Press Releases

Putting Art and Soul into Arts Programs: Rep. Rice Bill Good for Community and Business

(Denver) – Representative Joe Rice (D-Littleton, Greenwood Village, Englewood, Bow Mar, Columbine Valley) has found a creative way to consolidate Colorado’s creative industries into a central office with Senate Bill 158. The bill passed in the Business Affairs and Labor Committee 10-0 today.

Rep. Rice stated that, “This bill is really good for business – from local arts communities to large, state-wide festivals and arts projects. Merging three arts programs into one office makes art a priority but is also a better use of government funds and a boost for business.”

Under the bill, the Office of Film, Television and Media, the State Council on the Arts, and the Art in Public Places Program will be placed in the same location within the Office of Economic Development. The bill will create a Creative Industries Division, merging the functions of the three existing programs into one.

“The arts are a vital part of Colorado’s economy and culture,” said Rep. Rice. “This is especially true in historic downtown Littleton, where a significant number of the over 250 eclectic businesses are arts-oriented.”

Nancy Stalf, Executive Director of the Littleton Town Hall Arts Center, testified on behalf of the bill today. “I applaud the authors of this bill for acknowledging the potential and value of the creative industries. The bill will empower the creative sector to foster new artists and strengthen the industry, in Littleton and elsewhere in the State,” she said.

The bill was sponsored by Linda Newell (D-Littleton) in the Senate.

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Rep. Rice Supports Mammograms as a Private Decision between Provider and Patient

(Denver) – State Representative Joe Rice (D-Littleton, Greenwood Village, Englewood, Columbine Valley, Bow Mar) celebrated the House passage of HB 1252 which will ensure that the decisions about mammograms will be made between women and their provider. The bill, co-sponsored by Rep. Rice, passed the House unanimously today.

The bill allows for anyone, regardless of age to have their mammogram covered by their insurance, when a provider determines there is risk.

“I’m proud to co-sponsor HB 1252. This bill represents a chance for at-risk women to receive the preventative care they need. Mammograms save the lives of thousands every year,” said Rep. Rice.

Last November the US Preventative Services Task Force came out with controversial new guidelines for breast cancer screenings. The recommendations specify that women should receive mammograms every other year starting at the age of 50 unless there are risk factors. This was a departure from the former guidance that mammograms should start at age 40 and occur every year.

House Bill 1252 ensures that women continue to have mammograms covered by their insurance as known risk factors change, and as the woman and her doctor deem appropriate, even if the woman is under 40.

The bill now goes to the Senate where it is sponsored by Betty Boyd (D-Jefferson County).

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Rep. Rice Pushes for New Armories to Increase Colorado's Readiness

(Denver) – Representative Joe Rice (D-Littleton, Englewood, Greenwood Village) wants to help build three new National Guard armories in Colorado with House Bill 1140.

HB 1140 will allow monies from the Colorado State Veterans Trust Fund to be used for construction projects for the armories in Grand Junction, Alamosa, and Windsor, Colorado. Specifically, the bill allocates $4.7 million of the remaining balance of the fund to be appropriated to the construction of these three armories.

“Bringing in federal funds to help build these armories will allow the Colorado National Guard to grow it forces and keep Colorado safe,” said Rep. Rice, a Colonel in the U.S. Army Reserve and cosponsor of the bill.

The bill passed in the house State, Veterans, and Military Affairs Committee 10-0 on Thursday, February 25.
Rep. Rice Honors Military Service Members at the Capitol

January 25, 2010

DENVER— Representative Joe Rice (D-Littleton) helped lead other Democratic members of the Colorado General Assembly in celebrating Military Appreciation Day at the capitol today. Lawmakers showed their respect, admiration, and gratitude for those who serve their state and country in the armed services through a series of tributes and resolutions.

Rep. Rice co-sponsored a resolution recognizing the 150th anniversary of the Colorado National Guard. The resolution noted the formation of the Guard on February 2, 1860, when in their first official action, the Jefferson Rangers mobilized to defeat a gang of thugs in Denver, driving them out. It also detailed the many other significant campaigns the Colorado National Guard has participated over the past 150 years and saluted its members for their service and dedication to the protection of Coloradans.

Rep. Rice is a Colonel in the U.S. Army Reserve who recently returned from Iraq. “Military Day is important because it is an opportunity for us to stop and remember those who have served and are serving and to thank them and their family members.”

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Rep. Joe Rice Fights for Family-Run Small Businesses

January 26, 2010

(DENVER) - State Representative Joe Rice (D-Littleton) and Rep. Marsha Looper (R-El Paso) today steered through committee their proposal to protect the rights of local automobile dealers in Colorado. The bill passed with a unanimous bipartisan vote out of the House Business Affairs and Labor Committee.

House Bill 1049 will require any manufacturer to offer a right of first refusal to the dealers who have had their locally-successful businesses forcibly shut-down by the parent corporation. Several local dealers described what they have seen: the manufacturer has gone into bankruptcy; the manufacturer revokes the local owner's franchise; but then the manufacturer turns around and offers the franchise to a new owner.

Rep. Rice's bill requires that if a franchise is terminated by the manufacturer but later reinstates it, they must offer the right of first refusal to original owner.

Rep. Rice said the bill will also address a second problem. In cases of shuttered dealerships, sometimes the dealer is left with substantial debt, often due to capital improvements or the purchase of automobiles that the manufacturer forced the dealer to make. His bill says that in the event of a future termination, dealers will be reimbursed for expenditures that the manufacturer has required of the dealer.

"Most automobile dealerships are relatively small, family-run businesses with deep roots in the community,” said Rep. Joe Rice. “Collectively, they employee thousands of people who then spend their wages in other community businesses. All they are asking for is a fair chance to compete. They want the ability to stay open if they are being successful. It isn't right that out-of-state corporations that took taxpayer bailouts are trying to close local dealers that have remained profitable due to their hard work and community ties."

HB 1049 will be sponsored in the Senate by Chris Romer and Shawn Mitchell.

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Statement of Rep. Joe Rice Prior to His Deployment to Iraq

May 15, 2009

"In addition to serving as a state representative and working in private business when the legislature is not in session, I have been a member of the United States Army Reserve for over twenty years, and am now a Colonel. In that capacity, I have been called to active duty beginning this week and will be deployed to Iraq later this month for about six months of duty. This will be my fourth time in Iraq with the Army Reserve.

"While being away from home for six months will not be easy on me or my family, I am able to stay in touch with constituents and work on policy issues during my off-duty hours. Although I will be gone for a few months from my district, I will still stay in touch with my home community. I have an amazing group of volunteers that will be helping me stay informed and to prepare for the next legislative session that begins in January 2010.

"I’ll spend next week at Fort Benning, Georgia, for overseas processing and I will then head to Baghdad where I will be working with the Iraqi Army and Police units to aid in the transition to the Iraqi Security Forces. I was there at the beginning, a couple times since, and I feel that somehow this is my “farewell” tour.

"There is a saying in the Reserve and Guard that goes like this… 'When we were needed, we were there. It wasn’t always easy, it wasn’t always fair. But when the call went out, we answered; we were there.'”

Note: Rep. Rice is a member of the United States Army Reserve. Use of his military rank, job titles, and photographs in uniform does not imply endorsement by the Department of the Army or the Department of Defense.
Legislature Memorializes Littleton Hero Danny Dietz with Resolution and Highway Signs

April 03, 2009

(DENVER) - Friday morning, State Representatives Joe Rice (D-Littleton) and Frank McNulty and Senator Mike Kopp presented a joint resolution (SJR 33) honoring the memory of Petty Officer Danny Dietz, Jr. from Littleton and posting a section of Santa Fe Drive as the "Navy SEAL Danny Phillip Dietz, Jr., Memorial Highway".

Immediately following passage of the resolution, Officer Dietz’s parents, friends, and family met with the media to announce plans to raise money for the signs, and asked that checks be written to the City of Littleton with “Danny Dietz Fund” in the memo line. The address is 2255 W. Berry Ave. Littleton, 80165.

The cost of the signs is approximately $1500 each and there is no money in the fund as of today.

“We hope people will donate to the Danny Dietz fund so that Coloradans will remember not only Officer Dietz, but also the lessons his life teaches us all. We should remember, and we should re-tell the stories of all our heroes," Rep. Rice said. “The legacy of Officer Dietz is a legacy of service. His surviving family continues to provide support to other families who have lost loved ones, and as Danny did, they serve as a model to us all.”
Today's Bill Signing

March 19, 2009

Governor Bill Ritter signed into law HB 1004, sponsored in the House by Rep. Dennis Apuan (directly behind Gov. Ritter), which will help seniors – including those living at home -- have access to high-quality medical care. Apuan's bill will allow PACE (Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly) facilities to be able to hire physicians as full-time employees, not just as contract workers, helping to alleviate a current shortage of geriatricians.

Governor Bill Ritter signed into law HB 1023, sponsored in the House by Rep. Sara Gagliardi, which will encourage more blood donations in Colorado by lowering the eligibility age from 18 to 16.

Governor Bill Ritter signed into law HB 1090, sponsored in the House by Rep. Joe Rice, which will clarify situations under which a Deaf Interpreter may use that title.
Gov. Ritter Signs Five Bills Into Law Today

March 19, 2009

Gov. Bill Ritter signed five bills into law today, including legislation that will improve blood donations statewide and help local communities prevent and prepare for wildfires.

The bills signed today:

• House Bill 1004 (Apuan/Boyd), PACE Organizations Employ Physicians
• House Bill 1023 (Gagliardi & Swalm/Boyd), Blood Donations by Minors
• House Bill 1078 (Ryden/Hodge), Foster Parent Training
• House Bill 1090 (Rice/Williams), Deaf Interpreters Title Unauthorized Use
• Senate Bill 1 (Gibbs & Penry /Scanlan & King), Community Wildfire Protection Plans

“I’m thankful for everyone who worked together on this important legislation,” Rep. Sara Gagliardi said about HB 1023. “As a nurse, I know how absolutely critical it is to have a sufficient blood supply at all times. With Gov. Ritter’s signature, eligible 16-year-olds will now be allowed to donate blood and help others whose very lives depend upon it. The activism of these students and young people has been outstanding.”

Sen. Dan Gibbs and Rep. Christine Scanlan sponsored SB 1, which supports communities in preventing and preparing for wildfires.

“As a wildland firefighter I know how important community prevention plans are in terms of public safety for the citizens of Colorado,” Sen. Gibbs said. “I’m pleased that Gov. Ritter signed this bill today and that it soon will be in place to help communities when wildfires strike. It will help communities prioritize, prevent, and prepare for wildfires in their area. With 2 million acres of dead lodge-pole pine and about 1 million Coloradans living in the wildland urban interface, SB 1 will bring the tools, resources and assistance to help people prepare for the worst.”

“Having a preparedness plan ready to go before firefighters hit the ground to battle a wildfire will help tremendously in emergency situations,” Rep. Scanlan said. “Colorado has more than 22 million acres of forested land, and with the threat of fire due to the dead lodge-pole pine, we need to take these steps now to protect our natural habitat and Coloradans who are living within the wildland urban interface.”
Leaders Praise Passage of Rules Protecting Public Health and Colorado’s Economy

March 13, 2009

(DENVER) – This morning, the House of Representatives gave final, bi-partisan approval to the newly-revised rules regarding the oil and natural gas industry in Colorado. House Bill 1292 will now return to the joint Legislative Legal Services Committee and then go to the Senate.

Speaker of the House Terrance Carroll said, “The new rules are good for public health and good for the economy. They will provide greater public health protections while also allowing the state’s vital oil-and-gas industry to thrive. They strike a healthy balance that will protect public health while encouraging responsible industry growth. Most importantly, they provide a solid foundation for when the industry rebounds. We want sustainable growth, and these rules create that.”

Author of the original rules-making bill, Rep. Kathleen Curry (D-Gunnison) said, “Over the past decade, we have seen an 800 percent increase in the number of new drilling permits issued annually, but not until now have we addressed drilling’s damage to our drinking water, to our open spaces and wildlife, and to our public health.”

“The new protections are reasonable and responsible,” said Rep. Anne McGihon (D-Denver), sponsor of the omnibus rules bill HB 1292. “The new rules ensure timely permitting. They protect drinking water and reduce odors and air emissions. They require the disclosure of chemicals used so the public can know what’s going on in their own backyards. And the new protections give land-owners more control.”

Addressing concerns about the economy and jobs, Rep. Joe Rice (D-Littleton) said, “What’s good for our quality of life is good for business in Colorado. Businesses rely on the protection of Colorado’s natural beauty that draws new people and new businesses here, especially in hospitality and tourism, for anglers and hunters, and for all of us who know we live in the best state in the country. Unfortunately, the oil-and-gas industry – like every other industry – is suffering from the economic crisis. Commodity prices have plummeted. Credits lines are frozen. And Colorado lacks a sufficient pipeline infrastructure to move the natural gas to market. These rules strike a balance, providing both a healthy Colorado and a healthy oil and gas industry.”
Rally Cry for FASTER Jobs

February 22, 2009

(DENVER) — More than 75 people gathered today at the State Capitol to show their support of FASTER, the vital “Jobs for Transportation” bill up for consideration on the House Floor early next week.

Un-employed construction workers rallied on the West Steps, holding signs saying “I’m Shovel Ready” and “FASTER=Jobs”, and urging legislators to pass Senate Bill 108, which will create tens of thousands of good jobs. Attendees also munched on 126 “structurally deficient” Stromboli, symbolizing the 126 crumbling bridges throughout the state that will be fixed thanks to FASTER. “Jobs Juice” and “Economic-Development Booster Bars” were also a hit.

“FASTER will protect at least 5-8,000 jobs in the next year,” said bill sponsor Rep. Joe Rice. “This means real people – workers - would lose their jobs without this bill. I also believe that FASTER can create tens of thousands of new, good jobs for Coloradans, soon.”

FASTER also addresses some significant safety concerns. The legislation is a great way to begin repairing and rebuilding 126 dangerous bridges and many miles of rutted roads.

“FASTER is a responsible, reliable and sustainable way to fund transportation projects that will put people to work – now,” said Speaker Terrance Carroll. “It generates about $250 million in annual funding for transportation infrastructure while keeping the impact to the average driver at around $3 a month -- less than the cost of doing nothing. This is why we are here this session: to create jobs now!”
Major Jobs Bill Moves On

February 04, 2009

(DENVER) Last week, business leaders, lawmakers and workers in hard-hats announced a comprehensive package of job-creation bills. When enacted, these proposals will create tens of thousands of jobs.

Today, a key piece of that agenda – Rep. Joe Rice’s House Bill 1001 -- moved forward, passing out of the House Finance Committee on a bi-partisan 10-1 vote. It now goes to the House appropriations Committee.

House Speaker Terrance Carroll said, “Our agenda to expand the Circle of Opportunity by creating good jobs and bolstering the economy is moving forward. This bill will provide significant incentives to entice new businesses to come to Colorado and create good jobs.”

The proposed legislation will focus on bringing new businesses to Colorado by offering tax incentives to companies that move to Colorado and create over 20 new jobs in urban areas or over 10 new jobs in certain rural areas. The credit will allow employers to pay just half of the usually-required federal social security and Medicare taxes, for up to ten years. (The bill is summarized below)

Rep. Joe Rice (D-Littleton) said, “We all feel these tough times, whether we are here working to balance the budget in the Capitol, or tightening our belts at home with our families, or facing budget cuts at work. I believe that this bill is a terrific idea, one that will get Colorado working again. We can begin to put Colorado back to work, and to put our economy back on the right track with the passage of this bill.”

Rep. Rice continued, “This bill is different than most other tax incentives that I’ve seen, with more checks and balances than any other similar proposals. A company has to prove that they would have located elsewhere if not for this incentive. Then, they must create the jobs.”

“When companies are looking for a new place to locate or expand, now we can put this incentive on the table. This is a targeted and important tool that pays back a portion of the new revenue brought to Colorado – it’s a great deal for our great state. We can compete where we haven’t been able to, and hopefully, we can tip the scales in our favor.”

Testifiers included Don Elliman of the Office of Economic Development and Tom Clark, Executive Vice President, Metro Denver Economic Development Corporation/Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce.
Rep. Rice’s Wellness Bill Gets Good Check-up from House

February 02, 2009

(DENVER) - State Representatives Joe Rice (D-Littleton) and Amy Stephens (R-Monument) are off to a strong start with their bill to allow health care companies to provide incentives for participation in wellness and prevention programs. House Bill 1012 got a healthy dose of support today – a vote of 63-0 – from the House of Representatives. It now goes to the Senate.

Smiling after the successful vote, Rep. Rice asked, “Who could be against a bill that brings both financial and health benefits?”

“This is a common sense idea that benefits our health and our pocketbooks,” said Rep. Rice. “For just a few dollars a month per enrollee, employees will be healthier. And importantly, with more wellness, employers can increase productivity and decrease absenteeism as well as health care costs. Health care programs can save $1.65 for every $1 invested in wellness.”

Rep. Rice continued, “It is currently prohibited for insurers to offer incentives. Yet small businesses want to have access to health care plans that reap financial rewards as well as health rewards. And employees welcome the extra motivation to quit smoking, to exercise, or to lose weight.”
Rep. Rice Successfully Fights For Change

May 28, 2008

DENVER – As the dust settles on the 2008 legislative session, it's evident that Joe Rice, the first-term lawmaker representing Littleton and the south metro area, has hit his stride. This week, Governor Ritter signed into law two innovative pieces of legislation he co-authored and sponsored slashing red tape for businesses and schools.

House Bill 1225, which the Governor signed Tuesday at a bank in downtown Littleton, will exempt nearly 30,500 businesses from having to pay Colorado's Business Personal Property Tax. Currently, businesses must pay the tax if they have personal property such as computers and other equipment worth more than $2,500. HB 1225 raises the exemption threshold to $7,000 over five years, sparing business owners the expense of preparing and paying the burdensome business personal property tax. In turn, entrepreneurs will have more time and money to put back into growing their businesses.

"The business personal property tax exemption will make life easier for over 30,000 small businesses in our state," said Rep. Rice. "By easing this administrative tax burden, small businesses can get back to focusing on
business instead of bureaucracy. Everybody wins when we're able to protect and grow the small businesses of Colorado. This is truly one of the most significant pro-business bill in years."

The second, House Bill 1358, signed into law this morning at the capitol, creates a unique tax exemption for schools. The bill would make it easier for PTOs and PTAs to fundraise by exempting PTOs and PTAs at public schools from paying sales tax on fundraisers like bake sales and silent auctions. The proposal also would also require vendors to handle the paperwork and collection of sales tax on "prepackaged" activities that are not exempt, such as gift wrap and book sales. Currently, many vendors stick these responsibilities on parents to handle.

"This is one of my favorite pro-kid bills of the year. Now, the money parents' raise will go to their schools, and not to government coffers."

Both measures highlight Rep. Rice's overarching commitment to making the lives of Coloradans easier.

"Coloradans already have so much on their plates. The best thing we can do for them is remove barriers wherever and whenever we can. I'm proud of what we achieved this term – particularly for kids – and I look forward to
continuing my commitment to the people of Littleton and of Colorado."
Rice Teaches Students That Honesty is the Best Policy

May 05, 2008

(Denver) Representative Joe Rice (D-Littleton) is helping students at Littleton’s Damon Runyon Elementary School learn one of life’s most important lessons: honesty is the best policy.

Earlier this year, a fourth grade teacher at Runyon discovered that one of the prompts used on the CSAP writing test was one that her class had used previously during a practice session.

Upon discovering that the prompt was in fact used on this year’s CSAP, the principal, the district, and the Colorado Department of Education (CDE) were notified. As a result, the students will receive a “no score,” or zero, on the 4th grade writing CSAP test and Runyon and all Littleton Public School District scores will be negatively impacted. The school’s ranking will drop from a “high achieving school” to an “average achieving school.”

“When the teacher realized the mistake, she did the honest thing and told the appropriate people,” Rep. Rice said. “The 4th grade students at Runyon were penalized for an honest mistake. Is that the kind of lesson we want to teach our kids? I have always taught my own children that honesty is the best
policy,” he continued.

Rep. Rice has amended a piece of legislation (Senate Bill 212) to put in place procedures to address the Runyon situation and other unintentional errors that may occur with any school in the state of Colorado in the future. Other schools have been penalized with CSAP scores, including a school where a fire alarm disrupted the test and violated testing procedures.

Specifically, Rice’s amendment allows the Colorado Department of Education to re-administer the test or calculate the score without factoring the error. In the case of an error that cannot be fixed or recalculated, the state will publish the official score and include what it would have been without the error. The bill, the Colorado Achievement Plan, is on its way to the Governor.

“Parents and prospective community members often use local schools’ CSAP scores as a guide for choosing a neighborhood,” explained Rep. Rice. “It is important that the area’s property values reflect the high achievement of Runyon’s staff and students.”

The issue was brought to Rep. Rice’s attention by Gretchen Trail, a parent of a 2nd and 4th grader at Runyon. “Not only did Rep. Rice listen to my concerns, he took ownership and put a solution into play. His ownership and determination sent the right message to our children: even though you are being wrongly punished for an honest mistake, there is someone willing to help prevent this from happening again,” said Gretchen Trail.
Democrats Promote Exemptions that Target Small Businesses as Engines for Economic Growth

February 19, 2008

(DENVER) Assessors define business personal property as anything that's not nailed down to the floor. In Colorado's legislature, lawmakers are working to hammer out reforms to the state's business personal property tax.

Many small business owners find the current tax -- which is based on the value of assets such as computers, furniture, and manufacturing equipment -- burdensome because of the time and resources it takes to complete the paperwork. It has a 40% administrative cost yet generates little revenue.

State Representative Joe Rice (D-Littleton) believes that responsible changes to the business personal property tax could act as an engine for economic development.

According to Rep. Rice, "Given the current state of our economy, it is important to protect and grow the small businesses of Colorado. The business personal property tax exemption will make life easier for thousands of small businesses in our state.”
Public Safety Top Priority For Rep. Rice

Denver- State Representative Joe Rice (D-Littleton) steered a bill through the House today with a supportive initial voice vote. The bill ensures that front-line workers are adequately prepared to keep Coloradans safe in the face of events such as natural disasters, terrorist attacks, and avian flu.

House Bill 1252, “Tuition Assistance for the Colorado National Guard Act” is sponsored by Rep. Rice. The bill would allow members of the National Guard to receive tuition assistance to pursue advanced Homeland Security education.

“It is a top priority to provide training and expertise that will benefit all Coloradoans in the event of a disaster.”

Currently, state funds are available for National Guard members to attend public universities for advanced education. There is only one higher education institution that offers a Homeland Security program that qualifies, the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs.

The bill would expand the tuition assistance program to cover members that attend the University of Denver, where homeland security programs are taught. The diversity in programs will ensure students pursuing advanced degrees and certificates will be better prepared if disaster strikes.

Under current law, members of the Guard are deterred from enrolling in the highly regarded DU program because they would be faced with paying out-of-pocket tuition. Existing law does not allow tuition assistance for this program.

There is no fiscal note associated with the bill. Under the bill, both Universities would be reimbursed at approximately $250 per credit hour. The bill will move to the Senate after a final recorded vote in the House takes place this week.
Representative Joe Rice Returns to Capitol after Service in Iraq

January 28, 2008

DENVER – After ninety days serving on active duty in Iraq, Representative Joe Rice (D-Littleton) returned to his desk at the State Capitol Monday. The yellow ribbon placed on his chair during his absence had been removed, and the front-row seat filled once again.

Colleagues greeted him with hugs, handshakes and a standing applause thanking him for his service. A banner reading Welcome Home Joe, signed with heartfelt messages from Representatives and staff, waited for him at his desk.

It was a time to put politics aside and welcome back a respected colleague and friend. Rep. Rice is known for working across party lines to bridge differences and create a common ground. During his first year under the gold dome, he was recognized as being one of the most effective representatives in the legislature, passing 18 bills.

"After spending a few days with my family, I am ready to get back to work serving the people in my district" Rep. Rice shared. He chose not to take a moment at the microphone to address his colleagues. Instead, he made it clear he was ready to roll up his sleeves and tackle the biggest issues facing Colorado: jobs, schools and healthcare.

Joe is a member of the United States Army Reserve. Use of his military rank, job titles, and photographs in uniform does not imply endorsement of the Department of the Army or the Department of Defense.
Rep. Rice's Family Fills in Opening Day While He is in Iraq

January 18, 2008

With Representative Joe Rice currently serving in Iraq, his wife and children had the honor of opening the legislative session with the Pledge of Allegiance. Rep. Rice's wife, Kendall Rice, wrote about the experience.

"On January 9th, the fist day of the 2008 legislative session, the kids and I made our way to the State Capitol where we had the honor of leading the House in the Pledge of Allegiance. Our twins, Harrison and Lexie (age 7) proudly recited the Pledge while Dalton (age 2) held the microphone. Dalton doesn’t quite have the Pledge memorized at his age, but of course he doesn’t want to miss a thing that his big brother and sister do! My father, Monty Kershner, also accompanied us."

To read Ms. Rice's full story, and Rep. Rice's postings from Iraq, click here: http://housedistrict38.blogspot.com/2008/01/pledge-of-allegiance-on-opening-day-of.html

Joe is a member of the United States Army Reserve. Use of his military rank, job titles, and photographs in uniform does not imply endorsement of the Department of the Army or the Department of Defense.
Rep. Joe Rice Departs for 3rd Tour of Duty in Iraq

November 01, 2007

Representative Joe Rice left yesterday for Fort Leavenworth, Kansas for the first leg of a third tour of duty in Iraq.

Representative Rice has been in the military for 23 years. He is returning to Iraq to evaluate the performance of Iraqi military and police. He should be back in January, missing only the first few weeks of the next legislative session.

Photo: Rep. Rice with his wife and children after returning from his second tour of duty in Iraq.

Joe is a member of the United States Army Reserve. Use of his military rank, job titles, and photographs in uniform does not imply endorsement of the Department of the Army or the Department of Defense.