It is turning into another hot, gorgeous Colorado summer! But even though the 2009 legislative session ended in May, that doesn't mean my work is over. Here is some interesting news and exciting upcoming events:
"GOVERNMENT AT THE GROCERY" JULY 18th
I will be visiting the Safeway at 3602 W. 144
th Ave in Broomfield on July 18
th at 10:00 AM to meet with you, my constituents, for "Government at the Grocery." Come say hello! I'd like to hear your input and suggestions. For more information, visit my
website.
INTERIM COMMITTEE MEETINGS
THE PINNACOL COMMITTEE IS READY TO GO
The Pinnacol Interim Committee was set up this session to ensure Colorado policyholders are paying the lowest premiums possible, that injured workers are getting the medical care and benefits they need to get back to work, and that Colorado's "workers compensation insurer of last resort" is stable, successful and solvent. The hearing dates are: August 4, 14, 31; September 4, 18 and October 16. We'd like to hear your input! All hearings are open to the public. For times and locations of the meetings
, follow this link.
FISCAL STABILITY COMMISSION IS GETTING TO WORK
This commission is given the charge of studying all matters relating to the fiscal stability of Colorado, including but not limited to solutions for higher education and transportation funding, affordable access to health care, kindergarten through twelfth grade education, state-owned assets, and the creation and adequate funding of a state rainy day fund. The first meeting is Thursday, July 9, 2009 in HCR 0112 from 9 AM to 5 PM, which will include a think tank presentation at 2:40 PM. Come and tell your legislators what kind of Colorado you want! All hearings are open to the public. On Wednesday, July 29
th, the Commission will be taking public testimony.
Click here for times and locations of the hearings.
COLORADO HOUSE TO RETURN $900,000 TO STATE FROM GENERAL ASSEMBLY BUDGET
We take seriously the idea that the taxpayers are our bosses, the money we spend is theirs, and we are accountable to them. The Colorado House of Representatives - including the Majority Democrats, the Minority Republicans, and the administrative divisions - will return approximately $900,000 from its operating budget to the State's General Fund for the last fiscal year which ended June 30th. House staff and leaders have consistently been wise stewards of the budget.
LOCAL WEBSITE GIVES DETAILS ON STIMULUS FUNDS
A coalition of contractors and economic-development leaders has established a website to allow businesses to share information about federal economic-stimulus dollars and opportunities. The Web page,
StimulusColorado.org, aims to keep businesses up to date on funds available for projects dealing with energy, infrastructure, health care and small-business loans. Also, information on tax breaks will be posted.
NEW LAWS IN EFFECT AS OF JULY 1st
A whopping 57 new laws from last session have gone into effect as of July 1
st, 2009. While some bills help consumers, others aim to jump-start the economy and create jobs. A number of others provide support for laid-off workers and aim to make healthcare more affordable. For a partial list, visit the
House Majority website.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY-ROAD TO RECOVERY FOR LOCAL CANCER SURVIVORS
The American Cancer Society is currently looking for volunteers for its Road to Recovery program. Road to Recovery recruits volunteers to drive area cancer survivors to and from their cancer treatments. Presently, there is a shortage of volunteers serving the Denver area. As a cancer survivor myself, I know the side effects of the chemotherapy or radiation are draining and debilitating. For more information on volunteering as a driver or to learn more about the program, contact Lynn Cogley at 720-524-5472, or email her at Lynn.Cogley@cancer.org.
JOIN BROOMFIELD'S PAPERLESS ELECTRONIC INFORMATION LOOP
Broomfield just launched its electronic information newsletter! "B in the Loop" allows you to 'go green' and sign up for email updates from various city departments - such as City Council, the Library, Public Arts, and Recreation - regarding things you want to know. To subscribe, follow this link.
COLORADO STEMS CELLS CURE FUND EARNS $65,000 IN FIRST YEAR
Last year, Colorado added a new checkoff box to its tax forms: an opportunity to donate to the Adult Stem Cells Cure Fund. This fund provides additional resources to encourage and enable new mothers across Colorado to donate their babies' umbilical cord blood following birth. Cord blood contains adult stem cells that can be used to treat patients who have been diagnosed with life-threatening diseases. After one year alone, we now have $65,000 in revenue to help fund blood donation and research to help adults in need. As the sponsor of House Bill 08-1372, I am proud to see the program taking off in its first year, thanks to the generosity of Coloradans. Look for the check off box on your state tax form again next year.
FOR DOG LOVERS: WHY DOES MY DOG DO THAT?
As a dog lover (I own two Airedale Terriers) I thought I would pass this along to all you dog owners out there. For those of you wanting to better understand your dog's behavior, you can learn more on Tuesday, August 11th at 2:00 PM at the Mamie Doud Eisenhower Library. Dog behavior therapist and trainer Barbara Marty will give a presentation.
Thank you for your interest in your state government. I hope you had a great 4th of July!
To contact me, please write, call or email (or stop by Safeway on the 18th!):
State Representative Dianne Primavera
200 E. Colfax Denver CO 80203
303-866-4667
