2012 Jefferson Jackson Dinner
Saturday, February 11, 2012
Plaza Ballroom • Sheraton Denver Downtown Hotel • 1550 Court Place • Denver, Colorado
Silent Auction and Registration 5:30pm • VIP Reception 6:00pm • Dinner 7:00pm
If you would like to:
- Purchase tickets online, please visit www.coloradodems.us/events/2012JJ or email 2012jjdinner@coloradodems.org for information on how to pay by check.
- Purchase an advertisement in this year's program, please visit www.coloradodems.us/events/2012JJ or email 2012jjdinner@coloradodems.org requesting additional information.
- Donate items for this year's silent auction, please email your contact information and a brief description of the item(s) to 2012jjdinner@coloradodems.org.
If you have any general questions or would like more information, please call 720-505-DEMS (3367) or email 2012jjdinner@coloradodems.org.
CDP Chairman Rick Palacio Announces the Launch of the Colorado Democratic Veterans and Military Council
Iraq and Afghanistan Veteran and Colorado National Guardsman Brian Carroll to Serve as Interim Chair Denver – Colorado Democratic Party Chairman Rick Palacio announced today that the party will launch a new advisory council dedicated to military veterans and the unique circumstances they face as they return home. “For 230 years, brave men and women from every region of our country, all walks of life, and every political affiliation have offered themselves in the service of our nation. Many have made the ultimate sacrifice. All veterans, especially those who have served in Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom, face unique challenges upon their return home. And it is the responsibility of every American to make their return a smooth one. With the Colorado Democratic Veterans and Military Council, we will gain a better understanding of the new and changing challenges that confront both active duty service members and our veterans, and help make the changes needed to improve their transition to civilian life. “Today I am pleased to announce that Brian Carroll has agreed to serve as the Interim Chair of the Veterans and Military Council. Launching this effort will be a significant undertaking, and Brian’s background, energy, and commitment to his fellow veterans and service members will be incredibly valuable. Under his leadership, I expect that Colorado Democrats will deepen their relationship with our military and veteran’s community, and be their best possible advocates and allies.” Brian Carroll served two tours in Afghanistan and one in Iraq with Army Special Forces Information Management Division, Special Operations Command. Upon his completion of 6 years of active duty, Carroll returned to Colorado where he joined the Colorado Army National Guard.
Join the C.D.P.'s Latino Youth Council
The Colorado Democratic Latino Youth Council (LYC) provides young Latinos throughout Colorado the opportunity to gain leadership experience and work with key members of the Democratic Party to influence change. Through close work with the Colorado Democratic Party (CDP), the Latino Initiative, elected officials, community leaders and activists, the LYC will organize young Latino voters leading up to the 2012 election. The LYC will also engage issues impacting the Latino community and Latino youth statewide.Primary Objective: Conduct outreach and successfully engage Latino youth throughout Colorado.
Responsibilities and Benefits of Membership
* Provide feedback to the CDP with regards to Latino youth interests
*Spearhead new programs and ideas for Latino youth outreach
*Develop leadership skills and engage with Democratic leaders about impacting the Latino community
*Participation in Mentor Programs, face-to-face time with elected officials and community leaders throughout the year
*Receive a certificate of completion from the CDP after one year of service
Structure and Eligibility
*Monthly meetings via webinar and in person throughout Colorado; additional public and social events
*Ages 18-25
*Strong commitment to civic/community engagement, and Democratic principles
*Capacity to serve on the LYC for one full year and participate fully in all aspects of the Council (monthly meetings, additional events, etc.)
Application Process
* Fill out application form (link below)
* Seek out two letters of recommendation (guidelines included in download)
* EMAIL Resume and Application together to: LYC@coloradodems.org
Deadline
Applications must be received IN ELECTRONIC FORM by Monday, September 12th by 5:00 P.M. Selected applicants will be notified the week of September 26, 2011. Questions? LYC@coloradodems.org
“This union may never be perfect, but generation after generation has shown that it can always be perfected. And today, whenever I find myself feeling doubtful or cynical about this possibility, what gives me the most hope is the next generation—the young people…” - President Barack Obama
Click below to download an application.
Application LYC 2011-2012 (CDP).doc
Colorado Democrats Condemn Congressman Coffman’s Attack on Hispanic Voters
Rep. Mike Coffman announced plans to attempt to repeal parts of the Voting Rights Act that provide bilingual ballots to citizens with limited English proficiency, just one day after his predecessor, former Rep. Tom Tancredo, created a “super PAC” to further his anti-immigrant agenda. In response, Colorado’s Democratic Members of Congress, Rep. Diana DeGette, Rep. Ed Perlmutter, and Rep. Jared Polis, joined Colorado Democratic Party Chairman Rick Palacio to condemn Congressman Coffman’s actions.Rep. Diana DeGette denounced the plan and offered the following comments: “This proposal is nothing more than an attempt to disenfranchise millions of hard working American citizens. At a time when we should be encouraging Americans of all backgrounds to engage in the political process, the last thing we need to craft are even more barriers to electoral participation.”
Rep. Ed Perlmutter added his disapproval and remarked, "I'm deeply concerned about this effort to deny certain ballots to citizens of our state who are eligible to vote. Every citizen of our country has a right to vote and we should encourage rather than discourage participation in our democracy. This amounts to a modern day Jim Crow literacy test."
Rep. Jared Polis expressed his concern, saying "I am very disappointed by Congressman Tom Tancredo and Congressman Mike Coffman's most recent attack on our state's Hispanic community. The Hispanic community is an important part of our state and our democracy I am very upset to see our state Republican leaders actively trying to stifle their voice and influence. "
Colorado Democratic Party Chairman Rick Palacio echoed the sentiments of Reps. DeGette, Perlmutter, and Polis, adding “Congressman Coffman’s plan is a direct assault on our Hispanic community and an attempt to keep certain American Citizens from voting. All Americans deserve to have access to basic information about the choices they make in the voting booth.”
New Poll Shows Latino Voters Support Democratic Budget Priorities
Opinions of Colorado’s Fastest Growing Group Prove Problematic for Republican Politicians Cowing to the Tea Party
(08/17/2011)Denver – The release of new public opinion data by impreMedia and Latino Decisions closely correlates Latino public opinion with that expressed by the broader American public. By significant margins, both Latinos and the American public want everyone to give a full share to solving our challenges and want core services that promote middle class growth and security to be protected for future generations.
“The fact that both Latinos and the broader electorate agree on our country’s priorities shouldn’t come as a surprise, but with data to back them up, Democrats should be confident that their agenda has strong public support,” said Colorado Democratic Party Chairman Rick Palacio. “Republicans, meanwhile, should be asking themselves some tough questions. After they voted three times to end Medicare as we know it, they refused to consider getting rid of special tax breaks for big oil companies and the wealthy. Americans of all backgrounds can plainly see the Republicans’ priorities, and they soundly reject them. The public wants the privileged to pay their fair share so that Medicare, Social Security, student loans, and similar programs remain available for people to work hard, attain some success, and live out their lives in dignity.”
Historic Step Forward for Women's Health
(8/4/2011)
Fellow Democrats,
Overshadowed by other fights in Washington, Women’s health took a major step forward this week. President Obama unveiled a list of health services that women can receive without copays.
Soon, the Department of Health and Human Services will require all new insurance plans to cover birth control, breast pumps for new mothers, counseling on domestic violence, and many other essentials. Women will not be charged co-pays, thanks to these rules that were required by the Affordable Care Act.
It’s easy to get discouraged by the grinding nature of debates in Washington. But Monday’s news reminds us that our hard-earned victories reverberate for years, and they improve tens of millions of lives. Despite the inevitable frustrations, we continue our fights because our causes are worth the effort.
I hope you are as uplifted as I am by this quiet but monumental victory for women. And I hope that Colorado Democrats can count on your support as we continue to fight for our shared values. To ensure President Obama and Democratic allies can continue moving forward on women’s health, we must continue to organize, donate, and volunteer.
One victory at a time can change lives. One single part of Health Care Reform means huge protections for women’s health.
Sincerely,
Rick Palacio
Chairman, Colorado Democratic Party
Representative Tipton Misleads Senior Citizens While Voting to Cut Social Security and Medicare
(7/27/2011)
During a Tuesday telephone town hall with constituents, paid for by taxpayers, Representative Scott Tipton misled an elderly caller by saying that he would not support a budget proposal that would cut off Social Security payments in a debt ceiling deal. In reality, defaulting on the debt would put seniors’ benefits at risk.
Just last week Rep. Tipton voted for a debt limit scheme that would force deep cuts to both Social Security and Medicare. The “Cut, Cap and end Medicare” plan he voted for last week would raise health care costs for seniors while protecting tax breaks for Big Oil companies and multi-millionaires. The non-partisan Center on Budget and Policy Priorities wrote that the plan was an “ideologically extreme” plan that “would inexorably subject Social Security and Medicare to deep reduction.”
“Representative Tipton is misleading seniors,” said Colorado Democratic Party Chairman Rick Palacio. “Last week he voted to cut Social Security and Medicare so he can protect subsidies for Big Oil and billionaires, but this week he is claiming that he will fight to protect seniors. Congressman Tipton seems to have a problem telling the truth and keeping his stories straight.”
Background
Tipton Claimed That Lack of Debt Ceiling Deal Did Not Put Seniors Social Security at Risk. During a 2011 telephone town hall meeting Tipton claimed that even if a debt ceiling deal was not reached senior citizens and military personnel would get their Social Security, Medicare and military paychecks. [Pueblo Chieftain, 7/27/11]
· But Defaulting on Debt Would Put Social Security at Risk. A columnist with the Denver Post wrote, “The almost-funny part is, if the nation does go into default, if we don’t pay all our bills, if we have to choose between paying Social Security recipients and paying those risking their lives fighting our wars, if we’re willing to allow our AAA rating to slip away, if we’re ready to tax ourselves by letting interest rates jump, it won’t be for any great principle.” [Denver Post, 7/26/11]
· Defaulting on the Debt Would Leave Social Security in a $23 Billion Hole. “An analysis released today by the Bipartisan Policy Center (BPC) confirms that at some point in early August, unless the debt ceiling is raised, the federal government will be unable to meet all of its spending obligations. BPC’s analysis also shows that, after that date, federal spending would be reduced by as much as 44% for the remainder of August, as the Treasury prioritizes payments to remain under the debt limit. […] BPC’s research shows that the day-to-day outlook would be even more harrowing. For example, if the cash shortage begins on August 3, as projected by Treasury, the government could find itself unable to make a $23 billion Social Security payment that has to go out that day.” [Bipartisan Policy Center Press Release, 6/28/11; Bipartisan Policy Center Analysis on the Debt Limit, 6/27/11]
Tipton Said He Would Not Vote Any Budget Proposal That Would Cut Social Security Disability Payments. During the call Tipton told an elderly caller concerned about receiving Social Security disability payments that he would not support any budget proposal that would do that to current senior. [Pueblo Chieftain, 7/27/11]
· But Tipton Already Voted for the “Extreme” Cut, Cap and Balance Plan. On July 19, 2011, Tipton voted for the “Cut, Cap, and Balance Act.” The non-partisan Center on Budget and Policy Priorities wrote: “The measure […] stands out as one of the most ideologically extreme pieces of major budget legislation to come before Congress in years, if not decades. […] The legislation would inexorably subject Social Security and Medicare to deep reductions.” [H.R. 2560, Vote #606, 7/19/11; Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, 7/16/11]
· Cut, Cap and Balance Will Force Deep Cuts to Social Security and Medicare. The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities reported that the Cut, Cap and Balance Plan would necessitate deep cuts in Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid. “The measure does not cut Social Security or Medicare in 2012. And it does not subject them to automatic cuts if its global spending caps are missed. It is inconceivable, however, that policymakers would meet the bill’s severe annual spending caps through automatic across-the board cuts year after year; if they did, key government functions would be crippled. Policymakers would have little alternative but to institute deep cuts in specific programs. […] Reaching and maintaining a balanced budget in the decade ahead while barring any tax increases would necessitate deep cuts in Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid.” [Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, 7/16/11]
Colorado Democratic Party Chairman Rick Palacio Condemns Calls to Violence by GOP Congressman
(7/13/2011)
Denver – After learning of comments by Rep. Mo Brooks (R-AL), saying that he would “do anything short of shooting” unauthorized immigrants, Colorado Democratic Party Chairman Rick Palacio condemned Rep. Brooks’ latest remarks and offered the following statement:
“Congressman Brooks’ recent remarks in TV interviews and in town halls are hate-filled and disgusting. For a public official who professes his faith in God as a Christian, his remarks cast aside Christ’s commandment to love one another as God loves man. And as Deuteronomy tells us, ‘Love ye therefore the stranger: for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt’.
“Congressman Brooks may think that he’s playing slick politics with statements like these, but this kind of bigoted rhetoric can have real consequences. Representing a place with a sad history of dog-whistle comments about race, Congressman Brooks should be trying to play a constructive role in our public discussions. Instead, he uses words that are a disgrace to the good people of Alabama and to the people of the United States.
“I call on all public officials, especially those in Colorado, to join me in condemning this kind of hate. It has no place in our public debates and is not befitting a Member of Congress.”
In Case You Missed It: GOP Congressmen Sell Out Colorado Industry After Pressure From Washington Insiders
(6/15/2011)
Denver – Congressmen Mike Coffman, Cory Gardner, and Scott Tipton suddenly oppose incentives for natural gas production, and their reversal is drawing attention back home. On Monday, all three Colorado Republicans abandoned their co-sponsorship of a bill providing tax credits to boost deployment of natural-gas-powered trucks. Since all three have strongly supported natural gas extraction in the past, such a reversal deserves an explanation. Rep. Coffman and Rep. Gardner offered some tortured statements to the press, while Rep. Tipton apparently still needed more time to figure out what he’s doing.
But The Hill newspaper provides us a telling clue: “Groups opposing the bill include Americans for Prosperity, Grover Norquist’s Americans for Tax Reform, the Club for Growth and the Heritage Foundation.” Colorado may have a keen interest in natural gas development, but that’s no matter to the heavy-hitting groups that dominate the Republican agenda in Washington.
“Democrats and Republicans here in Colorado don’t always agree on how to manage our natural resources,” said Colorado Democratic Party Chairman Rick Palacio. “Nonetheless, all three Republican Congressmen are abandoning a Colorado industry that generates 137,000 jobs due to pressure from Washington lobbyists and insiders. There will be some awkward meetings back home when Congressmen Coffman, Gardner, and Lamborn have to explain why Colorado jobs aren’t as important as the demands of Washington lobbyists.”
Will Congressman Gardner Stand by His Plan to End Medicare?
(6/8/2011)
Denver – This week, Rep. Cory Gardner returns from Washington, where he’s been an outspoken cheerleader for plans to replace Medicare with a voucher for seniors. Now that he’s announced several public events here in Colorado, will he change his tune?
When campaigning for Congress, Rep. Gardner warned against changes to Medicare and claimed that his opponent supported cuts to the program. If he thought that was a good political play in 2010, then his vote to eliminate Medicare (that’s right: eliminate) will prove disastrous.
Rep. Gardner has defended his Medicare vote by preaching on fiscal responsibility, which is curious because not only did he vote to eliminate Medicare, at the same time he voted to raise the national debt by $2 trillion. It remains to be seen if he will continue with that defense, thin as it is, now that he’s finally speaking directly to Coloradans. Either way, the flip-flops and nonsensical explanations have begun for Congressman Gardner.
