Colorado House Democrats

Joint Statement of President Groff & Speaker Romanoff on 208 Commission

DENVER–Today Senate President Peter Groff and House Speaker Andrew Romanoff released the following statement on the Blue Ribbon Commission for Health Care Reform:

We thank Chairman Lindsay, his 26 colleagues on the Blue Ribbon Commission, and the many thousands of Coloradans who took part in this critical conversation.  The road ahead may be difficult, but standing still is not an option.

Coloradans want real reform and that is exactly what we intend to deliver.  Make no mistake – we are committed to solving Colorado’s health care crisis. Our work must focus on controlling costs and ensuring access to quality care for Coloradans.  Solving this crisis may not be possible with one bill or in one legislative session, but this year we are committed to putting Colorado on the road to health care reform.

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Lawmakers Push to Strengthen Successful Biosciences Program

Grants lead to new companies, high-paying industry jobs and advances in technology

DENVER – It was a great day for innovation in the state of Colorado. First, State Representative Jim Riesberg (D-Greeley) and State Senator Bob Bacon (D-Fort Collins) announced their commitment to creating jobs and advancing promising new technology by expanding Colorado’s much-lauded Bioscience Discoveries Grant Program.  Then, the bill supporting the program passed out of the House Finance Committee by a bipartisan vote of 7 to 4.  House Bill 1001 supports bioscience industry development across the state.

“This legislation will help us move our most exciting technological discoveries out of the lab and into the marketplace,” said Rep. Riesberg.  “The grants support symbiotic research partnerships between the private sector and our institutes of higher-education: whether it’s finding a new cure for AIDS or fighting pollution, this program will support the most vital research in the state.”

Building upon the award-winning grant program created by Rep. Riesberg in 2006 and extended last year, HB 1001 will increase the grant program by making $3.5 million available for each of the next five years.  Grants will provide as much as $150,000 per project to Colorado research institutions, accelerating the development of new technologies and new Colorado-based companies.  It will also make up to $250,000 available to early stage, Colorado-based companies.

“These relationships are the basis for a strong economy in Colorado, a healthier population and a greener world,” said Sen. Bacon.  "It’s a no-brainer: this program strengthens industry and bolsters higher learning.”

Estimates suggest that the industry has already contributed $415 million to the state economy.  Rep. Riesberg held up sample laboratory equipment and summed it up, “We are turning this research into jobs for Coloradans.”

Rep. Curry Protects Wildlife Habitat and Public Lands

Environmental enthusiasts and sportsmen applaud new rules

DENVER – On Wednesday, State Representative Kathleen Curry (D-Gunnison) helped protect Colorado’s wildlife habitat and preserved the outdoor experience of all Coloradans.  House Bill 1069, which passed the House on a final vote today of 43 to 22, will help curb off highway vehicle (OHV) violations. 

“We need to protect the long term use of Colorado’s public lands without diminishing the quality of the recreational experiences we all cherish in this state,” said Rep. Curry.  “I’m proud to say that we worked long and hard to create legislation that will provide a long-term a solution for using public land in a more sustainable way while recognizing the stewardship ethic that already exists.”

HB 1069 will allow state peace officers to enforce illegal incursions by off highway vehicles – such
as ATVs – on to federal land.  For the first time it also creates penalties for anyone found guilty of violating closed areas and trails.  Enforcement will be incidental; when an officer happens upon a violation, he can enforce the law.  Subsequently, it will not increase the work load of state officers.      

“The ways in which people use public lands are growing, and they’re growing fast,” said Rep. Curry.  “We need to act now to minimize the damage caused by the few users of public land that ignore restrictions on off road vehicle use.  Otherwise, we’ll diminish our core Colorado values holding wildlife habitat and public lands in high esteem.” 

A broad and varied coalition representing hunting, angling, off-highway vehicle and conservation communities pulled together to support the legislation.  HB 1069 now moves to the Senate for further consideration.

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Rep. Solano Helps Colorado Generate Homegrown Energy

DENVER – On Thursday, State Representative Judy Solano continued her support of Colorado’s emerging renewable energy market.  House Bill 1160, sponsored by Rep. Solano, will allow Coloradans to generate homegrown energy from wind turbines and rooftop solar panels, and still stay on the grid. The bill passed out of the House Transportation & Energy Committee today with a bipartisan 12 to 1 vote.         

Rep. Solano wants to make sure that farmers, ranchers and other Coloradans can generate affordable, clean energy at their homes or businesses.  Under the proposed legislation, excess energy could be sold back to the utility company for others to use.

“This bill will allow all Colorado consumers to participate in the burgeoning renewable energy market,” said Rep. Solano.  “By moving the proposed legislation forward, we’re making a commitment to energy independence, and creating new jobs and opportunities to expand the reach of renewables.”

Despite the state’s abundant access to potential sources of renewable energy – we have 300 days of sun annually and lots of wind – 40 percent of Coloradans have difficulty connecting their home or business renewable energy systems to the larger utility grid. 

“If people are putting more energy back on the grid than they’re using, if their meter is running backwards, it’s only right they receive fair compensation for the excess energy they produce,” continued Solano.  “I look forward to working with all the stakeholders to craft the best policy possible.”   

HB 1160 streamlines the inconsistent patchwork of rural electric association (REA) and municipal utilities’ (MUs) rules for connecting and metering individual wind and solar systems.  By creating a uniform statewide standard, all Coloradans will have the chance to harvest a slice of the renewable energy economy.   

The bill preserves an important balance between local control and consumer empowerment.  HB 1160 gives REAs and MUs flexibility with how they handle excess electricity every year.  It also makes renewable energy production more accessible and affordable by allowing individuals to produce renewable energy without incurring penalties for doing so.

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Rep. Carroll Protects Patients From Medical Monopolies

Bill protects patients from reductions in quality, access

DENVER –Representative Morgan Carroll (D-Aurora) is sponsoring a bill to ensure patient care is not compromised when hospital sales take place.

It is a growing trend in the metro area for hospitals to merge in order to remain profitable.  Sometimes, patient care suffers as services are cut and re-structured.  “We have had hospitals merging at a cancerous rate in Colorado, at some times approaching monopolies,” Rep. Carroll explained.

She continued, “I cannot think of a more dangerous place for monopolies than in healthcare.  At a time when we are trying to increase access and improve quality of care, it is exactly the wrong time to eliminate access to key services.”

Under current law, the Attorney General is granted the authority to review all hospital transactions. The proposed law would further clarify the Attorney General’s authority to include the right to review the sales transaction if patient care could be compromised by the merger.

“Hospital profits should not trump patient care, period. Our health should be their bottom line,” shared Rep. Carroll.

The bill, House Bill 08-1203, passed on a 7-6 vote today in House Health and Human Services committee. It now moves to the House floor for full consideration.

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Rep. Todd’s “Alternatives to Dissection” Bill Passes Committee Intact

(DENVER)  As long as House Bill 1149 does not get cut or gutted, Colorado students will be able to choose alternatives to dissecting animals such as cats, fetal pigs and frogs in their science classes.

Representative Nancy Todd’s (D-Aurora) proposal passed out of the House Education Committee on an 8-5 vote this afternoon.   The bill will allow students to dissect animals “virtually” on a computer model or via other means.

“I support hands-on learning,” Rep. Todd said, “and I know there’s a different feel – so to speak – when using alternatives to dissection.  But I want to allow science teachers to offer options to those students who have moral, ethical or religious objections, just as fourteen other states have done.”

HB 1149 now goes to the full House for a vote.

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Rep. Benefield Ensures Funding for Youth Programs Reaches Youth

Program reduces drop outs and crime with less restrictions

DENVER –Representative Debbie Benefield (D-Westminster) is sponsoring a bill to help youth stay in school and out of trouble.  The long standing and successful program, Tony Grampsas Youth Services (TGYS), funds a wide variety of community initiatives that have decreased rates of abuse and crime and kept kids in school.

The bill, House Bill 08-1122, passed unanimously out of the House Health and Human Services committee today with no opposition. It will be voted on by House members in the near future.

Earmarks in the current law divert time and energy from the program goals by increasing administrative burdens.  Removing the barriers allows the program to thrive while reaching more youth. HB-1122 helps to ensure that time and attention are devoted to preventing youth violence and promoting learning.

“It is important that every dollar going to the program actually reaches the youth programs in need.  Every dollar we invest in the Tony Grampsas program helps decrease school drop out rates and prevent crime by supporting youth mentoring and after school programs,” Rep. Benefield testified. “If kids are staying in school, they won’t be committing crimes.”

The bill is supported by: Colorado Alliance of Boys and Girls Clubs, Colorado Children’s Campaign, Colorado Parent and Child Foundation and the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.

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Representative Joe Rice Returns to Capitol after Service in Iraq

Colleagues welcome him back to work

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.

McGihon Tackles Mental Health, Substance Abuse

Behavioral Health Task Force Reports Opportunities for Significant Findings in Key Areas to Streamline Services, Maximize Funding

DENVER –State Representative Anne McGihon (D-Denver, Arapahoe), Chair of the Health and Human Services committee, announced the final recommendations from the Behavioral Health Task Force last Thursday.  The report includes recommendations for how to streamline and coordinate mental health and substance abuse services while maximizing funding.

“We will be able to improve services and make sure that people who need services are getting equivalent services across the state of Colorado” said Rep. McGihon.  “The report creates opportunities for significant changes in how we treat mental health and substance abuse. We now have a road map of where we can remove the silos and create more integrated services.”

The report’s lead recommendation proposed the creation of a Behavioral Health Commission with leadership from key stakeholder groups including: education, corrections, consumer and family advocates, human services and health care providers.  The Commission would be able to implement and oversee the complete recommendations of the Task Force.  The report outlines 11 recommendations in total.

The task force was created last year by House Joint Resolution 07-1050.  Their charge was to study the mental health and substance abuse services in order to coordinate state agency efforts, streamline services provided, and maximize funding for these services.  Their report addresses the delivery of mental health and substance abuse services through public systems and did not address their delivery in the private insurance system.

Rep. McGihon thanked the group for their work. “Because of the Task Force’s work, we can deliver a behavioral care product with some real suggestions for change and improvement for all Coloradans.”  The task force included 14 diverse members representing various stakeholders and a representative from the Governor’s office. Legislative members were: Rep. McGihon (Chair), Senator Betty Boyd (D-Lakewood, Vice Chair), Senator Bob Hagedorn (D-Arvada), Rep. Jeanne Labuda (D-Denver) and Rep. Debbie Stafford (D-Aurora).

The complete report will be available after January 31^st at:
http://www.csi-policy.org/1050taskforce/1050/1050Report.pdf

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A Statement from Representative Christine Scanlan

As the new State Representative for House District 56, I will work hard to meet the expectation set by Senator Dan Gibbs (the former Representative for HD 56) that he accomplished on our behalf last year.  During this year’s legislative session, I will be tackling important issues affecting Coloradans, including: the economy, our environment, our broken health care system, transportation and education.   

At a local level, the questions we need to address are significant:

• How do we balance healthy economic growth with the thoughtful management of our open spaces? 
• What does bark beetle infestation mean for our property values?  To wildfire mitigation and protecting critical infrastructure?  How do we create a new definition of mountain beauty – with a very different landscape?
• Are we doing enough to educate the next generation for the 21^st century economy– for jobs that we in all likelihood can’t even define?  Are we making sure that the more than 10,000 students across this district are acquiring the skills they need for success?

All these concerns are real, and require long-term and fiscally responsible solutions.  I don’t doubt that together with determination we can forge answers to these questions. 

This year I will bring a focus to the statewide bark beetle infestation.  I am carrying the Healthy Forest Restoration Act of 2008, which continues the work started last year by Senator Dan Gibbs.  It earmarks $1 million in funding to local communities to help protect watersheds and provide wildfire mitigation.  This issue will be with us for years to come; coordinating local, state and federal efforts to reduce the impact is essential.

I will also be one of two House sponsors carrying the Governor Ritter’s highest priority bill. The proposal will help improve Colorado’s education system from pre-school to college by aligning our focus towards student success.  Of course, the choice to pursue education beyond high school will remain their own.  However, it will be our responsibility as legislators to make sure every student is equipped with the skills they need to thrive at a college-level.

I am honored and grateful for the opportunity to serve the citizens that make up this exceptional district.   I will work hard to represent Lake, Summit and Eagle Counties well.  I will listen to your concerns and your ideas and will take action to address issues that are important to our local communities.  That is leadership.  I look forward to creating an even better future together.   

Best regards,
Christine Scanlan
State Representative
House District 56