As we enter this Labor Day weekend, we come to the unofficial end of summer, and the start of the 2010 campaigning season.   The summer has gone by very quickly, and was filled with great neighborhood BBQs, ice cream socials, and block parties across House District 2.

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE:

Although the 2010 legislative session ended in May, I continue to work on legislative and budgetary issues.  The following highlights a few of the key issues I have been working on:

Payday Lending Reform --  HB 10-1351 took effect in mid-August, but it was not until August 31st that the Attorney General's Office finalized the rules for implementing the legislation.  The AGs Office initially proposed rules that did not comply with our intent when we passed HB 10-1351, and would have in some cases actually caused consumers to pay more than they would have prior to the passage of the legislation.  Senator Romer, advocates, and I testified before the rule making committee about our concerns with the rules.  I am proud to report that the AGs Office reversed their position and the finalized rules help to protect consumers.  You can read more about this story at the Pueblo Chieftain.

State Budget --  In August Governor Ritter submitted his plan to deal with an additional $60 million shortfall in our budget caused by less federal funds, and a lower economic forecast.  You can read his proposal at the Governor's Website.

Graffiti --  I have continued to work to find ways to curb the amount of graffiti in House District 2, and in Colorado.  Last year I introduced legislation to deal with this issue, but unfortunately it was not successfully passed.  I am committed to continuing to fight for this issue and will begin working on legislation in the coming weeks.  If you would like to participate in those conversations please email me at  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

CAMPAIGN UPDATE:

As November 2nd approaches I am spending more and more of my time on the campaign trail.  This November we have many important issues on the ballot, including several important ballot initiatives, state-wide races, and the entire State House, including my seat.

Ballot Initiatives --  There are several ballot initiatives this November but I want to let you know about Amendments 60, 61, and Proposition 101, also known as the Bad 3.  These initiatives, brought to us by Doug Bruce, would create a voter approved recession and cost our state roughly 70,000 jobs.  My next town hall meeting will focus on the Bad 3, and I hope you will join me.  To find out more about these initiatives you can visit Don't Hurt Colorado.

House District 2 --  I am asking for your vote to continue to serve as your State Representative.  It has been my honor to serve our district for the past 3 years, and I want to continue to fight for our district.  I want to work to help rebuild our economy, strengthen our schools, and create a more accountable and transparent government.   Over the next two months I will continue to walk the district talking to our neighbors.  If you want to help with the campaign, or would like aYARD SIGN, please email me at  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

UPCOMING EVENTS:

September Town Hall Meeting - Amendments 60, 61, and Proposition 101
When: Wednesday, September 15 from 6:00 - 7:30 PM
Where: Athmar Park Library (corner of Mississippi and Tejon)
What: Proponents and Opponents of Amendments 60, 61, and Proposition 101 have been invited to present their positions and answer your questions.

Thank you,
Mark Ferrandino