SCENE AND HEARD
A word or two (and more) from Rep. White
“If this bill passes, what will we be doing next? Mandating that people wear seat belts? Telling people which bars they can smoke in and which they can’t?” – Rep. Al White, R-Winter Park, teasing fellow lawmakers as he opposed a bill to force public schools to stock vending machines with healthy snacks. Bills on seat belts and banning smoking are already on the calendar for future debate.
“Mr. Cranky Pants has left the building.” – Rep. White, referring to his new attitude after patching up a feud with Democrats over a tourism-funding bill.
Apology accepted
“I apologize for my outspokenness. It’s my way. I’m a pushy Eastern bastard and I can’t help it.” – Bernie Rogoff, a retired Aurora businessman, after being chided for interrupting a committee debate on a lobbyist-reform bill.
“I encourage you to run for office. We have several of them down here.” – Rep. Bill Cadman, R-Colorado Springs, replying to Rogoff.
THE BILL
New plates on the drawing board
State lawmakers want to help you drive in style.
This year, four new license plate designs have been proposed for drivers who want to adorn their autos.
Last week, a Senate committee gave initial approval to three designs: “Support the Troops,” Bronze Star winners, and Colorado Kids First. In January, Rep. Michael Garcia, D-Aurora, announced plans to introduce a bill for a special orange-and-blue Broncos plate. So what does it cost for the state to make a special plate? Here are the numbers for a “Support the Troops” plate:
$27,540: What the state expects to spend to produce 3,000 plates. Of that amount, $16,080 would cover the costs of the plates and tabs. $11,460 would be needed for computer programming.
$91,080: What the state expects to collect in fees if 3,000 people buy the plates. That cost includes the one-time fee of $25, the usual licensing fees of $5.08 and 28 cents for month and year tabs.
LOOKING AHEAD
Lawmakers love meetings because they get to do one of their favorite things: Talk. And talk. And talk. And when they’re done talking, they let other people talk. That’s why their meetings often run late, so plan accordingly if you want to attend. Here are some of the key issues on the calendar this week. Remember, schedules are subject to change.
MONDAY
Auto insurance: Four bills relating to auto insurance in the House Business Affairs Committee. House Bill 1036 would require insurers to offer medical-payments coverage. At 1:30 p.m.
WEDNESDAY
No state aid for smokers: Tobacco users would not be eligible for publicly funded treatment services for tobacco-related head, neck and lung cancer under Senate Bill 101. The Senate Health and Human Services Committee meets in the morning after the Senate adjourns.
Government contracts: The Senate State Affairs Committee reviews two bills on state contracts. Senate Bill 63 deals with computer-system purchases and Senate Bill 64 requires government disclosure of overseas outsourcing. At 1:30 p.m.
THURSDAY
RTD parking fees: Senators hope to block the Regional Transportation District from charging fees at its park-n-Ride lots. The Senate Health and Human Services Committee reviews Senate Bill 93. In the morning after the Senate adjourns.
Death of a fetus: The House Judiciary Committee takes up House Bill 1128, a Republican proposal that makes it murder to cause the death of a fetus in certain circumstances. At 1:30 p.m.
