May 7, 2012 DENVER—Today, Gov. John Hickenlooper signed Senate Bill 134 into law. The measure, sponsored by state Rep. Cindy Acree, requires hospitals to make information available to patients about the hospital’s financial assistance, charity care and payment plan policies.   “There are many avenues open to needy patients in Colorado that help make healthcare more affordable,” said Acree, a Republican from Aurora. “This measure will raise the public’s awareness of available healthcare payment options.”   Under Acree’s measure, hospitals must make information concerning financial assistance, charity care and financial assistance readily available on their website, in waiting rooms and, when possible, before a patient is discharged.   Senate Bill 134 also requires hospitals to screen uninsured patients for financial assistance eligibility when possible and limits their charged fees to the lowest negotiated rate from a private … Read entire article »

DENVER—Governor John Hickenlooper signed the Long Bill, or state budget, into law today, giving final approval to a budget that includes GOP measures that fight for seniors, invest in students and save for our future.   “This is another huge accomplishment for Colorado,” said Gerou, a Republican from Evergreen who chairs the Joint Budget Committee. “For the second year in a row, House Republicans have fought to secure a budget that is honest and responsible.”   The passage and signing of the Long Bill is a huge victory for House Republicans, who fought to restore the senior homestead property tax exemption despite resistance from Democrats.   Other Republican priorities secured in the 2012-13 budget include:   Fighting for Colorado’s seniors by increasing funding for the old age pension program and dental services for seniors; Investing in our students by … Read entire article »

May 4, 2012 DENVER—The House of Representatives passed House Bill 1361 on voice vote today, a bipartisan agreement to allow the victims of the Lower North Fork Fire to seek compensation.   The legislation comes after state Reps. Bob Gardner and Cheri Gerou introduced and passed House Bill 1352 through the House with bipartisan support, creating the Lower North Fork Fire Commission.   “This bill provides victims of the Lower North Fork wildfire a path to justice,” said Gerou, a Republican from Evergreen who represents the Lower North Fork community. “A series of mishandlings by the state allowed this fire to escape control and the state must take responsibility for that.”   The Lower North Fork fire began after state officials left a prescribed burn unattended on dry day in late March with 70 mile per hour … Read entire article »

May 4, 2012 DENVER—Gov. John Hickenlooper vetoed a bill today that would have accelerated and protected the creation of over 17,000 jobs across Colorado. State Rep. B.J. Nikkel, the bill’s prime sponsor in the House, expressed her frustration—   “I’m disappointed Gov. Hickenlooper would kill a measure that enjoys wide support amongst the state’s job creators and that would accelerate economic development in all parts of Colorado.’”   Colorado’s Regional Tourism Act allows the Colorado Economic Development Commission to approve a total of six regional tourism projects that would be funded incrementally by the sales tax revenue those projects generate. The governor appointed commission can only approve two projects per year, and only if two projects were approved the prior year.   That means if the commission approves two inaugural projects when it meets later this May, … Read entire article »

May 3, 2012 DENVER—Today, the House of Representatives sent state Rep. Don Coram’s SUCCESS Act for Small Business—House Bill 1119—to the Senate with a near-unanimous vote.   The measure, which stands for Stopping Unnecessary Costs and Creating Economic Sustainability for Small Business, creates a temporary moratorium on the Colorado Department of Health and Environment’s ability to impose fines on the construction industry for minor violations associated with storm water discharges.   “Imposing fines for inspection related violations or paperwork violations that do not harm or threaten public safety stack up, costing businesses time and money,” said Coram, R-Montrose. “If we want to help our small businesses add jobs to the economy, we need to curb government’s appetite for the revenue generated from these minor infractions.”   Unless a business fails to cure a minor infraction within a … Read entire article »

May 3, 2012 DENVER—A measure sponsored by state Rep. J. Paul Brown that redefines cathinones—or “bath salts”—as a controlled substance unanimously passed the House Judiciary Committee today.   Senate Bill 116 creates a new class three felony for a person who distributes, manufactures, dispenses or sells the substance.   “Bath salts are under the radar,” Brown, R-Durango, expressed.  “We need to shine a spotlight on these dangerous substances.”   Bath salts can produce a stimulant like effect and leave abusers with symptoms similar to cocaine, amphetamines and methamphetamines. Most routine drug screens do not detect the use of synthetic cathinones, appealing to those who must undergo mandatory drug screening. Bath salts are currently legal under Colorado law.   “These drugs are not independent, lone drugs.  They are often sold or used with other drugs as well,” explained Brown.  “They … Read entire article »

May 2, 2012 DENVER—Today, state Rep. Don Coram’s SUCCESS Act for Small Business—House Bill 1119—passed on a voice vote in the House.   The measure, which stands for Stopping Unnecessary Costs and Creating Economic Sustainability for Small Business, creates a temporary moratorium on the Colorado Department of Health and Environment’s ability to impose fines on businesses for minor violations. Specifically, the bill targets harmless violations in construction activities associated with storm water discharges.   “Supporters of the SUCCESS Act understand what it takes to create jobs and they know that predatory bureaucratic fines don’t help,” Coram, R-Montrose, said.   Coram’s measure temporarily prohibits the CDPHE from issuing a fine for minor, inspection-related violations and paperwork violations unless the business fails to cure the infraction within a reasonable time.   “Punishing job creators for paperwork mistakes and other minor infractions … Read entire article »

May 2, 2012 DENVER—State Rep. Don Coram’s House Bill 1327 passed the House today with a 63-1vote. HB 1327 resurrects an effort killed by Senate Democrats to remove the surety bond requirement for all tow carriers in Colorado. Eliminating the requirement will save hundreds of small operators from shutting down and ensure carriers can afford to operate in rural areas of the state.   “Accident clearing and traffic assistance in low-density areas are critical services to Coloradans and anyone passing through the state,” said Coram, R-Montrose. “This bill removes prohibitively high expenses for towing operators so that these services can continue to be provided across Colorado.”   The surety bond requirement Coram’s measure removes was only required to ensure operators complied with fines and penalties. HB 1327 replaces the expensive bond requirement with lower annual … Read entire article »

May 2, 2012   DENVER—This morning, the House of Representatives passed a measure to give victims of the Lower North Fork Fire a voice, and seek compensation for their losses.   House Bill 1352 creates The Lower North Fork Fire Commission—made up of four lawmakers, the executive director of the Department of Public Safety and the state treasurer—and charged the commission with reviewing the investigation of the wildfire, including its cause and financial impact.  The commission must report their findings and recommendations to the General Assembly by December of 2012.   The measure, sponsored by state Reps. Cheri Gerou and Bob Gardner, passed the House on a vote of 44-20.  While some have argued that the state bill should not move forward, Gerou argues that the state needs to do what is right.   “Too many politicians are … Read entire article »

May 1, 2012 DENVER—The House of Representatives gave initial approval for legislation establishing the Lower North Fork Fire Commission on a voice vote today.   House Bill 1352 charges the commission—made up of four lawmakers, the executive director of the Department of Public Safety and the state treasurer—with reviewing the investigation of the wildfire, including its cause and financial impact.  The commission must report their findings and recommendations to the General Assembly by December of 2012.   “This bill is about doing what’s right for the victims of this terrible tragedy,” said state Rep. Cheri Gerou, R-Evergreen.  “Without this legislation, there’s no chance that these victims will be compensated by the state for their extraordinary losses.”   The bill develops a process for its victims to request compensation from the state for certain losses not covered by … Read entire article »