Colorado House Democrats

Piggy Bank Lessons

Today is National Teach Children to Save Day

(Denver) Each year, teenagers in America spend $180 billion, or $104 each week.  To prevent these spending habits from leading to bankruptcy and indebtedness, Governor Bill Ritter has proclaimed April 29^th, 2008 as National Teach Children to Save Day. 

Earlier this year, a financial advisor from Edward Jones, Tom McLean of Westminster, asked his State Representative Debbie Benefield (D-Westminster) to propose National Teach Children to Save Day in Colorado, to promote financial literacy and responsibility among Colorado’s youth.

In the 1980’s, Americans saved 9 cents on every dollar that they earned. During the 90’s, they only saved a nickel. The most recent reports indicate that Americans are spending more than they earn, and have a negative savings rate of 0.5 cents. 

Accordingly, Tom McLean and several other financial advisors and bankers from the American Bankers Association will be participating in National Teach Children to Save Day.  Mr. McLean will be visiting 1^st and 3^rd grade classrooms in Westminster to raise financial awareness.  Throughout the week, he will be giving lessons, piggy bank in hand, at 4 elementary schools: Tarver, Arapahoe Ridge, Hunter’s Glenn, and Le Roy. 

“Basic education in financial and economic literacy help form lifetime savings habits and the wise use of credit,” Rep. Benefield said.

Although the program is directed towards America’s youth, National Teach Children to Save Day serves to remind everyone about the importance of fiscal responsibility.

The proclamation is timely, given that a financial literacy education bill, House Bill 1168, is making its way to the Governor’s desk.  Sponsored by State Representative Rosemary Marshall (D-Denver), the bill advises Colorado schools to integrate financial literacy education as part of the math curriculum. If passed, students will be taught penny-saving smarts throughout their K-12 education years.

“We know that Americans are spending more and saving less.  This is a proactive plan to teach our children how to manage money and avoid credit card debt down the road” Rep. Marshall stated.

The bill comes in response to sobering information about young people's financial acumen.  Despite spending $150 billion annually, a 2006 nationwide study showed only 52 percent of young Americans demonstrated sufficient personal financial literacy, and the average high school senior only answered 48 percent of questions about economics and finance correctly.

House Bill 1168 has passed the House and now awaits approval from the full Senate, where it is sponsored by Senator Chris Romer (D-Denver).

-- Posted by staff

House Committee Provides Helping Hand to 9Health Fair

Program promotes personal responsibility & affordable health care

DENVER – On Wednesday, the House Finance Committee voted 7 to 3 to help Coloradans receive vital preventive and chronic care.  Senate Bill 16, sponsored by State Representative Debbie Benefield (D-Westminster and Arvada) and State Senator Nancy Spence (D-Arapahoe County), would provide much-needed funding to the vital program.   

“For thousands of Coloradans, the only contact they have with health care professionals over the course of a year is at the 9Health Fair,” Rep. Benefield continued.  “Without the 9Health Fair, thousands of potentially serious health issues would go undetected and untreated.  This bill helps Coloradans take charge of their health.”

The bill creates the 9Health Fair Fund through the state treasury.  The program would be funded by a voluntary check-off on state income tax returns.  Those funds would help pay for the fair, which provides low cost and free health care screenings and preventive medicine to thousands of Coloradans annually.

The mission of the 9Health Fair is to promote health awareness and encourage Coloradans to take responsibility for their own health.  Last year, the 9Health Fair provided care to 87,000 Coloradans at 160 locations in 50 counties.  Since the fair was founded in 1980, it has served more than 1.5 million people.  The 9Health Fair is primarily staffed by volunteers from hospitals, schools, service organizations and religious institutions across the state. 

“The 9Health Fair is an essential part of so many Colorado communities,” said Rep. Benefield.  “This is a non-profit organization that truly understands the importance of disease prevention.  This is a genuine community-based, grass roots effort that provides both screenings and education to people who otherwise couldn’t afford it.”

The bill now goes to the House Appropriations Committee before going to the full House for further consideration.

-- Posted by staff

Rep. Benefield Helps Youth Stay Healthy and Stay In School

PTA Leader Continues to be Champion for Youth

DENVER –Representative Debbie Benefield (D-Arvada/Westminster) is the sponsor of two separate bills to help Colorado’s youth.  Both are on their way to the Senate after supportive votes in the House today.  One will help youth stay in school and out of trouble.   The other will promote wellness programs in public schools.

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. Current law diverts time and energy from the program goals by increasing administrative burdens.  Rep. Benefield has proposed removing the barriers to allow the program to thrive while reaching more youth. House Bill 08-1122 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 in need.  Every dollar we invest in the program helps decrease school drop out rates and prevent crime by supporting youth mentoring and after school programs,” Rep. Benefield said. “If kids are staying in school, we know that crime rates are reduced.”

The second bill, House Bill 1224 will help promote wellness in public schools by emphasizing
healthy choices and lifestyles, physical education, nutrition, mental health counseling, healthy school environments, and involvement of families and communities.

The bill would also expand funding opportunities for school districts to apply for increased funding from the Colorado Comprehensive Health Education Fund. Rep. Benefield asked, “Who can argue with combating obesity and encouraging kids to eat right and exercise?”

-- Posted by staff

Upcoming Opportunities to Meet with Your Legislator

Littleton Legislators to Share Insights from Iraq: Rep. Joe Rice and Senator Steve Ward will host two town hall meetings to share their on-the-ground insights from Iraq. Both have recently returned from serving in the armed forces in Iraq. You can meet them Tuesday, February 26, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Bemis Public Library, 6014 S. Datura St., Downtown Littleton or Thursday, February 28, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., Littleton City Council Chambers, 2255 W. Berry Ave, Littleton. Thursday evening, they will be joined by a delegation of local Iraqi government officials, who are visiting the Denver area to learn about how local and state governments function in the United States.

Wednesday, Feb. 27-Rep. Nancy Todd will host a panel discussion on foreclosure prevention and counseling from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., at Eastridge Elementary School, 11777 E. Wesley Ave., Aurora.

Saturday, March 1-Rep. John Kefalas, Rep. Randy Fischer, Senator Bob Bacon will host a town hall meeting from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on the CSU Campus in Fort Collins, Warner College of Natural Resources, Room 113, University Ave., north side of street, just west of West Drive, 1 block south of The Oval.  Park in lot on east side of West Drive                     

Saturday, March 1-Rep. Jim Riesberg will host a town hall meeting to discuss higher education from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. on the UNC campus in Greeley, University Center, UNC, Columbine Room, 10th Ave and 20th St.

Saturday, March 1-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. This month’s topic is elections, and the meetings are held the first Saturday of each month at the library.

Saturday, March 1–Rep. Sara Gagliardi will host her March Saturdays with Sarah town hall meeting on foreclosure prevention and counseling, from 10:30 a.m. to noon, at the Susan Duncan YMCA, 14705 W. 64th Ave., Arvada.

Monday, March 3-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 3-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.

Tuesday, March 4-Rep. Debbie Benefield will host a town hall from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. with tips on saving energy in the home at the Standley Lake Public Library, 8485 Kipling St., Arvada.

Wednesday, March 5-Rep. Dianne Primavera will host Pizza with Primavera from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Original Pizza, 1300 W. Midway Blvd, Broomfield. Click here for more details.

Rep. Benefield Ensures Funding For Youth Programs Reaches Youth

Program reduces drop outs and crime

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 on an initial voice vote today in the House.

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 program helps decrease school drop out rates and prevent crime by supporting youth mentoring and after school programs,” Rep. Benefield said.  “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.

-- Posted by staff

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.

-- Posted by staff

How Many Elected Officials Does it Take to Change a Light Bulb?

DENVER –State leaders were instrumental in transforming the State Capitol into a “Green House” by changing the light bulbs in the House chamber’s chandelier earlier this week.  The conventional incandescent light bulbs were removed, recycled and replaced with compact fluorescents.  The move prompted jokes from onlookers as to ‘just how many legislators it takes to change a light bulb?’

All joking aside, the light bulb switch, which highlighted the replacement not only of the 65 bulbs in the ornate brass chandelier, but all the bulbs throughout the Capitol building, will have huge energy and cost savings.   

Compact fluorescents last more than ten times as long as the old incandescent bulbs and significantly reduce the amount of carbon emissions released into the environment.   Over the next 10 years, carbon emissions will be reduced by 692,904 pounds, the equivalent of taking over 100 cars off the road and will save Colorado taxpayers more than $17,000 annually. 

The 1500-pound, pure brass chandelier is lowered each December for cleaning in anticipation for January when lawmakers return for the 2008 legislative session.

Photo: "Greening the House" Left to right: Representative Debbie Benefield, Representative Claire Levy, and Representaive Sara Gagliardi.

-- Posted by Staff