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Rep. Scott McInnis

Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this moment to pay tribute to a remarkable public servant, the Honorable James T. Rizzuto. Jim is stepping down as the Executive Director of the Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Financing, a position he was appointed to in January of 1999. He has served the State of Colorado well and I would at this time like to honor his service.

Jim began his career in public service by first serving as a First Lieutenant Infantry Commander from 1969 to 1971. His experience in the military as well as his educational background helped to prepare him for the leadership responsibilities he would later take on in public office. After graduating with a degree in economics from the University of Colorado at Boulder, Jim went on to the American Graduate School of International Management, where he received his MBA in economics and finance.

In 1982, Jim ran and was elected to the Colorado State Senate where he served for 18 years. During his tenure in the State Senate, he served as a member of the Joint Budget Committee for 12 years. His work in the Colorado legislature earned him the LaJunta Community Service Award in 1994 and Colorado Business Journal also named him one of the top 10 effective legislators.

Jim has served his community, State, and Nation admirably. On behalf of the State of Colorado and the U.S. Congress, I would like to thank Jim for his outstanding commitment to public service and wish him the very best in all of his future endeavors.