Below is a list of our meeting notes from prior meetings. If you missed a meeting, or just want to refresh yourself with the information, take a look at all the great speakers we've had over the last several months.
February 8, 2012
Budget in Crisis: The future of Colorado Education, Human Services, Environment and Communities
Our guest speaker, Carol Hedges, spoke to us about the challenges and realities our Legislators and State face in the midst of our current economic realities.
January 11, 2012
Hopes, Dreams and Fears: The Reality of Policies and Legislation on our Immigrant Communities
We learned about our local immigrant communities and further your understanding of ICE Secure Communities, the Immigration Review Pilot Program and related legislation in the current session.
December 14, 2011
Health Care Reform
Healh Care advocates, State Senator Dr. Irene Aguilar (SD-32) and her health care advisor, Dr. Ivan Miller spoke to us about the Affordable Health Care Act and the status of Health Care Exchanges in our state. Click here for the presentation slides. In addition, we had Planned Parenthood Votes Colorado discuss the series of federal attacks on Planned Parenthood and provide insights into the recurring "personhood" ballot issue
November 9, 2011
State Legislative Preview and Redistricting Discussion
The State's redraw maps and its impact on political races next year. Most of your State Legislators joined us to talk about their priorities, goals and challenges for the 2012 legislative session.
October 12, 2011
Candidates for City Councils and Ballot Issues
The city council candidates from across Boulder County discussed why they are running, and we got up to speed on the important ballot issues.
September 14, 2011
Rick Palacio and Rollie Heath
Colorado Democratic Party Chair Rick Palacio spoke about the Democratic Party in Colorado, what binds us together, Colorado's role in the 2012 general election and how we can regain seats in the Colorado and US Houses of Representatives. While
Senator Rollie Heath discussed Colorado Proposition 103 which seeks to reverse the impact of repeated cuts to the State's education budget in recent years.
March 8, 2011
100th Anniversary of International Women's Day.
We were honored to have several speakers to share their stories with us. Among them were Shannon Galpin of Mountain 2 Mountain, Laura Tyson of Womens Wilderness Institute, Jossy Erye of Women's Bean Project, and Kris Abrams of Urgent Action Fund. What truly inspirational women and organizations!
March 3, 2011
Visit State Legislators at Capitol.
DWBC was delighted that you joined us for our Legislative Day at the State Capitol this Thursday, March 3. We scheduled a day that will give you insights and a better understanding of the State's legislative process, time with our State Senators and State Representatives a tour of the historic capitol building, lunch with the legislators and an opportunity to sit in on committee meetings of topics of interest. Click here for photos.
November 10, 2010
Election "wrap-up".
Political strategist and pollster Mike Kulisheck, VP of Harstad Strategic Research, provided an informative analysis of the campaign and election results. Also, New Era Colorado, recently profiled on NPR for their ingenuity, will inform us about the successes of their Voter Registration and Get Out The Vote campaign.
October 13, 2010
A house full of candidates hear concerns and tell you their positions on issues that matter this election cycle.
This meeting featured local and statewide ballot issues. We also recognized the outstanding response and management of the Fourmile Creek fire by our County Sheriff, Joe Pelle. Click here for photos.
September 8, 2010
Mayor and Gubernatorial Candidate John Hickenlooper.
John Hickenlooper spoke to a packed house about where he stands on the issues we face today. We also recognized other candidates for their hard work and tough races in Boudler County and statewide. Click here for photos.
August 24, 2010
DWBC Focus on New Initiatives First Outreach Program Delivered in Longmont
U.S. Rep. Betsy Markey talked about her accomplishments and criticized “attack ads” against her when she spoke to local supporters at the Longmont Public Library on August 24th. Click here to read the full story.
May 12, 2010
Review and discussion of the 2010 legislative session with our local delegation.
We also heard from Jeanne Nicholson, Senate District 16 candidate (formerly held by Joan Fitzgerald) and introduced two Democratic candidates for CU Regent At-Large, Melissa Hart and Howard Wachtel.
April 14 , 2010
Carol Hedges, Senior Fiscal Analyst with the Colorado Fiscal Policy Institute.
Carol is a recognized expert on the effects of Colorado’s Tabor amendment and is the primary author of the Bell Policy Center publication, Ten Years of TABOR: A study of Colorado’s Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights.
Carol's presentation included the history and effects of TABOR on Colorado's budget and the restrictions it has placed on the legislature's ability to govern. She is at the center of solutions to TABOR, and there's a lot on the table being considered right now. The bonus in Carol’s presentation is her reputation for providing an engaging, comprehensive analysis delivered with an exceptional sense of humor.
March 10, 2010
State Treasurer Cary Kennedy was our guest speaker at theDWBC luncheon.
Treasurer Kennedy has distinguished herself statewide by developing the Building Excellent Schools Today (B.E.S.T.) program to repair and replace aging school buildings in Colorado. She also opened the ledgers of state government by posting the state's finances online, including a database that shows how taxpayer dollars are used. Cary is one of a handful of public fund managers in the country that has generated positive investment returns during the financial downturn. She has preserved Colorado's strong credit rating while most of the other states have been downgraded.
February 15, 2010 and February 17, 2010
Howard Dean event on Monday, February 15 and our Congressional Delegation dinner on Wednesday, February 17
U.S. Representatives Betsy Markey and Jared Polis for a dinner program. Each has distinguished themselves with the House leadership, holding important committee assignments and having great success with their legislative initiatives. Congresswoman Markey is facing a tough re-election and will need a lot of our practical and financial support to keep her seat. Candace Bowie, who leads the Get Out The Vote Effort for the Boulder Dems, will open up our program with a review of the caucus process and how you can participate
January 13, 2010
Featuring U.S. Senator Michael Bennet and former Speaker of the House, Andrew Romanoff, both Democratic candidates for the U.S. Senate.
State House candidates Deb Gardner (HD 11) and HD 12 candidates Matt Jones and Jake Williams are also on the program making their own case for their candidacy with time for Q&A.