Despite a rather dramatic dip in the morning temperature, dozens of Colorado patriots attended the 75th legislative session opener in Denver on January 8th, preparing to surge the legislative offices. Strategically armed with Article V information and compelling statistics on Colorado citizens' support of an Article V convention, volunteers made contact with each of the 100 legislative offices.
Surge Day is a planned day of grassroots activity at the state capitol. There are three main objectives: create a positive impression of COS for legislators, deliver key information to each office, and lay the groundwork for future engagement with each legislator. Ultimately, efforts could lead to the passage of a COS resolution in Colorado.
The Colorado Legislature convenes for 120 days each year to consider new laws between January and May. After a formal opening session in each chamber, legislators go back to doing the state’s business.
Volunteers attended the opening session, then went to work. Armed with brief training from our Legislative Liaison Team Leaders, volunteers were divided into teams and then paired up with an experienced surge volunteer. Each team visited a handful of senators or representatives, met the staff, and delivered information about COS.
While meeting every senator or representative would be ideal, it is often the staff and interns who are key to gaining access.
“I am proud to see dozens of grassroots activists standing up for people’s rights in the people’s house, especially on a workday.” -- Deanna Becket, Regional Dir.
Last year, the COS resolution was sponsored by House Minority Leader Rose Pugliese. An impressive 28 COS volunteers testified at a public hearing, many gaining valuable COS training and experience appearing before the legislators. Despite those heroic efforts, the resolution was voted down along party lines.
Activists have 120 days to convince Colorado legislators to improve upon last year and pass an Article V resolution in Colorado, joining 19 states ready to rein in our growing federal bureaucracy.
