Dianne Primavera
State Representative, House District 33
Press Releases
-
Rep. Primavera Sees Her Two Landmark Health Care Bills Signed Into Law
AURORA ― Gov. Bill Ritter signed 11 health-care bills into law today, including legislation at the heart of his “Building Blocks to Health Care Reform” plan, as well as measures that provide coverage to thousands of uninsured children. Broomfield’s own State Representative Dianne Primavera carried two of those groundbreaking pieces of legislation:
House Bill 1385, which she sponsored with State Senator Gail Schwartz (D-Snowmass Village, creates an apples-to-apples consumer shopping guide for health insurance on the Colorado Division of Insurance website. It also will bring greater transparency to the commission fees that insurance brokers earn when selling insurance policies.
“Too often, Coloradans are forced to compare apples to oranges to bananas when they are looking at health insurance policies,” Rep. Dianne Primavera said. “We are creating transparency in the health care system by requiring insurance brokers to tell customers how much commission they make on each policy they sell.”
Rep. Primavera also sponsored House Bill 1372, along with State Senator Bob Hagedorn (D-Aurora). The bill establishes the Colorado Stem Cells Cure Fund, and a check-off on the Colorado income tax form. The fund would provide resources to allow new mothers across the state to donate the stem cells found in umbilical cord blood to a public cord blood bank. Those stem cells could then be used in treatments for illnesses including leukemia, sickle cell anemia, and cerebral palsy. They could also be used for research into cures for a host of other illnesses.
“This legislation, to make adult stem cell donations and treatments available, is among the first of its kind in the nation,” Rep. Primavera said. “What used to be medical waste is now a medical miracle.”
# # # -
Lawmakers and Law Enforcement Get Tough On Drunk Driving
May 21, 2008
New laws aim to prevent DUI deaths this holiday weekend
DENVER – Today, at the site of a deadly DUI accident, State Representative Dianne Primavera (D-Broomfield) urged Coloradans to drive safely and soberly – or face increased fines, a loss of their driver’s license or mandated breathalyzers – even for first offenders. Rep. Primavera was joined by Rep. Joel Judd (D-Denver) and State Trooper Gilbert Mares.
Their announcement comes in anticipation of Memorial Day weekend when thousands of Colorado drivers will be on the road and alcohol consumption is expected to rise. According to the AAA, 9.1 million people in the western United States (including Colorado) will travel over 50 miles next weekend. During the 2006 Memorial Day weekend, 708 people were arrested in Colorado for DUI.
Rep. Primavera said:
"Today, I’m proud to report drunk driving deaths in Colorado are down and it’s because we’ve been sending a strong message to drunk drivers that enough is enough. This year, we passed laws to increase fines for drunk-driving offenses and to expand the use of ignition locking and breathalyzer devices.
These will surely help. But unfortunately, too many Coloradans still drive drunk. And too many still die. In 2006, 207 alcohol-related fatalities happened on Colorado’s roads."
So, on the weekend before Memorial Day, we’re here to urge Coloradans to have a safe holiday. Some think a $10, $20, $30 taxi ride home is just too expensive. But here’s a fact that will make it seem like the best deal in town: after attorney’s fees, fines and everything else, the average cost for an alcohol related driving offense will be more than $9,000 after legislation we passed takes effect.
What kind of night is worth that much money? Make your decision wisely. There’s too much riding on your decision to make the wrong choice.
This intersection is a constant reminder of that. Just last year, a family of four was torn apart because of a drunk driver. So please – know when to say when. Know when to designate a sober driver. Know when to call a cab or a sober buddy. Because your wrong choice could end up costing more than just you.
Rep. Judd was the sponsor of several bills which aim to crack down on drunk drivers, in part inspired by the tragic DUI deaths of the Bingham family at the corner of 15th and Arapahoe. Rep. Primavera is a member of the House Transportation Committee and a co-sponsor of the tough-on-DUI bills.
# # #
-
Rep. Primavera Passes Groundbreaking Bill to Help Fight Cancer & Other Illnesses Using Stem Cells
April 14, 2008
Cord blood could provide lifeline for those facing cancer, cerebral palsy, even Alzheimer’s
DENVER – On Monday, House Bill 1372, sponsored by State Representative Dianne Primavera (D-Broomfield) passed the House on a sweeping 58 to 4 vote, with 35 House members co-sponsoring the measure. The bill would establish the Colorado Stem Cells Cure Fund, to be financed with a check off on the Colorado income tax form as well as gifts, grants and donations.
“A baby’s umbilical cord is a lifeline before birth. It provides the nutrients and oxygen necessary for a baby’s growth,” continued Rep. Primavera. “After birth, the baby no longer needs that lifeline, but that same cord could provide a lifeline for someone else.”
The fund would provide resources to allow every new mother across the state the chance to donate the stem cells found in umbilical cord blood after birth to a public cord blood bank. Those stem cells could then be used in treatments for various illnesses – particularly leukemia. They could also be used for research into cures for a host of other illnesses.
“It’s estimated that more than 80,000 babies were born to Colorado mothers last year. Of those, only 700 mothers donated their baby’s umbilical cord,” noted Rep. Primavera. “This bill will provide the chance for all mothers to donate so more doctors can research new cures and patients can receive the treatments they need.”
Colorado is one of only seven states to have public cord blood banking. Unfortunately, collection is still not possible in most parts of the state, and more than 99% of all cords are discarded as medical waste. It’s estimated that 150,000 cords from a broad, multi-racial population would be sufficient to provide every single person in the U.S. an adult stem cell treatment who needs one.
Donated stem cells are cleaned, tested, coded, frozen, and stored. They are then placed in a database and made available to sick patients in Colorado, other parts of the US or anywhere else in the world.
Those cord blood units not suitable for treatments can be donated for research. Research into new therapies is leading to significant advancements in treatment for a range of illnesses. A new stem cell treatment for cerebral palsy is showing promising results in children, and recent findings from an experiment showed that an umbilical cord blood therapy reduced the signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease in mice.
The bill now goes to the Senate, where it is being carried by State Senator Bob Hagedorn (D-Aurora).
# # # -
Lawmakers Secure Health Care for a Busload of Kids - 1,000 Busloads in Fact!
April 24, 2008
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. Primavera 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, co-sponsored by Rep. Primavera, 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!”
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)
# # #
-
Shopping for Health Insurance?
April 23, 2008
Help is on the Way with New Consumer Guide
(Denver) Frustrated consumers, human resources staff and business owners shopping for health insurance will have a new tool for selecting a policy that
fits their needs. House Bill 1385 would create an apples-to-apples consumer guide to shopping for health insurance.
As part of the Governor Bill Ritter’s “building blocks for healthcare reform” plan, House Bill 1385 is sponsored by State Representative Dianne
Primavera (D-Broomfield).
“Too often, Coloradans are forced to compare apples to oranges to bananas when they are looking at health insurance policies,” Rep. Primavera explained. “The good news is that help is on the way for frustrated consumers, human resource reps, and business owners.”
Charley Shimanski, President of the Colorado Nonprofit Association, supports the consumer guide too. “By comparing policies apples to apples, nonprofits will be able to save time, money and frustration when shopping for health insurance,” he said.
In addition, the bill will shine light on the commission fees that insurance brokers earn when selling insurance policies. This is a common practice in other industries. In the real estate industry, brokers must disclose what their commission is when selling a house. Consumers will also be able to file complaints if they are dissatisfied with their policy.
Rep. Primavera explained, “We are creating transparency in the health care system by requiring insurance brokers to tell customers how much commission they make on each policy they sell.”
The House passed the bill today on a bi-partisan 49 to 16 vote and now heads to the Senate for full consideration, where it is sponsored by Senator Gail Schwartz (D-Snowmass Village).# # #
-
Rep. Primavera Welcomes High School Champions from Across Broomfield to the State House
April 21, 2008
On Monday, State Representative Dianne Primavera welcomed the 3A and 4A girl’s state high school basketball championship teams and the 4A state wrestling champion to the floor of the Colorado House of Representatives. All hail from Broomfield, the Representative’s hometown.
After introducing the teams to fellow House members, Rep. Primavera joined the 4A champion Broomfield High School Eagles for photos. The Eagles, who are led by head coach Mike Croell, have the historic distinction of bringing back-to-back state championships to Broomfield High.
Next, Rep. Primavera joined Gabe Gomez and Broomfield High administrators, including principal Ginger Ramsey. Gabe won the 4A boy’s 112-pound wrestling championship this past March.
Finally, Rep. Primavera joined head coach Ron Rossi and the 3A champion Holy Family Tigers. This year marked the first time the Tigers have won the state championship.
“With all these champions from Broomfield, it’s pretty crowded out here,” Rep. Primavera quipped on as they crowded onto the House floor this morning. “This is a great day for Broomfield athletes, especially the ladies.”
# # # -
Gov. Ritter Signs Law Creating Autism Commission
April 14, 2008
Gov. Bill Ritter today signed Senate Bill 163 into law, establishing a 24-member Colorado Autism Commission that will examine gaps in services and devise a 10-year state strategy by Oct. 1, 2009.
SB 163 was sponsored by Rep. Brandon Shaffer and Rep. Dianne Primavera at the urging of the Autism Society of Colorado.
“Government does best when it collaborates with people, nonprofits and organizations like the Autism Society of Colorado, when it intersects with where people struggle, and when it crafts real solutions to real problems,” Gov. Ritter said.
“This new law will help us better understand, coordinate, and more efficiently provide services to Coloradans affected by autism,” Gov. Ritter added. “One in 169 Colorado children has been diagnosed with some form of autism. Clearly, this is a critical and growing challenge.”
“I'm proud to stand with Governor Ritter today as we make this commission a reality,” Sen. Shaffer said. “Better understanding autism spectrum disorders will help us bring much-needed relief to thousands of Colorado families.”
“Research shows that with the right treatment at the right time, kids with autism can succeed. We should give them every opportunity to do so,” Rep. Primavera said.
For a complete list of legislation Gov. Ritter has signed into law during the 2008 legislative session, click here or visit www.colorado.gov/governor.# # #
-
Broomfield Boy Scout Leads State House in Pledge
13-year old Mack Porter invited by Rep. Primavera
March 25, 2008
(Denver) At her Pizza with Primavera town hall meeting in March, State Representative Dianne Primavera (D-Broomfield) met one of her younger constituents. Thirteen-year-old Mack Porter attended the meeting to meet the Representative and work towards his Boy Scout “citizenship in the community” merit badge.
The Boy Scout merit badge requires learning about local government, attending a city council meeting, talking to a local official, learning about a local charity and volunteering at that charity for a minimum of eight hours.
Mack is part of Troop 767 in Broomfield and is in the 7th grade. At the town hall meeting, Rep Primavera invited him to lead the pledge of allegiance for the House of Representatives at the State Capitol.
On Monday, March 24th, as a guest of Rep. Primavera, Mack led the pledge of allegiance in his Boy Scout uniform. While at the Capitol, he started work towards an additional merit badge- Citizenship in the Nation- by touring the State Capitol. Mack has achieved the First Class rank and has almost completed the Star rank.
“It is an honor to have a Broomfield Boy Scout lead the House of Representatives in the pledge of allegiance this morning. My door is always open here at the Capitol and I invite everyone to come by and visit,” Rep. Primavera stated.
# # #
-
Gambling Not Just Fun and Games
February 27, 2008
House Puts Money on the Table to Treat Gambling Addictions
(Denver) For those with gambling problems, all bets are on for treating addictions. State Representative Dianne Primavera (D-Broomfield) is sponsoring a bill to help the estimated three percent of Coloradans who have gambling addictions.
Taxes on hundreds of millions of dollars of gambling revenue provide valuable services for the state. Revenues from Powerball, casinos, and internet gambling help to fund road maintenance, emergency services and law enforcement.
However, there are no services currently available to assist the men and women struggling with gambling addictions. Currently, 37 other states provide services to treat gambling addictions. Colorado is one step closer to becoming one of them after a final vote of 56 to 9 on House Bill 1314 today. The bill would set up a grant awareness program to help those in need.
Rep. Primavera said, “While gambling may sound like fun and games, it can be very destructive. Gambling addictions lead to debt, destroy families, and can even result in suicide.”
Current law permits funds to be used in counties in close proximity to casinos. Rep. Primavera’s bill would expand the gambling addiction services to all Colorado counties.
Under the proposed legislation, approximately $200,000 in the Local Government Limited Gaming Impact Fund would go toward gambling addiction counseling, including prevention and education, to Colorado residents.
“We’re upping the ante. The bill would put money on the table to treat gambling addictions,” Rep. Primavera explained.# # #
-
House Helps Halt Sexually Violent Predators
February 18, 2008
DENVER—On Monday, the House voted to help make sure sex offenders are appropriately assessed so they do not commit further violent crimes once they are released from prison. House Bill 1247, sponsored by State Representative Dianne Primavera (D-Broomfield), would require that the court handing down a violent sexual offender’s sentence also determine whether that offender is a sexually violent predator.
“This bill ensures that sexually violent predators are assessed at the right place at the right time by someone with the right skill level,” said Rep. Primavera. “It will help guarantee offenders get the proper treatment so they don’t fall through the cracks and offend again once they are released.”
The bill would direct a sentencing court to administer a sexually violent predator assessment so offenders receives appropriate treatment and are less likely to reoffend once they are released. As it stands, if a sentencing court fails to administer a determination, the obligation falls to the offender’s parole board. This creates additional work for parole boards and increases the likelihood that offenders will be incorrectly assessed.
The bill passed with an initial voice vote and awaits final approval by the House before moving to the Senate for further consideration.
# # #
-
Transportation Leaders Respond to I-25 Sinkhole
February 8, 2008
“We can put a band-aid on this, but more problems will arise”
(DENVER) Some members of the House Transportation Committee responded today to the 40 foot by 40 foot sinkhole that appeared on I-25 late yesterday.“The sinkhole is just a symptom of our aging and frail transportation infrastructure,” said State Representative Dianne Primavera (D-Broomfield). “We can put a band-aid on this, but more problems will arise unless we come up with a comprehensive solution. I hope we can create a solution before there is a loss of life.”
“Wow, a picture is worth a thousand words,” said Representative Buffie McFadyen (D-Pueblo West), the Transportation Committee Chair. “If those photos of the sinkhole don’t direct the state to maintain existing infrastructure, nothing will.”
State Representative Joe Rice (D-Littleton) had this to say: “To those who criticize our infrastructure proposals but offer no other options about what we need to do and how we could do it, I would say, ‘explain your solution or explain the sinkhole.’ Until we do something about our infrastructure, more of these types of things are going to happen: with unknown economic, human and resources costs. We're paying for it now -- we're just not paying for it in a way that's making progress.”
"A safe and efficient transportation system is key to our economy, our communities, our overall quality of life and our future,” State Representative Christine Scanlan (D-Dillon) said.
# # # -
Rep. Primavera Advocates for Abused Kids
January, 25, 2008
Legislator helps CASA program expand in rural districts
DENVER – The House voted today to expand an essential program helping neglected and abused children. House Bill 1018, sponsored by State Representative Dianne Primavera (D-Broomfield), passed the House on a preliminary vote. The proposed legislation will allow non-contiguous rural judicial districts to establish joint volunteer court-appointed special advocate (CASA) programs.
Colorado CASA volunteers gather information on behalf of children in cases where negligence and abuse may be occurring. They work closely and independently with children who otherwise have no independent voice, and advocate strongly on their behalf. There are more than 900 CASA volunteers serving children across the state.
“CASA volunteers really are powerful voices in children’s lives,” said Rep. Primavera. “I’m honored to have the chance to help this effective organization continue to serve neglected and abused children.”
HB 1018 is designed to expand the program in rural areas. Currently, state statute requires that CASA programs be established only in adjacent judicial districts. HB 1018 lifts that restriction, reducing the administrative burden of establishing complex organizations in rural areas where it is difficult to do so, and encouraging partnerships to help grow the program.
“We had one witness in committee who said her CASA worker is the most positive influence she’s had in her life,” continued Primavera. “The least we can do is make it a little easier for CASA volunteers do what they do best – help children lead safe, healthy lives.”###
