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!”

-- Posted by staff

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

Both Bills Sail Through House

DENVER –Two former teachers who are now Democratic State Representatives are helping Colorado teachers and principals receive training and rewards to make the best schools in America. Recognizing that teachers have the greatest impact on student success, two proposals to nurture top-flight teachers and establish Colorado’s first-ever Principal Academy, sailed through the House today.

“I am proud that we are making improvements in the two most important areas for enhancing student learning- top-flight teachers and top-flight principals,” State Representative Michael Merrifield (D-Colorado Springs), who is the Chair of the House Education Committee explained.

State Representative Nancy Todd (D-Aurora) is making sure that Colorado’s top-flight kids get nothing less than the best.  She is carrying House Bill 1384 with Rep. Merrifield to recruit and retain excellent teachers in Colorado. That bill passed overwhelmingly through the House today 55 to 10.  It now heads to the Senate where it is sponsored by Senator Bob Bacon (D-Fort Collins).

“Top flight teachers do more than teach; they inspire, they inform, they set the bar high, and coach our 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.

Rep. Merrifield’s House Bill 1386 creates The Colorado Principal Academy.  It will help train principals in how to carry out the daily mechanics of the job, but more importantly, will help them become inspirational leaders who help teachers and students reach their potential.

“Far too often we send new principals into their leadership roles without equipping them with the proper skills,” the former music teacher stated.

The bill also passed out of the House today on a 42 to 20 vote and now he

ads to the Senate for full consideration.

The Colorado Education Association and The Colorado Association of School Executives also support both bills.

Please See Downloads Comparing Colorado to Other States:

Download state_rewards_chart_6feb08.pdf

Download nbct_map_7jan08.pdf

-- Posted by staff

House Protects Tenants

Colorado lawmakers work to end dubious honor of being one of two states without tenant rights

DENVER – Vermin, mold, collapsing roofs – these are just a few of the harrowing conditions tenants have coped with for years without possessing any protections from the landlords that let their properties deteriorate.   But relief from negligent landlords is on its way for tenants of Colorado rental units.

“I respect tenants in this state tremendously because they’ve tolerated so much for so long,” said State Representative Michael Merrifield (D-Colorado Springs), the bill’s prime sponsor.  “But after 20 tries over 40 years, we’re finally moving Colorado out of the Dark Ages.  We’re finally securing basic protections for tenants.” 

House Bill 1356, which passed the House on a voice vote today, would grant legal rights to Colorado renters who live in unsafe and uninhabitable conditions.  In some instances, the landlords at these properties have ignored tenant requests for repairs over many years.   

Advocates have tried for twenty years to pass some version of a “warranty of habitability” law.  Right now, Colorado has the dubious honor of being one of only two states not to have basic protections for renters.

“The irony is this landmark legislation is so simple: it merely ensures that people have four walls, a roof and basic utilities,” Merrifield said. “The bill does not affect good, responsible landlords.”

Rep. Merrifield also pointed out that the protections contained in the bill are similar to those that animals have under Colorado law. 

The bill, which is also being sponsored by State Senator Ron Tupa (D-Boulder), awaits final passage in the House later this week.

-- Posted by staff

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

Bill Targets Corporate Tax Cheats

Lawmakers Expose Retailer's Misuse of REIT Tax Shelter

(DENVER) State Representative Claire Levy (D-Boulder) today unveiled a bill targeting a tax evasion scheme used by Wal-Mart and other large corporations. Rep. Michael Merrifield (D-Colo Springs) and Senator Jennifer Veiga (D-Denver) joined Rep. Levy as sponsors of the legislation.

The bill implements the long-standing policy in Colorado that corporate profits earned in the state are subject to state tax, and it distinguishes between valid Real Estate Investment Trusts and Captive REITs such as Wal-Mart's. The bill requires corporations to declare the use of suspect transactions on their corporate tax return.

“These companies are abusing the public trust,” said Rep. Levy. “By sending their Colorado profits overseas and back through a series of shell corporations, they avoid paying their fair share of taxes."

Rep. Levy explained that federal tax law created REITs to allow small investors to participate in real estate markets that would otherwise require very large amounts of capital. Legitimate use of REITs is not affected.

"This is a scam,” said Rep. Levy. “Tax accountants dreamed up this idea and sold it to Wal-Mart on the sole basis that it would avoid the clear intent of the tax laws. This scheme has no other purpose. Wal-Mart avoids paying its rightful tax bill by hiding its profits. This bill gives us the tools to find those hidden profits."

The Wall Street Journal and others have noted that Wal-Mart pays itself rent and calls that a tax-deductible business expense, thus skirting payment of standard taxes.

“This bill does not create a new tax. These are taxes that are rightfully owed.  The people of Colorado pay taxes; so should corporations. Wal-Mart can certainly afford to pay their fair share. Wal-Mart sends its profits on a European vacation and then leaves the honest Colorado taxpayer stuck with the bill," said Rep. Levy. "It is time to put a stop to this sham."

The Wall Street Journal indicates that Wal-Mart avoided paying $350 million in state taxes between 1998 and 2001. Many other states have taken action against the company in recent years.

-- Posted by staff

Renters Ask for Roof, Heat, and Running Water, Same Rights Reserved for Colorado’s Cats and Dogs

Colorado one of 3 states without renters’ rights

DENVER –Relief from irresponsible landlords may be on the way for tenants of Colorado’s rental units.  The House Business Affairs and Labor Committee approved a measure Monday that would provide renters some basic protections from irresponsible landlords.

“After years of work, I’m pleased that we’re on the path to ensuring that all Colorado residents live in safe homes,” said the bill’s sponsor, State Representative Michael Merrifield (D-Colorado Springs). “This bill will take Colorado housing law out of the Dark Ages and into the 21^st century.”

House Bill 1356 would grant legal rights to Colorado renters who live in unsafe conditions even after their landlords have not responded to the tenant’s request for repairs. 

Advocates have tried for twenty years to pass some version of a “warranty of habitability” law.  Colorado is one of three states remaining that does not have basic protections for renters.

“This simply ensures that people have four walls, a roof that doesn’t leak, hot water and electricity,” Merrifield said. “This will in no way affect good, responsible landlords.”

Renters are asking for basic protections to ensure the property is safe and fit for human habitation, a right that even animals have under Colorado law.  Rep. Merrifield exclaimed, “It’s time, it’s past time for Colorado’s humans animals to have the same rights as Colorado’s dogs and cats!”

The committee’s 6-3 vote on Monday means that the bill now heads to the full House of Representatives for a vote, which will probably happen later this week.

-- Posted by staff

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.

Merrifield’s Education Bill Gets Passing Grade from the House

(DENVER)  On a 62-1 vote, the House passed a measure that for the first time will help students with dyslexia.

House Education Committee Chairman Michael Merrifield (D-Colorado Springs) authored the bill in response to parents who said the state’s public schools weren’t helping dyslexic children learn to read.  House Bill 1223 will provide teachers the resources they need to better identify dyslexic students and will train teachers with alternative methods for teaching dyslexic students to read.

The measure is a key component of the legislature’s effort this year to provide Colorado’s young children with a Smart Start.

“Effectively addressing dyslexia is one of the keys to reaching Governor Ritter’s goals of increasing the literacy rate and cutting our drop-out rate in half in the next 10 years,” Rep. Merrifield said. “If we are serious about developing a well-educated workforce in Colorado for strong economic development in the 21^st century, we must attend to the needs of our many dyslexic students.”

Although studies have not been conclusive, Merrifield estimated that more 100,000 students in Colorado are dyslexic – as many as one out of every five children in each classroom.

The bill now moves to the Senate where it is sponsored by Sen. Suzanne Williams (D-Aurora).

-- Posted by staff

Slumords Resist Renter Protections

Renters ask for roof, heat, and running water, same rights reserved for Colorado’s cats and dogs

DENVER –State Representative Michael Merrifield (D-Colorado Springs) is fighting to protect renters from slumlords.  Colorado is one of three states that does not have basic protections in place for renters. Rep. Merrifield hopes to changes that with House Bill 1356, which was heard in the Business Affairs & Labor committee today.

“This brings our laws out of the dark ages and in to the 21^st century,” Rep. Merrifield testified. “It is time for us to ensure that Coloradans live in safe homes, that simply have electricity, running water and intact windows,” he continued. 

Renters are asking for basic protections to ensure the property is safe and fit for human habitation, a right that even animals have under Colorado law.  Rep. Merrifield exclaimed, “It’s time, it’s past time for Colorado’s humans animals to have the same rights as Colorado’s dogs and cats!”

Renters have been asking for these basic tenants’ rights for over twenty years without success.  Rep. Merrifield has been the sponsor of similar legislation for four years. The Colorado Springs legislator first became interested in the issue in 2003 after an expose in a local paper showing the horrendous conditions in apartment buildings in Colorado Springs, including backed up sewage and apartments without heat. 

The bill is aimed at slumlords who are neglectful in their maintenance of rental properties.  It is not intended to affect the vast majority of good, responsible landlords.
“I am determined to continue to fight for the little guy that can’t afford to have a high-powered attorney,” Rep. Merrifield concluded.

The bill will be voted on in the Business Affairs & Labor committee as early as next week.

-- Posted by staff

Gov. Ritter Signs Restorative-Justice Bill into Law

Photo, from right to left: Sen. Morse, Rep. Merrifield, Gov. Ritter, and advocate

Gov. Bill Ritter today signed into law House Bill 08-1117, which is designed to help keep youthful offenders from turning into hardened adult criminals by allowing them to participate in restorative justice programs in certain circumstances.

The legislation was co-sponsored by Rep. Mike Merrifield and Sen. John Morse. It allows – when appropriate – for juvenile offenders to meet with their victim and court officials to agree to some type of service work that would repair, repay or restore the harm they have caused.

“By making juvenile offenders take responsibility for the consequences of their actions, we can teach them that the decisions they make, both good and bad, will affect the course of their life,” Gov. Ritter said. “Repairing the harm that someone has caused can be the thing that matters most in the criminal-justice system. As a former prosecutor, I’ve seen too many people start out committing minor crimes as juveniles and escalate to committing serious crimes as adults. We must do everything we can to intervene early and break this cycle.”

“As a public school teacher for over 30 years, I’ve been committed to making a positive difference in the lives of young people,” Rep. Merrifield said. “The restorative-justice process is a great opportunity to not only cut recidivism but to also give kids another chance, a second chance, to turn their lives around. It also gives victims a chance to have closure. It’s another tool in the criminal-justice tool box.”

HB 1117 passed with overwhelming bi-partisan support – 63-1 in the House and 33-0 in the Senate. It was supported by the Colorado District Attorneys’ Council and the Colorado Department of Public Safety.

-- Posted by staff