Colorado House Democrats

Major Cancer Prevention Bill Passes House

Screenings that cost $3,000 now could soon cost less than $65

DENVER – Nearly half of those diagnosed with colon cancer could be saved if they had access to timely screening, according to the American Cancer Society.  Unfortunately, colonoscopies and other types of screenings are extremely pricey, even for those with insurance.  Depending on the co-payment, which can vary significantly, the average deductible for colorectal cancer screenings can range from $300 to $5,000, making testing particularly cost prohibitive, even for those with insurance.

But today, the House of Representatives passed one of the most significant health care bills in years, making early cancer tests more affordable.  House Bill 1410, sponsored by State Representative Andy Kerr (D-Lakewood), directs insurance companies to provide the most common colon cancer screenings with co-payments of no more than $65.

“This bill ensures Coloradans get health care coverage that counts,” said Rep. Kerr. “Early screening can be the difference between catching a polyp early, maybe before it is cancerous, and waiting until it is too late.”

Although it is only the 4th most common type of cancer, colon cancer has the 2nd highest mortality rate in Colorado, trailing only lung cancer.  It's expected that 1,840 cases of colon cancer will be diagnosed in Colorado during 2008.

The bill passed out of the House today by a vote of 42 to 22.  It now goes to the Senate where it is being carried by State Senator Lois Tochtrop (D-Thornton).

-- Posted by staff

Cheap Cancer Screenings Coming Soon

$2,000 screenings could soon cost $65 for Coloradans

(Denver) More than 650 Coloradans will die because of colon cancer in 2008 alone.  Nearly half of those diagnosed with colon cancer could be saved if they had access to timely screening, according to the American Cancer Society.  That is about the size of a high school graduating class.

Recognizing the importance of early screening, State Rep. Andy Kerr (D-Lakewood) is sponsoring House Bill 1410 to help make the tests more affordable for Coloradans. 

"Early screening can be the difference between catching a polyp early, maybe before it is cancerous, and waiting too long," said Rep. Kerr.  "Unfortunately, right now, many who want to take personal responsibility for their health are not able to.  That's because screenings are so expensive, and carry such high co-payments that many people who need the tests can't afford them."

Colonoscopies and other types of screenings can be extremely pricey, even for those with insurance.  Depending on the co-payment, which can vary significantly, the average deductible for colorectal cancer screenings can range from $300 to $5,000, making testing particularly cost prohibitive, even for those with insurance. 

School Finance Act Secures Smart Start for Colorado Kids

DENVER – On Tuesday, the House passed the 2008 School Finance Act on an initial voice vote.  The annual public school funding bill emphasizes early education by allowing as many as 22,000 additional 4- and 5-year-olds to enter preschool and kindergarten over time. 

House Bill 1388, sponsored by State Representative Jack Pommer (D-Boulder) and State Senator Sue Windels (D-Arvada), also achieves the following:

• Increases per pupil funding to $5,260.27 to keep up with inflation and population increases. 
• Adds supplemental support for “facility schools” – day or residential treatment facilities licensed by the Department of Human Services.  That funding will provide students with special needs, including those with severe learning and emotional disorders, the extra attention they require to excel.   
• Increases funding for the Science Technology Engineering and Math – or STEM –after-school education grant program.  The pilot helps students excel in those critical subjects to foster 21^st Century skills.
• Expands support for the Colorado Charter School for the Deaf and Blind. 

“This is an outstanding piece of legislation,” said Representative Michael Merrifield (D-Colorado Springs). “Colorado is part of an increasingly global economy; we don’t just compete with Wyoming and Utah, but with China and India too.  The provisions in this bill will help all our kids compete.”

State Representative Andy Kerr (D-Lakewood), another co-sponsor, put it this way: "This takes us one step closer to building the best public schools in America.  Every kid deserves a world-class education, and we’re working to give it to them.”

State Representative Nancy Todd (D-Aurora) echoed the statements of her colleagues, saying, “This is my fourth year in the legislature, and this is the best school finance act I’ve seen.  We continue to face significant challenges, but every year we’re making huge strides.” 

The omnibus education measure awaits final passage in the House before moving to the Senate.

-- Posted by staff

Rep. Andy Kerr Announces Bill to Reduce Colon Cancer Rates in Colorado

Although it is only the 4^th most common type of cancer, colon cancer has the 2^nd highest mortality rate in Colorado, trailing only lung cancer.  It’s expected that 1,840 cases of colon cancer will be diagnosed in the state and more than 650 Coloradans will die because of the illness in 2008 alone.  Nearly half of those diagnosed with colon cancer could be saved if they had access to timely screening, according to the American Cancer Society.   

Recognizing the importance of early screening, State Rep. Andy Kerr (D-Lakewood) announced a new bill on Sunday to help make the tests more affordable for Coloradans. 

“Early screening can be the difference between catching a polyp early, maybe before it is cancerous, and waiting too long,” said Rep. Kerr.  “Unfortunately, right now, many who want to take personal responsibility for their health are not able to.  That’s because screenings are so expensive, and carry such high co-payments that many people who need the tests can’t afford them.”

Top-Flight Principals & Teachers Prepare Students for 21st Century

Three new Education Bills Unveiled Today

DENVER –Three former teachers who are now Democratic State Representatives are helping Colorado teachers and principals receive training and rewards to create the best schools in America right here in Colorado. Recognizing that teachers have the greatest impact on student success, three proposals to nurture top-flight teachers, to establish Colorado’s first-ever Principal Academy, and create a Teach for Colorado program were announced today.

“We’re making improvements in the two most important factors for enhancing student learning- quality teachers and quality principals,” State Representative Michael Merrifield (D-Colorado Springs) explained.

State Representative Nancy Todd (D-Aurora) is making sure that Colorado’s top-flight kids get no less than the best.  She is carrying House Bill 1384 with Rep. Merrifield to recruit and retain excellent teachers in Colorado.

“Top flight teachers do more than teach; they inspire, they inform, they set the bar high, and coach kids to go further than anyone thought possible,” Rep. Todd said.

The bill provides a $3,000 annual financial incentive for teachers who have completed the National Board Certification.  Teachers must spend one to three years to complete their certification. Three-hundred Colorado teachers currently meet that standard, compared to over 12,000 teachers in North Carolina.  The bill will recognize and reward their achievement. Surrounding states, including Wyoming, compete for top-notch teachers with a $4,000 annual incentive for board certified teachers.

State Representative Andy Kerr (D-Lakewood), a social studies teacher, discussed Senate Bill 133, which would create incentives to encourage prospective teachers to pursue careers in Colorado.

Bill Prohibiting HOAs from Restricting Energy Efficiency Measures on its Way to Governor

Today, the House sent a bill prohibiting Homeowners Associations (HOAs) from restricting energy efficiency measures to the Governor’s desk.  The House concurred with Senate Amendments to House Bill 1270 – which is sponsored by State Representative Andy Kerr (D-Lakewood) and State Senator Ron Tupa (D-Boulder). The bill then re-passed the House with a bi-partisan, 54 to 10 vote. 

The bill encourages homeowners to invest in technologies to lower their utility bills and helps all Coloradans participate in the new energy economy.  In so doing, the measure supports small businesses that produce renewable and efficiency technologies.

“This is one of the most progressive HOA energy efficiency measures in the country,” said Rep. Kerr.  “I’m proud to help empower thousands of Coloradans to maintain more energy efficient homes,”   

The bill extends an existing law that bars HOAs from limiting the use of solar devices.  It also includes other energy efficiency measures such as wind-electric generators, shade structures such as awnings, shutters, attic fans and swamp coolers, and retractable clotheslines. 

“This is yet another bill that goes to show, red, white blue is the new green,” proclaimed Rep. Kerr.   

HB 1270 now awaits action from the Governor.

-- Posted by staff

School Finance Act Gives Colorado Kids a Smart Start

DENVER – On Monday, Democrats unveiled their 2008 School Finance Act, the annual public school funding bill.  The proposal places special emphasis on early education by getting tens of thousands of additional 4- and 5-year-olds into preschool and kindergarten. 

House Bill 1388, sponsored by State Representative Jack Pommer (D-Boulder) and State Senator Sue Windels (D-Jefferson County), will increase per pupil funding to $5,250.41 to keep up with inflation and population increases.  The bill also will allow 22,000 more 4 and 5-year-olds to enroll in preschool and kindergarten over 6 years.

“The School Finance Act provides the three keys for student success – a smart start, top-flight teachers, and a safe place to go to school,” said Rep. Andy Kerr (D-Lakewood). 

Additional resources will be allocated for what are known as facility schools – day or residential treatment facilities, or other facilities licensed by the Department of Human Services – to provide students with special needs, including severe learning or emotional disorders, the extra attention they require to excel. 

Rep. Kerr put it this way: “Despite the tightest budget constraints in the country, we are still doing all we can to provide an education that helps our kids get ahead.”

-- Posted by staff

Upcoming Town Hall Events

Saturday, March 22-Rep. John Kefalas, Rep. Randy Fischer, Senator Bob Bacon will host a town hall meeting on the topic of higher education from 9:30-11 a.m. at the Harmony Library Community Room, 4616 S. Shields, Fort Collins (Southeast corner of Harmony and Shields).

Saturday, March 22-Rep. Andy Kerr and Senator Betty Boyd will host a town hall meeting on aging baby boomers and long-term health care options from 9:30 to 11 a.m. at Lakewood United Church of Christ, 100 Carr St., Lakewood.

Saturday, March 22-Rep. Cheri Jahn and Senator Moe Keller will host a town hall meeting from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. at the Wheat Ridge Senior Center at 6363 W. 35th Ave., Wheat Ridge.

Saturday, March 22-Rep. John Soper will host a mid session progress report from 10 a.m. to 12 noon at the Holiday Hills Clubhouse, 2001 W. 92nd Ave., Federal Heights.

Monday, March 24-Rep. Sara Gagliardi will host her monthly coffee on the fourth Monday from 7 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. at Billy D's Coffee, 14705 West 64th Ave (at Indiana), Arvada.

Saturday, March 29-Rep. Jim Riesberg will host a town hall meeting on Creative Support for People with Developmental Disabilities from 9 to 10:30 a.m. at Envision, 1050 37th St., Evans.

Saturday, March 29-Speaker Andrew Romanoff and Rep. Judy Solano will host a town hall meeting on the topic of health care from 10 a.m. to 12 noon at the Adams 12 Five-Star School Administration Building, 1500 E. 128th Ave., Thornton.

Saturday, March 29-Rep. Christine Scanlan will host a town hall meeting on aging baby boomers and long-term health care options from 2 to 3:30 p.m. at the Vail Town Hall, 75 South Frontage Road, Vail.

Friday, April 4-Rep. Mary Hodge and Senator Takis will host a town hall meeting from 7 a.m. to 8 a.m. at the Firestation #2, 3100 Peoria St., Aurora.

Friday, April 4-Rep. Nancy Todd will host a coffee from 7 to 8 a.m. at Panera, 12293 East Iliff Avenue, Aurora.

Saturday, April 5-Rep. Gwyn Green, Rep. Andy Kerr, Rep. Ken Summers and Senator Betty Boyd will host their monthly Lakewood town hall meeting, at the Belmar Public Library, 255 Allison Parkway, Lakewood, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Saturday, April 5-Speaker Andrew Romanoff and Rep. Christine Scanlan will host two town hall meetings: from 12 to 1:15 p.m. at French Press is 34295 Highway 6 #C-1-B, Edwards, and from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. at Pug Ryans, 104 Village Place, Dillon.

Monday, April 7-Rep. Morgan Carroll will host Coffee with Carroll from 7 a.m. to 8 a.m. at East Steamers Coffee House, 360 S. Chambers Rd, Aurora.

Monday, March 7-Rep. Joe Rice will host his monthly coffee from 7 a.m. to 8 a.m. at the South Metro Camber of Commerce, 6840 S. University Blvd., Centennial.

Rep. Andy Kerr and Sen. Gail Schwartz Honor Peace Jam and Nobel Laureate Adolfo Perez Esquival

DENVER – On Friday, State Representative Andy Kerr (D-Lakewood) and State Senator Gail Schwartz (D-Snowmass) hosted Nobel Peace Laureate Adolfo Esquivel Perez and members of Peace Jam at the State Capitol.  The two lawmakers also sponsored a resolution honoring Esquivel and the work of Peace Jam, a locally-based youth services organization that pairs Nobel Laureates with children to inspire youths to transform their communities, themselves and the world.  More than 500,000 youths have participated in 300,000 service projects in ten different countries around the world.

“Today has truly been remarkable,” said Rep. Andy Kerr.  “Esquivel has worked so hard for the people of Latin America, and Peace Jam has done so much to advance the peace and justice movements around the globe.  I’m honored to have helped carry this resolution."

Esquivel was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1980 for his leadership on human rights and democracy throughout Latin America.  A well-known artist and architect, Esquivel helped expose the brutal policies carried out by the army responsible for Jorge Videla’s 1976 military coup in Argentina.

Like many who opposed the coup, Esquivel was “disappeared” – taken to an undisclosed location with no contact to the outside world – in Buenos Aires, held hostage and tortured for 14 months without trial.  Luckily he was not killed, as were so many of the disappeared.  But he was placed under house arrest.  Despite his detention, he worked tirelessly to expose the carnage of Videla’s “Dirty War,” and helped sway international opinion against the ruling junta. 

“It’s been a very warm welcome I’ve received in Colorado.  This is a great honor for me to be here and to receive this reception,” commented Esquivel after the resolution passed both the Senate and House.  “The resolution is really important to support peace educating for peace.  This will help youth develop a greater understanding of the true meaning of peace.”

-- Posted by staff

Breastfeeding Moms Win Workplace Protections Today

Representative Andy Kerr passes Bill out of House

DENVER –State Representative Andy Kerr (D-Lakewood) is helping new moms return to the workplace and continue breastfeeding or pumping breast milk for their babies. Making sure that mothers have the time and space available to them to express breast milk is one step closer to becoming a reality after a vote today, thanks to House Bill 1276 which is sponsored by Rep. Kerr.

Many in the health community have long recognized the importance of breast milk in establishing a healthy future for babies.   Doctors recommended that all babies are breastfed for a minimum of six months and preferably for one year.

However, returning to work is one of the main barriers that mothers cite in discontinuing nursing. The bill would make sure business create reasonable accommodations in workplaces for the time and space for nursing mothers to breastfeed or pump their breast milk.

“Typically, the reason that mothers miss work is to stay home with sick children.  This is the right thing for moms, for healthy babies and for a productive workplace,” Rep. Kerr stated. Businesses recognize the value of healthy children and how that increases the morale and productivity of working mothers.

The House supported the bill today with a final vote of 59 to 6.  It now makes its way to the Senate for consideration.

-- Posted by staff