Update from Jon Keyser, Representative, HD 25

Update from Jon Keyser, Representative, HD 25
July 14, 2015

It's hard to believe we're in the middle of summer (particularly considering some of the weather we've had), and we've finished the 2015 session of the 70th General Assembly. This summer I am busy meeting with and listening to constituents, working on interim committees, and charting out a legislative plan for 2016. I'm also spending a few weeks in uniform while I perform my Air Force Reserve duty, and practicing law at my law firm. Oh-and of course, Emma and I are preparing for the summer arrival of the newest addition to our family-this time, a baby boy!

We are also rolling out a new program called "TMWYT" (you'll have to read the rest of this letter to know what that is...)

2015 Legislative Session Overview
The Colorado legislature tackled some big issues this year, including: balancing a $26 billion budget, reducing the excessive hours of standardized tests imposed on our kids, making efforts to improve our transportation infrastructure, working to reduce the number of spurious lawsuits that are driving up the cost of housing, and implementing the findings of the Oil and Gas Task Force to make sure we are able to balance safely developing and utilizing our natural resources with preserving and protecting our environment.

Here a few bills I passed this year, which the Governor has now signed into law:

Helping Small Business
HB15-1028: Repeals unnecessary licensing requirements for retailers. Prior to my bill, the failure of a merchant to obtain one of these unnecessary state-mandated licenses from the County Commissioners could have carried a fine and potential jail sentence. My bill to repeal this law passed the House and Senate unanimously.

Preserving Colorado's Natural Beauty
SB15-206: Simplifies the conservation process for private landowners and protects Colorado's open spaces and natural beauty for future generations. This bill will save landowners thousands of dollars in legal fees and help eliminate unnecessary "phasing" transactions. A big thank you goes out to Mountain Area Land Trust for their help and support of this bill.

SB15-205: Establishes a competitive fire corps training pipeline through which Post-9/11 veterans can gain experience in forest management and front line fire control. These men and women will be available to work as part of "hand crews" to make sure small fires don't become big fires that negatively impact the environment and threaten homes and lives.

Honoring Our Military and Law Enforcement
HJR-1012: Dedicates a portion of Hwy 93 in memory of Jefferson County Sheriff's Office Sgt. David Baldwin, who was killed while on a patrol in a head-on collision by a reckless driver. It is no secret that our law enforcement officers in Jefferson County have had a very rough year, with the loss of life of multiple Deputies. With the passage of this measure, I hope to honor Sgt. Baldwin's sacrifice and help ensure his memory live on.

HB15-1181: Allows active-duty military members from Colorado to reacquire their Colorado residency without facing adverse financial consequences. This bill is a common-sense piece of legislation that allows Colorado's service members to remain Coloradan, with zero additional cost to taxpayers.

Higher Education
HB15-1294: Aligns Colorado law with the Federal Law to safeguard military veteran access to Colorado institutions of higher education by ensuring that the institutions remain eligible to receive education payments under the Post-9/11 G.I. Bill.

TMWYT: Tell Me What YouThink!
This summer, I am starting a new program that will ask you to engage directly with me-we are calling the program "Tell Me What You Think!" or TMWYT. I seek to make sure I am representing you down at the Capitol and believe that I can be a much better Representative if I understand your view. If you have something on your mind, please contact me through Facebook: www.facebook.com/KeyserforColorado or Twitter: www.twitter.com/Jon_Keyser using thehashtag #TMWYT. You can also always email me at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call or text my personal cell phone at 303.653.3815.

Thank you for trusting me to be your eyes, ears, and voice down at the Capitol. It is truly an honor to serve you.

For Freedom,

Jon Keyser
Republican Candidate for HD 25