins, said he is already in line with what Penley is saying.
"I agree 100 percent that we need a stable long-term source of funding," he said. "If there is another economic downturn, there will be no place to cut but higher education."
A large coalition is needed to address this issue, such as the one built for Referendum C, Fischer said. Some players might already understand the importance of adequate funding for higher education, Fischer said.
"I think the business community understands that, for Colorado to be competitive, we absolutely have to improve the state of the higher education system," he said.
Legislative task forces take a look at public on-line schools
The Coloradoan
January 18, 2007
By JASON KOSENA
DENVER - Working separately, two task forces are helping lawmakers draft legislation aimed at addressing problems a state audit found in the oversight and structure of public on-line schools in Colorado.
No bills have been introduced as of today, but Sen. Sue Windels, D-Arvada, said she expects some will see light after both task forces, one through the State Board of Education and one through the non-profit Donald-Kay Foundation, present their findings.
The State Auditor's Office briefed both the House and Senate Education Committees today on its November report which outlined many academic and financial inconsistencies found in some on-line public schools.
Fort Collins Rep. Randy Fischer, D, who sits on the House Education Committee, said he hopes more accountability will come to full-time on-line schools.
"I definitely think the audit today showed that there is a need for accountability," Fischer said. "I think as representatives we need to make sure that all of our schools are being held accountable and are performing well and giving the value of the tax dollars they use."
Fischer did emphasize the difference between full-time on-line schools and districts that use on-line courses as supplements to their traditional academic offerings.
"I think there are many districts, especially rural ones that are greatly benefiting from being able to offer supplemental on-line courses," Fischer said.
New lawmakers make debut in Statehouse session
The Coloradoan
January 3, 2007
By KEVIN DARST
Local lawmakers plan to tackle forced annexation, graduate student health insurance, greenhouse gasses and all-day kindergarten when the Statehouse convenes this month in Denver...
Fischer wants to solidify funding for the Colorado Water Resources Research Institute at Colorado State University, something he'll try to achieve with a bill to provide ongoing funding for the institute.
Another Fischer bill would fund a CSU project looking at the carbon storage capacity of the state's soils. The project would provide baseline data necessary to help farmers and ranchers sell carbon credits on the Chicago Climate Exchange and other markets, Fischer said.
"The small investment I'm proposing will result in significant benefits for the university, Colorado farmers and ranchers, rural communities and the environment," Fischer said.
A $50,000 grant to CSU got the study going. An additional $175,000 is needed to finish it.
Democrat wins State House District 53 seat
The Coloradoan
November 8, 2006
By KEVIN DUGGAN
 Just as it has been for 25 years, state House District 53 will be in Democratic hands when the Legislature convenes in January. Democrat Randy Fischer, a lifelong Fort Collins resident, turned back three challengers in Tuesday's election to win the seat by a wide margin. As of press time Tuesday, Fischer had received 58.6 percent of the vote to Republican Anne Yeldell's 36.6 percent and Libertarian Mark Brophy's 3.8 percent. Darren Morrison of the American Constitution Party netted 1 percent of the vote. Fischer said hard work and running a positive campaign made the difference in the race. The contest was his first attempt at elected office. "I think the fact I was out knocking on doors and walking the neighborhoods and campaigning the old-fashioned way resonated with people," he said. "It showed I cared about their concerns." Voters also appreciated the positive tone of his campaign, he said. "I'm really looking forward to going down (to the Legislature) and representing the district," he said.
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