Denver Catholic

B3 DENVER CATHOLIC | JANUARY 28-FEBRUARY 10, 2017 BY THERESE AAKER JACK TATE | REPUBLICAN, SENATE DISTRICT 27 Originally from Nashville, Tenn., Senator Jack Tate has been a resident of Colorado for 18 years and a Centen- nial resident for 12. He received an engi- neering degree from Duke University and graduate degrees from the University of Colorado Denver in finance and marketing. He also com- pleted graduate work in political sci- ence and economics at the University of Missouri-Kansas City. Before his work in politics, Tate worked for 25 years as a project man- ager, engineer and financial manager and was elected state senator in 2014. Important issues include creating jobs, attending school needs, fixing problems with rising housing costs, energy e°ciency, constitutional rights and attending to fixing the healthcare system. "I am not the guy with all the answers," Tate says on his website. "Instead, I'm the guy who can listen, understand and work hard to discover those answers and solve problems… We must seek thoughtful solutions as opposed to making 'pie in the sky' promises. We should ask that of all politicians." Tate and his wife Kathleen, a phy- sician and surgeon in private practice, attend Our Lady of Loreto Parish with their three children and his interests include youth soccer and basketball, lit- erary interpretation, Colorado railroad history, skiing, tennis, golf and fishing. For more information, visit his website, jacktate.org. KEVIN PRIOLA | REPUBLICAN, SENATE DISTRICT 25 Senator Kevin Priola grew up a Col- orado native and attended Regis High School and the University of Colorado, Boulder, graduating with a business degree. While in college, Priola was an active member of the College Republi- cans group, hosting caucuses and raising awareness of politi- cal issues on campus. Prior to his election to the senate, Priola worked at Priola Greenhouses and CAP Property Man- agement. He is vice-president and trea- surer for both and is also president of Priola Real Estate & Investment. Priola got involved in politics because of his concern for the state, especially after having children, and the environment they would grow up in, he said. But his faith is most important. "I try to live my life informed by my faith and let my faith direct decisions I make serving," Priola said. Priola is especially passionate about green industry issues at the Capitol, opposes new taxes and fee increases and believes in the importance of private property rights, especially small busi- nesses. Other issues listed on his web- site include improving state economy, quality education standards, protecting Colorado water, keeping families safe from sexual predators and reducing tra°c congestion with transportation solutions. He also believes in the com- mitment to the protection of human dignity, beginning at conception and ending at natural death. He and his wife, Michele, a fifth grade teacher, have four children and live in Adams County. On their days oŠ, they enjoy hiking, camping or skiing. They attend Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Northglenn. For more information, visit his web- site, kevinpriola.com. e bill is Bill is introduced by a house sponsor and assigned to a committee for review Bill is introduced by a senate sponsor and assigned to a committee for review It becomes a law if... The committee meets to discuss the bill, make amendments and vote. The committee meets to discuss the bill, make amendments and vote. The governor signs it. If the governor fails to sign to sign it within 10 days during session, or within 30 days if the general assembly is adjourned. If the governor vetoes it, the bill is passed back to both the house and senate again. If two-thirds vote for the bill, it becomes a law. B A C K T O T H E H O U S E PA S S E D T O T H E S E N AT E I F I T S TA R T S I N T H E H O U S E PA S S E D T O T H E G O V E R N O R Committee submits report Committee submits report If the report is approved, the bill is sent to the full house for a second round of debate, amendments and voting. If the bill passes the second round, the house debates, amends and votes for the third time. If it passes the third time, then... If the report is approved, the bill is sent to the full senate for a second round of debate, amendments and voting. If the bill passes the second round, the senate debates, amends and votes for the third time. If it passes the third time, then... H O W A B I L L B E C O M E S A C O L O R A D O L A W If the bill passed the senate unamended, OR If the senate amended the bill If the senate amended the bill And the house accepts the changes, And the house rejects the changes, The bill is sent to a committee of both house and senate representatives and they iron out differences. If both agree, the reports go back to the full house and senate. If the full house and senate accept the changes, OR If it's a senate bill, it follows a similar process beginning in the senate. The good guys do exist T he good guys don't make the headlines very often. So here's a friendly reminder that, in the political world, they do still exist. Senators Kevin Priola and Jack Tate are both Catholic family men who were concerned about their community and decided to take action. And most impor- tantly, their faith remains central to their lives and informs their service to the state. This is the first of what we hope will be many profiles of Catholic legislators serving in the State Legislature. To start, here are two of your senators and their most important issues – you might be able to say hello if they go to your parish. Catholic senators serving our state

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