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COMMUNITY NEWS
The Fountain Valley Republican Club met July 9 at the Fountain Valley Community Center with Colorado State Representative for District 19 Marsha Looper visiting as guest speaker. Also attending was El Paso County Commissioner for District 4/Board of Commissioners Chairman Dennis Hisey. Looper discussed various bills passed by the State Senate this year, explaining the process of drafting, debating and passing or killing a bill. She explained the Senior and Disabled Military property tax exemptions in which ½ of property taxes can be exempted. It is important to apply before the July 15 deadline. Commissioner Hisey added that the exemption is for the first $200K value in a property, thereby equalizing the benefit. Looper also discussed a possible future proposal to allow volunteer firefighters the right to leave work, if their job position is not essential, when called upon. There have been instances, reported to Looper by citizens when employers denied volunteers permission to leave work to help fight fires. “It’s happened twice here in Fountain,” Looper told the group. “As I visit with other fire stations throughout the state, it seems to be a problem. I think it’s only fair that if fire departments call for additional help, that volunteers should be allowed to go.” Looper discussed a variety of issues, including: The Veterans Cemetery Bill, Water Disclosure Bill, Toll Roads, Prescription Drug Care Bill, Senior and Disabled Military Exemption, School Finance Bill & Tax Increase, the General Fund: $7,770,100,000 and the Statutory Reserve Fund of 4% of the General Fund or $283,400,000, and the Excess General Fund Revenue of $46,700,000. ATV legislation requiring licenses to sell ATV’s, and the Annual Citizen’s meeting with the Governor on Oct. 17 – 10 at the Denver Marriot West. Looper encouraged people to vote. “Your vote counts,” she reminded her audience, expressing gratitude for her opportunity to serve the people of Colorado, and to advocate for issues important to them. The new District 3 School Superintendent Stan Richardson is scheduled to speak at the next Republican Club meeting. Members of the community are encouraged to attend and ask questions about D3 schools. The FVRC meets at 7:30 p.m. on the 2nd Monday of each month at the Fountain Valley Community Center 5725 Southmoor Drive beside the FV Senior Center. For more information call 392-8012.
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