OFFICE OF GOV. BILL RITTER JR.
WWW.COLORADO.GOV/GOVERNOR

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
TUESDAY, FEB. 23, 2010

CONTACTS
Evan Dreyer, Megan Castle

GOV. RITTER SIGNS BIPARTISAN PERA REFORM BILL INTO LAW TODAY

Gov. Bill Ritter today signed Senate Bill 10-001, bipartisan legislation that reforms Colorado’s Public Employees Retirement Association pension fund for nearly 450,000 public employees and retirees statewide.

The bill − sponsored by Senate President Brandon Shaffer, Sen. Josh Penry and Rep. Andy Kerr − keeps the PERA fund from becoming insolvent and unable to pay retirement benefits within the next 30 years.

“Thank you and congratulations to the bipartisan sponsors and supporters of this legislation, as well as State Treasurer Cary Kennedy and the PERA Board for helping to craft this compromise legislation,” Gov. Ritter said. “This legislation will keep the PERA fund solvent and allow the system to meet its obligations to current and future retirees. We are all confronting the harsh economic realities of the worst recession since the Great Depression. This is a fiscally responsible bill, and it represents another difficult but necessary decision that will require shared sacrifice and shared solutions from public employers and employees alike without imposing an unfair or undue burden on either group.”

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, February 17 2010

CONTACT:
Abigail Vacanti
Jack Wylie

Bill Requires Fair Gift Card Practices

Sen. Tochtrop Works to Protect Coloradans from Deceptive Gift Card Terms

DENVER— Today, the Senate Business, Labor and Technology committee passed Sen. Lois Tochtrop’s (D- Thornton) bill to protect Coloradans from losing money on gift cards. The bill, SB155, will prohibit businesses that issue gift cards from charging hidden fees and will prevent deceptive trade practices.

“When you buy a gift card for $25, it should be worth $25” said Sen. Tochtrop. “This bill protects Colorado consumers from being charged hidden fees and prevents them from becoming victims.”

Sen. Tochtrop has personally been a victim of deceptive gift card practices. She is bringing her bill to the legislature to ensure other Colorado consumers get their money’s worth when they give or receive a gift card. She notes that many businesses in Colorado do not charge hidden fees and use fair gift card terms. SB155 will ensure consumers are protected from those businesses that choose to engage in deceptive business practices.

“This is the logical, fair, and common sense solution” continued Sen. Tochtrop.

According to the Wall Street Journal, unclaimed gifts cards amount to roughly $ 6.8 billion in the United States annually .

The bill will now move to the full Senate for 2nd reading.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, February 17 2010

CONTACT:
Abigail Vacanti
Jack Wylie

Senators get smart on art

Senate Committee Unanimously Approves Bills to Stimulate Creative Sector

DENVER—    The Senate Business Labor and Technology Committee unanimously passed two bills which will improve economic development in Colorado’s creative industries, such as photography, film, fashion, commercial design, advertising and visual and performing arts.

Senate Bill 158, sponsored by Senator Linda Newell (D-Littleton), will consolidate the Offices of Colorado Council for the Arts, Arts in Public Places and Film and Media Production into a Creative Industries Division within the Office of Economic Development & International Trade. This division will support Colorado’s numerous artistic industries so that they become more competitive and stronger nationwide.

“We are already highly-ranked nationally in architecture and publishing,” said Sen. Newell.  “We need to continue to foster a business environment in which these fields can thrive and create jobs in Colorado. This will show that in Colorado, the arts mean business, revenue, tourism, and jobs.”

Senate Bill 94, “Art in Public Places”, is sponsored by Senator Pat Steadman (D-Denver) and will close a legal loophole in the existing law that dedicates one percent of state capital construction spending towards funding public art for the building project.

“The one percent for art law has created substantial benefits for our state, not only in improving our quality of life but also in terms of economic development within the creative industries,” said Sen. Steadman. “Art in public places attracts business and prosperity to Colorado.”

Both bills will work toward stimulating Colorado’s creative industries without any fiscal impact.  These industries comprise over 186,000 jobs in almost 8,000 enterprises in Colorado making it the 5^th largest employment sector in Colorado and one of the fastest-growing in the state. Additionally, these bills have a positive effect on all of Colorado’s many different regions, helping artists in large cities as well as rural communities.

These bills will next be heard on the Senate floor for second reading. Both bills are sponsored by Representative Joe Rice (D-Littleton) in the House.

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For the second year in a row Sen. Mark Scheffel championed the fight to eliminate Colorado’s business personal property tax — the bane of existence for many of the state’s businesses, ColoradoSenateNews.com reports.

“This tax is probably one of the most onerous that businesses in Colorado have to pay,” Scheffel said. “Re-evaluating it would give a significant boost to Colorado’s business economy. It is a discussion that needs to be continued.”

Scheffel, a Republican from Douglas County, introduced two measures, Senate Bill 85 and Senate Bill 86, both of which would have brought the business personal property tax one step closer to extinction. Both bills were killed by the Democrat controlled State, Veterans and Military Affairs Committee.

SB 85 would have launched a pilot program to reimburse five counties for revenue lost as a result of a business personal property tax exemption. To qualify a county must have a population that is greater than 20,000 but less than 500,000 and agree to participate in the pilot for 5 years.

SB 86 would have phased-in an exemption for fully depreciated property. Beginning in 2023 the exemption would start at 25 percent and increase every 4 years until the property is entirely exempt.

Last year, Scheffel ran a bill that included a 40-year phase out of the tax, but it was ultimately watered down into a study of the issue instead. This was not the first time the business personal property tax has been studied. As recently as 2004, the legislature created an interim committee to meet outside of the regular legislative session to study the impact the tax had on economic development efforts across the state.

But some Democrats are still insisting the business personal property tax needs to be studied again.

Scheffel disagreed. “We’ve studied the issue enough,” he said. “Now is the time to act.”

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Feb. 17, 2010 For more information:
Katie Reinisch

COLORADO
HOUSE MAJORITY
STATE CAPITOL

Democrats Cut $475 M from State Budget to Keep it Balanced
It’s about Fair Share and Fiscal Responsibility

DENVER – House Democrats continue to fight for a more efficient government and a balanced budget. Today the House approved 32 appropriations bills that cut almost $475 million from the state government and services for the current fiscal year.

While some statehouse Republicans offered guaranteed-to-lose amendments and other stalling tactics, Democratic leaders stood up for families and taxpayers, creating a leaner government and a balanced budget without debt.

“Families and businesses across Colorado are tightening their belts and cutting back,” said Majority Leader Paul Weissmann. “We’re doing the same. Today’s tough decisions will steer us toward recovery and keep us focused on the core services that matter to people.”

Today’s cuts are on top of the previously approved cuts that reduced general fund appropriations by $1.55 billion dollars (OSPB Tally, 1.29.2010) Today’s bills will cut another $474,547,200 – or 6.3% — in appropriations from the general fund (Red Book), bringing the proposed Fiscal Year 2009-2010 general fund appropriation to $7.00 billion.

“We’re standing up for you, your family, and small businesses,” said Rep. Dickey Lee Hullinghorst. “We get it – times are tough. We’re all cutting back, but saving core services most important to the average Coloradoan. This day’s theme is, we’re doing our fair share for fiscal responsibility.”

Many of the cuts will take place in personnel: (See attached chart)
· 10/02/08 Governor Purview Employee Count: 26,238
· 1/31/10 Governor Purview Employee Count: 25,084 (a reduction of 1,154 FTE)

· These bills will eliminate an additional 393.2 full time employees overall (Red Book).

· Estimated Governor Purview Employee Count with these bills: 24,885 (House Majority estimate)

Some of the FTE cuts by department:

o Agriculture: 0
o Corrections: 90.1
o Education: 0
o Human Services: 72.6
o Judicial: 200.4
o Local Affairs: 0
o Natural Resources: 6.3
o Public Safety: 4.9
o Revenue: 22.9
o Transportation: 0

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About the Colorado General Assembly Majority Party
Thirty-seven Democrats comprise the majority of Colorado’s 65-member House of Representatives.
Leadership includes Speaker of the House Terrance Carroll; Majority Leader Paul Weissmann;
Speaker ProTempore Buffie McFadyen, Assistant Majority Leader Andy Kerr,
Caucus Chair Karen Middleton and Majority Whip Christine Scanlan.
Current and past House proceedings can be seen on Comcast Channel 165 or at www.coloradochannel.net.
Breaking news, legislator biographies and photos are available at www.coloradohouse.org.

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From ColoradoSenateNews.com:

Blueprint for a Leaner Government blocked by ruling Democrats

The last time a full sweep of state government programs and processes was done in Colorado it was 1964.

An attempt by one lawmaker to remedy that was shot down by a Democrat controlled committee Wednesday afternoon.

“Apparently ruling party Democrats have removed the ‘words lean, efficient and limited’ from the their political lexicon,” said Sen. Mike Kopp. “It is safe to conclude that any talk to the contrary is either poorly done theater or outright hypocrisy.”

Kopp, a Republican from Littleton, was behind Senate Bill 164, dubbed a “Blueprint for Leaner Government.” Kopps bill would have called for a full review of the core functions of state governments and the states regulatory system with an eye towards reform.

“This asks not just how can we do this better, but should we be doing this at all, especially during a recession?” Kopp said. “Or could a private organization do it better?”

Two bipartisan task forces would have reviewed the current system, and then presented their findings and recommendations to the legislature where advisable legislation would be crafted.

“The public and private sector working in tandem will not only create a leaner more effective government but will also keep future tax increases at bay,” Kopp said.

Notable business organizations such as the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce and the National Federation of Independent Business backed the measure.

Kopp’s bill was ultimately defeated by majority Democrats on the State, Veterans and Military Affairs Committee.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, February 9 2010

CONTACT:
Abigail Vacanti
Jack Wylie

Thurs: Sen. Carroll presents bills to protect consumers and increase transparency

DENVER— Thursday, Senator Morgan Carroll (D-Aurora) presents two very important bills to the Senate Health and Human Services Committee. The Senate Committee will take testimony on Senate Bill 76, the Unreasonable Denial of Insurance Claims, and Senate Bill 124, Michael Skolnik Transparency Act of 2010.

Senate Bill 76 stops financial incentives designed to induce unreasonable denials, delays, cancellations or rescissions.

“The only thing worse than having medical care denied or having an insurance company drop your coverage if you become sick, is knowing that someone may have received a bonus to make that decision,” said Sen. Carroll. “Colorado consumers should get what they pay for and carriers who comply with good faith standards should not be penalized for competing with those who do not. It’s just the right thing to do.”

In 2007 Senator Carroll brought the Michael Skolnik Medical Transparency Act to Colorado. HB 07-1331, the Michael Skolnik Medical Transparency Act, requires doctors who want to practice in Colorado to publically report educational history, certain business dealings, malpractice, disciplinary matters and crimes. HB 1331 was named after Michael Skolnik who was died five years ago after brain surgery for a cyst. The doctor who performed the surgery had a history malpractice in several other states. Patty Skolnik, founder of Colorado Citizens for Accountability, was Michael’s mother and has been a strong advocate for the legislation.

Thursday, Senator Carroll is bringing parallel transparency to many of the other important health care professionals to ensure maximum information so patients can make informed choices. This bill adds the following health care professionals to the Michael Skolnik Medical Transparency Act:

Audiologists and licensed hearing aid providers;
Acupuncturists;
Podiatrists;
Chiropractors;
Dentists and dental hygienists;
Physician assistants;
Direct-entry midwives;
Practical nurses, professional nurses, and advanced practice nurses;
Optometrists;
Physical therapists; and
Psychologists, social workers, marriage and family therapists, professional counselors,
Addiction counselors, and unlicensed psychotherapists.
WHAT:
Testimony on SB 10-76 and SB 10-124 in Senate Health and Human Services Committee

WHEN:
1:30pm, Thursday, February 11, 2010

WHERE:
Senate Committee Room 352

WHO:
Senator Morgan Carroll (D-Aurora)

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Feb. 9, 2010 For more information:
Courtney Law
Rep. Andy Kerr

COLORADO
HOUSE MAJORITY COMMUNICATIONS
STATE CAPITOL

Kerr Bill Helping Small Business Employees Get Life Insurance Passes Final House Vote

(Denver) – Rep. Andy Kerr’s (D-Lakewood) House Bill 1203 will change the minimum number of lives requirement from the group life insurance statute from three to one, allowing small businesses and sole proprietors to offer group life insurance coverage to their employees.

The bill passed a final House vote today 59-3, with 3 excused.

“This bill is a win-win for small business owners and employees,” said Rep. Kerr, “because it expands affordable options for coverage.”

HB 1203 is sponsored by Pat Steadman (D-Denver) in the Senate.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 9, 2010 For more information:
Katie Reinisch

Rep. Ferrandino

COLORADO
HOUSE MAJORITY COMMUNICATIONS
STATE CAPITOL

Committee Acts Wisely on SMART Government Act

(DENVER) – Today, JBC member Rep. Mark Ferrandino presented his House Bill 1119, the SMART Government Act. Passage of the “State Measurements for Accountable Responsive & Transparent” or SMART Government Act will change the way state government creates its budgets. With “performance budgeting,” lawmakers will be better able to ensure the public is receiving quality, efficient and essential services from our government. The House State Affairs Committee passed the bill out of committee and sent it to the floor with a bi-partisan, unanimous vote.
Representative Mark Ferrandino (D-Denver) had this to say:

“SMART Government will change the way we create and present our state budget. It will be easier for the average person to understand where our money comes from and what programs it provides. It will be easier for legislators to evaluate how taxpayers’ dollars are spent; and if they are being spent wisely and well. With more information, SMART Government will be more transparent and measurable. And that means the voters can keep us accountable, and we will be held responsible for the tough fiscal choices we make every year.

This legislation will ensure Colorado has one of the best- and the smartest-run state governments in the country. The public and policy makers will now have key information about what is working and what is not, and will be able to make better decisions. We will be held accountable and information will be more transparent. By creating a SMART government we will use tax dollars more wisely, and ensure the public is receiving quality and essential services from our government. State Government will be Measurable, Accountable, Responsive, and Transparent.

This legislation will do 4 things:

1. SMART Government will increase the oversight by the Legislature and ensure that actual performance by department is used in the budget decisions.

2. It will ensure that government will be accountable by increasing oversight and increasing the number of audits.

3. SMART Government will ensure that government will be responsive by tying actual performance to funding, and by being focused on specific goals and measures

4. It will ensure that government will be transparent by requiring annual reports on each departments progress be made available and written in plain language so everyone can see how our government is working.

Measurable, responsible, accountable, transparent government– that’s what this is about. This legislation is a step forward to improving our government, and re-building public confidence in our government.”

The bill is sponsored in the Senate by President Brandon Shaffer.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Feb. 8, 2010 For more information:
Holly Shrewsbury
Rep. Scanlan

COLORADO
HOUSE MAJORITY COMMUNICATIONS
STATE CAPITOL

Rep. Scanlan Ensures ALL Colorado Kids Experience Outdoors

(DENVER) – A bill that will help more kids take advantage of Colorado’s majestic outdoor spaces through environmental science education programs passed out of the House Education committee today 9-3.

Rep. Christine Scanlan’s “Colorado Kids Outdoors Program” legislation (HB 1131) creates programs that will educate all Colorado kids on environmental and outdoor issues by taking them outside to experience them first-hand. This environmental literacy program will make Colorado eligible for federal grant funds through the No Child Left Inside Act, and establishes a state grant program that will ensure students are given meaningful opportunity to experience the outdoors.

“We want all the kids of our state to enjoy the great beauty as well as the recreational and sporting opportunities that Colorado has to offer,” said Rep. Scanlan (D-Summit County). “Colorado kids will one day be the stewards of this beautiful state so it is important that every one of them be able to experience the majesty of Colorado.”

Residents from throughout the district testified at today’s hearing in favor of the bill, including Bob Hewson from Colorado Youth Outdoors, representatives from the Betty Ford Alpine Garden and Gore Range Science School, and Deborah Mitchell from Summit Cove Elementary School.

Rep. Scanlan continued: “The beauty that Colorado has to offer is one of the best gifts we can pass on to the next generation. It is important that we pass this gift along to all the kids of Colorado no matter what part of the state in which they reside. And we know that kids who have an opportunity to get outside—who can breathe fresh air and enjoy Colorado’s sunshine—will do better in the classroom.”

The program will be funded through gifts, grants and donations which will go to the Colorado Kids Outdoors Fund.

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About the Colorado General Assembly Majority Party
Thirty-seven Democrats comprise the majority of Colorado’s 65-member House of Representatives. Leadership for the 67th General Assembly includes Speaker of the House Terrance Carroll; Majority Leader Paul Weissmann; Speaker Pro Tempore Buffie McFadyen, Assistant Majority Leader Andy Kerr,
Caucus Chair Karen Middleton and Majority Whip Christine Scanlan.

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