McNulty to American Cancer Society: House Republicans Will Help You Protect Cancer Research Dollars

DENVER—At a breakfast sponsored by the American Cancer Society today, Speaker of the House Frank McNulty announced that allocating cancer research funding or “Amendment 35 dollars” to other purposes not designated for their use by our state constitution is off the table when it comes to budget negotiations next year. 

“We all recognize that the state has struggled over the past few years,” said McNulty, R-Highlands Ranch.  “But the programs that receive Amendment 35 funding have paid more than their fair share to balance the budget.  It is time these funds go where our state constitution directs them to go—to advance the health and well-being of Coloradans.”  

Amendment 35 was approved overwhelming by the voters in 2004, with tax funds from tobacco products going to the early detection and treatment of cancer, cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases, as well comprehensive primary care, children’s health care and prevention and cessation programs.  

Chair of the House Health and Environment Committee, State Rep. Ken Summers, R-Lakewood, hailed the news:

“I am proud that the Speaker and House Republicans have made the decision to follow the will of the people and allocate Amendment 35 funds to medical care for children and providing affordable mammograms and other life saving tests and treatments to those in need. 


“Cancer is something that has touched everyone.  I’ve personally lost several family members and even recently a friend to cancer. Working together, we can beat this disease,” Summers, a cancer survivor, added.
  
The announcement comes on the heels of the June revenue forecasts, which showed a slight increase in state revenue expectations.  

“The forecasts certainly gave us cause for optimism,” said Joint Budget Committee chairman Cheri Gerou, R-Evergreen.  “But they don’t mean we can continue the reckless spending of years past.  As we did last year, House Republicans are ready to make the tough choices necessary for us to have a responsible budget.  This year, we will do so by ensuring the Amendment 35 dollars go to preventing and treating life threatening diseases.”

For more information on Amendment 35, click here: http://www.cdphe.state.co.us/ps/Amendment35report.pdf.

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Rep. McNulty Earns Spirit of Independence Award

The Independent Bankers of Colorado Presents Representative Frank McNulty
With the Spirit of Independence Award

Vail, CO- The Independent Bankers of Colorado (IBC) awarded Representative Frank McNulty with its 2009 Spirit of Independence Award in Vail Colorado, during the annual membership convention.

The IBC’s Spirit of Independence Award acknowledges lawmakers who stand firm in support of what they believe, often in the face of intense pressure from opposing interest groups and partisan politics. Recipients of this award have a pulse on what is important to their constituents when negotiating key pieces of legislation and work to protect Coloradans.

Representative Frank McNulty serves House District 43, consisting primarily of the Highlands Ranch community. Representative McNulty works for a balanced, secure and responsible energy future that includes traditional, alternative, and renewable sources of energy.

He champions limited government, responsible water policies, and a budget that reflects Colorado’s diverse resources and economic sectors. “Representative McNulty has been a friend to independent community banks since joining the House of Representative in 2006,” said Barbara Walker, Executive Director of the Independent Bankers of Colorado. “He has been a dedicated supporter of the communities we serve, especially small businesses.”

This year, Representative McNulty sponsored key legislation supported by the IBC that establishes the Colorado Division of Housing as the official state foreclosure reporting entity. He led the opposition to the expansion of the Governor’s Energy Office ability to make direct consumer, small business and agricultural loans that undermine the ability of independent community banks and other private lenders to engage in traditional public private partnerships to multiply government funds and projects that support effective and sustainable local economic development.

The Independent Bankers of Colorado represent over 110 community banks doing business in over 500 locations throughout Colorado. The IBC believes in the enhancement and promotion of strong community banks and Main Street prosperity. It is the IBC mission to serve and promote local communities, small businesses, and family farm and ranches throughout Colorado.

In-State Tuition for Military Veterans Clears First Legislative Hurdle

State Rep. Frank McNulty, R-Highlands Ranch, is celebrating success today with the passage of his proposal to expand access to higher education for honorably discharged veterans and their families was unanimously approved by a House Committee.

“Granting in-state tuition to the men and women who have served our nation in the armed forces is one small way to show our gratitude for their service and sacrifice,” McNulty said. “I am pleased that my colleagues saw the wisdom of providing this assistance to deserving Americans.”

House Bill 1039 would allow colleges to grant honorably discharged veterans and their families eligibility for in-state tuition at state universities when they make their home in Colorado.

“Extending this opportunity will benefit our veterans and their families by helping them begin their new lives in Colorado and will no doubt ease their transition to the private sector,” McNulty said. “I’m convinced that Colorado will benefit greatly by inviting our veterans here and they will make our state an even better place to live, work, and raise a family.”

HB 1039 today was unanimously approved by the HouseState, Veterans, and Military Affairs Committee and will now go to the House Appropriations Committee for consideration.