Accountability Report #1 01/05/10

ALL THINGS INSPIRATIONAL & GOOD NEWS
 
As we begin 2010 and a new decade, I wish you a happy and healthy New Year, and I hope that your holidays were blessed with family, friends and neighbors.  Despite the challenges before us, it is important to count our blessings and embrace all that we are thankful for.  And at this moment, there is a beautiful snowfall blanketing my neighborhood with big, juicy snowflakes, making everything still, which is most welcome as I prepare for the upcoming hustle and bustle.
 
The 2010 Legislative Session begins Wednesday, January 13, and our primary focus will be on continuing to rebuild our state economy and balancing the state budget. We will do this by creating and protecting good jobs; targeting investments in education, workforce development and transportation; supporting small business, and maintaining an effective social safety net for those families that struggle. 
 
You are welcome to join me for the opening ceremonies in the Colorado House of Representatives at the State Capitol.  Please contact my office at 303-866-4569 if you'd like to attend.  Opening Day of the 67th Colorado General Assembly (second session) begins at 10:00 AM with speeches by the Speaker of the House Terrance Carroll & others.  The following day, Jan. 14 at 11:00 AM, Governor Ritter delivers the State of the State Address.
 
If you prefer to listen or watch on-line, please visit the Colorado General Assembly website at  www.leg.state.co.us & click on the link for Video/Audio Broadcasts at the top.  If you have cable, you can also watch the House proceedings on The Colorado Channel at Comcast Channel 165.  We aim to entertain you and continue our commitment to transparency and accountability. 
 
Military Appreciation Day is Monday, Jan. 25. This day is set aside to honor our vets and current military personnel. I would be pleased to have HD-52 veterans or current military personnel and their families join me for this special day. Contact my office for further details, seating and scheduling. 
 
As a bit of good news, my bill, HB09-1105, the “Colorado Innovation Investment Tax Credit,” which took effect January 1, will offer tax incentives to “angel investors,” who provide seed capital to start-up, home-grown companies. This is one way we’re helping to create jobs and support Colorado businesses. 
 
JOHN’S INTERIM PUBLIC POLICY UPDATE
 
During the 2009 interim, I chaired the Economic Opportunity Poverty Reduction Task Force, a bipartisan legislative committee that was established to study effective policies and best practices that increase economic opportunity while reducing child and family poverty.  We made great progress in our first year of convening.  Eight bills were approved and two complementary final reports were prepared that will provide details of our first-year findings and recommendations—setting the stage for the second year in which we will develop a comprehensive and strategic action plan to cut poverty in half by 2019.  To view the reports (finalized by 1/13), bills, and task force and subcommittee proceedings: Click Here
 
 
My 2010 legislative priorities include bills in the following areas: good governance, consumer protection, financial elder abuse, lower health care costs and increased health care value, bicycle education and safety, child welfare and family-strengthening, and supporting bills that put people back to work.  
 
COMMUNITY EVENTS - USEFUL INFORMATION
 
Town Hall Meeting, Saturday, January 9, 10:00 – 11:30 AM: Preview 2010 Legislative Session with Rep. Randy Fischer, Sen. Bob Bacon and me: Harmony Library Community Room, 4616 S. Shields (near FRCC).  
 
John’s first 2010 Community Conversation, Saturday, January 16, 9 AM – 10:30 at Daz Bog Coffee Shop, (Cherry & Mason Street).  Join me for informal conversation about what’s on your mind. 
 
Colorado PEAK is a self-service website that allows individuals to see if they may be eligible for food assistance, Colorado Works, Medicaid, or the Child Health Plan. Folks can anonymously answer some basic questions to find out if they may be eligible: www.colorado.gov/benefits/
 
Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+) keeps Colorado kids healthy by offering low-cost health insurance for Colorado's uninsured children and pregnant women who earn too much to qualify for Medicaid, but cannot afford private health insurance:  www.cchp.org/
 
Colorado Medicaid is public health insurance for low-income families, children, pregnant women, elders, and persons with disabilities: Click Here?

Colorado Indigent Care Program can help pay your medical expenses if you make less than 250% of the federal poverty level and are ineligible for Medicaid.  Enroll at your local hospital or clinic.? Click Here

Senior Health Care Assistance helps people enrolled in Medicare with questions about health insurance. www.dora.state.co.us/insurance/senior/senior.htm??

COLORADO 2-1-1 is a free and confidential service to help you find services and resources in your community.  United Way of Larimer County manages our local system.  Dial 2-1-1.?
 
ON THE PERSONAL SIDE
My family was together over the Christmas and New Year holidays, and sure as the sunrise, there is nothing like having your granddaughters wake you up every morning at 6 AM to tell you to get up because the coffee is ready and it is another beautiful day.  Be well.
 

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