JERRY SONNENBERG

Colorado State Representative, District 65

200 East Colfax

Denver, CO 80203

Phone: 303-866-3706

Email: jerry.sonnenberg.house@state.co.us

 

 
Sonnenberg says Dems killed jobs in legislative session
Judy Debus, Journal-Advocate regional editor
Journal Advocate
Rep. Jerry Sonnenberg, right, addresses the Logan County Republicans at their monthly breakfast meeting last week. (Judy Debus/Journal-Advocate)

 
A roundup of this year’s state legislative session was presented to the Logan County Republicans at the monthly breakfast meeting on Thursday, May 27. House District 65 Representative Jerry Sonnenberg described the year as “challenging in many ways, concerning in some ways, and all around bizarre in other ways... (read more)
Bill Passage Is Victory for Unfunded Noxious Weed Programs
by Gus Jarvis
May 14, 2010 

Sponsored by Colorado Sen. Lois Tochtrop and Rep. Jerry Sonnenberg, SB 10-098 will allow counties to cooperate and/or contract with conservation districts and weed programs utilizing existing Conservation Trust Fund allocations... (read more)

Capitol Dome Repair Bill Clears Legislature

Kirk Siegler (2010-05-11)
Rep. Jerry Sonnenberg (R-Sterling) was among those to tout the bill during final debate in the state house... (read more)

Helping the horses: Legislature tackles issue of unwanted equines

 
By Nate A. Miller,

Floss Blackburn knows there's a problem.

“I get calls every day and e-mails every day from individuals with horses they can no longer care for... (read more)

Battle brewing over use of open space funds

 Lori Obert written by: Adam Schrager  9 News

DENVER - Colorado voters may have the opportunity to decide this fall if they want to divert money currently used to preserve open space to fund the state's K-12 schools.

"Our kids education seems to me to be more important than buying new land and open space when we're in times of fiscal emergency," Rep. Jerry Sonnenberg... (read more)

 
House Republicans Take Union Special Interests to Task

Rep. Jerry Sonnenberg, R-Sterling, says that union opposition to nearly every idea on the table is bad for students and bad for Colorado taxpayers... (read more)

Lawmaker eyes lottery funds to aid schools

By Tim Hoover
The Denver Post

Voters would have to approve the plan from Rep. Jerry Sonnenberg, R-Sterling, to use the funds that now go to Great Outdoors Colorado... (read more)

Rep. Sonnenberg Proposal Would Ask Voters to Support Education


Citing a looming statewide crisis in education funding, Rep. Jerry Sonnenberg, R-Sterling, today announced that he will soon introduce a House Concurrent Resolution that would ask Colorado voters to allow... (read more)

Water basin bill makes waves in House

Marianne Goodland, Legislative reporter

Journal Advocate, March-23-2010

 

Ground water permit holders need to have certainty, said Rep. Jerry Sonnenberg, R-Sterling, who told House members during second reading debate on March 9 that the certainty was lost in 2006...(read more)

Bill lifts felony for setting ditch fires

Marianne Goodland, Legislative reporter

Journal Advocate, Feb 26, 2010

 

Rep. Jerry Sonnenberg, R-Sterling, was successful in his first bid to remove agricultural burns from the definition of felony arson. House Bill 1123 got unanimous support from the House Judiciiary Committee on Feb. 22...(read more)

State Representative Jerry Sonnenberg comments on the Colorado FFA & Legislature Update

Colorado State Representative, District #65 visited about the importance the FFA is to Colorado’s Education & Agriculture programs, along with providing us to some insight as to what took place @ the State Capitol on Thursday, Feb 18th before he came to the Colorado Ag Hall of Fame Banquet to witness the induction of the Class of 2010, all the while to watch his son Josh, the current Colorado FFA State President. Click the mp3 link below to listen to the interview…021810

Rep. Sonnenberg Presses for Graduation Readiness Assessment

 In response to the alarming high rate Colorado high school graduates are having to take remedial courses once they reach college, State Rep. Jerry Sonneberg, R-Sterling, will be presenting to committee a proposal that will make students pass an assessment test in order to graduate high school... (read more)

Bill to fund water commission jobs killed

Water project loan funding also expected to dry up
Marianne Goodland, Legislative reporter for Sterling Journal Advocate

 

On Friday, Rep. Jerry Sonnenberg, R-Sterling, attempted to undo the agriculture committee amendment. Under his amendment, the dollars freed up by moving DOW back to Tier II could go the Colorado Water Conservation Board, which is bracing to lose $19 million in loan funding... (read more)

House passes rafters' legislation

Bill will allows commercial rafters to go aground.

By PATRICK MALONE
THE PUEBLO CHIEFTAIN
February 17, 2010

  State Rep. Jerry Sonnenberg, R-Sterling, said allowing rafters portage is akin to setting aside circumstances that allow trespassing through one's house, yard or car... (read more)

Sonnenberg successful in defeating basin of origin

State Rep. Jerry Sonnenberg, R–Sterling, Friday was successful in securing the necessary votes to defeat a “basin of origin” water bill that he says would have hurt farmers along the South Platte... (read more)

 

Sonnenberg to announce candidacy

Jerry Sonnenberg will announce his intention to seek re-election to the State Legislature from House District 65 on Thursday, January 28 on Andy Rice’s morning radio show at the KPMX Studios, 105.7 FM... (read more)

Colorado Corn names Legislator of the Year

Colorado Corn presented Legislator of the Year awards to state Senator Mary Hodge (R-Brighton) and Representative Jerry Sonnenberg (R-Sterling)... (read more)

Priola and Sonnenberg: Governor was 'vulnerable'

 

Brighton Standard Blade

By Steve Smith

        Rep. Jerry Sonnenberg, R-Sterling, agreed that the governor was vulnerable in the coming election. But he also said the decision came... (read more)

Weld contingent has plans besides budget

State gun control law, recovering misspent money among new ideas
 

By Nate A. Miller
nmiller@greeleytribune.com,

 

Sonnenberg said the bill will give local district attorneys flexibility when they handle cases where controlled burns have gotten out of control... (read more)

Sonnenberg: Budget cuts are short-term answer


Carbon Valley Farmer & Miner

By Steve Smith

 

    Rep. Jerry Sonnenberg, R-Sterling, said the budget cuts “simply kick the can down the street... (read more)

Sonnenberg steps in at GOP breakfast
 State representative addresses budget concerns in Josh Penry’s absence

By Judy Debus
 Journal-Advocate regional editor
  Rep. Jerry Sonnenberg ‘stood in’ for Josh Penry, who was supposed to speak at the meeting but had to cancel because of the weather. Sonnenberg talked about the governor’s latest budget cuts... (read more)

Judy Debus/Journal-Advocate
 Rep. Jerry Sonnenberg, left, visits with Dave Donaldson after speaking at the Republican Breakfast on Thursday morning.
 

Vote YES on Logan County 1C

by Jerry Sonnenberg

With the ballots now in the mailbox of Logan County residents, there has been a lot of publicity surrounding some of the issues. There is one important county-wide initiative that has been neglected. REFERENDUM 1C is asking if you would allow the students in our schools to keep all of the money they collect through fundraisers... (read more)

Representative Sonnenberg talks trade with Cuba on KBDI's Independent Thinking

 

Part 1 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fpUbqMLX9KM 

 

Part 2  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wqi1Bn5NksI

 

Part 3  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UafQlHCU-V0

 

Sonnenberg Protects Taxpayers

House Guardians are Representatives Cory Gardner, Yuma, candidate for US Congress, and Jerry Sonnenberg, Sterling, with scores... (read more)

NISP supporters: We can do without luxuries, but not food

 
Bill Jackson, Greeley Tribune

Many of those, including State Rep. Jerry Sonnenberg, R-Sterling, took opponents of the project to task... (read more)

Coloradans feeling run over by new auto late fees

What was $10 can now be up to $100 for an overdue vehicle registration. A fix is planned.

 

By Lynn Bartels
The Denver Post

 

"I dread the day when I have to go in and pay the $100 fee for all of the trailers I use once every couple of years," Sonnenberg wrote back. "It will cost me $100 per trailer plus the new increased fees... (read more)

Local farm organizations and political leaders to speak at June 30 rally for Northern Colorado water project

State Sen. Mary Hodge (D) and State Rep. Jerry Sonnenberg (R) are among the public officials slated to speak. In addition... (read more)

Public can weigh in on watershed issues

 
Staff reports,

State Rep. Jerry Sonnenberg, R-Sterling, will speak on the importance of water quality to the economic viability of the entire watershed... (read more)

Water is for fightin'

by Jerry Sonnenberg

There’s an old saying out here in the west:  “whiskey is for drinkin’, water is for fightin.”  It seems that some in Washington don’t understand this... (read more)

Legislators reflect on 2009 session as it draws to a close
Written by K.C. Mason   
Thursday, 07 May 2009 10:39
        “To me the worst bills were 228 coupled with Senate Bill 108—a $250 million tax increase that will affect rural Colorado more than anywhere else... (read more) 

Reps. Sonnenberg, Gardner getting DOW to notice landowner issues

K.C. Mason, Capitol correspondent
Friday, April 24, 2009

Sonnenberg, R-Sterling, said his sponsorship of Senate Bill 24, which changes the rules for the DOW to help landowners with game damage claims and prevention materials, has resulted in more dialogue with DOW Director Tom Remington... (read more)

Revenue drop spurs state funding skirmishes

By K.C. MASON, Special to The Fort Morgan Times
Tuesday, March 24, 2009

“There’s water running right now and we have to have people on the ground administering our prior appropriations system in Colorado immediately,” Sonnenberg said. “If not, we better increase our law enforcement because there will be fights at... (read more)

Sonnenberg: Recession, budget issues make being ‘good legislator’ a struggle

By Callie Jones
Monday, March 23, 2009

STERLING, Colo. — More budget cuts, increased taxes and fees. Those were just some of the things state representative Jerry Sonnenberg talked about during the Logan County Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Membership Meeting... (read more)

Western Slope legislators turn eye to severance tax revenue

K.C. Mason

Craig Daily Press

March 23, 2009

The committee approved an amendment from Rep. Jerry Sonnenberg, R-Sterling, that delays the fee increases until at least July 1 and replaces them with $500,000 from unallocated funds within the Governor’s Energy Office... (read more)

Area legislators put trucking bills in motion

Lawmakers seek tax breaks for trucking companies, reduced fees for ‘more efficient’ big trailers

K.C. Mason, Capitol correspondent
Friday, March 20, 2009

“This will allow trucks to be more efficient,” said Sonnenberg, a farmer and rancher. “We will be able to haul more gross pounds of product (in) fewer trips... (read more)

State Republicans ready to debate spending

GOP lawmakers had some success, many failures, with bills in first half of session

K.C. Mason, Capitol correspondent
Tuesday, March 17, 2009

“I don’t think the discussions we’ve had (as Republicans) are valued,” he said. “We are not doing things to stop the recession; we’re only making it worse. We’re doing no more than creating more dependency on government and when I went to school we called that socialism... (read more)

Committee Dems Reject Sensible Transportation Funding Plan

   “It’s a sad day when Colorado working families have to tighten their belt but government continues to have their hand out asking for higher fees and taxes.. (read more)

Transportation bill, economy dominate town hall discussion
Written by April Peregoy   
Thursday, 05 March 2009 11:33

State Rep. Jerry Sonnenberg, pictured at left, speaks with Larry Haynes before the town hall meeting at Pizza p.a.d. Thursday, Feb. 26. (Holyoke Enterprise photo)
    

      “It is unfair because it wasn’t voted on by us,” said Sonnenberg on Thursday morning, adding the bill gets around the required public vote on taxes by calling it a “fee... (read more)

Rep. Jerry Sonnenberg uses legislative break to hear concerns from constituents

By Judy Debus
Friday, February 27, 2009

“SB-108 will indeed be one of the hugest fee increases we’ve ever had to fund transportation,” Sonnenberg said. “I’ve argued that rather than have faster, go smarter.. (read more)

No cheap talk between wildlife, ag interests

K.C. Mason, Capitol correspondent
Tuesday, February 24, 2009

“I’m waiting to see what happens in the Senate,” Sonnenberg said. “There are huge issues for me that I believe need to be taken care of within game damage... (read more)

SONNENBERG TO HOST LISTENING SESSIONS

State Representative Jerry Sonnenberg ( Sterling ) will travel to each end of his district and listen to constituents Thursday, February 26. His tour will start in Sterling at the Sterling Ramada Inn east of Sterling. He will be there from 7:30 until 8:30 am. Sonnenberg then joins Andy Rice on KPMX Radio, 105.7 FM as part of the Morning Circus... (read more)

Will legislature save live racing?

By K.C. MASON, Special to The Times
Friday, February 20, 2009

“It was a David and Goliath thing,” said Sonnenberg, R-Sterling. “A lot of pressure came out from Arapahoe County and the gambling towns. The casinos felt threatened by the one horse track.. (read more)

Joint Budget Committee greases squeaky ag wheel

By K.C. MASON, Special to The Times
Wednesday, February 18, 2009

“It’s always been my opinion that DNR’s first and foremost responsibility is to manage the waters of the state,” Sonnenberg said. “They’ve tended to put this as a lower priority now and I think that has to be a first priority even ... (read more)

Rural lawmakers object to budget cuts

By K.C. MASON, Special to The Times
Monday, February 9, 2009

Sonnenberg is concerned that CDOA wants to spend $100,000 on a new measurements truck when everyone must dig deeper into their pockets to cover the state’s $1 billion revenue shortfall...(read more)

 

'Historic' horse racing bill out of gate

K.C. Mason, Capitol correspondent
Thursday, February 5, 2009

DENVER — A who’s who of Colorado’s $1.6 billion horse industry, including former Denver Nuggets player and coach Dan Issel, waited for several hours at the State Capitol Wednesday to convince a majority of the House Agriculture Committee... (read more)

 

Republican Leaders Outline Sensible Transportation Funding Plan



“Working families have to tighten their belts when times are tough, they prioritize what they spend their money on,” Sonnenberg said. “This bill does just that and does not raise fees or taxes... (read more)

Colorado Horse Groups Make Case for Bill
by Tom LaMarra
Date Posted: 1/23/2009 11:38:44 AM

Officials discussed the legislation introduced by Republican Rep. Jerry Sonnenberg and Democratic Senate Majority Leader Lois Tochtrop that would “modernize” full-card simulcasts and dedicate revenue to.. (read more)

Searching for highway funds

Northeast Colorado Republicans at odds over revenue plans

Sterling Journal Advocate

K.C. Mason, Capitol correspondent
Tuesday, January 20, 2009

 

Sonnenberg’s House Bill 1154, which was introduced last week, would make transportation funding a higher priority by moving sales tax revenue collected from auto and truck sales directly into the highway users tax fund rather than into the general fund... (read more)

 

Sonnenberg introduces transportation funding bill

Fort Morgan Times

January 15, 2009

 

“When working families have to tighten their belts when times are tough, they prioritize what they spend their money on,” Sonnenberg said. “This bill does just that and does not raise fees or taxes... (read more)

 

Battle lines drawn in Legislature

Northeast Colorado delegates object to new oil and gas regs

K.C. Mason, Capitol correspondent
Friday, January 9, 2009

Sonnenberg was upset with the governor even before the speech started because there are no eastern Colorado stops on a tour Ritter is taking the next few days... (read more)

Legislative session about economy

By K.C. MASON, Special to The Fort Morgan Times
Tuesday, January 6, 2009

“Yes, the economy is the number one issue and I will continue to be a no-new-tax, no-new fees legislator,” Sonnenberg said. “When things are tough, you don’t put a larger burden on the working families of Colorado... (read more)

Lights out? State faces energy crisis by 2025

Colorado Energy Forum seeking solutions to transmission, generating issues

Forrest Hershberger Journal-Advocate editor
Tuesday, December 16, 2008

“We’re going to fall way short by 2025,” Sonnenberg said. He added that the addition of the Camanche power plant near Pueblo helps, but it will not satisfy the need... (read more)

 

Town Hall Meeting at Farmers Bank in Ault , CO

Ault, CO- Please join Representative Jerry Sonnenberg from House District 65 and Senator Scott Renfroe.. (read more)

Yuma CD 50th Annual Meeting 

On Tuesday November 11, 2008 the Yuma Conservation District hosted its fiftieth annual meeting at the Club at Indian Hills.  Roughly 150 members and partners were in attendance.

The night included display boards spanning the previous 50 years which highlighted photos and important documents, Representative Jerry Sonnenberg served as Master of Ceremonies, presentation to...(read more)

 

Sonnenberg holds town meeting in Julesburg

State Representative Jerry Sonnenberg will host a town meeting 8:30 until 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 29 at the Wagon Wheel in Julesburg... (read more)

10-24-08 *NATIONAL FFA News* Colorado District 65 Representative Jerry Sonnenberg visits with the BARN in Indy… (hear interview)

Voter education

Jerry Sonnenberg speaks at SIFE event on election process

Callie Jones, Journal-Advocate staff writer
Monday, October 13, 2008

Representative Jerry Sonnenberg talks to NJC students and other community members about the voting process. NJC’s SIFE team presented the event... (read more)

Republicans review ballot measures

Judy Debus, ECPC regional editor
Friday, September 26, 2008

STERLING — The Logan County Republicans received a review of the ballot issues from House District 65 Representative Jerry Sonnenberg ... (read more)

 

Republicans somber at steak dinner

Commissioner candidate’s death announced

Forrest Hershberger/Journal-Advocate

“Are we better off than we were two years ago?” he said. “We have a Democratic Congress and State Legislature and we (Republicans) need to focus on taking back Congress and the State House and Senate... (read more)

 

Sonnenberg hosting DOW meeting Monday

State Representative Jerry Sonnenberg along with the Division of Wildlife will host a meeting Monday morning, August 25, at the Sterling Fire Hall... (read more)

 

 

Sonnenberg: Now is the time

Sonnenberg stresses urgency of Party support

Stacie Miller, J.A. staff writer
Saturday, May 31, 2008

STERLING — Colorado’s 65th House District representative Jerry Sonnenberg hyped up local Republicans heading into the Colorado Republican Party State Assembly this weekend, speaking on transportation and water... (read more)

Sonnenberg turns 50, kicks off re-election campaign

Judy Debus, ECPC regional editor
Tuesday, May 20, 2008

Rep. Jerry Sonnenberg welcomes guests to his combined 50th birthday and 65th House District re-election campaign kick-off party on Friday evening.

Rep. Jerry Sonnenberg welcomes guests to his combined 50th birthday and 65th House District re-election campaign kick-off party on Friday evening... (read more)

Ups and downs at the Capitol

Rep. Jerry Sonnenberg speaks to Rotary about his role in 2008 session

Callie Jones, Journal-Advocate staff writer
Thursday, May 15, 2008

Callie Jones/Journal-Advocate

“The biggest disappointment was the lack of any substantial means to fund transportation,” Sonnenberg said... (read more)

 

With session’s end, legislators back at home

Dems claim legislative victories; GOP ready to try to regain control

K.C. Mason, J-A Capitol correspondent
Wednesday, May 14, 2008

"My biggest disappointment was that we continue to take money away from transportation,” Sonnenberg said. “If (the Democrats) would quit spending money on new programs, there would be a lot more money for roads and bridges... (read more)

 

Hydro left out of renewable energy agenda 

By K.C. Mason

April 29, 2008

 

“Hydropower is the main thing we ought to be pursing,” Sonnenberg said.  “We are trying to force renewable energies that aren’t cost effective and solar is... (read more)  

 

 

NOTES FROM THE OUTHOUSE WALL – April 2008

By Jerry Sonnenberg, State Representative

 

            “Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned.” As it turns out you can replace woman in that statement with lawyer but when they get angry, all of society is their... (read more)

 

Sonnenberg's Sales Tax Bill on Uphill Track

By K.C. Mason

April 11, 2008

House Bill 1013, sponsored by Republican Rep. Jerry Sonnenberg, has had a rougher ride.  It was introduced on the opening day of this year’s General Assembly last Jan. 9 but only got to the House floor for a preliminary vote on April 11... (read more)

Legislators: D/jˆ vu in oil and gas rules

By K.C. Mason
Journal-Advocate capitol correspondent
Wednesday, April 9, 2008 12:32 PM MDT

The biggest concern for Rep. Jerry Sonnenberg, R-Sterling, is whether accommodations made for protecting wildlife will trump the private property rights of landowners who have reached development agreements with energy companies... (read more)

Local Reps. upset with proposed state budget
Sonnenberg, Gardner wanted to see reserve fund set up

By K.C. Mason
Journal-Advocate Capitol correspondent
Friday, March 28, 2008 4:10 PM MDT

“They said last year there would be no fiscal impact, and now they are asking for $2 million more and 21 more employees... (read more)

Sonnenberg opposes controlled burn

“Who, other than a government entity, would make such a decision lacking common sense... (read more)

 

Moment of silence for volunteer firefighter

 

9NEWS

written by: Brian Willie , Photojournalist

The House of Representatives honored Captain Stewart and his family. Representative Jerry Sonnenberg of Sterling, presented Stewart's widow, Cyndee Stewart, with a Colorado state flag that had flown over the Capitol building... (read more)

Area lawmakers claim new rules hamper oil, gas

Fort Morgan Times

By K.C. MASON
Friday, March 7, 2008 1:30 PM MST

“Now we have issues where DOW is getting involved in surface use agreements,” Sonnenberg said. “The amount of rules and regulations in this process is scary... (read more)

Bills to fund water projects flowing
Brophy: Bill to drain Bonny made its point with Dept. Natural Resources

By K.C. Mason
Journal-Advocate capitol correspondent
Tuesday, March 4, 2008 2:23 PM MST

“Any time more restrictions are put up on water, it makes the target especially big on the South Platte... (read more)

Bill could cause ‘vicious’ fines
State diesel emissions bill could hit farming, construction and energy industries hard, Sonnenberg warns

By Carol Barrett
Journal-Advocate agriculture editor

Wednesday, March 5, 2008 1:36 PM MST

“This is another vicious attack on rural Colorado,” said State Rep. Jerry Sonnenberg, R-Sterling, at his Denver office on Monday... (read more)

 

Lawmakers weigh in on proposed oil and gas rules

Greeley Tribune

Andrew Villegas
March 6, 2008

"We need to be encouraging (to the oil and gas industry)," Sonnenberg said. "We don't need more rules to make it more difficult... (read more)

Colorado Lawmaker Wants to Create Tax Free Back-To-School Holiday.
A Colorado lawmaker wants to make it easier for parents to afford school supplies.
Reporter: KKCO

Republican state representative Jerry Sonnenberg is proposing a tax–free holiday for back–to–school shopping... (read more)

Sonnenberg announces re-election bid

February 19, 2008

Sterling , CO - Sterling farmer and rancher, Jerry Sonnenberg announced his bid for another term in the Colorado House of Representatives today... (read more)

Sonnenberg loses cause against DOW in 5-8 vote

By K.C. Mason
Journal-Advocate Capitol correspondent
Friday, February 8, 2008 1:34 PM MST

DENVER - District 65 Rep. Jerry Sonnenberg and several of his Sterling-area constituents were unable to convince a Colorado House committee this week that the Division of Wildlife is out of control with a land grab and needs more legislative oversight... (read more)

Water bills abound at Capitol

By K.C. Mason
Journal-Advocate Capitol correspondent
Tuesday, February 5, 2008 5:04 PM MST

Rep. Cory Gardner, R-Yuma, supported both bills, but Rep. Jerry Sonnenberg, R-Sterling, was among those who split their votes on the two bills... (read more)

Should DOW be reined in?

Fort Morgan Times - Editorial
Tuesday, January 29, 2008 1:31 PM MST

Battle lines have been drawn in a bill sponsored by State Sen. Greg Brophy, R-Wray, and State Rep. Jerry Sonnenberg, R-Sterling, to rein in the Colorado Division of Wildlife... (read more)

Colorado lawmakers call oil, gas rules 'unacceptable'

Steven K. Paulson
The Associated Press
Aspen Times
January 30, 2008

Also signing the letter were Republican Reps. Josh Pen­ry (Fruita), Jerry Sonnenberg (Sterling)... (read more)

Big water week in Legislature
Draining Bonny Reservoir part of Brophy’s bill

By K.C. Mason
Journal-Advocate Capitol correspondent
Tuesday, January 22, 2008 12:54 PM MST

“DNR will fight this because water is important to their mission,” Sonnenberg said. “But we (lawmakers) agree that people are more important than fish...(read more)

Reigning in DOW on agenda for Sonnenberg

By K.C. Mason
Journal-Advocate capitol correspondant
Saturday, January 12, 2008 11:24 AM MST

“They answer to no one,” said Rep. Jerry Sonnenberg, R-Sterling, who is putting final touches on a draft of a bill to rein in the DOW’s ...(read more)

Rural representatives question Governor’s plans
Offer their own suggestions

By Forrest Hershberger
Journal-Advocate editor
Friday, January 11, 2008 1:22 PM MST

Sonnenberg said he was disappointed in how little one of the state’s major industries was mentioned...(read more)

Approaches vary as legislature opens

By K.C. Mason
Wednesday, January 9, 2008 2:03 PM MST

Special To The Fort Morgan Times

Rep. Jerry Sonnenberg, R-Sterling, said he will take a kinder and gentler approach to debate than he did during his rookie session a year ago...(read more)

Students write bill to kill tax on fundraisers
State Rep. Jerry Sonnenberg set to sponsor Sterling High students’ bill in Colorado House

By Callie Jones
Journal-Advocate staff writer
Tuesday, January 8, 2008 2:01 PM MST

Next, a couple of students contacted State Rep. Jerry Sonnenberg by going to one of the town meetings he holds... (read more)

A Thin Harvest: Ag issues take a back seat this year to other state concerns

Bill Jackson, Greeley Tribune
January 7, 2008

Sonnenberg said other than some water issues and animal rights issues, agriculture will not be a large topic for the upcoming session... (read more) 

Sonnenberg awarded "Common Sense in the Courtroom"

  DENVER - Representative Jerry Sonnenberg of Sterling has been awarded the Colorado Civil Justice League's 2007 "Common Sense in the Courtroom" award... (read more)

Representative Sonnenberg sporting the Colorado Ag Aviation Association jacket at their annual convention with Andrew Moore, Executive Director of National Agricultural Aviation Association.

 

Notes from the Outhouse Wall – November 4, 2007

By State Representative Jerry Sonnenberg

 

Can you feel it? I am talking about government trying to lift a few more bucks out of your wallet. A few bucks – like as much as $2 billion... (read more)

 

Taxpayer group honors Jerry Sonnenberg

By Carol Barrett
Journal-Advocate agriculture editor
Wednesday, October 24, 2007 3:34 PM MDT

STERLING — “I’m proud to be recognized as a protector of the taxpayer,” Jerry Sonnenberg said when asked about an award he was given recently... (read more)

 

Notes from the Outhouse Wall – October 14, 2007

By State Representative Jerry Sonnenberg  

Several years ago, the DOW was given “enterprise status” by the state legislature which gave them more freedom and worst of all, exempted them from our constitutional spending limits without a vote of the people... (read more)

 

Notes from the Outhouse Wall – September 10, 2007

By State Representative Jerry Sonnenberg

Even in its best light, it is still no more than heavy handed government beating up on children. I’m talking about... (read more)

Judge rules family can keep house
DOW: McCrackens’ home shouldn’t be on access easement

By Carol Barrett
Journal-Advocate agriculture editor
Saturday, September 8, 2007 12:48 AM MDT

“No oversight” is the problem State Rep. Jerry Sonnenberg sees happening with the Department of Wildlife these days. He is drafting a bill that he hopes will help curb what he sees as their excesses... (read more)

No easy answer for water

By K.C. Mason
For the Journal-Advocate
Friday, September 7, 2007 10:32 PM MDT

Rep. Jerry Sonnenberg, R-Sterling, and Sen. Greg Brophy, R-Wray, said the task force walked a fine line between trying to help the well pumpers without doing damage to senior water right holders up and down the river... (read more)

Higher ed wants piece of mineral pie

By MIKE SACCONE The Daily Sentinel
Saturday, September 01, 2007

“I think the severance tax dollars were originally set aside to deal with impacts of the oil and gas industry,” Sonnenberg said. “To me, higher education is not an impact of the oil and gas industry." (read more)

Committee: Simplify distribution

By MIKE SACCONE The Daily Sentinel
Wednesday, August 29, 2007

Rep. Jerry Sonnenberg, R-Sterling, said simplicity-minded reform would be a step in the right direction. (read more)

 

In Iraq, students' concerns go well beyond the classroom

Rebecca Boyle

Greeley Tribune

August 19, 2007

State Rep. Jerry Sonnenberg, R-Sterling, heard about them firsthand last week. (read more)

 

   

Notes from the Outhouse Wall – August 2007

By Jerry Sonnenberg        

            I had the opportunity last week to spend a couple of hours with 22 Iraqi high school students in what proved to be a fantastic educational experience. They took the time to put in writing the message they would like to tell the American people (read more)

No break for a busy legislator

By Forrest Hershberger
Journal-Advocate editor
Thursday, June 14, 2007 1:14 PM MDT

STERLING — There’s no such thing as time off when you are a father, a farmer and a legislator... (read more)

Food grows where water goes’
Rep. Jerry Sonnenberg talks about water, other issues at Chamber breakfast

By Carol Barrett
Journal-Advocate Agriculture Editor
Tuesday, June 12, 2007 1:28 PM MDT

STERLING — Though this year’s legislative session is over, State Rep. Jerry Sonnenberg said his work is not finished... (read more)

Lucrative wind blowing into Colorado

9News - Adam Schrager, Political Reporter

"No longer do we just raise corn and wheat, sunflowers, millet, cattle," said Rep. Jerry Sonnenberg (R-Sterling). "We're now farming energy."...(read more)
 
The dirt went flying during the ceremonial ground breaking for FPL Energy's wind energy project near Peetz Wednesday. From left: Peetz Mayor Greg Niehuser, FPL's Michael O'Sullivan, Xcel's Karen Hyde, Rep. Jerry Sonnenberg, Sen. Greg Brophy, Gov. Bill Ritter, Commissioner Jack McLavey and FPL's John DiDonato. (AJ Vicens/Journal-Advocate)
 

Rating our state legislators

By K.C. Mason
Journal-Advocate capitol correspondent
Wednesday, May 16, 2007 1:56 PM MDT

DENVER — On paper, first-term Rep. Jerry Sonnenberg, R-Sterling, performed better in the recently concluded Colorado legislative session...(read more)

House members get a grade

Tribune Opinion
May 14, 2007

Jerry Sonnenberg

Grade: A

For a freshman lawmaker, Sonnenberg kept himself busy this session...(read more)

Lawmakers recall high, low points

By K.C. Mason
Journal-Advocate capitol correspondent
Tuesday, May 8, 2007 1:22 PM MDT

DENVER — “It was an F,” said first-term Republican Jerry Sonnenberg of Sterling. “We spent more money this year than...(read more)

"Breakfast Bash" comes to Haxtun

State Representative Jerry Sonnenberg will host his monthly “Breakfast Bash” Monday, May 14 from 8:00 to 9:00 in the morning. The Barlow located at 606 South Colorado in Haxtun will play host to the event... (read more)

Legislature nears end of session

By K.C. Mason
Journal-Advocate capital correspondent
Tuesday, May 1, 2007 2:03 PM MDT

Rep. Jerry Sonnenberg, R-Sterling, is ending the session the same way he started — fighting for the first bill he introduced to prohibit any government entity from using eminent domain to condemn water rights... (read more)

Water debate a Legislative fight

By K.C. Mason
Journal-Advocate Capitol correspondant
Saturday, April 28, 2007 1:05 PM MDT

DENVER — Republican Rep. Jerry Sonnenberg of Sterling is calling Democratic Sen. Brandon Shaffer of Longmont a “turncoat”... (read more)

Where did the water go?

By K.C. Mason
Journal-Advocate Capitol Correspondent
Friday, April 20, 2007 12:16 PM MDT

DENVER — Despite the dry-up of almost 30,000 acres of irrigated land, Colorado is more than 10,000 acre feet short per year... (read more)

Canyon filing an ‘affront’ to law, legislators say

By GARY HARMON The Daily Sentinel

Eight legislators on both sides of Colorado’s political and Continental divides called a recent state court filing a “direct affront” to state law... (read more)

Notes from the Outhouse Wall – April 16, 2007

By Jerry Sonnenberg

If you think your kids can spend your money faster than your money tree in the back yard can produce it, just wait and see how your government spends... (read more)

House Passes Resolution Criticizing President

By Terry Jessup

CBS4Denver Online

(CBS4) DENVER House lawmakers at the State Capitol are unhappy with the way the Iraq war is going and Thursday they passed a resolution... (read more)

 

Lawmakers Tackle Health Insurance for Small Businesses

By Charles Ashby, The Pueblo Chieftain, Colo.

Apr. 12--DENVER -- More small businesses would offer health insurance to their employees if those plans didn't base rates on medical history and pre-existing conditions, Rep. Tom Massey told his colleagues in the House on Wednesday... (read more)

No compromise expected on Senate’s net metering bill

By K.C. Mason
Journal-Advocate Capitol correspondant
Tuesday, April 10, 2007 2:07 PM MDT

DENVER — A net-metering bill that the Colorado Farm Bureau is actively pushing as beneficial to irrigators, but is loathed by the rural electric cooperatives in northeastern Colorado... (read more)

House Passes Resolution Criticizing President

By Terry Jessup, April 4, 2007

CBS4Denver Online

(CBS4) DENVER House lawmakers at the State Capitol are unhappy with the way the Iraq war is going and Thursday they passed a resolution... (read more)

 

"Breakfast Bash" comes to Prospect Valley

State Representative Jerry Sonnenberg will host his monthly “Breakfast Bash” Monday, April 9 from 8:00 to 9:00 in the morning at the Sodbuster in Prospect Valley at he corner of Hwy 52 & Hwy 79... (read more)

Representative Sonnenberg visiting with constituents in Prospect Valley at his monthly "Breakfast Bash."

Divided by water
Local representatives vote against water projects bill

By K.C. Mason
Journal-Advocate Capitol correspondent
Friday, March 30, 2007 12:36 PM MDT

DENVER — The perpetual conflict between Western Slope and Front Range water interests spilled over into a House committee’s discussion... (read more)

Water bills appear to be doomed

By K.C. Mason
Journal-Advocate Capitol correspondent
Tuesday, March 27, 2007 1:33 PM MDT

DENVER — Two major water bills sponsored by northeastern Colorado lawmakers appear headed for further study before they can pass muster in the state Legislature... (read more)

 

Legislator lends an ear
Sonnenberg: State trying to catch up on water requirements

By Forrest Hershberger
Journal-Advocate news editor
Monday, March 12, 2007 1:52 PM MDT

Burl Brownell explains a concern to Rep. Jerry Sonnenberg during this morning's meeting at the J & L Cafe. At left is Sonnenberg's son Josh. Metering and fulfilling the tri-state compact continue to be big issues. (Forrest Hershberger/Journal-Advocate)... (read more)

Sonnenberg Schedules "Breakfast Bash"

            State Representative Jerry Sonnenberg will host his inaugural “Breakfast Bash” Monday, March 12 from 6:30 to 7:30 in the morning at the J & L Café... (read more)

 

Notes from the Outhouse Wall – March 5, 2007

By Representative Jerry Sonnenberg

            It doesn’t matter where I go or what function I may attend, one specific question seems to continually come up. No, it’s not about water, or the union bill... (read more)

Local state representatives split over animal care oversight

By K.C. Mason
Journal-Advocate Capitol correspondent
Friday, March 2, 2007 1:01 PM MST

DENVER — Livestock producers and pet owners know what’s best for their animals and don’t need a government agency such...  (read more)

Sonnenberg: Eastern Colorado's Water Warrior

Reported by the Republican Study Committee of Colorado

Friday, February 23, 2007

The Colorado House of Representatives voted in support of a bill that defends the private water rights of Colorado land owners... (read more) 

 

Sonnenberg seeks more funding for rural DA offices

By K.C. Mason
Journal-Advocate Capitol correspondent
Friday, February 23, 2007 12:29 PM MST

DENVER — First-term Republican Rep. Jerry Sonnenberg of Sterling went 50-50 in the House Judiciary Committee Wednesday... (read more)

Sharks circle Sonnenberg’s water bill
Law would make it illegal for cities to condemn land to get water rights  

By K.C. Mason
Journal-Advocate Capitol correspondent
Tuesday, January 30, 2007 12:30 PM MST

DENVER — The sharks are circling at the Colorado Legislature around freshman Rep. Jerry Sonnenberg’s bill to ban... (read more)

Rep. Sonnenberg Appointed
To Correctional Industries Advisory Committee

State Rep. Jerry Sonnenberg, R-Sterling, was appointed this morning to serve as the newest member on the Correctional Industries Advisory Committee... (read more)

Can there ever be fair value for water?  

Grand Junction Sentinel

Friday, January 26, 2007

Water rights in Colorado could get special legal protection from condemnation under a bill introduced in the state Legislature... (read more)

 

Rocky Mountain News

Line of questioning by GOP squelched by majority Dems

By Alan Gathright, Rocky Mountain News
January 19, 2007

Ruling Democrats slapped down four rookie Republican lawmakers Thursday when they tried to ask hard questions about why DIA shut down for 45 hours... (read more)

Ritter sets ‘lofty goals’
 Local legislators cautions of cost to achieve those goals

By K.C. Mason
Journal-Advocate capitol correspondent
Friday, January 12, 2007 2:52 PM MST

DENVER — The response to Democrat Gov. Bill Ritter’s first state-of-the-state address to the state Legislature from northeastern Colorado’s... (read more)

Bio-energy to be focus of 2007 session
Sonnenberg holds little hope for GOP success

By K.C. Mason
Journal-Advocate Capitol correspondent
Wednesday, January 3, 2007 2:02 PM MST

DENVER — With a lifetime of farming and ranching under his belt, northeastern Colorado ’s newest state legislator says he is well prepared for the 120-day General Assembly that begins Jan. 10... (read more)

Colorado's rural way of life must continue to be a priority

Guest Commentary
December 19, 2006
 
EDITOR'S NOTE: The Tribune asked each of the recently elected public officials to respond to a question-and-answer... (read more)

NJC to begin program to get year-round baseball facility
College currently seeking letters of support from five county area

By Barbara Baker
For the Journal-Advocate
Friday, December 1, 2006 2:02 PM MST

STERLING — Back in 1995 when the final plans for building a sporting event center on the campus of Northeastern Junior College were being... (read more) 

Sterling honors veterans: Memorial: ‘Let us not lose what they have gained'

By John Mangalonzo
Journal-Advocate staff writer
Monday, November 13, 2006 2:55 PM MST

STERLING - “Let us not lose what they have gained.”... (read more)

 

 

  

 

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