Editor’s note: The following is a transcript of a live chat with Governor Bill Ritter that took place on Feb. 15 on DenverPost.com.
DenverPost moderator: Okay, let’s get started. Thanks to Governor Ritter for joining us today for this live chat. And thanks to members of our audience for tuning in and submitting the interesting questions. Please keep them coming. Governor, are you ready for your first question?
Governor Ritter: Yes, I am. But first I just want to say thank you to The Denver Post for providing me the opportunity to do this chat with your online visitors. Let’s get started.
Q0) Randy: Governor Ritter, since the Columbine Memorial is still short of funding, and the State of Colorado has collected over $2 million from the “Respect Life” license plates (a result of the tragedy), none of which has gone to the families or the memorial, do you think the State has some responsibility to contribute at least the $200,000 still needed for the Memorial?
Governor Ritter: Randy, I am unaware of any commitment the State made regarding the memorial. If there is such a commitment, I will honor it. If not, I will inquire about the funding gap, and look at whether the State has the ability to cover it. As a person who actually responded to the Columbine scene while it was ongoing, and as a member of the Governor’s Columbine Commission, I appreciate the depth of the tragedy, and the importance of completing the memorial.
Q1) Rick Perry: Governor, I own a small business in Southwestern Colorado. The employees would like health insurance but I cannot afford it and remain in business. I’m paying over $26,000.00 per year in workers comp insurance – and we had two minor injuries on the job last year. We have a full safety program and have safety meetings monthly so we don’t take injuries on the job lightly. The cost of workers comp insurance really impacts our ability to provide overall health insurance. What will you and the legislature do about it?
Governor Ritter: Randy, Presently, there is a Health Care Commission (The SB 208 Commission) which is meeting regularly over the rest of 2007. The Commission’s charge is to present suggestions about how Colorado addresses the issues of health insurance access, costs and quality. I am going to appoint three additional people to that Commission. Part of the discussion will focus on your situation exactly, i.e. how small businesses are burdened by rising health insurance premiums for their employees, and what we as a state should do about it. This is a big concern of mine, and one I believe we should address over the next two years.
Q8) Jay Dahl: Senate Bill 46, which reorganizes the way the state deals with the electoral college, seems to me to be a very dangerous bill. The Colorado electorate killed a similar referendum in a previous election. Do you intend to veto it if it, or a version of it, crosses your desk?
Governor Ritter: I will see what the bill looks like if and when it gets to my desk. Right now we are in the process of tracking the bill, without taking a position on it. The legislative process is a very healthy one. If I signal early on that I will sign or veto a bill, a very important part of the dialogue can disappear entirely.
Q21) hurrigirl74: Governor Ritter, the press release dated February 12 is about the USDA’s denial to provide funding for the ranchers as a result of the frozen cattle situation? Could you be more specific on why they denied assistance? Also, have you requested a major disaster declaration through FEMA?
Governor Ritter: I am having some technical difficulty with my computer, particularly reading the last part of your question. I will try to answer anyway. We have made all of the requests with FEMA that are possible. However, FEMA doesnot cover expenses incurred in efforts to rescue or save livestock. It also does not cover crop losses. We have made the appropriate requests to the USDA and the first response from that Agency is that farmers and ranchers can obtain low interest emergency loss loans from USDA. The USDA requires evidence of a 30 percent production loss in order to qualify for grant funding, and at this stage the farmers and ranchers in the counties involved could not demonstrate that. State lawmakers have already asked the USDA to reconsider.
Q10) Husker Dan: Governer Ritter, do you believe the State of Colorado has a population problem?
Governor Ritter: No. I do believe that as a state, we need to be smart about how we grow. I believe that water is a scarce resource, and that growth should be contingent on an adequate water supply and appropriate transportation planning.
DenverPost moderator: Okay, this will be the last question for the governor …
Q27) jimmyT: Governor how might you hold business leaders accountable for employment, or lack thereof in CO. As an example, Qwest is laying people off today while continuing to expand hiring and operations in India.
Governor Ritter: I am concerned about job loss in Colorado. Intel is laying off 1000 people in Colorado Springs. Protecting Colorado jobs involves making sure we have a well-educated work force that has something different to offer than the Indian or Chinese workforce. So, invelsting in educating our children for the twenty first Century is key to all of this. Also, my Office of Economic Development will be involved in conversations with employers like Qwest to ensure we are doing all we can to keep these jobs in Colorado. This is one of the toughest of all questions, and we are working very hard to address the needs of businesses in Colorado. Thanks to all who participated in this chat. Be well!!! Governor Bill Ritter, Jr.
DenverPost moderator: Thank you to everyone who participated in today’s chat. A transcript will be available shortly on DenverPost.com.
