Prescription drug plans stall
With about two weeks left in the legislative session, two key Democratic proposals to lower the cost of prescription drugs have been slowed largely by special-interest opposition and Democratic infighting.
One proposal, House Bill 1252, aims to provide discounted drugs to uninsured Coloradans who earn less than 250 percent of the federal poverty level, or $50,000 for a family of four.
Senate Bill 1, which passed the Senate on Wednesday 25-10, would provide uninsured Coloradans with access to discounted drugs that the state would buy through a multi-state drug-purchasing pool.
The state would get a better price on drugs because they would be bought in bulk.
Some Democrats fear Senate Bill 1 is cruising toward a veto and are pushing House Bill 1252, which they think has a better shot of earning Republican Gov. Bill Owens’ approval. Dan Hopkins, the governor’s spokesman, said Owens has not reviewed either bill.
Domestic-partner bill OK’d
The Senate Appropriations Committee voted 6-3 in favor of a proposal (House Bill 1344) that would allow gay and lesbian couples to register as domestic partners.
Same-sex couples would receive most of the same rights as married couples under state law but none of the benefits married couples are entitled to under federal law. If backed by the full Senate, the proposal would be placed on November’s ballot.
Public-health data sought
The Senate Appropriations Committee voted 6-3 to approve a bill (Senate Bill 227) that would require an annual report to the General Assembly regarding employers with 50 or more employees who are public health program beneficiaries.
It also would require that the report be available to any person who requests such a report. The bill now goes to the full Senate.
House backs toll-road rules
The House gave initial approval to a bill (House Bill 1003) that would require that work on a toll road or toll highway begin within three years after incorporation and that investors spend at least $500,000 or forfeit all rights.
Supporters of that measure said it will prevent property prices from plummeting on projects that will never get built.
Rally seeks education funding
At East High School, 127 students in Celeste Archer’s geography classes share 24 tattered and outdated textbooks.
Not because they want to but because they have no choice.
Low levels of funding are hurting public schools, parents, educators and community leaders were told Wednesday at a Capitol rally organized by Great Education Colorado.
“It’s definitely a crisis,” Archer said. “It’s beyond a crisis.”
Rally organizers hoped to raise awareness about the effects of lean budgets.
“It’s important to convey how urgent the need is,” said Lisa Weil, co-founder of Great Education Colorado, a nonprofit advocacy group. “People are working so hard in their own schools and are raising money to fill in the holes.”
