Wednesday, September 28, 2011

House Republicans Back States' Rights over Federal Mandates in New Health Exchange

DENVER— House Republicans sitting on the Legislative Health Benefit Exchange Implementation Review Committee will not support the current application for federal assistance now being considered by the board of directors of the Colorado Health Benefit Exchange.

The level one federal grant asks for more than $22 million to help establish the Colorado Health Benefit Exchange. The grant seeks monies to hire 27 full-time employees at annual salaries ranging from $45,600 to $200,400. Under the grant, all 27 of these employees would be in place by February 1, 2012. 

The grant application also speaks of modifying Colorado statutes and regulations to “conform to federal requirements.”

“This over-reaching proposal is a precise example of why House Republicans fought so hard for legislative oversight of Colorado’s Health Benefit Exchange,” said state Rep. Jim Kerr, R-Littleton. “This current application would push Colorado into a one-size-fits-all mandate from Washington. Colorado needs Colorado-specific solutions to meet our Colorado-specific needs. That’s why we created a health benefit exchange to fit the unique needs of Colorado and to protect Coloradans from an out-of-control Washington, D.C. bureaucracy.”

Senate Bill 200 creates a market-based exchange to fit the unique needs of Colorado. Once established, the exchange will allow families and small businesses to pool together to find affordable and quality coverage that best suits their needs.

Senate Bill 200 established the 10-member Legislative Health Benefit Exchange Implementation Review Committee.  Currently, the committee is evenly split between Republican and Democrat members.  Each grant application is subject to the review and unanimous approval of the board chair and the chair and vice-chair of the oversight committee prior to submission of the application. If there is not unanimous approval, each grant application is then subject to the review and the majority approval of the committee.

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Tuesday, September 20, 2011

House GOP Statement on New State Revenue Expectations

DENVER—Today, the Colorado Legislative Council and Office of State Planning and Budgeting released their September revenue forecasts to the Joint Budget Committee, showing a slight decrease in state revenue expectations due to less sales and use tax revenue. 

State Rep. Cheri Gerou, R-Evergreen, vice chair of the Joint Budget Committee, released the following statement about the forecasts:

“Today’s revenue forecasts, coupled with last August’s employment numbers show that we still face challenging economic times. 

“Given the decreases in sales and use tax revenue, the last thing Colorado’s families and job creators need is another burdensome tax increase.  Instead, we need policies that will help get our economy back on track and keep government spending in check.  House Republicans are committed to doing just that.” 

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Friday, September 16, 2011

House Republicans Mark Constitution Day

GRAND JUNCTION, Colo.—September 17th marks Constitution Day, the day commemorating the formation and signing of the U.S. Constitution. 

House Majority Leader Amy Stephens released the following statement marking the significance of this day: 

“Today, we celebrate and reflect on the signing of the Constitution of the United States—a document like no other in the history of the world, one that enshrines the rights and liberties of all Americans and is a source of inspiration for freedom seekers throughout world. 

“We also remember the millions of servicemen and women who have defended the Constitution, including those bravely serving our nation today. 

“I encourage families and individuals to set aside a moment of time to read the Constitution, and to consider the impact these powerful words have had on generations of Americans and people around the world.”  

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Thursday, September 15, 2011

House Republicans Recognize Hispanic Heritage Month

DENVER—In 1988, President Ronald Reagan signed legislation into law designating Sept. 15-Oct. 15 as National Hispanic Heritage Month.

Majority House Caucus Chair, State Rep. Carole Murray, R-Castle Rock, released the following statement in honor of National Hispanic Heritage Month—

 “Since Pres. Reagan established Hispanic Heritage Month in 1988, we have celebrated the diverse and numerous contributions the Hispanic community has given our state and our nation. 

“Colorado is stronger today because of the Hispanic community, including its thousands of small business owners, religious leaders, educators, and political leaders like State Reps. Robert Ramirez (R-Wheat Ridge) and Libby Szabo (R-Arvada).”

Speaker of the House Frank McNulty, R-Highlands Ranch, added—

“While we celebrate our diversity this month, we especially recognize our values of faith, family and love of country and freedom that unite us as Americans.  We especially thank the millions of Hispanics who have served proudly in the United States Armed Forces throughout our country’s history.”

“On behalf the House Republicans, I thank the Hispanic community for enriching our state and our nation.”  

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Friday, September 9, 2011

McNulty’s Statement on Anniversary of 9/11

DENVER— Today, Speaker of the House Frank McNulty, R-Highlands Ranch, released the following statement concerning the 10 year anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks: 

“This weekend, we remember those we lost ten years ago on Sept. 11 and those we lost serving in the defense of our nation since that horrific day.  We also take time to thank and honor the new generation of heroes who rose immediately after the attacks on that day and serve our country today.   

“On Sept. 11 we saw first responders and civilians rush to the World Trade Center and Pentagon to help those in need.  We saw the passengers of United Airlines Flight 93 sacrifice their own lives to protect the lives of their fellow Americans.  And we have since seen scores of young people sign-up to serve in the armed forces.  These men and women have fought valiantly in the War on Terror and the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.     

“We will never forget that horrific day, and we can never forget those who are fighting to keep our country safe from future attacks.”     

Photo courtesy of www.ColoradoSenateNews.com.  

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