Colorado House Democrats

Lawmakers Secure Health Care for a Busload of Kids - 1,000 Busloads in Fact!

Appearing in photo, from left: Gordon Duvall (green shirt) -- health care provider to at-risk youth, State Rep. John Kefalas (D-Fort Collins), State Rep. Dianne Primavera (D-Broomfield), State Rep. Michael Merrifield (D-Colorado Springs), State Sen. Betty Boyd (D-Lakewood), State Rep. Anne McGihon (D-Denver)

DENVER – 55,000 kids would fill 1,000 school buses.  If they were holding hands, they would reach 41 miles, from the capitol to Highlands Ranch – and back again!  Together, they could form 6,111 little league baseball teams.  It is also the number of kids who will have access to health insurance with legislation that will soon be on the Governor’s desk. 

It was a historic day in the Colorado House of Representatives.  First, lawmakers passed two major bills on an initial voice vote – Senate Bill 160, sponsored by State Representative Anne McGihon (D-Denver) and State Senator Bob Hagedorn (D-Aurora), and Senate Bill 161, sponsored by State Representative Michael Merrifield (D-Colorado Springs) and State Senator Betty Boyd (D-Lakewood) – expanding eligibility and making it easier for families to apply for the Child Health Plan Program and the Baby and Kid Care Program under Medicaid. 

Next, lawmakers joined students from Birch Elementary in Broomfield, Colorado – enough students to fill two of those 1,000 school buses – to celebrate the 55,000 uninsured kids who will have access to health care when the legislation passes the House and is signed by the Governor, as it is expected to be.   

“We’re working to make sure every Colorado kid has a healthy start,” said Rep. Merrifield amid cheering students. “And getting 55,000 kids – enough to fill 1,000 school buses – the care they need is a really good step toward achieving that goal!”

Senate Bill 161, sponsored by Rep. Merrifield and Sen. Boyd, will help the two-thirds uninsured children in Colorado who are eligible for either Medicaid or the Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+), enroll.  Right now, the application process acts as a serious barrier for thousands of families.

By reducing some of the paperwork and eliminating the obstructive provision that requires families to submit loads of paperwork, forms and paystubs, lawmakers are making it easier to apply and to get their kids the care they need.

Rep. McGihon emphasized the importance of that legislation, as well as the bill she’s carrying in her remarks.

“55,000 kids – that means there are going to be a lot of moms and dads who won’t have to worry about spending their savings if their child breaks a finger or a foot playing baseball.  There are going to be a lot of moms and dads who will sleep well at night knowing that if – God forbid –anything ever happens to their kids, they won’t have to take out a second mortgage or file bankruptcy just to pay the medical bills.”

Senate Bill 160, which she is sponsoring with Sen. Hagedorn, will extend access to the Child Health Plan to a lot more kids.  It will also boost the availability of much-needed mental health services.   

Specifically, the bill will help more uninsured children get the early childhood care they need by expanding the Child Health Plan Program to families at 225% of the Federal Poverty Level.  It will also increase the eligibility for young Coloradans (between 6 and 19 years old) from 100 to 133% of the federal poverty level for the Baby and Kid Care Program under Medicaid.  Combined with 161, the two bills are expected to help 55,000 kids access the care they need.

“The kids behind us on those two school buses remind us how important it is to provide every Colorado kid a healthy start,” said Rep. Merrifield.  “Envision 998 more of those buses, one after the other, and you’ll realize were well on our way!”

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Shopping for Health Insurance?

Help is on the Way with New Consumer Guide

(Denver) Frustrated consumers, human resources staff and business owners shopping for health insurance will have a new tool for selecting a policy that
fits their needs.  House Bill 1385 would create an apples-to-apples consumer guide to shopping for health insurance.

As part of the Governor Bill Ritter’s “building blocks for healthcare reform” plan, House Bill 1385 is sponsored by State Representative Dianne
Primavera (D-Broomfield). 

“Too often, Coloradans are forced to compare apples to oranges to bananas when they are looking at health insurance policies,” Rep. Primavera explained. “The good news is that help is on the way for frustrated consumers, human resource reps, and business owners.”

Charley Shimanski, President of the Colorado Nonprofit Association, supports the consumer guide too. “By comparing policies apples to apples, nonprofits will be able to save time, money and frustration when shopping for health insurance,” he said.

In addition, the bill will shine light on the commission fees that insurance brokers earn when selling insurance policies. This is a common practice in other industries.  In the real estate industry, brokers must disclose what their commission is when selling a house. Consumers will also be able to file complaints if they are dissatisfied with their policy.

Rep. Primavera explained, “We are creating transparency in the health care system by requiring insurance brokers to tell customers how much commission they make on each policy they sell.”
   
The House passed the bill today on a bi-partisan 49 to 16 vote and now heads to the Senate for full consideration, where it is sponsored by Senator Gail
Schwartz (D-Snowmass Village).

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Rep. Primavera Welcomes High School Champions from Across Broomfield to the State House

On Monday, State Representative Dianne Primavera welcomed the 3A and 4A girl’s state high school basketball championship teams and the 4A state wrestling champion to the floor of the Colorado House of Representatives. All hail from Broomfield, the Representative’s hometown.

After introducing the teams to fellow House members, Rep. Primavera joined the 4A champion Broomfield High School Eagles for photos. The Eagles, who are led by head coach Mike Croell, have the historic distinction of bringing back-to-back state championships to Broomfield High.

Next, Rep. Primavera joined Gabe Gomez and Broomfield High administrators, including principal Ginger Ramsey. Gabe won the 4A boy’s 112-pound wrestling championship this past March.

Finally, Rep. Primavera joined head coach Ron Rossi and the 3A champion Holy Family Tigers. This year marked the first time the Tigers have won the state championship. 

“With all these champions from Broomfield, it’s pretty crowded out here,” Rep. Primavera quipped on as they crowded onto the House floor this morning. “This is a great day for Broomfield athletes, especially the ladies.”

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Gov. Ritter Signs Law Creating Autism Commission

Gov. Bill Ritter today signed Senate Bill 163 into law, establishing a 24-member Colorado Autism Commission that will examine gaps in services and devise a 10-year state strategy by Oct. 1, 2009.

SB 163 was sponsored by Rep. Brandon Shaffer and Rep. Dianne Primavera at the urging of the Autism Society of Colorado.

“Government does best when it collaborates with people, nonprofits and organizations like the Autism Society of Colorado, when it intersects with where people struggle, and when it crafts real solutions to real problems,” Gov. Ritter said.

“This new law will help us better understand, coordinate, and more efficiently provide services to Coloradans affected by autism,” Gov. Ritter added. “One in 169 Colorado children has been diagnosed with some form of autism. Clearly, this is a critical and growing challenge.”

“I'm proud to stand with Governor Ritter today as we make this commission a reality,” Sen. Shaffer said. “Better understanding autism spectrum disorders will help us bring much-needed relief to thousands of Colorado families.”

“Research shows that with the right treatment at the right time, kids with autism can succeed.  We should give them every opportunity to do so,” Rep. Primavera said.

For a complete list of legislation Gov. Ritter has signed into law during the 2008 legislative session, click here or visit www.colorado.gov/governor.

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Adult Stem Cell Bill on its Way to Senate

Cord blood could provide lifeline for those facing cancer, cerebral palsy, even Alzheimer’s

DENVER – On Monday, House Bill 1372, sponsored by State Representative Dianne Primavera (D-Broomfield) passed the House on a sweeping 58 to 4 vote, with 35 House members co-sponsoring the measure.  The bill would establish the Colorado Stem Cells Cure Fund, to be financed with a check off on the Colorado income tax form as well as gifts, grants and donations.

“A baby’s umbilical cord is a lifeline before birth.  It provides the nutrients and oxygen necessary for a baby’s growth,” continued Rep. Primavera.  “After birth, the baby no longer needs that lifeline, but that same cord could provide a lifeline for someone else.”

The fund would provide resources to allow every new mother across the state the chance to donate the stem cells found in umbilical cord blood after birth to a public cord blood bank.  Those stem cells could then be used in treatments for various illnesses – particularly leukemia.  They could also be used for research into cures for a host of other illnesses.   

“It’s estimated that more than 80,000 babies were born to Colorado mothers last year.  Of those, only 700 mothers donated their baby’s umbilical cord,” noted Rep. Primavera.  “This bill will provide the chance for all mothers to donate so more doctors can research new cures and patients can receive the treatments they need.”

Adult Stem Cell Bill Passes House on Initial Voice Vote

DENVER – On Friday, House Bill 1372, sponsored by State Representative Dianne Primavera (D-Broomfield) – which would establish the Colorado Stem Cells Cure Fund, as well as a check off on the Colorado income tax form – passed the House on an initial voice vote. 

The fund would provide resources to allow every new mother across the state the chance to donate the stem cells found in umbilical cord blood after birth to a public cord blood bank.  Those stem cells could then be used in treatments for illnesses including leukemia, sickle cell anemia, and cerebral palsy.  They could also be used for research into cures for a host of other illnesses.   

“It’s estimated that more than 80,000 babies were born to Colorado mothers last year.  Of those, only 700 mothers donated their baby’s umbilical cord,” noted Rep. Primavera.  “This bill will provide the chance for all mothers to donate so more people can get the treatments they need.  Together, we can all help turn medical waste into medical miracles.”

Colorado is one of only seven states to have public cord blood banking.  Donated stem cells are cleaned, tested, coded, frozen, stored and made available to sick patients in Colorado or anywhere else in the world.  Those not suitable for use as treatments can be used for research. 

Unfortunately, collection is not possible in most parts of the state, and more than 99% of all cords are discarded as medical waste.  It’s estimated that a mere 150,000 cords from a diverse population would be sufficient to provide every single person in the U.S. an adult stem cell treatment who needs one.

The bill awaits final passage by the House early next week before moving to the Senate.  It is co-sponsored by State Senator Bob Hagedorn (D-Aurora).

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Shopping for Health Insurance?

Help is on the Way with New Consumer Guide

(Denver) Frustrated consumers, human resources staff and business owners shopping for health insurance will have a new tool for selecting a policy that fits their needs.  House Bill  1385 would create an apples-to-apples consumer guide to shopping for health insurance.   

As part of the Governor Bill Ritter’s “building blocks for healthcare reform” plan, House Bill 1385 is sponsored by State Representative Dianne Primavera (D-Broomfield). 

“Too often, Coloradans are forced to compare apples to oranges to bananas when they are looking at health insurance policies,” Rep. Primavera explained. “The good news is that help is on the way for frustrated consumers, human resource reps, and business owners.”

Charley Shimanski, President of the Colorado Nonprofit Association, supports the consumer guide too. “By comparing policies apples to apples, nonprofits will be able to save time, money and frustration when shopping for health insurance,” he said.

In addition, the bill will shine light on the commission fees that insurance brokers earn when selling insurance policies. This is a common practice in other industries.  In the real estate industry, brokers must disclose what their commission is when selling a house. Consumers will also be able to file complaints if they are dissatisfied with their policy.

Rep. Primavera explained, “We are creating transparency in the health care system by requiring insurance brokers to tell customers how much commission they make on each policy they sell.”
   
The bill passed out of committee on a 7-2 vote and now heads to the Appropriations Committee. The bill is also sponsored by Senator Gail Schwartz (D-Snowmass Village).

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Adult Stem Cell Bill Passes House Finance Committee

DENVER – On Wednesday, a bill aimed at helping those diagnosed with leukemia and other serious illnesses passed the House Finance Committee on a vote of 8 to 3.   

House Bill 1372, sponsored by State Representative Dianne Primavera (D-Broomfield), would establish the Colorado Stem Cells Cure Fund, as well as a check off on the Colorado income tax form.  The fund would provide resources to allow every new mother across the state the chance to donate the stem cells found in umbilical cord blood after birth to a public cord blood bank.  Those stem cells could then be used in treatments for a host of illnesses.   

“A baby’s umbilical cord is a lifeline before birth.  It provides the nutrients and oxygen necessary for a baby’s growth,” said Rep. Primavera, a four-time survivor of cancer herself.  “After birth, the baby no longer needs that lifeline, but that same cord could provide a lifeline for someone else.”

Because the stem cells found in cord blood have not formed into specific cell types — skin cells, liver cells, pancreas cells — they can be constituted into virtually any tissue, making them effective as treatments for illnesses including leukemia, cerebral palsy and sickle cell anemia.  Recent research indicates that cord blood is even effective combating the Alzheimer’s pathogen in mice.  Stem cells from cord blood are also simple and painless to collect.

Colorado is one of only seven states to have public cord blood banking.  Unfortunately, collection is not possible in most parts of the state, and more than 99% of all cords are discarded as medical waste.  The fund would ensure that all new Colorado mothers have the option to donate.  Those stem cells would in turn be cleaned, tested, coded, frozen, stored and made available to sick patients in Colorado or anywhere else in the world.  Those not suitable for use as treatments would be donated for research across the country. 

The bill now goes to the House Appropriations Committee, where it will be heard Friday.  It is co-sponsored by State Senator Bob Hagedorn (D-Aurora).

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Adult Stem Cell Bill Passes House Committee

Rep. Primavera: “We can turn medical waste into medical miracles”

DENVER – On Monday, a bill aimed at helping fight cancer and other illnesses using adult stem cells passed the House Health & Human Services Committee.  House Bill 1372, sponsored by State Representative Dianne Primavera (D-Broomfield), passed the committee on a unanimous, bi-partisan vote.   

“We truly have it within our reach to turn discarded medical waste into life-saving stem cell therapies,” said Rep. Primavera, a four-time survivor of cancer herself. “Adult stem cell transplants offer incredible hope to thousands of Coloradans and millions of people battling serious illness worldwide. We can turn medical waste into medical miracles.”

Rep. Primavera’s bill – among the first of its kind in the country – would make it easier for new mothers across the state to donate adult stem cells by giving the blood found in the umbilical cord to a public storage bank after birth.  Cord blood is an excellent source of stem cells.   

Cord blood is an excellent source of stem cells.  They are simple to collect and easier to transplant than bone marrow because they do not require near-perfect matches.  They are particularly potent as a therapy for leukemia because they can reconstitute a patient’s bone marrow after chemotherapy. Adult stem cells are also used to treat other illnesses, including cerebral palsy and sickle cell anemia.   

The bill would establish the Colorado Stem Cells Cure Fund, which would appear as a check off on the Colorado income tax form.  The fund would also receive revenue through gifts, grants and donations. Based on the success of other income tax check-offs, the fund could bring in hundreds of thousands of dollars to support collection and awareness efforts. 

Broomfield Boy Scout Leads State House in Pledge

13-year old Mack Porter invited by Rep. Primavera

(Denver) At her Pizza with Primavera town hall meeting in March, State Representative Dianne Primavera (D-Broomfield) met one of her younger constituents.   Thirteen-year-old Mack Porter attended the meeting to meet the Representative and work towards his Boy Scout “citizenship in the community” merit badge.

The Boy Scout merit badge requires learning about local government, attending a city council meeting, talking to a local official, learning about a local charity and volunteering at that charity for a minimum of eight hours.

Mack is part of Troop 767 in Broomfield and is in the 7th grade at Aspen Creek K-8.  At the town hall meeting, Rep Primavera invited him to lead the pledge of allegiance for the House of Representatives at the State Capitol. 

On Monday, March 24^th, as a guest of Rep. Primavera, Mack led the pledge of allegiance in his Boy Scout uniform.  While at the Capitol, he started work towards an additional merit badge- Citizenship in the Nation- by touring the State Capitol.  Mack has achieved the First Class rank and has almost completed the Star rank.

“It is an honor to have a Broomfield Boy Scout lead the House of Representatives in the pledge of allegiance this morning.  My door is always open here at the Capitol and I invite everyone to come by and visit,” Rep. Primavera stated.

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