Colorado House Democrats

New Health Care Laws Bring Immediate Benefits to Coloradans

Colorado’s kids & families to see immediate benefits from new laws
going into effect today

Pictured from left to right: Rep. Gagliardi, Rep. Carroll, Rep. McGihon, Rep. Riesberg

DENVER – Dozens of new laws go into effect on July 1, including four critical health care bills that will provide immediate benefits to Colorado’s businesses and families. The laws focus on lowering costs and increasing Coloradans’ access to health care. Highlights include:

Older Coloradans Cash Fund (HB 1108):
Colorado’s senior citizens will receive an extra $3 million to help them stay independent, productive and at home for as long as possible. The funds shore up a menu of basic senior services, including meals-on-wheels, shopping shuttles, and basic in-home care.

“We’re all aware of the changing demographics and the silver tsunami being created by aging baby-boomers,” said bill sponsorRep. Jim Riesberg (D-Greeley). “The Older Colorado Cash Fund saves active seniors’ independence and the state’s money. The alternative for these people are much costlier residential nursing care facilities. The increased funding will help these folks continue to lead productive, independent lives.”

The FAIR Act (HB 1389):
The Fair & Accountable Insurance Rates (FAIR) Act ensures that 1.3 million Coloradans’ health insurance rates can’t be increased without good cause. The new law will help keep costs down and holds insurance companies accountable, empowering Colorado’s Insurance Commissioner to deny proposed insurance rate increases when insurers cannot justify them.

"Expensive coverage equals no coverage for many Colorado families and businesses,” said bill sponsor Rep. Morgan Carroll (D-Aurora). “The FAIR Act addresses increasing rates and declining coverage by making sure that our health care is the insurance industries’ bottom line. Now, insurance companies must justify their rate increases before they take effect. When rates do go up, we will track the reasons why and make that information available to the public.  Because our health should be there bottom line.”  

Dozens of New Laws Take Effect Today

DENVER – Dozens of new state laws take effect today.  They include everything from new forest fire prevention measures to laws ensuring consumers don’t get bilked by shady ticket brokers.  

“This will be a great day for Colorado's families -- and a bad day for bark beetles. These new laws will bring much-needed protection to consumers and major improvements to our environment.” said House Speaker Andrew Romanoff.  Below is a sampling:

HB 1112    Rep Andy Kerr, D-Lakewood;               Sen. Betty Boyd, D-Lakewood Helps crime victims receive vital services, such as mental health counseling, more efficiently through the state Victim’s Assistance & Law Enforcement Fund. HB 1304      Rep. Judy Solano, D-Brighton;                Sen. Gail Schwartz, D-Snowmass Village Increases state protection for the bald eagle, making it illegal to hunt, take or possess our national symbol. SB 221         Sen. Dan Gibbs, D-Silverthorne & Chris Romer, D-Denver                  Rep. Christine Scanlan, D-Summit County Protects forests and reduces fire danger by funding local communities’ efforts to remove fire hazards, including lodgepole pine trees killed by bark beetles. HB 1069      Rep. Kathleen Curry, D-Gunnison;                 Sen. Lois Tochtrop, D-Thornton Protects Colorado’s wildlife habitats and open spaces by curbing illegal incursions of off-highway vehicles – such as ATVs – on federal land. SB 77        Rep. Cheri Jahn, D-Wheat Ridge Creates harsher penalties for people who trick online ticket sites into selling more tickets than allowed by a vendor.

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Widows & Widowers of Veterans Honored at State Capitol

Colorado becomes first state to honor Widow & Widowers Appreciation Day, June 28

DENVER – Widows and widowers of veterans gathered at the state capitol today to raise awareness of the struggles they endure when they lose a spouse. House Speaker Andrew Romanoff, Governor Ritter and Rep. Nancy Todd (D-Aurora) honored the group with a commemoration of their sacrifice, announcing that Colorado will become the first state in the nation to honor Widows and Widowers Appreciation Day on Saturday, June 28.

“For more than two centuries, American military personnel have fought and bled to defend the United States both at home and abroad,” said Speaker Romanoff. “I’m proud to recognize and support the widows and widowers of veterans for the grief they must bear and the sacrifices they have made for Colorado and the nation.”

Rep. Todd echoed those statements, saying “It’s an honor to be part of something of such significance for our widows and widowers of US armed forces veterans.  I’m also proud that Colorado is a leader in this noble endeavor, and it’s all because of the efforts of one person.”

The event was the culmination of six years of work by the passionate Edmée Hills and the Veterans’ Widows(ers) International Network (VWIN).  VWIN is committed to helping those who have lost spouses to war receive the benefits they are entitled to.

“This is a big day for widows, widowers and for the state of Colorado. We have served our country and we deserve this recognition,” said Hills, National Chairperson of the VWIN. “With the help of Gov. Ritter, Speaker Romanoff, Rep. Todd and Senate President Peter Groff, Colorado is the first state in the union to give yearly recognition to the spouses of veterans, and we hope that other states follow our example.”

Gov. Ritter made a surprise entrance, demonstrating his support and gratitude.

"I want to express the sincere appreciation that I have for the sense of duty both widows and widowers of those that served in our Armed Forces continue to exhibit,” Gov. Ritter said. “Their sacrifice on behalf of our country is a special burden that takes extraordinary strength and unwavering dedication."

The VWIN will urge other state governments to proclaim June 28 Veterans’ Widows and Widowers Appreciation Day, establishing a nationwide trend of honoring the sacrifice of the spouses of America’s armed service women and men.

-- Posted by staff

Families and Economy Helped by New Laws Taking Effect on July 1

Highlights Include Sunday Liquor Sales, Fair & Accountable Insurance Rates, Conservation Easements

DENVER – Making sure Coloradans have affordable health care at any age, boosting our economy, and protecting our open spaces were the driving forces behind legislation passed during the 2008 session. Many of the new laws are set to take effect July 1.

“July 1 will be a great day for Colorado's families -- and a bad day for bark beetles. These new laws will bring much-needed protection to consumers, major improvements to our environment, and a welcome boost to the economy,” said House Speaker Andrew Romanoff.

Bills that become effective July 1 include:

SB 221 protects our forests and reduces fire danger. Local communities will get the help they need to remove fire hazards in our forests, such as the lodge pole pine trees killed by bark beetles. (Rep. Christine Scanlan, Sen. Dan Gibbs, D-Summit County, et al)
 
SB 77 targets online ticket abusers who use predatory software to buy out tickets and re-sell them at astronomical prices -- remember the Rockies World Series debacle? Harsher penalties are in store for people who obtain more tickets than allowed by a vendor through an online sale. (Rep. Cheri Jahn, D-Wheat Ridge)

In Early June, Governor Bill Ritter Signed a Number of Bills Sponsored By House Democrats.

Rep. Debbie Benefield (D-Arvada) listens to Gov. Ritter praise her bill that will extend child care tax credits for working families.

HB 1049 extends the tax credit for donating money to promote childcare in Colorado for another 10 years. This will help charities such as Boys and Girls Clubs and Mile High United Way provide much-needed child care services to working families.

"Oftentimes, one parent has to stay at home – sacrificing a paycheck – to take care of the kids," Rep. Debbie Benefield said. "But we helped address that dilemma by passing HB 1049, making it a little easier for working moms and working families to get the childcare they need."

Rep. Cheri Jahn (D-Wheat Ridge) watches as the Governor signs her consumer protection bill into law.

Rep. Mark Ferrandino (D-Denver, center) watches his bill that helps home-buyers avoid foreclosure become the law of the land.

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GJ Lawmaker Keeps Coloradans' Heat On and Costs Down

DENVER – Today, Governor Ritter signed a package of bills that legislators sent him to help low- and moderate-income households keep their heat on and their utility costs down.  

House Bill 1387, sponsored by State Representative Bernie Buescher (D-Grand Junction), was the capstone piece of legislation signed today.  The bill expands the Low-Income Energy Assistance Funding Program – or LEAP – and the state's emergency Energy Outreach Colorado Program to assist thousands of Colorado families keep their heat on during the long winter months.  

"As energy costs continue to rise, it is increasingly difficult for Colorado's most vulnerable residents to afford their home energy expenses," said Rep. Buescher.  "Families with children, senior citizens and individuals with special needs must allocate more of their limited resources to pay the energy bills.  The LEAP program will help more Coloradans keep the heat on.  

This legislation provides $6.5 million for emergency assistance through the state's Energy Outreach Colorado Program and $6.5 million toward LEAP.

In addition to the LEAP and Energy Outreach Colorado program expansions, Governor Ritter signed two other bills to help homeowners save money by making their homes more energy efficient:

House Bill 1350 by Majority Leader Alice Madden and State Senator Chris Romer(D-Denver) allows local governments to provide below-market rate loans to homeowners to finance home improvements for small-scale renewable energy projects, including efficiency retrofits, and the installation of renewable energy fixtures such as wind turbines and solar panels.  

"This sets the groundwork so every Colorado home, farm, ranch, and business can save on their utility bills while investing in a new energy future," said Rep.  Madden.

Senate Bill 184 by Sen. Romer & State Representative Claire Levy (D-Boulder) helps low-income homeowners finance energy efficiency and renewable energy improvements through the creation of the Colorado Clean Energy Finance Program,

"We'll be able to provide below-market loans to low- and moderate-income homes, helping them make energy improvements to their homes in order to save money on their utility bills," said Rep. Levy.

Rep. Buescher emphasized why these bills were such an important package: "LEAP aids Coloradans with direct assistance.  When coupled with the efforts of groups like the Youth Conservation Corps, HB 1350 and SB 184 will help Colorado homeowners – particularly those benefitting from LEAP – weatherize their homes and make them more energy efficient when they might not otherwise afford to do so."

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Governor Signs Bill Getting More Abused Kids the Mental Health Support They Need

DENVER – Today, Governor Bill Ritter was joined by House Speaker Andrew Romanoff and State Senator Moe Keller (Wheat Ridge), as he signed House Bill 1391.  The groundbreaking bill, which was also carried by State Representative Bernie Buescher (D-Grand Junction) and State Senator Betty Boyd (Lakewood), provides abused and neglected children the mental health care they need to reduce the likelihood of long term problems associated with abuse.

“One case of child abuse or neglect is too many. In 2006, there were nearly 9,000 confirmed cases.  The consequences are catastrophic and sometimes fatal,” said Speaker Romanoff.  “Today, I'm proud to say we are one step closer to making child abuse a thing of the past.”

The legislation establishes a pilot program for two or three counties to provide mental health screenings, evaluations and services for children between the ages of four and ten who have been the subject of a substantiated case of abuse or neglect.  The program will also be available to their siblings, and is estimated to serve between 400 and 600 children annually.

Research indicates that when abused and neglected children don’t receive adequate mental health treatment, it can significantly hurt their quality of life and future productivity.  Those children are more likely to abuse drugs and commit crimes as youths.  They struggle with school, involve themselves in gangs, and cope with teen pregnancy at a higher rate than their contemporaries. 

A recent survey of 6,000 youths showed that nearly half the children who come into the child welfare system due to abuse or neglect need mental health services.  Of those cases, 75% do not receive the mental health services they require.   

The legislation takes effect July 1 of this year.

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Lawmakers Unveil Mother's Day Gifts

Legislators say thank-you with new laws making moms’ lives easier 

DENVER – On Sunday, in honor of Mothers’ Day, Speaker of the House Andrew Romanoff and State Representative Nancy Todd (D-Aurora) gathered at Washington Park in Denver for an event thanking Colorado mothers for all that they do.  The two legislators unveiled how new laws passed this year will make moms’ lives easier.

“Working mothers know, there just aren’t enough hours in the day to get everything done,” said Speaker Romanoff.  “Well today – on mother’s day – we’re honoring all their hard work by making their lives just a little easier.”

Speaker Romanoff highlighted the steps Colorado lawmakers took to expand resources available to pregnant women for prenatal care.  He outlined how the legislature increased the Prenatal Plus Program by $500,000, and made the Colorado Children’s Basic Health Plan more accessible to expecting mothers.  The second measure alone will result in upwards of 16,000 more Colorado women – including those facing risky pregnancies – getting the prenatal care they need to ensure safe pregnancies, safe births, and healthy babies.

“Our children are Colorado’s most cherished resource,” said Speaker Romanoff. “And healthy babies need healthy moms.  So we passed laws designed to help more Colorado women get the prenatal care they need to ensure the health and well-being of their babies.”

FAIR Healthcare Bill and Insurance Accountability Act Go to Governor

(Denver)  Two major pieces of health insurance reform overcame fierce resistance and passed through the legislature in its final hours today.

Legislators supported the FAIR Act (Fair & Accountable Insurance Rates) which aims to drive down health insurance companies’ rising rates.  The final version of the bill passed out of the House on a 42-22 vote and now awaits the Governor’s signature.

The bill, sponsored by Representative Morgan Carroll (D-Aurora) and Senator Paula Sandoval (Denver,) will empower Colorado’s Insurance Commissioner to watchdog proposed insurance rate increases.  Insurers will be required to justify rate increases before they can take effect.

In explaining House Bill 1389, Rep. Carroll said: “If it seems like we are paying more for less, it’s because we are.  Consumers are unhappy with ever-increasing rates and ever-declining coverage. The FAIR Act begins to address that by making sure that our health care is the insurance industries’ bottom line.”

“The implications of over-priced health care are obvious: The primary reason people go uninsured or that businesses drop health insurance coverage is because premiums are not affordable,”  Said Rep. Carroll. “Yet, Colorado law does not require insurance companies to justify their rate increases before they take effect.  That means there is no meaningful oversight on insurance rates in Colorado.  There is not real competition in the market to drive down prices.”

Kids, Animals Gather at Capitol to Protect Property Rights

Cowboy Wes Promises to Continue Fighting for Rural Rights

DENVER- Parents and 4-H/FFA children -- the Colorado Coalition Opposing Mandatory 4-H and FFA Premises Registration gathered at the Capitol today.  They were joined by two pygmy goats.

Those in attendance traveled to Denver from all corners of the state to express their efforts to change the State Fair Board of Commissioners' questionable "premises registration" rulemaking regarding 4-H and FFA livestock project animals at the 2008 Colorado State Fair.  They were hosted by State Representative Wes McKinley (D-Walsh).

At the heart of this controversy is the issue of property rights and people in rural communities.  With the premise ID, livestock owners are required to register their animals with a premise ID each time the animal is moved.  For the children and families that participate in the state fair, this can be a burden as animals are often stored at an alternate site.

“While most of us realize that these rules were created to promote the health and safety of the animals, it is an ineffective system that does not accommodate the lives of people in rural communities,” Rep. McKinley said.  He continued, “This is a classic case of the federal government forcing policies down states’ throats. We must protect states’ rights.”