Press Releases

Senator Linda Newell Keynote Speaker at CCHI Annual Event

Senator Linda Newell (D-Littleton) will be the keynote speaker at the 2009 Colorado Consumer Health Initiative (CCHI) annual event. The Colorado Consumer Health Initiative is an organization that advocates for Colorado health care consumers and seeks to provide them with a voice in the decision making process.
Senator Newell will speak on the significance of health care and the
impact it has had on her life. Senator Newell has been dedicated to
working towards solutions in the current health care crisis, and will
continue to work in that area in her role as Vice Chair of the Health and Human Services committee.
The theme for this year's CCHI event is "Moving Healthcare Reform
Forward"

Topics will focus on raising awareness about the importance of health care as well as the Colorado Consumer Health Initiative cause.

WHAT:
Colorado Consumer Health Initiative Annual Event
WHEN:
November 12th, 2009, 6:00 pm- 8:pm
WHERE:
Redline Gallery,
2350 Arapahoe St.
Denver, CO 80205
WHO:
Senator Linda Newell
Sen. Newell To Hold Healthcare Town Hall

Thursday, October 08, 2009

SHERIDAN— State Senator Linda Newell (D-Littleton) invites you to attend a forum on changes needed in Colorado law for those suffering from a chronic disease. Diabetes, obesity, asthma, depression, congestive heart failure and coronary artery disease – these major chronic diseases make up 80% of health care costs. The following issues will be addressed:

·        Long-term Care
·        Limited Insurance Coverage
·        Preventive and Health Education Program Cuts
·        Coverage of Psychiatric Medications

(This is not a town hall on national health care reform.)
   WHAT:
Healthcare Town Hall on Chronic Disease and Colorado Law
WHEN:
Tuesday, October 13th, at 6:30 PM
WHERE:
City Council Chambers, City of Sheridan
4101 S. Federal Blvd.
Sheridan, CO 80110
Senator Linda Newell Attends 2009 Western Legislative Academy

Colorado Springs—The Council of State Governments-WEST (CSG-WEST), a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization serving state legislators in 13 Western states, selected Senator Linda Newell (D-Littleton) to be a participant inits prestigious training institute for lawmakers. The purpose of the Western Legislative Academy is to build excellence and effectiveness instate legislators in the Western region.

“I am honored to have been selected to be a part of the WLA, and I am
excited to take what I learn back to the Colorado General Assembly to be a better public servant, elected official and colleague,” said Sen. Newell.

Admission to the Western Legislative Academy is highly competitive and is based on commitment to public service, desire to improve personal legislative effectiveness and interest in improving the legislative process. Sen. Newell will join 38 other state legislators from Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington and Wyoming as members of the Class of 2009.

The Western Legislative Academy will convene August 5-8 in Colorado
Springs, Colorado for three and a half days of intensive training in
subjects such as the legislative institution, ethics, team building,
communications, negotiations and time management. Faculty will include the Eagleton Institute’s Alan Rosenthal, a nationally recognized authority on state legislatures; Washington, D.C. communications expert Arch Lustberg, and a leading retired U.S. Air Force team building trainer.
Senator Newell Works To Protect Kids - Bill To Improve Child Protection Goes Into Effect August 5

DENVER— On August 5th, 2009, House Bill 1007, sponsored by Senator Linda Newell (D-Littleton), goes into effect. It will allow domestic violence experts to be a part of local oversight groups that manage multi-agency services for families across the state. The inclusion of domestic violence experts will address a major gap in Colorado law and help prevent abused children from falling through the cracks.

"It is our responsibility to ensure that every child is safe and in a nurturing environment," said Sen. Newell. "It is critical to involve the domestic violence professionals who know the unique needs of abused children. I am honored to have worked with Rep. Frangas and the Child Welfare Action Committee to get this passed.”

HB 1007 was sponsored in the House by Representative Jerry Frangas (D-Denver). Currently, these oversight groups include individuals from many different areas of expertise, but have not included domestic violence professionals.

In homes where families become victims of domestic violence, every family member is affected, though children are often most hurt. They are the most vulnerable in these difficult situations, and they lack a voice to represent themselves in the process. The inclusion of domestic violence experts in local oversight groups will help to ensure that children are protected and that their needs are not forgotten in the process. Personally, Senator Newell has years of volunteerism and advocacy for domestic violence victims and has committed to continue to work for those survivors in the legislature.
Sen. Newell’s Bill - Senate Bill 47 Signed

DENVER— Today Governor Bill Ritter signed SB 47, sponsored by Senator Linda Newell (D-Littleton), would establish Crime Victim Services Advisory Board in the Division of Criminal
Justice.

“I am honored to join Governor Ritter as he signs SB 47 into law today,” said Sen. Newell. “Thanks to SB 47 we will be able to improve services to victims with less bureaucracy. That is the best way to deliver help to those who need it.”

SB 47 provides a strengthened crimes victim advisory system and a greater community around those who have been a victim of crime. It combines several existing crime-victim-related boards into a single advisory board. The consolidation will streamline the process of applying for funding for crime victims by reducing the number of entities to which applicants must submit documentation, simplify the process overall, and gain better consistency of grant recipients.

SB 47 passed the Senate and House unanimously.
Linda Newell Pledges To Be a Voice of Moderation and Reason in Colorado Senate

LITTLETON, November 20 – With her victory in the race to represent Colorado Senate District 26 now official, Linda Newell today pledged to be a voice of moderation and reason in the Colorado Senate and thanked the voters and many volunteers who helped elect her.

Newell issued the following statement in response to final results showing her the victor by 195 votes in her Senate race against Lauri Clapp:

“I promised when I began this race last summer to stand up for our common values and to seek common-sense solutions that work for all of us. I intend to live up to that commitment. We’re all in this together. I will be a senator who listens to people of all political persuasions and who champions solutions that work for the vast majority of us in the political middle. I will bring to the Senate the experience of an ordinary citizen who genuinely cares and a determination to be responsive to the needs of our citizens.

“I want to thank the many volunteers who put in countless hours to help make this victory possible with a special thanks to my two daughters, who supported me wholeheartedly and worked fervently. I also want to thank Chairman Mike Hamrick of the Arapahoe County Democratic Party and the numerous supporters from all the parties who worked so hard on my behalf before and after the election. It has been great to see Democrats, Republicans and unaffiliated voters working side by side for the common cause of Colorado values. Finally, I want to thank Lauri Clapp for her gracious concession.

”This tight race shows that we live in a purple district with people of varying views. I will hold regular town halls throughout my term to ensure people know that my door is always open and I will listen and respond to their concerns.”

According to unofficial final results from the Arapahoe and Jefferson County Clerk and Recorders’ sites, Newell won the Senate contest by 195 votes – 30,410 to 30,215. State law calls for an automatic recount of the margin of victory is less than 0.5 percent of the winning candidate’s vote total. The 195-vote margin is 0.64 percent of Newell’s total votes and, therefore, outside the range that would have required an automatic recount. According to Colorado statute, all election results are to be certified by November 21.

Newell will serve on three committees in the Senate – Health and Human Services, Judiciary and Local Government and Energy.

A Littleton businesswoman, Newell has worked for large and small businesses and as a consultant working with executives, managers and employees on job training and people strategies. She’s been active in community activities for many years, volunteering for the Girl Scouts, ARC, local public television, Littleton Public Schools and others. Senate District 26 includes Littleton and parts of Bow Mar, Centennial, Cherry Hills, Cherry Hills Village, Englewood and Sheridan.
Linda Newell Urges Opponent To “Come Out Of Hiding”

LITTLETON, October 13, 2008 – State Senate Candidate Linda Newell of Littleton is urging her opponent to “come out of hiding and start talking to the voters of Arapahoe County.”

“She’s missed so many events, the sponsors are beginning to ask me where she is,” Newell said. “I have no idea. I have yet to meet her or hear from her. I’ve called her to congratulate her on winning her primary and to invite her to several forums we’ve organized. But I never heard back from her.”

After eight community events – including forums on the economy, education, children’s issues, senior issues and renewable energy – Newell has yet to meet opponent Lauri Clapp. The most recent event skipped by Clapp was a town hall last week on criminal justice issues sponsored by nine criminal justice organizations, including the Colorado Association of Chiefs of Police, Colorado Police Protective Association, Colorado Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Colorado Organization for Victim Assistance. Clapp also skipped a recent candidates’ forum sponsored by the South Metro Chamber of Commerce.

“I’ve had people joke that she’s ‘The Stealth Candidate’ because no one’s seen her,’” Newell added. “Maybe she doesn’t want the voters to find out about her extreme and callous voting record when she was in the Colorado House. Maybe she doesn’t want them to find out about her support for guns in schools and execution of juveniles and the mentally impaired. Or maybe she doesn’t want them to find out about her voting against seniors or education or school breakfasts or health and human services over and over again. I’ve never seen a candidate not even show up in the community or respond to newspaper candidate surveys. We’re also hearing that she’s not even responding to phone calls or e-mails from voters trying to reach her. Shouldn’t a candidate who wants to get elected at least be willing to talk with voters? But, then maybe she’s relying on the “R” next to her name on the ballot. Well, this isn’t the year or the race to do that. I’m getting a lot of support from Republicans because they know I’m the moderate candidate in this race and that my opponent’s out of touch with their views.”

Newell noted that Clapp “had a well-known reputation for being unresponsive to constituents, committee witnesses and fellow legislators when she was a member of the Colorado House several years ago. Now, she’s thumbing her nose at the very citizens she expects to send her to the Colorado Senate. The voters deserve more respect than that. If she’s unwilling to talk to voters about the economy, education, healthcare, children’s issues, senior issues, energy or criminal justice and law enforcement issues what is important enough to bring her out of hiding?”

A Littleton business consultant, Newell is running for the Colorado Senate from District 26, which includes Littleton and parts of Bow Mar, Centennial, Cherry Hills, Cherry Hills Village, Englewood and Sheridan. Newell’s running to provide common-sense solutions to the problems facing Colorado. She’s focusing on building protecting our economy, building stronger schools, providing affordable healthcare for all citizens and developing sources of renewable energy that will add jobs to the local economy. She’s worked for large and small businesses and as a consultant working with executives, managers and employees on job training and people strategies. She’s been active in community activities for many years, volunteering for the Girl Scouts, ARC, local public television, Littleton Public Schools and other worthy organizations.
Linda Newell Vows To Advocate For Domestic Violence Victims

LITTLETON, October 9, 2008 – Saying domestic violence threatens the well-being of too many families and children in Colorado, Littleton businesswoman Linda Newell promises to find more resources for domestic violence victims when she’s elected to the Colorado Senate in November.

“County courts in Colorado are clogged with nearly 15,000 criminal cases a year stemming from domestic violence,” Newell said. “Nearly half of all murders in Colorado are committed by a current or former intimate partner. This is an extremely serious issue. And even larger is the challenge of undiagnosed, untreated mental health needs at all ages in Colorado. This has led to our county jails essentially serving as 72-hour holding tanks for people with mental health problems who are then released back out on the streets without needed medication or treatment. Many of the criminal justice issues stem from the lack of mental health resources in this state. We’re working with band-aids when we need surgery. For the safety of all of us, we need to make systemic improvements.”

Newell spoke Wednesday at a town hall in Littleton on criminal justice issues. It was sponsored by nine criminal justice organizations, including the Colorado Association of Chiefs of Police, Colorado Police Protective Association, Colorado Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Colorado Organization for Victim Assistance.

On other issues, Newell said:

· “It’s ridiculous that we don’t even have the resources to train our law enforcement officers. My opponent voted against providing those resources while she was in the Colorado House. These are the people who protect us on a daily basis. What can be more important than giving them the tools they need to do their jobs?”

· “The lack of mental health resources contributes to juvenile offenses. We should look into mandatory mental health evaluations for students who are repeatedly suspended or expelled from school to determine if the problem is an undiagnosed or untreated mental health issue. The Cherry Creek School District has started work in this area to address the needs of at-risk children and get them back on track, thus preventing juvenile crime.”

· “One more time, my opponent has not shown up to listen to the voters or respond to their questions. I promise you that when I am your senator, I will listen, respond and get results for you.” Wednesday’s forum was the eighth consecutive community forum skipped by Newell’s opponent. “She’s missed so many events that the sponsors are beginning to ask me where she is.”

Newell’s running for the Colorado Senate District 26, which includes Littleton and parts of Bow Mar, Centennial, Cherry Hills, Cherry Hills Village, Englewood and Sheridan. She’s running to provide common-sense solutions to the problems facing Colorado. She’s focusing on building stronger schools, providing affordable healthcare choices for all citizens and developing sources of renewable energy that will add jobs to the local economy. She’s worked for large and small businesses as a consultant working with executives, managers and employees on job training, leadership development and people strategies. She’s been active in community activities for many years, volunteering for the Girl Scouts, ARC, local public television, Littleton Public Schools and other worthy organizations.
Littleton Businesswoman Linda Newell Leads In Senate District Poll

LITTLETON, October 1, 2008 – Littleton businesswoman Linda Newell, a Democrat making her first run for political office in a State Senate district that’s voted Republican for decades, led her Republican opponent by four points in a test heat conducted this summer by Lauer Johnson Research.

“We’re certainly not ready to declare victory based on the test heat results,” said Newell, candidate for the Colorado Senate in District 26, which includes Littleton and parts of several other Arapahoe County cities. “But it explains the incredibly strong bipartisan support I’m hearing as I meet with voters in our district.”

One reason she’s so optimistic, Newell said, is that the Arapahoe County district has been trending steadily toward Democratic candidates in recent elections, and four years ago Democrat Jared Ingwalson came within one percent of winning the seat. Additionally, with recent voter registrations in the county, Democrats are just shy of tying Republicans in numbers for the first time.

The polling supports this trend with Senate District 26 leaning Democratic in the State Senate race 42% to 38%.

“But the real reason I expect to win,” Newell said, “is that I am the candidate with bipartisan support who speaks for the many voters who are tired of the old politics – of politicians and lobbyists representing special interests. I’m an ordinary citizen with genuine concerns about this beautiful state in which we live. I believe the state belongs to ALL of us, not just some of us. Based on her voting record, my opponent’s totally out of touch with most of the people who live in our district. I’ve never met her, though, so the only thing I can go on is her record. She’s declined or ignored every community event and town hall invite.”

Lauri Clapp most recently was a lobbyist for the mortgage industry. Below, is a portion of her voting record during her tenure in the Colorado House:

• Voted to cut $25.8 million from the State Education Fund and $250,000 from the Old Age Pension Fund.
• Voted to cut health insurance for low-income children, pregnant women, community clinics, anti-smoking programs and school breakfasts.
• Voted against the Colorado Discount Drug program.
• Voted to suspend the Colorado Homestead Exemption providing a property tax break for senior citizens and the disabled.
• Voted to limit unemployment insurance for people who have lost their jobs.
• Voted against Gov. Bill Owens’ blue ribbon commission on healthcare reform.
• Voted against training programs for Colorado peace officers.
• Suggested the state consider executing convicted juveniles and the mentally impaired.

Ms. Clapp resigned early from the House to take advantage of a loophole allowing her to return immediately to the State Capitol as a lobbyist. “We need elected officials with more integrity than that,” Newell said.

“I support affordable, preventive healthcare choices for all citizens,” Newell continued. “We rank 42nd in the nation in healthcare funding and that’s just unacceptable. We need to do a better job of helping our schools provide a safe, effective learning environment for our children and provide incentives for retaining our best teachers in the classroom. We need to provide solutions for higher education because Colorado companies need a skilled and educated workforce to compete in the global economy and Colorado citizens need good educations to qualify for good jobs.”

Coming from business and workforce development, Newell also is a strong supporter of economic programs to promote both business and job growth.

“We’re facing some of the biggest economic challenges in our nation’s history,” Newell noted. “I’ll use my business experience to step up to the challenge of supporting employees and businesses alike because we’re all in this together.”

Littleton businesswoman Linda Newell has worked for large and small businesses and as a consultant working with executives, managers and employees on job training and people strategies. She’s been active in community activities for many years, volunteering for the Girl Scouts, ARC, local public television, Littleton Public Schools and other worthy causes.
Senate Candidate Linda Newell Will Address Children’s Issues At Town Hall

LITTLETON - September 24 – Noting that Colorado has the nation’s fastest growing population of children living in poverty, State Senate Candidate Linda Newell will address children’s issues at an upcoming town hall being sponsored by Every Child Matters.

The town hall will be at 6 p.m. Oct. 2 at Powell Middle School, 8000 S. Corona Way, Littleton. Several other legislative candidates, including Rep. Joe Rice of Littleton, also have been invited.

“As a single mother of two daughters I know firsthand the challenges of raising a family in difficult times. Our children are our future,” Newell said. “We can’t afford to turn our backs on families struggling to make ends meet in today’s tough times. Children’s issues affect all of us: Parents, teachers and businesses – who need an educated, healthy and reliable workforce to compete effectively in today’s global economy. I’m looking forward to a robust discussion that will give me a chance to hear what’s on the minds of the public and their ideas for addressing the challenges we all face in meeting the needs of our children.”

Every Child Matters is a nonprofit organization that focuses on making the needs of children and youth a national political priority and promoting the adoption of smart policies for children, youth, and families—including stopping child abuse, helping working families with child care, expanding pre-school education and after-school programs, and ensuring that children receive good health care.

Littleton businesswoman Linda Newell has worked for large and small businesses and as a consultant working with executives, managers and employees on job training and people strategies. She’s been active in community activities for many years, volunteering for the Girl Scouts, ARC, local public television, Littleton Public Schools and others.
Fire Fighters, Teachers, Public Employees Endorse Linda

Fire Fighters, Teachers, Public Employees Endorse
Colorado Senate District 26 Candidate Linda Newell

Littleton, September 14 – Local fire fighters, teachers and public employees have added their names to the growing list of individuals and organizations endorsing Littleton businesswoman Linda Newell in her campaign to represent Colorado Senate District 26.

The latest endorsements came from Littleton Fire Fighters IAFF Local 2086, the Colorado Education Association and the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME).

“We’re a nonpartisan group,” said Joel Heinemnn, president of the Fire Fighters local. “We’re supporting Linda because she supports us.”

“Education will be one of my top priorities in the Senate,” Newell said. “So I’m especially appreciative of the support of our teachers. Teachers are on the frontlines when it comes to making sure our classrooms are places that foster proficient learning. With our current funding crisis in Colorado, our schools face some big challenges. We need to make sure we give our schools and our teachers the resources they need to provide quality educations to our children. To compete effectively, our companies need an educated workforce. Our citizens need good educations to qualify for good jobs. And statistics show that in any community the higher the education, the lower the crime.”

Newell added that she’s “honored to have the support of our fire fighters, our first responders who put their lives on the line every day to protect the rest of us. They know I’ll work hard to support them in the legislature as they so bravely support us every day. I’m also grateful for the support of the public employees who work for the local, state and federal agencies that provide the many public services we all rely on in one way or another.”

“I am so proud to see the large bipartisan support we’re receiving,” Newell added. “People are recognizing I’m the candidate who knows how to work with citizens and groups representing all viewpoints to find common-sense solutions that work for all of us.”

Newell has also been endorsed by Gov. Bill Ritter, former Littleton Mayor Susan Thornton, Arapahoe County Commissioner Frank Weddig, House Speaker Andrew Romanoff, Senate Majority Leader Ken Gordon, Senate President Peter Groff, Littleton Board of Education members Lucie Stanish and Sue Chandler, former Littleton School Board of Education member Diana Holland, State Reps. Joe Rice, Anne McGihon and numerous other legislators, several City Council members from Centennial, Littleton, Cherry Hills and Englewood, and many others.

Newell is a Littleton businesswoman making her first run for public office. “I’m not a professional politician,” Newell said. “The experience I bring to this race is the experience of an ordinary citizen who genuinely cares. We’re neighbors. We live, work, play and pray together. So, let’s stand together and stand up for our values – not Democratic values or Republican values, but Colorado values and American values. I’ll bring my business and community experience to the Legislature to help solve our challenges.”
July 10 Kickoff Party

Time to Bring People Together,
Says Colorado Senate Candidate

Linda Newell

LITTLETON –“It’s time to bring people together by building bridges between all parties and create common sense solutions that work for all of us,” Littleton businesswoman Linda Newell said today as she officially kicked off her campaign for Colorado Senate District 26.

The district includes Littleton and parts of Centennial, Englewood, Sheridan, Bow Mar, Cherry Hills and Cherry Hills Village.

“It’s time for ‘we the people’ to stand up together for our values – not Democratic values or Republican values, but Colorado values and American values,” Newell said at her campaign kickoff on July 10.. “We need a senator who will listen to the people, represent the people and respond to the people because we’re all in this together. If you send me to the Senate, I will do just that.”

“I’m not a professional politician,” Newell said. “The experience I bring to this race is the experience of an ordinary citizen who genuinely cares. I have experience in large and small business, experience on the Governor’s Workforce Development Council. I’ve struggled financially to get the food on the table and I’ve worked my way up the corporate ladder and had experience working in the community as a volunteer with numerous organizations. Since 2000, I’ve had experience as a single mother raising two wonderful daughters.”

Newell also has been around politics most of her life, starting as a volunteer canvasser when she was in the sixth grade. “I’ve always supported responsible and responsive government,” she said.

“The way to solve our problems is not for one side to ‘win’ at the expense of the other,” Newell said. “We’re neighbors with a common goal of quality living in the beautiful state of Colorado. We live, work, play and pray together. And, ultimately, we all win or lose together.”

Newell identified three key economic issues that she plans to focus on:

– Ensuring we have an educated workforce with good Colorado jobs. We’re 46th in the nation in higher education funding – forcing some companies to recruit from out of state because either people can’t afford to go to college here or they’re among the 38 percent of students who drop out of high school and don’t even qualify. “This is unacceptable and I will work to remedy that.”
– Affordable, preventive healthcare for all citizens. “In my career, I’ve seen the employees and employers struggle to pay more for less coverage. We need to focus on affordable choices in healthcare, preventive healthcare for all citizens; employees and employers, young and old. Companies should be focusing on their business, not employee benefits. People should be focusing on their work, not their benefits. I will work hard on that for you.”
– The environment. “None of us should have to worry if there’s going to be enough gas in our car or water to drink or clean air to breathe. We should be focusing on alternative and renewable energy solutions like biofuels, geothermal, wind and solar – or at the least a solid reducing, reusing and recycling program. I’m going to work on that.”

The kickoff event was held at the Columbine Lakes Clubhouse in Littleton.
Littleton Independent
Linda Newell to Run for State Senate

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release
Monday, June 16, 2008

Linda Newell to Run for State Senate

Business experience and involvement in the community make her a great candidate.

LITTLETON – On June 3, Linda Newell was officially nominated to be a candidate for State Senate District 26.

Linda Newell is a single mother of two, businesswoman, and active community volunteer who has lived in Littleton for the last 16 years.

“I am excited to begin my campaign for State Senate and talk to people about the issues that are important to them,” said Newell.

Linda Newell is a business consultant with expertise in human resources, adult learning, and workforce development.

“At a time when our economy is struggling, my experience has given me a great opportunity to participate in shaping our future. I want to work in the State Senate to bring good paying jobs to Colorado and to ensure an educated workforce in our area,” Newell said.

Linda Newell has been an active and engaged member of our community. Her community involvement includes supporting activities at her daughters’ Littleton schools, volunteering for Girl Scouts, The Conflict Center, church activities, domestic violence programs and political campaigns. Linda also served on the Denver Metro Regional Workforce Development Council and participated in the Governor’s Taskforce on Workforce Development. Formerly, she volunteered with the American Red Cross, the Special Olympics and the March of Dimes, and served as the Education Foundation Chairperson for a chapter of the American Association of University Women.

The Senate District 26 includes portions of Littleton, Englewood, Centennial, and Sheridan.

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