Press Releases

May 1, 2009

For Immediate Release:

House Judiciary Committee Passes Katie’s Law

Denver – Last night the House Judiciary committee passed SB 09-241, Katie’s Law, by a vote of 8-3. “In the General Assembly we have the ability to impact lives with our actions. This bill gives us the opportunity to save lives,” said State Rep. Scott Tipton, R-Cortez.

House sponsors for SB 09-241 are State Rep. Steve King, R-Grand Junction, and State Rep. Scott Tipton, R-Cortez. The Senate sponsor is State Sen. John Morse, D-Colorado Springs.

SB 09-241 now goes to the House Appropriations Committee.

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April 29, 2009

For Immediate Release:

MEDIA ADVISORY

Jayann Sepich To Testify In Favor Of Katie’s Law Tomorrow

Denver - Jayann Sepich, mother of murder victim Katie Sepich, namesake for Katie's Law, will be at the State Capitol tomorrow to testify in the House Judiciary Committee in favor of SB 09-241, DNA Testing Felony Arrestees.

SB 09-241 is sponsored by Rep. Steve King, R-Grand Junction and Rep. Scott Tipton, R-Cortez, in the State House and Sen. John Morse, D-Colorado Springs, in the State Senate.

All media are welcome to attend. Interviews available by request.

WHO: Jayann Sepich

WHAT: Testimony in favor of SB 09-241

WHEN: Thursday, April 30, 2009
Committee convenes at 1:30 PM

WHERE: House Judiciary Committee Room 0107

Previously Jayann Sepich visited the State Capitol to testify in front of the Senate Judiciary Committee. SB 09-241later passed the Senate 28-7.

The human DNA molecule has over 3 million markers. Katie's Law will collect only 13 - 15 which contain no genetic or medical information. DNA swabs will only be taken from those arrested for rape, burglary and other felonies.

DNA legislation has been enacted in Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Kansas, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New Mexico, North Dakota, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia. It is currently being considered in Alabama, Hawaii, Vermont and Washington.

Since its implementation, DNA legislation has led to hundreds of arrests and convictions in unsolved cases while freeing over 200 wrongfully imprisoned individuals nationwide.

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March 25, 2009

For Immediate Release:

MEDIA ADVISORY

Rep. Scott Tipton To Hold Townhall Meeting In Montrose

Denver - State Rep. Scott Tipton, R-Cortez, will hold a townhall meeting with the people of Montrose County at the Holiday Inn Express in Montrose to discuss the 2009 legislative session.

All media are welcome to attend.

WHO: State Rep. Scott Tipton

WHAT: Townhall Meeting

WHEN: Saturday, March 28, 2009
10:00 AM

WHERE: Holiday Inn Express
1391 S Townsend Ave
Montrose, CO 81401

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March 17, 2009

For Immediate Release

Tipton and Suthers Call on Federal Officials to Address Harmful Pollution

Denver - State Rep. Scott Tipton, R-Cortez, along with Colorado’s Attorney General John Suthers, today called on Department of the Interior Secretary Ken Salazar and the Environmental Protection Agency to address the harmful pollution being expelled from the Four Corners Power Plant.

In joint letters sent to both Secretary Salazar and the EPA, Suthers and Tipton urge the federal officials to take appropriate actions to stop the FCPP from further polluting South West Colorado.

“There is no longer any excuse for the pollution that is crossing over into our state,” Tipton said. “I am hopeful that we can work with federal authorities to address this matter in a timely manner.”

“I am hopeful, with the help of the federal government, that we can get air pollution in the Four Corners region under control and down to acceptable levels,” Suthers said.

The FCPP is located across state lines on the Navajo Nation in New Mexico and has been generating extremely high levels of pollution as compared to similar coal-fired power plants across the region. Much of this pollution travels across state lines into Colorado.

“As a resident of South Western Colorado, I can personally attest to an increased amount of pollution in the area over the last decade,” Tipton said. “Colorado should not have to bear the brunt of this pollution, especially when we do not share in the benefits of the power generated there.”

Tipton and Suthers are hopeful that Federal Officials will intervene by enforcing air quality standards and requiring the FCPP to update their equipment to higher standards.

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March 9, 2009

For Immediate Release:

State Rep. Scott Tipton Launches Video In Support Of Katie's Law
Bill Will Protect The Public, Free The Innocent And Preserve Civil Liberties

Denver - State Rep. Scott Tipton, R-Cortez, launched a video today in support of enacting Katie's Law in Colorado. The video highlights how the technology of today allows us to put violent criminals behind bars, exonerate those who have been wrongfully convicted and preserve civil liberties.

"Katie's Law is designed to track felons who prey on our wives and children using nothing more than a DNA fingerprint," said Tipton. "This law puts violent offenders behind bars, frees the innocent and preserves the civil liberties of the people of Colorado."

Rep. Scott Tipton's video is available at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LUXedhemIBs

The human DNA molecule has over 3 million markers. Katie's Law will collect only 12 - 15 which contain no genetic or medical information. DNA swabs will only be taken from those arrested for rape, burglary and other felonies.

DNA legislation has been enacted in Alaska, Arizona, California, Kansas, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New Mexico, North Dakota, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia. It is currently being considered in Alabama, Hawaii, Vermont and Washington.

Since its implementation, DNA legislation has led to hundreds of arrests and convictions in unsolved cases while freeing over 200 wrongfully imprisoned individuals nationwide.

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February 24, 2009

For Immediate Release:

MEDIA ADVISORY

Rep. Scott Tipton To Hold Townhall Meeting In Hotchkiss

Denver - State Rep. Scott Tipton, R-Cortez, will hold a townhall meeting with the people of Delta County in Hotchkiss at the Creamery Arts Center to discuss the 2009 legislative session.

All media are welcome to attend.

WHO: State Rep. Scott Tipton

WHAT: Townhall Meeting

WHEN: Saturday, March 7, 2009
11:00 AM

WHERE: Creamery Arts Center
165 W. Bridge Street
Hotchkiss, CO 81419

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February 11, 2009

For Immediate Release:

House Agricultural Committee Unanimously Passes Rep. Tipton's
Bill To Increase Efficiencies In Water Rights Application Process

Denver - House Bill 09-1185, a bill set to remove redundancies and increase efficiencies in the filing of water rights applications, passed with unanimous support by the House Agricultural, Livestock and Natural Resources Committee today. House Sponsor State Rep. Scott Tipton, R-Cortez, advocated the necessity of the bill.

"This bill removes out-dated statutory language and needless redundancies by allowing water rights applicants to file online rather than filing in quadruplet to meet the existing requirements," said Tipton. "This bill adapts to the technology of today and creates more efficiency in the filing process."

Also testifying in favor of House Bill 09-1185 was Colorado State Supreme Court Justice Gregory J. Hobbs, Jr.

The bill will move to the House floor for second reading in the coming week.

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February 6, 2009

For Immediate Release:

MEDIA ADVISORY

Rep. Tipton To Speak At Legislative Lowdown Hosted By League of Women Voters Of Montezuma County

Denver - State Rep. Scott Tipton, R-Cortez, will speak at the Legislative Lowdown hosted by the League of Women
Voters of Montezuma County this Saturday in Cortez. Other legislators scheduled to speak are State Sen. Jim Isgar, D-Hesperus, and State Rep. Ellen Roberts, R-Durango.

WHO: State Rep. Scott Tipton

WHAT: Legislative Lowdown

League of Women Voters of Montezuma County

WHEN: Saturday, February 7, 2009
2pm

WHERE: Hampton Fellowship
First United Methodist Church
515 N. Park Street, Cortez

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February 2, 2009

For Immediate Release:

Montrose County Reclassification Bill Passes Third Reading With Overwhelming Support

Denver – House Bill 1037, the Montrose County Reclassification bill, sponsored by State Rep. Scott Tipton, R-Cortez, passed third reading today with overwhelming support in the State House of Representatives.

“I am humbled by the bipartisan support House Bill 1037 received in the General Assembly today,” said Tipton. “I look forward to the working with members of the State Senate to pass this bill for the people of Montrose County.”

HB 1037 will move to the State Senate where Sen. Jim Isgar, D- Hesperus is the sponsor.

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February 2, 2009

For Immediate Release:

MEDIA ADVISORY

Rep. Tipton's Montrose County Reclassification Bill Scheduled For Third Reading Today

Denver - House Bill 1037, the Montrose County Reclassification Bill, sponsored by State Rep. Scott Tipton, R-Cortez, will be brought to the House floor for third reading today.

WHO: State Rep. Scott Tipton

WHAT: Third Reading of House Bill 1037

WHEN: Monday, February 2, 2009

The General Assembly convenes at 10:00 am

WHERE: Colorado State Capitol

State House of Representatives

200 East Colfax, Denver, CO

For reporters unable to attend, please click on the following link to watch or listen live.

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January 28, 2009

For Immediate Release:

Montrose County Reclassification Passes Second Reading

Denver - House Bill 1037, the Montrose County Reclassification bill, sponsored by State Rep. Scott Tipton, R-Cortez, passed Second reading in the State House of Representatives today.

"I will continue to work with my colleagues in the General Assembly to pass this bill for Montrose County," said Tipton. "House Bill 1037 will give the Montrose County courts the statutory changes they need to handle their growing docket and position them to receive additional resources in the future."

HB 1037 will be presented for Third reading and final passage in the State House in the coming weeks. Upon passage, the bill will then move to the State Senate where Sen. Jim Isgar, D- Hesperus is the sponsor.

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January 26, 2009

For Immediate Release:

MEDIA ADVISORY

Rep. Tipton's Montrose Reclassification Bill Scheduled For Second Reading

Denver – House Bill 1037, the Montrose County Reclassification Bill, sponsored by State Rep. Scott Tipton, R-Cortez, will be brought to the House floor for Second Reading this Wednesday.

WHO: State Rep. Scott Tipton

WHAT: Second Reading of House Bill 1037

WHEN: Wednesday, January 28, 2009
The General Assembly convenes at 9:00 am

WHERE: Colorado State Capitol
State House of Representatives
200 East Colfax, Denver, CO

For reporters unable to attend, please click on the following link to watch or listen live.

January 23, 2009

For Immediate Release:

MEDIA ADVISORY

Rep. Scott Tipton To Honor Olathe High School Football Team This Saturday

Denver - State Rep. Scott Tipton, R-Cortez, will honor the Olathe High School football team this Saturday with a commendation from the Colorado General Assembly for their 2008 Class 2A State Championship victory at half time of Olathe High School varsity basketball game.

All media are welcome to attend.

WHO: State Rep. Scott Tipton

WHAT: Honoring Olathe High School championship football team

WHEN: Saturday, January 24, 2009

Varsity basketball game begins at 4:00 pm

Presentation will commence at half time

WHERE: Olathe High School

410 Highway 50 Business Loop

Olathe, CO 81425

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January 22, 2009

For Immediate Release:

Rep. Tipton's Montrose Reclassification Bill Passes

House Judiciary Committee With Unanimous Support

Denver - Today the House Judiciary Committee voted unanimously in favor of House Bill 1037, the Montrose County reclassification bill, sponsored by State Rep. Scott Tipton, R-Cortez.

"I am pleased by the bipartisan support House Bill 1037 received in the Judiciary Committee today," said Tipton. "This bill will give the Montrose County court much needed help with its growing docket while positioning them to received additional resources in the future."

House Bill 1037 will be introduced on the House floor in the coming weeks.

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January 21, 2009

For Immediate Release:

MEDIA ADVISORY

Rep. Tipton To Present Montrose County Reclassification Bill To Judiciary Committee

Denver - State Rep. Scott Tipton, R-Cortez, will be presenting his Montrose County Reclassification bill, House Bill 1037, before the House Judiciary Committee this Thursday.

All media are welcome to attend.

WHO: State Rep. Scott Tipton

WHAT: House Judiciary Committee

WHEN: Thursday, January 22, 2009

The committee convenes at 1:00pm

WHERE: State Capitol, Room 0107

For reporters unable to attend, you can listen in on the committee by visiting this link and clicking on House Committee Room 0107.

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January 14, 2009

For Immediate Release:

Rep. Scott Tipton Calls For Comprehensive Solutions To State's Transportation Crisis
Asks General Assembly and Governor to look for alternatives to raising fees and taxes

Denver - State Representative Scott Tipton, R-Cortez, today called for comprehensive, long term solutions to address modernizing the state's transportation system. "If we are going to solve the transportation crisis in Colorado we must look for long term, comprehensive solutions," said Tipton. "But we need to be careful not to saddle the people of Colorado with more economic burdens during a recession."

Tipton encouraged Governor Ritter to take a bipartisan approach to dealing with the problem by considering the Republican plan of using certificates of participation and other means of financing to pay for state projects. "I believe we can find alternatives to raising fees and taxes on the people of Colorado."

Tipton went on to say "I look forward to working with my colleagues in the General Assembly to solve this problem. I believe we can find solutions that modernize our transportation system without adding economic burdens to the people of Colorado."

January 7, 2009

For Immediate Release

Representative Tipton Appointed To Oversight Committee

Denver - Today Republican Leader Mike May, R-Parker, appointed Rep. Scott Tipton, R-Cortez, to the Uranium Mill Tailings Remedial Action Oversight Committee.

"I appreciate the opportunity to serve on the Uranium Mill Tailings Remedial Action Oversight Committee. Our 58th District will play an important role in helping provide needed energy sources here at home and for our Nation," said Tipton.

"We need to encourage the responsible development of our resources and protect our environment. I believe our sense, here at home, is that we can create "win-win" situations. Common sense development and common sense safe guards will help us achieve those positive results. I am honored that Republican Leader, Mike May, has appointed me to this oversight committee."

Tipton's appointment ensures the state will remain vigilant in addressing uranium mill tailing sites designated for clean up under federal law.

January 5, 2009

For Immediate Release

SCOTT TIPTON UNVEILS ONLINE LEGISLATIVE OFFICE
Representative-elect offers an innovated approach to constituent service

Denver - Today Representative-elect Scott Tipton launched his online legislative office offering an innovative approach to constituent service. Tipton's online office presents a variety of resources and tools for the people of the 58th House District.

"I have always believed in offering more open and responsive government. As the next Representative of the 58th House District, I will work tirelessly to give the people a stronger voice in state government."

Tipton's online office offers his legislative agenda for the 2009 session, a constituent tool box to assist people in dealing with state agencies, a forum to express your concerns along with a page dedicated to online communities, media outlets and blogs.

Tipton's online legislative office can be visited at http://www.scottrtipton.com/.