Owens wields his veto pen
Gov. Bill Owens delivered a package of vetoes to the House on Thursday.
In addition to killing a bill to let pharmacists write prescriptions for emergency contraception, the governor vetoed House Bill 1174, which would have required all employees on a construction site to be covered by worker’s compensation insurance. Currently, independent contractors are exempt.
Owens objected to the construction industry being singled out and the “millions of dollars in new expenses” it would create.
Owens also vetoed House Bills 1148 and 1077, which placed limits and prohibitions in construction contracts. In both vetoes, Owens said he believes the government should not interfere in contracts between private parties.
Owens has vetoed nine bills so far this year.
Citizens group seeks Trailhead probe
A group of citizens Thursday delivered a petition to Republican Attorney General John Suthers asking him to investigate Trailhead Group, an outside political organization working to elect Republican candidates.
The group, Citizens for Integrity in Government, called on Suthers to look into automated political phone calls against House Democrats that it says are untruthful.
Republican Gov. Bill Owens is one of the founders of Trailhead. He appointed Suthers attorney general after Democrat Ken Salazar was elected to the U.S. Senate.
Last month, Suthers dismissed a similar complaint against Trailhead. CIG said Suthers had received donations from some of the same donors as Trailhead.
Jim Hudson, 57, of Littleton said he “was especially worried about the attorney general not executing his duties.”
Audit panel questions state fair’s viability
The legislative audit committee released a report Thursday raising questions about the Colorado State Fair Authority’s continuing viability, an ongoing concern at the Capitol.
“The Authority’s current liabilities exceeded its current assets by $2,551,970,” auditors wrote. “These factors … raise substantial doubt about the Authority’s ability to continue as a going concern.”
In other action:
The Senate gave preliminary approval to Senate Bill 44, which would spend $15 million freed up by Referendum C. The legislation would help community health centers care for 50,000 to 100,000 more low-income adults.
The Senate gave 25-4 final approval to Senate Bill 198, which would require a standardized contract be used between doctors and insurance companies.
First lady Frances Owens and others announced that the state has applied for a Medicaid waiver that would cover hospice care for children. The program would go into effect next year and initially cover up to 200 children.
Gov. Owens signed House Bill 1108, which sends minors convicted of traffic offenses to driving school and House Bill 1162, which increases the penalty for minor drivers not wearing a seat belt.
