I join my colleagues in condemning the violence, racism and white supremacist language occurring in Charlottesville today in the strongest possible terms. There is no place in our nation for this type of bigotry and hatred. The exercise of free speech rights does not include threats, calls for violence or hate speech. Our national leaders at the all levels must condemn this type of conduct and demonstrate their commitment to inclusion, diversity and respectful dialogue.

It's great to be home. I spent a week with my family at a rustic, lakeside cabin in upstate NY with no TV, cell, wireless or internet. It really is survivable. I am now re-invigorated and excited to be home in Colorado Springs. While back east, combining business with pleasure, I attended a Boston NCLS conference with a thousand state legislators to discuss common challenges and promising solutions. The day after getting home, I chaired an Interim Legislative Comm. at the capitol on Sentencing reform. We can do better than over-incarceration as state policy.

While the Colorado Legislature now adjourned, during the summer I am chairing an Interim Committee of Sentencing Reform. Our focus will be on mandatory minimum and enhanced prison sentences as well as how to address our state's prison system which is at capacity. We heard from a dozen witnesses this week explaining who is in prison and providing analyses of the parole, probation, community corrections. The public is invited to attend and participate. Stay tuned.

Inspiration & celebration at Dept. of Corrections- Along with Lieut. Governor Donna Lynne, we honored over 30 graduates of the "7 Habits on the Inside" program at Fremont today. Program Founder, and former DOC Director of Prisons Jerry Gasko, was recognized by the Colorado House of Representatives for 40 years service to his country and state.. I honored the graduates for their commitment to change and they spoke about the impact 7 Habits has on their lives.

Aspiring Entrepreneurs demo plans at CC-Students from the Quad Innovation Partnership presented their plans this morning to resolve food deserts, hunger, homelessness and energy issues. Students from Pikes Peak CC, Air Force Academy, Colorado College and UCCS collaborate in a unique collaborative under local innovation expert Jake Eichengreen's leadership. I was invited to meet with the class last Friday to discuss my experiences promoting change through legislation. Listening to the Quad teams describe their business plans inspires optimism that our challenges are not intractable.

Game Changer for SE Colorado Springs Community- An overflow crowd of more than 75 people met at Silver Key on S. Murray to hear about implementing HB17-1326, my bipartisan bill for Justice Reinvestment Crime Prevention Initiatives. Savings in Parole will be used for citizen directed community development programs to reduce crime. $2 million will be available to public and private groups for community based services to enhance employment and education opportunities, strengthen families, improve health, and promote community engagement. The Colorado Criminal Justice Reform Coalition and DOLA will be cooperating on details.