Jared Polis RSS Articles

Bipartisan Coalition Proposes Fix to AP Phone Hack

Thu, 16 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Rep. Jared Polis (D-CO), Justin Amash (R-MI), Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D-CA) and Rep. Mick Mulvaney (R-SC) today introduced legislation to prevent federal agencies from seizing Americans’ telephone records without a court order.

H.R. 2014, the Telephone Records Protection Act, requires court approval when the government demands telephone records from service providers. Current law allows the government to subpoena such records unilaterally, without any judicial review. The Department of Justice likely used its administrative subpoena authority to seize the Associated Press’s telephone records in its recent investigation of a CIA leak.

“Americans of all political stripes were shocked to find out that the Department of Justice had been accessing telephone records of reporters at the Associated Press,” said Rep. Polis. “The Department of Justice claims that they operated within the confines of the law, which makes it abundantly clear that we need to provide a higher level of protection against government intrusion into an individual’s private records. I am excited to be working with Representatives Amash, Lofgren, and Mulvaney on this important privacy protection bill.”

“The Justice Department’s seizure of the AP’s phone records—likely without the sign-off of a single judge—raises serious First and Fourth Amendment concerns. Regardless of whether DOJ violates the legitimate privacy expectations of reporters or ordinary Americans, we deserve to know that the federal government can’t seize our records without judicial review,” said Rep. Amash.

“Americans’ phone records deserve greater protection from the government than a mere subpoena,” Rep. Lofgren said. “The lack of discretion of the Department of Justice with regard to the Associated Press has demonstrated weaknesses in our surveillance laws that impair the First Amendment. This bill takes necessary, but reasonable corrective action to strengthen the privacy of Americans’ phone records from the government.”

“I was honestly surprised to learn that the government could get this sort of private, personal information without a court order. If that is indeed the law, as the Department of Justice insists that it is, then the law needs to change,” said Rep. Mulvaney. “I am more than willing to acknowledge that there may be times that the government needs access to this sort of information. That being said, if the case in favor of acquiring this information is so compelling, it seems a requirement that the government get a court order should be no impediment to the conduct of a valid government investigation.”

18 U.S.C. § 2703 allows the government to demand that electronic communication services such as telephone companies turn over basic subscriber information with an administrative subpoena. Basic subscriber information includes the name, address, telephone records, credit card number, and other information related to a customer’s service.

The Telephone Records Protection Act strikes 18 U.S.C. § 2703(c)(2)(C), which includes telephone records on the list of basic subscriber information that can be accessed by administrative subpoena. If enacted, the bill would require the government to state “specific and articulable facts” that prove to a court that the information sought is “relevant and material to an ongoing criminal investigation.

Polis Issues Statement Commending BLM Fracking Rules

Thu, 16 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Congressman Jared Polis, Vice Chair of the Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition, commends the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) for releasing its updated draft rules for hydraulic fracturing (“fracking”) on public lands. Millions of acres of America’s public lands are used for oil and gas development and approximately 90 percent of wells use hydraulic fracturing. These rules have been highly anticipated by Members of Congress as well as environmental advocates. Congressman Polis signed a letter earlier this month to the BLM asking for a swift determination and stronger protections.

“By continuing to push this rule, the BLM has acknowledged that fracking operations are directly impacting communities across the country, including those in my district,” said Rep. Polis. “While there is a great deal of room for improvement, the BLM’s efforts to increase its oversight of natural gas extraction on public lands is a step forward. In particular, the well casing requirements will reduce instances of gas leaks in groundwater and will better protect our precious water resources from contamination from fracking fluids. As a lead sponsor of the FRAC Act, I have long advocated for greater disclosure requirements and I hope that the BLM ultimately advances a rule that better mandates such requirements so citizens will know what chemicals are in their water. While this rule is a step in the right direction, I will be working to ensure my constituents’ voices are heard as the BLM begins its 30-day public comment process on this rule.”

You can find the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) updated draft rules for hydraulic fracturing (“fracking”) on public lands here. Since the BLM’s rules have not been updated for over 30 years, its current rules do not address environmental concerns resulting from modern fracking methods. The updated draft proposal addresses chemical disclosure, well casing integrity, and water management plans for flow back water.

Polis, Udall, Bennet Introduce Growth to Excellence Act to Ensure Students are College- and Career-Ready the Day They Graduate High School

Tue, 14 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Congressman Jared Polis joined with Senators Mark Udall and Michael Bennet today to introduce the Growth to Excellence Act to ensure that schools have better, more dynamic standards and systems to track student performance from year to year. Colorado's dynamic "growth model" for measuring students' academic growth over time has been recognized nationally as a working reform to No Child Left Behind. The Growth to Excellence Act would help schools around the country more accurately measure student performance and ensure that high school graduates across the country are college- and career-ready the day they earn their diplomas.

"Measuring individual student progress is crucial to ensuring that all young people have access to a quality education that prepares them for college and a career. I am proud to be reintroducing the Growth to Excellence Act with Colorado Senators Udall and Bennet," Polis said. "This legislation will hold all states to the rigorous academic standards similar to those used in Colorado, while also allowing states to build upon their accountability systems to meet their individual states' needs. As we work to reauthorize the No Child Left Behind Act, it is important that parents, teachers, and students alike have clear and useful information about individual student growth, instead of relying on a one-size-fits-all measurement of school performance."

"The future of Colorado's economy — and our nation's ability to win the global economic race — is rooted in our education system," Udall said. "We need to ensure that students are performing and getting the skills they need to fill 21st century jobs every step of the way, from preschool and the first day of kindergarten through high school graduation. This common-sense legislation, which is based on our successful 'growth model' in Colorado, would give states more flexibility in measuring student achievement, and ensure that children do not fall through the cracks and are ready for college on day one."

"Kids in Colorado and across the country deserve an education system that will accurately measure student achievement," Bennet said. "In the Denver Public Schools superintendent's office, we saw firsthand that No Child Left Behind's system for measuring students was missing the mark, which is why we developed a framework to measure a student's progress year over year throughout their careers. This type of commonsense model will help ensure all of our kids receive the best education possible."

The Growth to Excellence Act of 2013 would amend federal school standards to include an accountability model for states to track student growth and performance toward being college- and career-ready. Instead of a one-time snapshot of school performance at test times, the bill would tie school performance to its students' growth over time to ensure they are academically ready for graduation. The standards also would ensure that schools, parents, teachers and students readily have the information they need to track where growth has occurred and where there is room for improvement.

No Child Left Behind, the existing standard for tracking student growth, only requires states to compare one year's class of students to the next year's class using a fixed target for all students regardless of how far or close they were to proficiency; it fails to measure individual student progress over time. Udall, Bennet and Polis's proposal would replace this static standard with a more dynamic and useful system for schools, parents, teachers and students.

Reps. Jared Polis, Zoe Lofgren, Thomas Massie & Anna Eshoo Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Enable Cell Phone & Wireless Device Unlocking

Thu, 09 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Reps. Jared Polis (D-CO), Zoe Lofgren (D-CA), Thomas Massie (R-KY) and Anna Eshoo (D-CA) announced they have introduced H.R. 1892, the Unlocking Technology Act of 2013. The bipartisan bill would permanently guarantee consumers can unlock their cell phones, tablets, and other mobile communications devices in order to switch carriers. The bill gives consumers new avenues to unlock their devices and media under the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) in ways that do not infringe on copyright.

“Consumers who are not under contract should be able to unlock their cell phones or tablets,” Rep. Polis said. “We should not have laws on the books that prohibit consumer choice and stifle competition in the marketplace. I am pleased to introduce this bill with Representatives Lofgren, Massie, and Eshoo, which will permanently restore consumers’ freedom to switch wireless carriers.”

"This bill reflects the way we use this technology in our everyday lives,” Rep. Lofgren said. "Americans should not be subject to fines and criminal liability for merely unlocking devices and media they legally purchased. If consumers are not violating copyright or some other law, there’s little reason to hold back the benefits of unlocking so people can continue using their devices.”

"Everyone should be free to use their personal property as they see fit and choose their preferred technologies without penalty," said Rep. Massie. "This bill rolls back excessive and out-dated prohibitions on otherwise lawful innovations that promote marketplace competition. I look forward to advancing this bipartisan effort with Reps. Lofgren, Polis, and Eshoo."

Currently, Section 1201 of the DMCA forbids sidestepping technical measures that prevent modifying copyrighted works – such as jailbreaking a tablet to run 3rd-party apps, going around digital rights management for archiving or disability access purposes, or unlocking a cell phone – regardless of whether there is any actual copyright infringement. The Unlocking Technology Act would make it permanently legal for consumers to unlock their mobile devices, and consumers would not be required to obtain permission from their carrier before switching to a new carrier. In addition, the bill would permit the use and sale of tools – like software apps – that enable unlocking for uses that do not infringe on copyright. The President would also be required to ensure that international trade agreements reflected the changes in the Act.

Under the DMCA, the Copyright Office can add restrictions or remove exemptions under Section 1201 every three years. The Copyright Office created an exemption for cell phone unlocking in 2010, and then took it away again in 2013, making cell phone unlocking illegal once more. Most proposals currently before Congress merely extend the prior cell phone unlocking exemption for another three years, meaning the Copyright Office will have to determine whether to renew the exemption in another three years. The Unlocking Technology Act would make the exemption for cell phones permanent.

Click here for a section-by-section summary of H.R. 1892, the Unlocking Technology Act.

Polis, Chu, Udall and Hirono Introduce Bill to Support Pregnant & Parenting Students

Tue, 07 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT

To mark National Teen Pregnancy Month, Rep. Jared Polis (D-CO) and Rep. Judy Chu (D-CA) joined U.S. Senators Tom Udall (D-NM) and Mazie Hirono (D-HI) to introduce the Pregnant and Parenting Students Access to Education Act (PPSAE), a bill that would help states and local school districts support pregnant and parenting youth who face unique challenges staying in school and graduating ready for college or a career.

Each year in the U.S., approximately 750,000 teens get pregnant and almost one-fifth of students across the country drop out of high school. In a nationwide survey, 33 percent of female dropouts and almost 20 percent of male dropouts reported that becoming a parent was a major factor in their decision to leave school. Pregnant and parenting teens face many barriers to education, including enrolling in and attending school, juggling schoolwork with parenting responsibilities, lack of access to child care or transportation, and discrimination or stigma attached to being a pregnant and/or parenting teen. Teachers and administrators also often lack the resources or training to support pregnant and parenting students.

The Pregnant and Parenting Students Access to Education Act (PPSAE) would reduce these barriers by empowering states and local districts to support teenage mothers and fathers and reduce the student dropout rate.

“Achieving a high school diploma is critical to young peoples’ ability to succeed in the workforce. Yet pregnancy and parenting responsibilities significantly increase a student’s risk of dropping out of school,” said Rep. Polis. “This legislation would provide resources for pregnant and parenting youth, so that they are not forced to choose between staying in school and supporting their new families.”

"Teenage pregnancy holds girls and boys back from reaching their dreams,” said Rep. Chu. “Teens who become mothers and fathers before they are ready are often forced to choose between their own education and their responsibilities as a parent, stunting their earning potential and increasing the chance that their child may dropout someday as well. I am proud to introduce the Pregnant and Parenting Students’ Access to Education Act to put an end to this tragic tradeoff. We must provide the services parents need to stay and succeed in school."

Specifically, the PPSAE would authorize grants to fund new and existing programs that promote the educational success of pregnant and parenting students. The bill would also help schools provide academic services like parenting and life skill classes while offering incentives for schools to modify policies that remove barriers for pregnant and parenting students to continue their education.

It also empowers school districts to provide parenting case management services, pregnancy prevention programs, referrals to primary health care physicians and other social services needed by the students. Finally, the bill would collect and report data like graduation rates for pregnant and parenting students annually and require rigorous evaluation of the grant programs to ensure they are accountable and effective at helping students stay in school.

“Teen pregnancy and dropout rates are too high across the country and especially in New Mexico,” Senator Udall said. “Support for pregnant and parenting students can go a long way, and that is why we want to help teenage parents stay in school, go back to school, or graduate from school with the skills to have a meaningful career and take care of their family.”

“Graduating high school or attaining a GED is fundamental to a student’s future success in our workforce. But the huge dropout rates for pregnant and parenting students demonstrate just how difficult it can be for these students to finish their education,” said Senator Hirono. “By providing resources and support to these students and acknowledging the challenges they face, we can help them stay in school and on track to career success.”

Diverse groups from the health and education communities in New Mexico support the measure, including the Healthy Teen Network, the National Women’s Law Center and The National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy. The full text of the legislation can be accessed here.

Polis, Petri Introduce Bill to Simplify and Improve Federal Student Loans

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Today, Congressman Jared Polis (D-CO) and Congressman Tom Petri (R-WI), both members of the Education and Workforce Committee, introduced the Earnings Contingent Education Loans (ExCEL) Act of 2013 to simplify and improve student loan repayment for borrowers and save taxpayer dollars. This innovative, bipartisan legislation would improve and expand income-based repayment for borrowers and put in place a long-term fix to the student loan interest rate question.

“Right now, when students take out loans to invest in their education, they are too often running the risk of financial ruin that comes with failing to pay back student loans," said Polis. "The ExCEL Act streamlines our complicated student loan system and provides protections that help young people to pay back their loans and establish good credit. I am proud to support a system that will keep student loan payments affordable and make it easier for young people to succeed.”

Currently, federal student loan borrowers are automatically placed in a mortgage-like repayment schedule which never varies throughout repayment. Under the ExCEL Act, borrowers would pay an affordable percentage of their income until the loan is repaid.

"It's pretty simple if you think about it," said Petri. "When students graduate from college, traditionally they will make less. And then as they progress in their professional career they'll earn more. The repayment schedule should follow this trend so that borrowers pay less early on and more as they earn more."

Borrowers currently have the option of enrolling in income-based repayment (IBR) but the paperwork burden makes it cumbersome for borrowers. Under the ExCEL Act, borrowers would be able to have their payments withheld from their paychecks along with payroll taxes. This makes repayment automatically responsive to borrowers' economic situation so they pay off their loan quicker as they earn more but are protected during periods of low-earnings or unemployment. Under the ExCEL Act, interest on student loans would not compound during repayment and would be capped at 50 percent of the loan's balance upon graduation.

Polis, Ros-Lehtinen, Merkley, Kirk, Introduce Bipartisan, Bicameral Legislation to End Workplace Discrimination

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Today, bipartisan coalitions in the House and Senate introduced the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) to prohibit job discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. In the House, Congressman Jared Polis (D-CO) and Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL) have introduced the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) with 153 original co-sponsors. The Senate bill is sponsored by Senators Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Mark Kirk (R-IL), Tom Harkin (D-IA), Susan Collins (R-ME) and Tammy Baldwin (D-WI).

“Across our country, LGBT Americans face the daily fear of losing their jobs and livelihood simply because of who they are or who they love,” Polis said. “Dedicated individuals should be judged based on their work, nothing more and nothing less. I am proud to reintroduce the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) with Representative Ros-Lehtinen and so many of our colleagues in the House of Representatives. We will work together to see the federal workplace protections in the Employment Non-Discrimination Act passed into law.”

“I am proud to join my colleagues in the House and Senate to re-introduce the Employment Non-Discrimination Act,” Ros-Lehtinen said. “It is inherently unfair that many skilled, qualified and motivated LGBT members of our communities too often experience rejections at job interviews, are denied promotions, or other forms of harassment in the workplace, simply because of their sexual orientation or gender identity. This is unacceptable. Federal law is currently failing these LGBT individuals and consequently, a majority of states still allow employers to discriminate based on sexual orientation and gender identity. The bill that we are proposing will end this unacceptable practice by prohibiting employment discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. No American should have to fear harassment at work, or risk losing their livelihood because of who they are. That is why Congress needs to work to get this bill passed and set a national standard of equality for all in the workplace.”

“Discrimination is just plain wrong. It is shocking that there is still anywhere in America where it is legal to fire someone for their sexual orientation or gender identity,” Merkley said. “Americans understand that it’s time to make sure our LGBT friends and family are treated fairly and have the same opportunities as all Americans. Now it’s time for our laws to catch up. People should be judged at work on their ability to do the job, period.”

“The legacy of Senator Everett Dirksen, a fiscal conservative and social moderate from Illinois who helped pass the Civil Rights Act, guides the principles of this legislation,” Kirk said. “Our economy needs a productive, diverse, competitive workforce where the most qualified individuals are given opportunities, regardless of orientation.”

“I am proud to join a bi-partisan effort that advances our founding belief that all Americans are created equal under the law. Together, we believe that everyone deserves a fair shot at the American Dream and that our LGBT family members, friends, and neighbors deserve to be treated like everyone else in the United States,” Baldwin said. “This legislation is a reflection of our commitment to ending discrimination against our fellow citizens simply because of who they love. I am hopeful and optimistic that we can now move forward to build a tomorrow that is more equal, not less, for all Americans.”

The Employment Non-Discrimination Act of 2013 would prohibit employers from firing, refusing to hire, or discriminating against those employed or seeking employment, on the basis of their perceived or actual sexual orientation or gender identity. Such protections are already in place prohibiting discrimination based on race, religion, gender, national origin, age, and disability. More than 85 percent of Fortune 500 companies already extend workplace protections based on sexual orientation and more than one-third on the basis of gender identity.

Polis, Defazio Introduce Bill to Require Labeling of Genetically Engineered Food

Wed, 24 Apr 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Congressman Jared Polis (D-CO) and Congressman Peter DeFazio (D-OR) today introduced the Genetically Engineered Food Right-to-Know Act; legislation that would require the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to clearly label genetically engineered (GE) foods so that consumers can make informed choices about what they eat. This bill was also introduced in the U.S. Senate by Senators Barbara Boxer (D-CO) and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK).

"Despite the prevalence of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) in grocery stores and prepared foods, it remains difficult if not impossible for consumers to determine if the foods they eat contain GMOs,” Representative Polis said. “This labeling bill is about empowering consumers: consumers can choose to eat or not eat GMOs, or to pay more or less for GMOs. I believe consumers have a right to know what they are eating so they can make their own informed food choices. I am proud to be working toward more informative food labels."

“When American families purchase food, they deserve to know if that food was genetically engineered in a laboratory,” Representative DeFazio said. “This legislation is supported by consumer’s rights advocates, family farms, environmental organizations, and businesses, and it allows consumers to make an informed choice.”

This legislation is part of the efforts of Rep. Jared Polis (D-CO) and Rep. Peter DeFazio (D-OR) to give consumers--who are used to reading labels to see if foods contain MSG, gluten, trans fats, high fructose corn syrup or aspartame--more accessible and clear information about their food. That is why Rep. DeFazio and Rep. Polis sent a letter to the House Appropriations Committee asking that they exclude from a budget bill that would keep government from shutting its doors H.R. 5973, the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act of 2013, which limits judicial review of genetically-engineered crops, allowing them to be planted without federal safeguards in place that protect our environment, family farmers and citizens.

According to surveys, more than 90 percent of Americans support the labeling of genetically engineered foods. In fact, many consumers are surprised to learn that GE foods are not already labeled. Currently, the FDA requires the labeling of over 3,000 ingredients, additives and processes, but the agency has resisted labels for genetically modified foods. In a 1992 policy statement, the FDA allowed GE foods to be marketed without labeling, claiming that these foods were not “materially” different from other foods because the genetic differences could not be recognized by taste, smell or other senses.

Unfortunately, the FDA’s antiquated labeling policy has not kept pace with 21^st century food technologies that allow for a wide array of genetic and molecular changes to food that can’t be detected by human senses. Common sense would indicate that GE corn that produces its own insecticide – or is engineered to survive being doused by herbicides – is materially different from traditional corn that does not. Even the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office has recognized that these foods are materially different and novel for patent purposes.

More than one and a half million Americans have filed comments with the FDA urging the agency to label GE foods. The bipartisan legislation introduced today would require clear labels for genetically engineered whole foods and processed foods, including fish and seafood. The measure would direct the FDA to write new labeling standards that are consistent with U.S. labeling standards and international standards. Sixty-four countries around the world already require the labeling of GE foods, including all the member nations of the European Union, Russia, Japan, China, Australia and New Zealand.

Representatives Jared Polis (D-CO), Tulsi Gabbard (D-HI), Chellie Pingree (D-ME), Donna Christensen (D-Virgin Islands), Jan Schakowsky (D-IL), Peter Welch (D-VT), James Moran (D-VA), Louise Slaughter (D-NY), Don Young (R-AK), Jim McDermott (D-WA), Raul Grijalva (D-AZ), Earl Blumenauer (D-OR), Jared Huffman (D-CA), Jackie Speier (D-CA), Jerrold Nadler (D-NY), Gerry Connolly (D-VA), George Miller (D-CA), David Cicilline (D-RI), Barbara Lee (D-CA), Grace Napolitano (D-CA), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) and Ann Kuster (D-NH) are cosponsors of the House bill.

The Genetically Engineered Food Right-to-Know Act has broad support from organizations and businesses, including the Center for Food Safety, Consumers Union, Environmental Working Group, Just Label It, the National Farmers Union, Stonyfield Farms, Consumer Federation of America, AllergyKids Foundation, National Cooperative Grocers Association, New England Farmers Union, Northwest Atlantic Marine Alliance, Center for Environmental Health, Chefs Collaborative, Label GMOs, Alaska Trollers Association, Ben & Jerry’s, Clif Bar & Company, Lundberg Family Farms, Nature’s Path, Annie’s Inc., and many others. For a list of more of the groups supporting the bill, click here.

New Congressional analysis upholds states' right to legalize marijuana

Tue, 23 Apr 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Today, Congressman Jared Polis (D-CO) shared a new legal analysis, prepared by the Congressional Research Service, the nonpartisan research agency supporting the United States Congress, which finds that the federal government cannot compel states to prohibit marijuana use within their borders.

More specifically, the Congressional Research Service (CRS) writes that:

"Although the federal government may use its power of the purse to encourage states to adopt certain criminal laws, the federal government is limited in its ability to directly influence state policy by the Tenth Amendment, which prevents the federal government from directing states to enact specific legislation, or requiring state officials to enforce federal law. As such, the fact that the federal government has criminalized conduct does not mean that the state, in turn, must also criminalize or prosecute that same conduct."

Congressman Polis responded, stating, “I've long believed that Colorado, Washington and other states that have decriminalized or legalized marijuana for personal or medical use have acted within the legal bounds of the law. I am pleased to see that Congress's research agency has interpreted the law the same way. With a majority of Americans now supporting marijuana legalization, and more states acknowledging every election cycle that the War on Drugs has failed, I hope that the Department of Justice will conduct and release a legal analysis that is as thorough as that done by CRS. If they do, they are sure to reach the same conclusion: it is perfectly legal for states to regulate marijuana as they see fit."

Thus far, 19 states and jurisdictions have decriminalized or legalized marijuana for personal or medical use. The full CRS report can be downloaded here.

"While H.R. 499, the Ending Federal Marijuana Prohibition Act, which I introduced earlier this year, remains important to establishing a structure to regulate marijuana like alcohol, this validation by the Congressional Research Service that the 10th amendment allows Colorado and Washington's laws to move forward is a welcome step."

Polis, Ros-Lehtinen Reintroduce Student Non-Discrimination Act

Thu, 18 Apr 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Today, on the National Day of Silence, Rep. Jared Polis (D-CO) and Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL) held a press conference call to announce that they have reintroduced the Student Non-Discrimination Act (SNDA), which would help protect public school students from bullying, harassment, and discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity. Also participating in the press conference call were Director of the Human Rights Campaign Family Project Ellen Kahn, Bayli Silberstein, an 8^th grade student from Florida who attempted to create a Gay-Straight Alliance to combat bullying she and her friends faced as well as Becky Collins, the mother of Zach Collins, who was brutally beaten in Chillicothe, Ohio for being openly gay.

"Throughout this country, far too many students fall victim to relentless harassment and discrimination from teachers, staff, and their peers based on their sexual orientation or gender identity," said Rep. Jared Polis (D-CO). "Bullying is a leading cause of poor attendance and dropping out because kids don't feel safe enough to go to school. Like Title VI for racial and ethnic minorities in the 1960s and Title IX for women in the 1970s, my legislation puts LGBT students on an equal footing with their peers, so they can attend school and receive a quality education, free from fear. This bill will ensure that every student has the right to an education free from harassment and violence."

“I thank Jared for his leadership in introducing this pro-equality legislation that seeks to put an end to discrimination against LGBT students in public schools,” said Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL). “Schools should be places where our kids can learn and thrive, and that are free from persecution and harassment. LGBT students are often verbally harassed due to their sexual orientation. It is important that we strive to make sure that LGBT students enjoy safety as all children do.”

“The bullying at my school had gotten really out of hand,” stated Bayli Silberstein, a Florida 8^th grader who led a campaign to establish a gay-straight alliance at her school. “Lots of kids, including me, were being bullied and treated badly just for who we are. When we tried to start a club to fight the anti-gay bullying, I’m glad that I had a lot of support from my family and friends and people all over the country to convince the school that this issue matters. But not all kids have that support, so I’m glad this bill is being filed to make sure kids all over the country are protected.”

"Students have a right to be safe in school, no matter who they are,” said Becky Collins of Ohio. “My son and I came forward with our story so no other family will have to go through what we did. The Student Non-Discrimination Act will be an important step to make sure schools take bullying and harassment seriously, so others who report problems are not ignored like we were."

"All students, including LGBT students, deserve equal opportunity to a solid education and all of its benefits," said HRC President Chad Griffin. "School is where young people learn, grow, and develop mentally and emotionally. It's a space that must be free of discrimination and intimidation. Unfortunately too many are harassed, bullied, and discriminated against causing many to underperform or drop out."

Rep. Polis first introduced the Student Non-Discrimination Act (SNDA) in 2010. During the 112^th Congress, the Obama Administration took an official position on the Student Non-Discrimination Act (SNDA), stating their support.

“I commend Congressman Polis, Congresswoman Ros-Lehtinen, and Senator Franken for their efforts to curb discrimination and bullying in our nation’s schools especially against LGBT students,” said Secretary of Education, Arne Duncan. “We must continue to work together to make our schools safer and more productive places for students to learn.”

The bill would establish a comprehensive federal prohibition against discrimination in public schools based on actual or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity. It would also forbid schools from discriminating against LGBT students or ignoring harassing behavior. Modeled after Title IX, violation of SNDA would result in the loss of federal funding and give victims a legal cause of action for discrimination in public schools based on actual or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity. Currently, the bill over 110 original cosponsors in the House, including Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-CA).

“No young person should ever feel unsafe or unwelcome at their school, but this is the case for many LGBT students in cities and towns across our country,” said Rep. David Cicilline, co-chair of the Congressional LGBT Equality Caucus. “The Student Non-Discrimination Act is a pragmatic proposal that would create stronger protections for LGBT youth and prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity in our public schools. I am proud to co-sponsor this legislation that will help ensure that every child in America can learn in a safe environment.”

“Every student deserves to learn in an environment where they feel safe and are free to reach their full potential,” said Rep. Mark Pocan (D-WI), co-chair of the Congressional LGBT Equality Caucus. “But every day, LGBT students across the country are subjected to widespread discrimination and bullying that poisons our school culture, deprives our students of their sense of safety, and—all too frequently—has tragic and devastating consequences. We must take meaningful, immediate, action to end discrimination against LGBT youth in schools. I stand strongly behind the Student Non-Discrimination Act, and the millions of LGBT students it would help.”

“I’m proud to support the Student Non-Discrimination Act (SNDA) as far too many students are being harassed, bullied, intimidated or subjected to violence because of their actual or perceived sexual orientation,” said Rep. Mark Takano (D-CA), co-chair of the Congressional LGBT Equality Caucus. “By establishing a comprehensive Federal prohibition of discrimination in public schools, SNDA will help create a safe learning environment for all students, regardless of their sexual orientation.”

Congress on Your Corner @ Vic's Coffee

Mon, 03 Aug 2009 20:03:37 GMT

Friday, August 7th Congress on Your Corner Vic’s Coffee 2680 Broadway Street Boulder, CO 80302 8:00 – 9:30 AM

Congress on Your Corner @ Southern Sun - Boulder

Mon, 03 Aug 2009 20:15:39 GMT

Monday, August 17th Congress on Your Corner The Southern Sun 627 South Broadway Boulder, CO 80305 5:30 – 7:00 PM

Eagle County Town Hall

Mon, 03 Aug 2009 20:16:34 GMT

Wednesday, August 19th Eagle County Town Hall Singletree Community Center 1010 Berry Creek Road Edwards, CO 81632 4:30 – 5:30 PM

Congress on Your Corner @ Boulder Whole Foods

Fri, 14 Aug 2009 14:36:05 GMT

Thursday, August 20th Congress on Your Corner Whole Foods Market 2905 Pearl Street Boulder, CO 80301 6:00 – 7:30 PM

Housing Fair

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 14:23:24 GMT

Congress on Your Corner @ Boulder Farmers Market

Mon, 03 Aug 2009 20:17:29 GMT

Wednesday, September 2nd Congress on Your Corner Boulder Farmers Market Next to Central Park on 13th Street between Canyon Boulevard and Arapahoe Avenue Boulder, CO 80302 5:30 – 7:00 PM

Congress on Your Corner @ Lafayette VFW Hall

Mon, 03 Aug 2009 20:18:20 GMT

Thursday, September 3rd Congress on Your Corner VFW HALL 105 West Emma Street Lafayette, CO 80026 5:30 - 7:00 PM

Boulder Town Hall

Tue, 18 Aug 2009 22:47:51 GMT

Friday, September 4th Boulder Town Hall University of Colorado at Boulder University Memorial Center (UMC)Ball Room 7:00 - 8:30 PM

Congress on Your Corner @ Rancho Liborio Grocery Store

Mon, 03 Aug 2009 20:19:17 GMT

Saturday, September 5th Congress on Your Corner Rancho Liborio Grocery Store 850 East 88th Avenue Thornton, CO 80229 10:00 – 11:30 AM

Adams County Town Hall

Mon, 03 Aug 2009 20:20:15 GMT

Saturday, September 5th Adams County Town Hall Welby New Technology High School 1200 East 78th Avenue #105 Thornton, CO 80229 1:00 - 3:00 PM