Representative Anthony Hartsook

This type of legislation consistently ignores the Second Amendment. This building is incapable of considering the second and third order effects on small businesses.

At 10:08 this morning we started debate on HB26-1126, Requirements for Firearms Dealers. Debate has been limited by the Majority Party to three hours. We will continue to fight against the limitation of our public speaking rights and our defense of the Second Amendment.

It was a pleasure to welcome & meet once again with the Honor Guard. They perform a tremendous service for our veterans and their families. Thank you for serving with honor, courage, and unwavering commitment. 🇺🇸

Happy St Patrick’s Day from the House Floor! Go n-éirí an bóthar leat, “May the road rise to meet you.” My Great Grandparents were immigrants from Ireland. Irish Americans have played a major role in building and shaping the United States. Their legacy continues to be a meaningful part of the American story. Today is one of my favorite days of the year. ☘️

From thriving local businesses to the landscapes that make Colorado home, House District 44 has a lot to be proud of. Here is a glimpse of the community @RepHartsook works to represent every day.

I am deeply disturbed by the attack on Temple Israel in Michigan, one of the largest synagogue’s in the United States. The evil hatred and antisemitism have no place in America. Nor should it exist anywhere in the world. Today, we stood as a united General Assembly against antisemitism, and in support of the innocent people harmed in this attack. During my visit to Israel last year, one of the main issues was how to prevent antisemitism. As a Christian, I will continue to stand up for Jews in our communities, Colorado, and in America.

This morning I had the honor to welcome the Colorado State Police officers and their K9s, Gunner and Scout. I’m incredibly grateful for their everyday work to keep our Capitol safe. Their dedication and selfless service are something we can all be proud of. Thank you to CSP and their K9’s!

It was a pleasure and honor to share the beauty and history of the Colorado Capitol with our Canadian friends during Canada Friendship Day. Stephan and Terry are from Canada. They work and live in and around Parker in the energy industry. We had a great conversation about energy needs and the best ways to approach it. We also discussed hunting in Colorado and Canada.

During the Finance Committee hearing, the sponsors kept repeating that HB26-1221 isn’t a tax increase. It is just a policy change because of HR1. Yet consumers will see a reduction or most likely an elimination of TABOR refunds. mailchi.mp/anthonyhartsoo…

Today we start the week with HB26-1221, 1222, and 1223 in the Finance Committee. Combined, these bills carry a financial impact of about $1.25 billion during TABOR surplus years. Businesses in Colorado can barely come up for air before the Legislature adds more costs and burdens. Who could ever guess why businesses might leave the 6th most regulated state in the nation?🤔

Today is Catholic Lobby Day at the Capitol organized by the Colorado Catholic Conference. It was wonderful to welcome them to the Capitol and give them a tour including going up to the Capitol Dome. We want to thank Archbishop Aquila for his opening prayer in the House Chamber this morning and for his years as the shepherd to the Catholic faithful in Colorado. We look forward to Archbishop-designate Golka being installed on March 25.

Fun Friday at the Capitol. It is Zoo Day with real animals and amazing stories. It is often a zoo at the Capitol with crazy policies but today is the real deal. Plus it’s snowing and we need the moisture.

SB26-097 is vile and morally corrupt legislation. Eliminating laws against Prostitution is problematic. But the bill is even more egregious regarding human trafficking especially for a minor. On page 6 of the bill, lines 4-12, it instructs law enforcement to report the violation of human trafficking of a minor to the department of social services instead of arresting the person responsible for trafficking the minor. To be clear, anyone involved in the promotion of human trafficking should be arrested immediately, especially for minors. Victims of human trafficking are begging us to stop this bill. If passed, the repercussions will last for generations. Read the bill here: leg.colorado.gov/bills/SB26-097

Free markets or price controls? Consumer decisions or government decisions? Hot dogs or no hot dogs? 🌭 Choice or no choice!! tsscolorado.com/debate-set-for…

It is hypocritical and disingenuous for a member of the progressive wing of the Democrat caucus to use a moment of personal privilege to promote derogatory political propaganda and make negative comments about America and our military. She had the opportunity to limit her concerns to her family. Instead she chose to attack America, and our values. I fought in multiple wars to include the first Gulf War, Iraq, and Afghanistan. I was in Afghanistan when the Taliban used a suicide bomber and a car full of explosives to blow up a girl’s school just because girls were getting an education. It was a gruesome scene. I am not going to be lectured by anyone about the horrors of war or “American Imperialism”. I served and fought overseas to bring freedom to people that were oppressed by the likes of Al Qaeda, the Taliban, Hamas, and other terrorism exported by Ayatollah Khomeini. Her arrogance and ignorance of combat operations combined with her derogatory comments about the intent of the men and women serving in the United States military, is one of the most disgraceful and disrespectful things I have seen at the Capitol.

I voted No on HB26-1144 which passed 40-25. This bill does nothing to stem the tide of social and moral decay in society, especially against murder. Murder is a violation of law and the Ten Commandments, but it is still prevalent in society. It demonizes businesses and law enforcement. It increases regulations and the cost of doing business. It also continues the trend of attacks on the First and Second Amendment.

As someone who has had the honor of serving our nation overseas, I know the weight our service members carry every day. I am praying for our brave service officers and their families, asking for their safety, strength, and steady resolve as they defend our freedoms. We are grateful for your sacrifice and unwavering commitment to this country.

Today we fought HB26-1144, an attack against our First, Second, and Fourth Amendments. I ran a common sense amendment to focus this bill on how we judge every other crime: on intent. It was killed immediately.

I was honored to meet with some of the nurses who serve our great state. We’d be lost without their dedication and selflessness. Thank you so much to the nursing community for all that you do.