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Gov. John Hickenlooper Delivers State of the State Address

The governor’s remarks focused on the economy, education, transportation and budget challenges.

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Gov. Hickenlooper calls special session of the General Assembly

DENVER — Thursday, Sept. 14, 2017 — Today, Gov. John Hickenlooper signed an executive order calling for a special session of the General Assembly. The special session will address an unintended consequence from the passage of Senate Bill 17-267, and will clarify special districts’ authority to levy sales tax on the sale of retail marijuana.

“Since this issue was discovered, we worked with department staff, stakeholders, sponsors, and members of the General Assembly on options to correct this unintended consequence. After hearing about the potential impact on citizens around the state, it is clear that this problem is best solved as soon as possible. This special session will be solely to address this one narrow correction,” said Governor John Hickenlooper.

The special session will commence on Oct. 2, 2017.

Gov. Hickenlooper highlights need for federal immigration reform in denial of Encalada LaTorre pardon

DENVER — Thursday, Sept. 14, 2017 — Gov. John Hickenlooper today released the following statement regarding the pardon application for Ingrid Encalada LaTorre:

“Occasionally, a governor is faced with a decision with an answer that is clear but still painful. After careful review and with a heavy heart, I have decided to deny Ingrid Encalada LaTorre’s application for clemency. I did not come to this decision lightly. I spoke with her personally, and members of my team met with her and her attorney at length to ensure we had a full account of her case. I am moved by Ms. Encalada LaTorre’s dream of being an American and her extraordinarily hard work to support her family while she was here.

“At the same time, I must consider the impact of Ms. Encalada LaTorre’s crime on the victim, and most importantly, the precedent clemency would establish. Our country desperately needs comprehensive immigration reform that creates pathways for aspiring Americans like Ms. Encalada LaTorre to become productive, law-abiding citizens. But the crime that Ms. Encalada LaTorre committed was not victimless – far from it. Granting Ms. Encalada LaTorre’s application would compound the injustice of this unfortunate situation, and it would be a step backward in the fight for smart, compassionate and comprehensive immigration reform.

“The victim of this crime spent years dealing with the unlawful use of her Social Security number, suffering significant tax consequences and nearly losing government benefits she needed to support her own family. She opposes clemency for Ms. Encalada LaTorre. The victim is like thousands of others in this country who, through no fault of their own, face long-term consequences when someone commits this type of crime.

“Make no mistake: I disagree with many of the harsh immigration positions taken by the Trump administration, such as deporting law-abiding immigrants and ending DACA. Ms. Encalada LaTorre’s case, however, was handled consistently with practices in place since the Obama administration. Her crime rendered her ineligible for Cancellation of Removal under federal statute.

Gov. Hickenlooper orders flags lowered for Arvada Firefighter

DENVER — Wednesday, Sept. 13, 2017 — Gov. John Hickenlooper today ordered flags lowered to half-staff on Thursday, Sept. 14, on all public buildings statewide in memory of Arvada Firefighter Lieutenant Jim Schaefer. Flags should be lowered from sunrise to sunset.

Schaefer, 58, died on Sept. 10 after a courageous battle with cancer. He served as a member of Arvada Fire for more than 20 years, most recently as Lieutenant at Station 3. Schaefer loved serving the people of Arvada. He is survived by his wife, three adult children, his mother, sisters and numerous nephews and nieces.

A memorial service will be held on Thursday, Sept. 14, at 10:00 a.m. at Faith Bible Chapel, 63rd Ave. and Ward Rd. in Arvada.

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