The Joint Budget Committee watches as the Governor signs into law supplemental budget bills
The
Colorado Affordable Health Care Option (HB20-1349) concerning the public option plan has stirred up the most controversy thus far. According to the Denver Post, the bill has garnered national attention and targeted by television, radio and mail campaigns. I received a briefing from our JBC analyst on the proposal back in December. The JBC also had a hearing with the executive directors of the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing and the Division of Insurance in February prior to the bill's introduction. Between then and now several of the major details have changed. I'll continue to update you as the bill progresses.
The Family and Medical Leave Insurance act, known as FAMLI, has also stirred up controversy. Last year's bill was modified into a taskforce to look at the issue and make recommendations. While nothing has been introduced yet, it appears this year's bill has changed dramatically. Those compromises on the bill prompted two of the bills sponsors to abandon the proposal. But the two main sponsors, Sen. Faith Winter and Rep. Matt Gray, have persisted and appear to be on track to introduce a bill very soon. And, my JBC colleague, Sen. Dominick Moreno, will be joining as a new co-prime sponsor.
While we haven't seen anything yet, I still expect a Transportation funding proposal to appear soon. According to a
Colorado Sun article, "
Democratic House Speaker KC Becker, a lead negotiator, said the new talks are progressing and she's "encouraged by the initial willingness to put together sort of a bipartisan package." But she acknowledges the deal is far from reality - and the political risks are significant." Right now, the conversation has revolved around funding sources and the push to find a bipartisan solution that everyone can get behind. I expect conversations to begin to ramp up as we approach introduction of the budget, also known as the Long Bill.
The next two weeks will be the busiest for me and the members of the Joint Budget Committee as we begin to finalize the budget proposal. We will received the March revenue forecast on Tuesday, March 17 and then we will begin balancing the budget based on all the decision items we have approved thus far. The budget will likely be introduced in the House the week of March 23 and then come to the Senate the following week. Once we have a clearer picture on what we are able to address in this year's budget, I'll be sure to fill you in.
Coronavirus Update: No additional presumptive positive cases of COVID-19 identified in Colorado today
DENVER, March 7: The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment's (CDPHE) state lab identified no additional presumptive positive tests today. The CDPHE lab conducted 44 tests today.
"We are focused on ensuring the public has access to accurate and up to date information. We are acting promptly and appreciate the coordination and efforts of local public health departments and officials. Colorado is in this together and we must continue to act accordingly," said Executive Director Jill Hunsaker Ryan.
CDPHE released the following information about the additional cases of COVID-19 in Colorado. As of March 7, 2020, eight cases of COVID-19 have been identified in Colorado:
Denver County
One case in a man in his 40s. The investigation is ongoing.
One case in a woman in her 70s, exposed during international travel.
Douglas County
One case in a school-aged female, exposed during international travel.
One case in a woman in her 40s, exposed during international travel.
One case in a woman in her 70s, exposed during international travel.
Eagle County
One case in a woman in her 50s, exposed during international travel.
El Paso County
One case in a man in his 40s. The investigation is ongoing.
Summit County
One case in a man in his 30s, an out-of-state resident who was exposed during international travel or through contact with an out-of-state case.
This week, the state laboratory expanded testing guidelines to ensure early detection in order to slow and limit transmission.
When cases test positive, the individual and their close contacts like family members and roommates are instructed to "isolate" (isolation is in the case of a person with a positive COVID test) or "quarantine" themselves (quarantine is if there is a suspected exposure). Meanwhile the state or local public health agency works to identify other possible contacts. Public health agencies can issue individual quarantine and isolation orders requiring individuals to remain at home for a certain period of time. Quarantine orders also include instructions for how to seek care and testing if the individual becomes symptomatic. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment and local public health agencies began to issue orders on Thursday with the announcement of positive cases.
Per protocol, each local public health agency is the lead investigator on cases involving people who reside within their jurisdictions. They will provide information as necessary and appropriate to protect the public's health. The state will provide technical assistance to counties and will act as the lead investigator on any cases that occur in Colorado but involve residents of other states or countries. The department will update numbers on ourwebsite and provide daily media summaries as long as necessary.
COVID-19 is primarily spread through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. People who have sustained contact within six feet of an infected individual are most at risk of transmission.
The department continues to work closely with the CDC and public health agencies across the state and is committed to protecting the health and safety of Coloradans. Health officials advise Coloradans to stay informed, take simple disease prevention measures, and prepare.
Rachel Zenzinger won election to the Colorado State Senate, representing District 19, in November 2016. She also served as Senator for SD19 in 2014. Sen. Zenzinger is a member of the Joint Budget Committee, the Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, and Vice Chair of the Statutory Revision Committee.
Mark your calendars for constituent events
Advocates visiting from Hunger Free Colorado
Coffee With Constituents: The next coffee event will be Tuesday, March 17 from 7:00 - 8:00 am. We will meet at the Morning Story Restaurant, 8025 Sheridan Blvd, Arvada, CO 80003.
What's Brewing at the Capitol?:
PLEASE NOTE NEW LOCATION & SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT
The next brewing event will be Wednesday, March 18 from 6:30 - 8:00 pm. We will meet at the Denver Beer Company, 5768 Olde Wadsworth Blvd, Arvada CO 80002. It is very likely that I will be unable to attend this event in person due to work on the budget. Please stayed tuned for announcements on whether or not we will host this event.
Town Hall Meeting: The next town hall event will be Saturday, March 21 from 10:30 am - 12:00 pm at Covenant Living of Colorado, 9153 Yarrow St, Westminster, CO 80021. The meeting will feature three Arvada City Councilors to discuss the major issues happening at the city level. Reps. Kraft-Tharp, Titone and myself will NOT be in attendance due to the Jefferson County Democrat Assembly.
Giving a tribute with Sen. Lundeen honoring the Colorado Hospital Association
Tracking your Senator
On Monday, the Senate welcomed the
Women's Foundation of Colorado... the JBC heard figure setting recommendations for the
Department of Education...
On Tuesday, we celebrated
Tech Day at the Capitol... the JBC heard figure setting recommendations for
Department of Personnel & Operating Common Policies, and the Department of Public Health and Environment... NAIOP hosted a legislative reception... On Wednesday, I had my first bill signing with the Governor... We met with advocates from Hunger Free Colorado... the JBC heard figure setting recommendations for the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing, the Department of Human Services, and the Department of Local Affairs... I presented a tribute with Sen. Lundeen honoring the Colorado Hospital Association...On Thursday, I had another bill signing with the Governor... We welcomed Lukas Elementary to the Capitol... the JBC heard figure setting recommendations for the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing... On Friday, the Senate Appropriations Committee met... the JBC heard figure setting recommendations for the Department of Natural Resources,the Department of Personnel, the Office of Information Technology, and the Department of Revenue... and, I met with advocates from Great Education Colorado.
Constituent Robin Kupernik visiting on behalf of Great Ed Colorado
If there is an event you think I should attend, please notify me!
Donations to
Rachel For Colorado
I am pleased to announce that I will be running for re-election for a second term as your senator for Senate District 19. I would be honored to have your support! Can you help by making a contribution? THANK YOU!
