|
|work=Sterling Journal-Advocate |date=23 February 2007 |accessdate=2007-11-21 }}</ref>
After the 2007 legislative session, Sonnenberg was recognized by the [[Colorado Union of Taxpayers]] as one of its "Outstanding Legislators of 2007" for his support of lower taxes and private property rights<ref name="cut">{{cite news |first=Carol |last=Barrettt |title=Taxpayer group honors Jerry Sonnenberg |url=http://www.journal-advocate.com/articles/2007/10/24/news/local_news/local3.txt |work=Sterling Journal-Advocate |date=24 October 2007 |accessdate=2007-11-21 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20110713121343/http://www.journal-advocate.com/articles/2007/10/24/news/local_news/local3.txt |archivedate=July 13, 2011 }}</ref> Sonnenberg also sits on two interim committees — on transportation<ref name="interim">{{cite news|first=Carol |last=Barrettt |title=‘Food grows where water goes’ |url=http://www.journal-advocate.com/articles/2007/06/12/news/local_news/local2.txt |work=Sterling Journal-Advocate |date=12 June 2007 |accessdate=2007-11-21 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20110713121330/http://www.journal-advocate.com/articles/2007/06/12/news/local_news/local2.txt |archivedate=July 13, 2011 }}</ref><ref name="transcom">{{cite web |url=http://www.state.co.us/gov_dir/leg_dir/lcsstaff/2007/comsched/07TLRCSched.htm |title=Transportation Legislation Review Committee 2007 |accessdate=2008-04-27 |work=Colorado Legislative Council }} {{Dead link|date=October 2010|bot=H3llBot}}</ref> and on allocation of [[severance tax]] and federal mineral lease revenues.<ref name="sever">{{cite web |url=http://www.state.co.us/gov_dir/leg_dir/lcsstaff/2007/comsched/07AllocSeverTax.htm |title=Allocation of Severance Tax and Federal Mineral Lease Revenues |accessdate=2008-04-27 |work=Colorado Legislative Council }} {{Dead link|date=October 2010|bot=H3llBot}}</ref>
|work=Sterling Journal-Advocate |date=24 October 2007 |accessdate=2007-11-21 }} {{Dead link|date=October 2010|bot=H3llBot}}</ref> Sonnenberg also sits on two interim committees — on transportation<ref name="interim">{{cite news |first=Carol |last=Barrettt |title=‘Food grows where water goes’ |url=http://www.journal-advocate.com/articles/2007/06/12/news/local_news/local2.txt
|work=Sterling Journal-Advocate |date=12 June 2007 |accessdate=2007-11-21 }} {{Dead link|date=October 2010|bot=H3llBot}}</ref><ref name="transcom">{{cite web |url=http://www.state.co.us/gov_dir/leg_dir/lcsstaff/2007/comsched/07TLRCSched.htm |title=Transportation Legislation Review Committee 2007 |accessdate=2008-04-27 |work=Colorado Legislative Council }} {{Dead link|date=October 2010|bot=H3llBot}}</ref> and on allocation of [[severance tax]] and federal mineral lease revenues.<ref name="sever">{{cite web |url=http://www.state.co.us/gov_dir/leg_dir/lcsstaff/2007/comsched/07AllocSeverTax.htm |title=Allocation of Severance Tax and Federal Mineral Lease Revenues |accessdate=2008-04-27 |work=Colorado Legislative Council }} {{Dead link|date=October 2010|bot=H3llBot}}</ref>
===2008 legislative session===
<ref name="cmte2008">{{cite web |url=http://www.leg.state.co.us/clics/clics2008a/directory.nsf/HouCommWp?OpenView |title=House Committees of Reference |accessdate=2008-01-19 |work=Colorado General Assembly}}</ref>
For the 2008 session, Sonnenberg sponsored legislation to limit the power of the [[Colorado Department of Wildlife]] to purchase land,<ref name="dow">{{cite news |first=Carol |last=Barrettt |title=Judge rules family can keep house |url=http://www.journal-advocate.com/articles/2007/09/08/news/local_news/local1.txt |work=Sterling Journal-Advocate |date=8 September 2007 |accessdate=2007-11-21 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20110713121400/http://www.journal-advocate.com/articles/2007/09/08/news/local_news/local1.txt |archivedate=July 13, 2011 }}</ref><ref name="land">{{cite news |first=K.C. |last=Mason |title=DOW takes heat for buy up of private land |url=http://www.craigdailypress.com/news/2008/jan/12/dow_takes_heat_buy_private_land/
|work=Sterling Journal-Advocate |date=8 September 2007 |accessdate=2007-11-21 }} {{Dead link|date=October 2010|bot=H3llBot}}</ref><ref name="land">{{cite news |first=K.C. |last=Mason |title=DOW takes heat for buy up of private land |url=http://www.craigdailypress.com/news/2008/jan/12/dow_takes_heat_buy_private_land/
|work=Craig Daily Press |date=12 January 2008 |accessdate=2008-01-12 }}</ref> by requiring that any purchase be matched by a sale of other assets of equal value. The bill was opposed by the Department of Wildlife,<ref name="restricting">{{cite news |first=Phillip |last=Yates |title=Gunnison's Kathleen Curry opposes bill restricting DOW |url=http://www.postindependent.com/article/20080128/VALLEYNEWS/793212161
|work=Glenwood Springs Post Independent |date=28 January 2008 |accessdate=2008-02-23 }}</ref> and failed to pass a House committee.<ref name="DOW2">{{cite news |first=K.C. |last=Mason |title=Sonnenberg loses cause against DOW in 5-8 vote |url=http://www.journal-advocate.com/articles/2008/02/08/news/local_news/local2.txt |work=Sterling Journal-Advocate |date=8 February 2008 |accessdate=2008-02-08 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20110713121415/http://www.journal-advocate.com/articles/2008/02/08/news/local_news/local2.txt |archivedate=July 13, 2011 }}</ref> Sonnenberg did credit the measure, however, with leading to the DOW's formation of a landowners’ advisory group<ref name="backhome"/> and a meeting with the DOW and landowners in northeastern Colorado.<ref name="tohost">{{cite news |author=Staff Reports |title=Sonnenberg, DOW to host landowner meeting |url=http://www.greeleytribune.com/article/20080821/NEWS/441014/1051/CLASSIFIEDS&parentprofile=-1 |work=Greeley Tribune |date=21 August 2008 |accessdate=2008-10-13 }}</ref>
|work=Sterling Journal-Advocate |date=8 February 2008 |accessdate=2008-02-08 }} {{Dead link|date=October 2010|bot=H3llBot}}</ref> Sonnenberg did credit the measure, however, with leading to the DOW's formation of a landowners’ advisory group<ref name="backhome"/> and a meeting with the DOW and landowners in northeastern Colorado.<ref name="tohost">{{cite news |author=Staff Reports |title=Sonnenberg, DOW to host landowner meeting |url=http://www.greeleytribune.com/article/20080821/NEWS/441014/1051/CLASSIFIEDS&parentprofile=-1 |work=Greeley Tribune |date=21 August 2008 |accessdate=2008-10-13 }}</ref>
Sonnenberg also introduced legislation to allow [[special districts]] in Colorado to retain tax revenue that otherwise would have been diverted because of [[tax increment financing]]; the bill also died in committee.<ref name="tif">{{cite news |author=Staff reports |title=TIF-related bill is killed |url=http://www.bizjournals.com/denver/stories/2008/02/04/daily27.html
|work=Denver Business Journal |date=5 February 2008 |accessdate=2008-02-08 }}</ref> Other bills, to create a [[sales tax holiday]] for school supplies
and to enhance funding for special districts that provide emergency services, also died in committee.<ref name="luck">{{cite news |first=K.C. |last=Mason |title=Not much luck in passing bills for local reps. |url=http://www.journal-advocate.com/articles/2008/02/23/news/local_news/local5.txt |work=Sterling Journal-Advocate |date=23 February 2008 |accessdate=2008-02-28 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20110713121545/http://www.journal-advocate.com/articles/2008/02/23/news/local_news/local5.txt |archivedate=July 13, 2011 }}</ref>
|work=Sterling Journal-Advocate |date=23 February 2008 |accessdate=2008-02-28 }} {{Dead link|date=October 2010|bot=H3llBot}}</ref>
Sonnenberg also introduced a bill, authored by students from [[Sterling High School (Colorado)|Sterling High School]], to except school fundraisers from [[sales tax]].<ref name="sterling">{{cite news|first=Callie |last=Jones |title=Students write bill to kill tax on fundraisers |url=http://www.journal-advocate.com/articles/2008/01/08/news/local_news/local1.txt |work=Sterling Journal-Advocate |date=8 January 2008 |accessdate=2008-01-09 }} {{Dead|deadurl=yes link| datearchiveurl= Octoberhttp://web.archive.org/web/20110713121551/http://www.journal-advocate.com/articles/2008/01/08/news/local_news/local1.txt 2010| botarchivedate= H3llBotJuly 13, 2011 }}</ref> The bill was killed in committee, but later revived by House Democrats after pressure from Sonnenberg. A similar but narrower measure was introduced by Rep. [[Joe Rice]], and the two legislators agreed to work to reconcile the two bills.<ref name="salive">{{cite news |first=K.C. |last=Mason |title=Bake sale bill alive at Capitol |url=http://www.journal-advocate.com/articles/2008/04/11/news/local_news/local2.txt |work=Sterling Journal-Advocate |date=11 April 2008 |accessdate=2008-04-11 }} {{Dead link|date=October 2010|bot=H3llBot}}</ref> Ultimately, Sonnenberg's measure was passed by the legislature,<ref name="backhome">{{cite news |first=K.C. |last=Mason |title=With session’s end, legislators back at home |url=http://www.journal-advocate.com/news/2008/may/14/sessions-end-legislators-back-home/ |work=Sterling Journal-Advocate |date=14 May 2007 |accessdate=2008-05-14 }}|deadurl=yes {{Dead link| datearchiveurl= Octoberhttp://web.archive.org/web/20110713121437/http://www.journal-advocate.com/news/2008/may/14/sessions-end-legislators-back-home/ 2010| botarchivedate= H3llBotJuly 13, 2011 }}</ref> with Sterling High School students testifying in support of it,<ref name="lion">{{cite news |first=Rebecca |last=Boyle |title=Inside Politics: My Encounter With The Lion |url=http://www.fortcollinsnow.com/article/20080523/NEWS/522908371 |work=Fort Collins Now |date=23 May 2008 |accessdate=2008-06-13 }}</ref><ref name="idealaw">{{cite news |first=Callie |last=Jones |title=Students’ bill: From idea to law |url=http://www.journal-advocate.com/news/2008/may/24/students-bill-idea-law/ |work=Sterling Journal-Advocate |date=24 May 2008 |accessdate=2008-06-13 |archiveurl = http://web.archive.org/web/20080612112643/http://www.journal-advocate.com/news/2008/may/24/students-bill-idea-law/ <!-- Bot retrieved archive --> |archivedate = 2008-06-12}}</ref> and was signed into by Gov. Ritter.<ref name="upsdowns">{{cite news|first=Callie |last=Jones |title=Ups and downs at the Capitol |url=http://www.journal-advocate.com/news/2008/may/15/ups-and-downs-capitol/ |work=Sterling Journal-Advocate |date=15 May 2008 |accessdate=2008-06-06 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/20080705225537/http://www.journal-advocate.com/news/2008/may/15/ups-and-downs-capitol/ |archivedate=July 5, 2008 }}</ref> ▼
Sonnenberg also introduced a bill, authored by students from [[Sterling High School (Colorado)|Sterling High School]], to except school fundraisers from [[sales tax]].<ref name="sterling">{{cite news |first=Callie |last=Jones |title=Students write bill to kill tax on fundraisers |url=http://www.journal-advocate.com/articles/2008/01/08/news/local_news/local1.txt
▲|work=Sterling Journal-Advocate |date=8 January 2008 |accessdate=2008-01-09 }} {{Dead link|date=October 2010|bot=H3llBot}}</ref> The bill was killed in committee, but later revived by House Democrats after pressure from Sonnenberg. A similar but narrower measure was introduced by Rep. [[Joe Rice]], and the two legislators agreed to work to reconcile the two bills.<ref name="salive">{{cite news |first=K.C. |last=Mason |title=Bake sale bill alive at Capitol |url=http://www.journal-advocate.com/articles/2008/04/11/news/local_news/local2.txt |work=Sterling Journal-Advocate |date=11 April 2008 |accessdate=2008-04-11 }} {{Dead link|date=October 2010|bot=H3llBot}}</ref> Ultimately, Sonnenberg's measure was passed by the legislature,<ref name="backhome">{{cite news |first=K.C. |last=Mason |title=With session’s end, legislators back at home |url=http://www.journal-advocate.com/news/2008/may/14/sessions-end-legislators-back-home/ |work=Sterling Journal-Advocate |date=14 May 2007 |accessdate=2008-05-14 }} {{Dead link|date=October 2010|bot=H3llBot}}</ref> with Sterling High School students testifying in support of it,<ref name="lion">{{cite news |first=Rebecca |last=Boyle |title=Inside Politics: My Encounter With The Lion |url=http://www.fortcollinsnow.com/article/20080523/NEWS/522908371 |work=Fort Collins Now |date=23 May 2008 |accessdate=2008-06-13 }}</ref><ref name="idealaw">{{cite news |first=Callie |last=Jones |title=Students’ bill: From idea to law |url=http://www.journal-advocate.com/news/2008/may/24/students-bill-idea-law/ |work=Sterling Journal-Advocate |date=24 May 2008 |accessdate=2008-06-13 |archiveurl = http://web.archive.org/web/20080612112643/http://www.journal-advocate.com/news/2008/may/24/students-bill-idea-law/ <!-- Bot retrieved archive --> |archivedate = 2008-06-12}}</ref> and was signed into by Gov. Ritter.<ref name="upsdowns">{{cite news|first=Callie |last=Jones |title=Ups and downs at the Capitol |url=http://www.journal-advocate.com/news/2008/may/15/ups-and-downs-capitol/ |work=Sterling Journal-Advocate |date=15 May 2008 |accessdate=2008-06-06 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/20080705225537/http://www.journal-advocate.com/news/2008/may/15/ups-and-downs-capitol/ |archivedate=July 5, 2008 }}</ref>
During debate on the state budget, Sonnenberg offered an unsuccessful amendment, mirroring one of his defeated 2007 bills, to increase funding for rural [[district attorney]]s offices;<ref name="upset">{{cite news |first=K.C. |last=Mason |title=Local Reps. upset with proposed state budget |url=http://www.journal-advocate.com/articles/2008/03/28/news/local_news/local3.txt |work=Sterling Journal-Advocate |date=28 March 2008 |accessdate=2008-03-28 }}|deadurl=yes {{Dead link|datearchiveurl=Octoberhttp://web.archive.org/web/20110713121617/http://www.journal-advocate.com/articles/2008/03/28/news/local_news/local3.txt 2010|botarchivedate=H3llBotJuly 13, 2011 }}</ref> he also unsuccessfully attempted to eliminate 21 jobs within the Oil and Gas Commission created to monitor compliance with new environmental rules, arguing that the positions should have been attached to the original 2007 legislation that enacted the new rules.<ref name="budsen">{{cite news |first=K.C. |last=Mason |title=Budget moves to Senate |url=http://www.craigdailypress.com/news/2008/mar/29/budget_moves_senate/ |work=Craig Daily Press |date=29 March 2008 |accessdate=2008-03-29 }}</ref>
During the session, Sonnenberg sponsored 11 bills, of which seven passed. Following the session, he expressed concern over the legislature's failure to provide addition transportation funding<ref name="upsdowns"/> and announced his intention to introduce legislation providing additional funding for road repair and water storage in the 2009 legislative session.<ref name="nowtime">{{cite news |first=Stacie |last=Miller |title=Sonnenberg: Now is the time |url=http://www.journal-advocate.com/news/2008/may/31/sonnenberg-now-time/ |work=Sterling Journal-Advocate |date=31 May 2008 |accessdate=2008-06-14 }}|deadurl=yes {{Dead link|datearchiveurl=Octoberhttp://web.archive.org/web/20110713121628/http://www.journal-advocate.com/news/2008/may/31/sonnenberg-now-time/ 2010|botarchivedate=H3llBotJuly 13, 2011 }}</ref>
===2008 campaign===
In February 2008, Sonnenberg announced his bid for re-election to a second two-year term in the state house.<ref name="bid2">{{cite news |author=Staff Reports |title=Sonnenberg announces re-election bid |url=http://www.greeleytrib.com/article/20080219/NEWS/983511827
|work=Greeley Tribune |date=19 February 2008 |accessdate=2008-02-23 }}</ref> He faced only unaffiliated write-in candidate Dan Conn in the general election.<ref name="backhome"/><ref name="conn">{{cite news |author=Staff Reports |title=Fleming teacher Dan Conn announces candidacy for State Senate District 65 |url=http://www.journal-advocate.com/articles/2008/04/09/news/local_news/local7.txt |work=Sterling Journal-Advocate |date=9 April 2008 |accessdate=2008-04-11 }}|deadurl=yes {{Dead link|datearchiveurl=Octoberhttp://web.archive.org/web/20110713121635/http://www.journal-advocate.com/articles/2008/04/09/news/local_news/local7.txt 2010|botarchivedate=H3llBotJuly 13, 2011 }}</ref> Sonnenberg emphasized water, infrastructure, and rural development issues during his campaign.<ref name="candid">{{cite news |first=Sara |last=Waite |title=District 65 candidates get candid |url=http://www.journal-advocate.com/news/2008/oct/16/district-65-candidates-get-candid/ |work=Sterling Journal-Advocate |date=16 October 2008 |accessdate=2008-11-01 }}|deadurl=yes {{Dead link|datearchiveurl=Octoberhttp://web.archive.org/web/20110713121643/http://www.journal-advocate.com/news/2008/oct/16/district-65-candidates-get-candid/ 2010|botarchivedate=H3llBotJuly 13, 2011 }}</ref> Sonnenberg's re-election bid was endorsed by the ''[[Denver Post]]'',<ref name="dphouse">{{cite news |author=Editorial Board |title=Post's picks in Colorado's House of Representatives |url=http://www.denverpost.com/headlines/ci_10741559 |work=Denver Post |date=17 October 2008 |accessdate=2008-11-01 }}</ref> the ''[[Sterling Journal-Advocate]]'',<ref name="sj65">{{cite news |author=Editorial Board |title=Where We Stand: State Representative District 65 |url=http://www.journal-advocate.com/news/2008/oct/27/where-we-stand-state-representative-district-65/ |work=Sterling Journal-Advocate |date=27 October 2008 |accessdate=2008-11-01 }}|deadurl=yes {{Dead link|datearchiveurl=Octoberhttp://web.archive.org/web/20110713121714/http://www.journal-advocate.com/news/2008/oct/27/where-we-stand-state-representative-district-65/ 2010|botarchivedate=H3llBotJuly 13, 2011 }}</ref> and the ''[[Windsor Beacon]]''.<ref name="csend">{{cite news |first=Wendy |last=Norris |author2=Bob Spencer |title=State candidate endorsement watch |url=http://coloradoindependent.com/11911/state-candidate-endorsement-watch |work=Colorado Independent |date=3 November 2008 |accessdate=2008-11-07 }}</ref>
Facing only a write-in opponent, Sonnenberg received 98.6% of the votes cast to win a second term.<ref name="gen08">{{cite web |url=http://coreports.ezvotetally.com/Reserved.ReportViewerWebControl.axd?ReportSession=jexpso55dlbays450fyzrmb4&ControlID=3a1b317069f040849b2b689d78addfc9&Culture=1033&UICulture=1033&ReportStack=1&OpType=ReportArea&Controller=dnn_ctr376_ViewRS2005_ReportViewer1&PageNumber=1&ZoomMode=Percent&ZoomPct=100&ReloadDocMap=true&SearchStartPage=0&LinkTarget=_top |title=Colorado Statewide Cumulative Report - 2008 General Election |accessdate=2008-12-04 |work=Colorado Secretary of State }}</ref>
For the 2009 legislative session, Sonnenberg was named to seats on the House Appropriations Committee and the House Agriculture, Livestock, and Natural Resources Committee.<ref name="cmte09">{{cite press release |title=House Republican Committee Assignments Announced
|date=18 November 2008 |publisher=Colorado House Democrats |url=http://www.coloradohousegop.com/?q=node/92 }}</ref> Sonnenberg plans on sponsoring legislation regarding urban renewal authorities,<ref name="economy"/> and legislation mandating reparations from the Colorado Division of Wildlife for game damage to agricultural land, a proposal which was weakened in House committee.<ref name="economy">{{cite news|first=K.C. |last=Mason |title=Legislative session about economy |url=http://www.fortmorgantimes.com/news/2009/jan/06/legislative-session-about-economy/ |work=Fort Morgan Times |date=6 January 2009 |accessdate=2009-01-10 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/20090202115614/http://www.fortmorgantimes.com:80/news/2009/jan/06/legislative-session-about-economy/ |archivedate=February 2, 2009 }}</ref><ref name="weakened">http://www.electsonnenberg.com/090224.htm</ref> Sonnenberg also proposed legislation to allocate a portion of sales tax revenue directly to transportation;<ref name="transfund">{{cite news |author=Staff Reports |title=Sonnenberg introduces transportation funding bill |url=http://www.fortmorgantimes.com/news/2009/jan/15/sonnenberg-introduces-transportation-funding-bill/ |work=Fort Morgan Times |date=15 January 2009 |accessdate=2009-02-08 }}|deadurl=yes {{Dead link|datearchiveurl=Octoberhttp://web.archive.org/web/20110711020713/http://www.fortmorgantimes.com/news/2009/jan/15/sonnenberg-introduces-transportation-funding-bill/ 2010|botarchivedate=H3llBotJuly 11, 2011 }}</ref><ref name="searching">{{cite news |first=K.C. |last=Mason |title=Searching for highway funds |url=http://www.journal-advocate.com/news/2009/jan/20/searching-highway-funds/ |work=Sterling Journal-Advocate |date=20 January 2009 |accessdate=2009-02-08 }}|deadurl=yes {{Dead link|datearchiveurl=Octoberhttp://web.archive.org/web/20110713121756/http://www.journal-advocate.com/news/2009/jan/20/searching-highway-funds/ 2010|botarchivedate=H3llBotJuly 13, 2011 }}</ref> his legislation was a major portion of Republicans' alternative proposals to a registration fee increase proposed by Democrats.<ref name="housegop">{{cite news |first=John |last=Ingold |title=House GOP's new plan for roads, bridges has olive branch to Dems |url=http://www.denverpost.com/politics/ci_11649941 |work=Denver Post |date=8 February 2009 |accessdate=2009-12-23 }}</ref>
Sonnenberg sponsored legislation to allow betting on "historic" horse races at three locations statewide; his bill was killed in favor of an alternative proposal to expand [[simulcast]] betting.<ref name="willsave">{{cite news |first=K.C. |last=Mason |title=Will legislature save live racing? |url=http://www.electsonnenberg.com/090220.htm |work=Sterling Journal-Advocate |date=20 February 2009 |accessdate=2009-12-23 }}</ref><ref name="theyreoff">{{cite news |first=Lynn |last=Bartels |title=And they're off! |url=http://blogs.rockymountainnews.com/live_from_the_colorado_legislature/archives/2009/02/and_theyre_off.html |work=Rocky Mountain News |date=5 February 2009 |accessdate=2009-12-23 }}</ref> Sonnenberg also introduced a bill to allow heavier trucks on Colorado roadways, arguing it would increase transportation efficiency for farmers.<ref name="trucks">{{cite news |first=K.C. |last=Mason |title=Area legislators put trucking bills in motion |url=http://www.electsonnenberg.com/090320.htm |work=Sterling Journal-Advocate |date=20 March 2009 |accessdate=2009-12-23 }}</ref> Sonnenberg was also a vocal opponent of new rules on oil and gas drilling passed by the legislature.<ref name="passgas">{{cite news |first=Joe |last=Hanel |title=House passes gas, oil rules |url=http://durangoherald.com/sections/News/2009/03/14/House_passes_gas_oil_rules/ |work=Durango Herald |date=14 March 2009 |accessdate=2009-12-23 }}</ref>
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