Colorado House Democrats

Riesberg Tackles Childhood Obesity

Milk, Water and Juice to replace Coke, Pepsi and Dr. Pepper in Schools

DENVER—State lawmakers are tackling childhood obesity, and they are starting in a place where kids spend thirty hours each week: schools.

State Representative Jim Riesberg (D-Greeley) is the sponsor of Senate Bill 129, which combats obesity by outlining clear rules for schools indicating which beverages may be sold to students in school cafeterias, vending machines, school stores, and through fund-raising activities.  The bill was signed into law by Governor Ritter on Friday.

“We are replacing Coke, Pepsi and Dr. Pepper with milk, water and juice in schools,” Rep. Riesberg explained.

The law directs the State Board of Education and the State Charter School Institute Board to determine which drinks are considered healthy enough to meet child nutrition beverage standards. Those drinks could include milk, 100-percent-fruit and vegetable juices, low calorie sports drinks, bottled water and fat-free or low-fat flavored milk.   

The law aims to address the childhood obesity epidemic.  Estimates show that 25 million children age 2-19 are overweight or in danger of being overweight.

“There is no reason to have high-calorie soft drinks in school vending machines.  When we have an obesity epidemic, we should be doing everything we can to help kids make healthy choices.  We know that eating patterns are established at a young age, and we can do a lot to help kids get a smart start,” Rep. Riesberg explained.

The passed legislation dictates that rules must be established by November 15^th and will apply to all contracts signed after July 1, 2009.  The bill is sponsored by Senator Dan Gibbs (D-Silverthorne) in the Senate.

-- Posted by staff

The Internet: It's Not Just a Series of Tubes Anymore!

Rep. Riesberg Brings Broadband to all of Colorado

DENVER—Today the full House gave approval to a measure that would help bring broadband internet service to rural areas in Colorado.

Sponsored by State Representative Jim Riesberg (D-Greeley), Senate Bill 215 would direct Colorado’s Chief Information Officer to identify new broadband telecommunications service areas within Colorado.  In addition, the bill would develop a map of those areas, with the goal of using the map to bring broadband services to those parts of the state that currently do not have access.

“Your zip code should not determine your ability to connect to the outside world,” Rep. Riesberg stated. “Our ability to be competitive depends on our ability to get broadband internet into rural areas of Weld County. Modern technology in our homes, businesses and schools will bring us up to speed with the rest of the state,” he concluded.

Many parts of rural Colorado have fallen behind Front Range areas in access to high-speed internet connections. Broadband communication is crucial for economic development, and extending this technology will improve health care and educational services and strengthen local businesses in rural Colorado.

The bill passed the House today on a vote of 51 to 14.  Senate Bill 215, also sponsored by Senator Gail Schwartz (D-Snowmass), now heads to the Governor’s desk.

-- Posted by staff

House Gives Boost to Beat Alzheimer's

Riesberg’s bill would create Alzheimer’s Council

DENVER – According to the Alzheimer’s Association, every 72 seconds someone develops Alzheimer’s disease. The House supported a boost to beat Alzheimer’s today, thanks to a bill sponsored by Representative Jim Riesberg (D-Greeley).   The bill passed the House on a 58 to five vote today and now heads to the Senate for concurrence before making its way to the Governor’s desk.

Senate Bill 58 would create the Colorado Alzheimer's Coordinating Council to assess the current and future impact of Alzheimer's disease in Colorado, and formulate a state plan to address the impacts of the disease. Results from the committee would be turned over to the Governor, the General Assembly, and participating state departments.

“Alzheimer’s disease is on the rise,” Rep. Riesberg said. In 2000, nearly 49,000 Coloradoans suffered from Alzheimer's disease, and that number is expected to rise to 72,000 by 2010. This is a 47 percent increase. 

“We owe this to all of those suffering from Alzheimer’s disease in Colorado, and their families who struggle to care for them,” Rep. Riesberg continued.

The council would include 22 members, two of which would be from the House of Representatives and two from the Senate. Members would begin meeting no later than March of next year.

Treatment of the disease is costly. The direct and indirect costs of Alzheimer’s and other dementias amount to more than $148 billion annually.

The bill is sponsored by Senator Betty Boyd (D-Lakewood).

-- Posted by staff

Granny Snatchers Go Home

Bill creates protections for seniors and disabled transported across state lines by greedy guardians

DENVER – State Representative Jim Riesberg (D-Greeley) is making sure greedy family members who have guardianship over their aging parents and adults with disabilities cannot take advantage of them.

Senate Bill 100 creates uniform laws for Colorado’s oversight of guardianship.  Currently, “granny snatching” laws vary drastically from state to state.  “Granny snatching” occurs when greedy guardians exploit elder or disabled family members by moving them to a state with laxer rules.

“When grandma starts to show signs of memory loss, she may choose to sign over her bank accounts and estate to a trusted family member.  Unfortunately, some people abuse this trust.  This bill simply protects vulnerable populations from greedy guardians while making sure that well-intentioned family members can continue to make good decisions for their loved ones,” Rep. Riesberg explained.

More and more families want to have their loved ones close by in their final years.  “If a family has already completed the guardianship process in Illinois, why should they waste the time, money and stress of repeating the same paperwork in Colorado?” Rep. Riesberg asked.  The bill removes the requirement that determination be repeated in the new state.

The bill, which is also sponsored by Senator John Morse (D-Colorado Springs), passed on a vote of 62 to two today in the House.  It now heads to the Governor’s desk for a signature.

-- Posted by staff

Riesberg Tackles Childhood Obesity

Milk, Water and Juice to replace Coke, Pepsi and Dr. Pepper in Schools

DENVER—State lawmakers are tackling childhood obesity, and they are starting in a place where kids spend much of their time: schools.

State Representative Jim Riesberg (D-Greeley) is sponsoring Senate Bill 129 that requires the State Board of Education and the Colorado State Charter School Institute to promulgate rules describing beverages that may be sold to students in school cafeterias, vending machines, school stores, and fund-raising activities.

“There is no reason to have high-calorie soft drinks in school vending machines.  When we have an obesity epidemic, we should be doing everything we can to help kids make healthy choices.  We know that eating patterns are established at a young age, and we can do a lot to help kids get a smart start” Rep. Riesberg explained.

The bill directs the State Board of Education to determine which drinks are considered healthy enough to meet child nutrition beverage standards. Those drinks could include milk, 100 percent fruit and vegetable juices, low calorie sports drinks, bottled water and fat-free or low-fat flavored milk.   

When passed, rules must be established by November 15^th and will apply to all contracts signed after July 1, 2009.  The bill passed the House on an initial voice vote today and is sponsored by Senator Dan Gibbs (D-Silverthorne) in the Senate.

-- Posted by staff

Democratic Leaders Offer Solution to Higher Ed - Capital Construction Funding Crisis

(DENVER) On the Capitol steps this afternoon, state leaders unveiled their proposal to rescue funding for completion of the science building on the Auraria campus in central Denver, and potentially providing funding for other key projects around the state as well.

Three very happy state leaders -- Governor Bill Ritter, State Representative Bernie Buescher (D-Grand Junction), Chair of the Joint Budget Committee, and State Representative Jim Riesberg (D-Greeley), Vice-Chair of the Capital Development Committee -- announced that they were able to create a last-minute solution to the crisis in higher education capital construction.  It was the culmination of months of work to allocate revenue from federal mineral leases (FMLs) equitably.

Unlike other economic projections for the state, the FML forecast is “growing at a robust rate,” according to Rep. Buescher. Subsequently, legislators are proposing a portion of the FML revenue be used to purchase Certificates of Participation, or COPs, in order to accelerate capital construction projects.  Legislative committees will then work together to distribute the funds for brick-and-mortar construction across the state.

“From the beginning, we faced 156 capital construction requests,” said Rep. Riesberg.  “Through the general fund, we were only able to fund 28 of those, and very few of those were multi-year requests. Now, with this new financing of about $150 million, we can go deeper into that list.  We will be able to look again at the multi-year projects in higher education that we could not prioritize this year.”

“Great news: The Auraria science building is next on the list and will be funded this year!” announced Rep. Buescher.  “This will make a real bite into the backlog of capital development projects. But this is only a start.  I am committed to doing more for Colorado’s children who deserve a growing economy, a 21^st century education, and a safe society to grow up in.”


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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.

Meals on Wheels, Shopping Shuttles Receive Boost from House

Older Coloradans Cash Fund to reach $8 million

DENVER – State Representative Jim Riesberg (D-Greeley) continues to help older Coloradans get the services they need to stay productive and independent for as long as possible.  House Bill 1108, which adds $3 million to the Older Colorado Cash Fund, passed a final vote in the House today and now heads to the Senate.   

“The money will go towards expanding essential funding for a menu of basic senior services, including meals-on-wheels, shopping shuttles, and basic in-home care,” Rep. Riesberg explained.

House Bill 1108 would increase the state contribution to the Older Colorado Cash Fund to $8 million. 

Moneys from the cash fund are distributed by the State Office on Aging to 16 Area Agencies on Aging (AAA).  In turn, AAAs provide grants to community-based service providers to help people stay in their homes longer than they would otherwise be able.

-- Posted by staff

Seniors to Enjoy Independent, Productive Retirement

DENVER – State Representative Jim Riesberg (D-Greeley) continues to help older Coloradans get the services they need to stay productive and independent for as long as possible.  House Bill 1108, which adds $3 million to the Older Colorado Cash Fund, passed the House on an initial voice vote today.   

“These older Coloradans have paid their dues to the state,” said Rep. Riesberg.  “They’ve fought our wars, won our peace, paid their taxes and generally served their communities admirably, rarely asking for any help.  The least we can do is help these folks continue to lead productive, independent lives.” 

HB 1108 would increase the state contribution to the Older Colorado Cash Fund to $8 million.  The money will go towards expanding essential funding for a menu of basic senior services, including meals-on-wheels, shopping shuttles, and basic in-home care.

Moneys from the cash fund are distributed by the State Office on Aging to 16 Area Agencies on Aging (AAA).  In turn, AAAs provide grants to community-based service providers to help people stay in their homes longer than they would otherwise be able.

“We’re all aware of the changing demographics and the silver tsunami being created by aging baby-boomers,” continued Rep. Riesberg.  “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.  It sounds like a no-brainer to me.”

The bill now awaits final approval by the House before moving to the Senate.

-- Posted by staff

Critical Biosciences Eco Devo Program Passes House

Program makes $26.5 available in funds for start ups and research institutes

DENVER – The Colorado House gave a big boost to a critical economic development project today.  A bill expanding Colorado’s much lauded Bioscience Discoveries Grant Program passed the House by a bi-partisan vote of 52 to 13.  House Bill 1001 – sponsored by State Representative Jim Riesberg (D-Greeley) – will make $26.5 million available in grants over the next five years.   

“This program will lead to exciting new technologies and with it, new companies and new jobs across Colorado.  We’re already a leader in this industry, but HB 1001 will allow us to blaze new trails,” said Rep. Riesberg.

Building upon the award-winning grant program created by Rep. Riesberg in 2006 and extended last year, HB 1001 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.

The grant program is one of seven elements of Governor Ritter’s comprehensive economic development package announced last fall.  Estimates suggest the biosciences industry already contributes $415 million per year in tax revenue.  The program has provided funding for 27 projects at institutions across the state, including CU, CSU, UNC, National Jewish Medical & Research Center and the University of Denver.

Research from the program has led to potential new treatments for schizophrenia, HIV, cancer, lung disease, and technologies that can be applied to environmental pollution, gait problems from chronic illness, optical microscopy and several other diagnostic tools and medical devices.   

The bill now moves to the Senate.

-- Posted by staff