Legislative-News-Archive

08-09_Legislation

The following contains Legislative News from 2007-2009 presented as educational information by the LWV of La Plata County

Action Alerts.  Upcoming Meetings.  Fed News.  CO Leg News 09.  2008 session news.  LWVCO News.  Legislative Reform.  Healthcare.  Voter Reform.  Global Outreach.  Environment.  Past Actions_09.  Past Actions 2008.  Legislative References.

LWV Legislative Action Alerts

LWVUS has issued the following Legislative Action Alerts and requested local LWV members to support the passage of such legislation:

*SB-2191 America's Climate Security Act: A bill to direct the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to establish a program to decrease emissions of greenhouse gases, and for other purposes. To reference the text of this bill, click SB2191

The following is the history of SB 2191:

Sponsor: Sen Lieberman, Joseph I. [CT] (introduced 10/18/2007) Cosponsors (11)
Latest Major Action: 12/5/2007 Senate committee/subcommittee actions. Status: Committee on Environment and Public Works. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.

ACTION ALERT: The Senate Must Act on Global Climate Change Global climate change is one of the most serious threats to the environment, health and economy of our nation and our world. With the U.S. Senate expected to take up legislation this spring, now is the time to let your Senators know that they should support strong action to control global warming.
Please contact your Senators and tell them to support and strengthen S. 2191, America's Climate Security Act. Recent scientific studies show that global warming is already causing environmental changes that will have significant global economic and social impacts. America's Climate Security Act, S. 2191, sponsored by Senators Lieberman and Warner, will establish the basic framework that is necessary to curtail the pollution that is causing climate change. S. 2191 is a good first step. The bill establishes a "cap and trade" system that will, if properly carried out, achieve two essential goals: cutting green-house gas emissions enough to prevent the worst impacts of global climate change, and doing so in an economically efficient manner. The "cap" sets a limit on allowable emissions from electric power, transportation and manufacturing sources that will decline over time to meet the pollution-reduction goal. The "trading" system sets up a market that allows sources to buy, sell, borrow and trade emission allowances so reductions can be achieved in the most cost-effective ways.
However, the legislation should be strengthened in two ways. First, the bill should ensure that pollution reduction goals are consistent with the best scientific analyses. Currently, the legislation does not achieve all the reductions that will likely be needed, and advances in scientific knowledge may later indicate a need for quicker or greater reductions. Second, the auction system should be expanded to include more emissions earlier in the process. This will both speed compliance and increase the economic efficiency of the program.
Tell your Senators to oppose weakening amendments, particularly loopholes that undermine the emissions cap through such mechanisms as a so-called "safety valve" that would allow sources to purchase unlimited emission allowances.
Take action today to encourage your Senators to take quick and strong action against global climate change!

To read a letter from Mary Wilson, President of LWVUS, supporting this legislation, click LWVUS SB2191

To read additional information from LWVUS related to support of SB 2191, click LWVUS S2191

*SB-2248 An original bill to amend the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978, to modernize and streamline the provisions of that Act, and for other purposes.
To reference the text of this bill, click SB-2248

The following is the history of SB 2248:

Sponsor: Sen Rockefeller, John D., IV [WV] (introduced 10/26/2007) Cosponsors (None)
SB 2248 Latest Major Action: 2/12/2008 Returned to the Calendar. Calendar No. 512

LWVUS has posted the following information regarding SB 2248:
Earlier this month, the Senate passed S. 2248, the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Amendments Act of 2007, which allows for limitless warrantless wiretapping by the executive branch and includes retroactive immunity for telecommunications companies. These companies have allowed the administration to use corporate resources to spy on innocent Americans. The House of Representatives voted to adjourn for the President's Day recess without considering S. 2248, thereby resisting administration claims that this would leave America vulnerable to terrorism.
TAKE ACTION
1. Contact your Representative now, by phone or by email, and tell him or her to continue to stand up against S. 2248. Tell him or her that warrantless wiretapping of Americans is unacceptable in a democracy and remind your Representative that blanket retroactive immunity for telecommunications companies is wrong.

2. Send this alert to other concerned citizens - your grassroots network, your friends and coworkers. Encourage them to contact their Representative today!

LWVCO has issued the following Legislative Action Alerts and requested local LWV members to support the passage of such legislation:

*SB8-049 CONCERNING MEASURES TO PREVENT INJURIES RESULTING FROM THE UNSUPERVISED ACCESS TO FIREARMS BY MINORS, AND, IN CONNECTION THEREWITH, REDUCING THE INCIDENCE OF TEENAGE SUICIDE. to reference the text of this bill, click SB8-049
The following is the history of SB8-049:
sponsors: Sen. Wendels, rep. none
SB8-049 was sent to the 02/04/2008 Senate Committee on State, Veterans & Military Affairs Refer Amended to Appropriations on 2/4/2008.

Upcoming Local Legislative Meetings

Federal Legislation News 2008

*4/10/08 By DAVID M. HERSZENHORN- New York Times: Housing Aid Advancing in Congress The Senate overwhelmingly approved legislation on Thursday that is meant to stabilize the housing market, but considerable work remains before a final bill will emerge from Congress.
to read the story, click NYT4-10

*3/13/2008: US Senate Concurrent Resolution 70 was Amended; An original concurrent resolution setting forth the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2009 and including the appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2008 and 2010 through 2013 On the Concurrent Resolution agreed to: 51-44
By 51 yeas to 44 nays (Vote No. 85), Senate agreed to S. Con. Res. 70, setting forth the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2009 and including the appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2008 and 2010 through 2013. For additional information, click SConRes 70

*2/13/2008: President Bush has signed into law an economic stimulus package totaling $168 billion which is expected to provide rebates ranging from $300 to $1200 to 130 million Americans For the details, click CNN 2-14.
To access information regarding the amended bill H.R. 5140, click HR5140

*1/28/2008: President George W. Bush delivered his last State of the Union speech to Congress. To view the full text of this speech, click State of the Union

CO Legislative Session News 2009

* The 2009 Colorado legislative session has concluded as of May 6, 2009.
For information on the following topics, click

Colorado General Assembly (Legislature's Web Site)

Members of the Colorado Senate and Colorado House

Legislature's Schedule and Bill Deadlines

State Senate and House Committees

Senate Capitol Phone Numbers and Email Addresses

House Capitol Phone Numbers and E-mail Addresses

Colorado 2008 session news

*6/8/08 GOV. RITTER SIGNS FINAL BILLS OF 2008 LEGISLATIVE SESSION INTO LAW At a state Capitol ceremony, Gov. Bill Ritter today signed the final bills from the 2008 legislative session -- lauded by the governor as the "Education Session" for groundbreaking accomplishments in education reform and education funding. Gov. Ritter signed 475 bills into law this session. In addition to education accomplishments, Gov. Ritter also touted gains made in Colorado's burgeoning New Energy Economy, business development, health-care reform and natural-resources protection.
to read more about the accomplishments of this 2008 Colorado session, click 2008 session

*4/10/08 By Joe Hanel, Herald Denver Bureau: Panel: Make it tougher to amend constitution Voters would be asked to limit their rights to amend the Colorado Constitution under a plan approved by a Senate panel Wednesday.
to read more of this legislative report, click DH4-10

*3/21/08 Herald Denver Bureau by Joe Hanel: Money woes hit state budget, Sour economy to affect Colorado tax revenues to read the article, click DH3-21

*3/19/08 Rocky Mountain News: House Long Bill a Comin', lawmakers are ready to rumble over the state budget starting Monday to read the article, click RMN3-19

*3/10/2008 Durango Herald: Legislators hit session's midpoint, Decisions await on kids' health care, possible solution for school funding to read more, click DH3-10

*3/5/2008: For the second time in less than a week, the Pew Center on the States has produced a report full of insightful information about an important element of society. This week's findings grade the 50 states' management effectiveness, and in doing so point out where each state has done its best work and, in turn, where each can improve. In earning a C+, Colorado has shown some admirable strengths and revealed areas that are less effective. For the entire report click Pew-CO

*1/10/2008, Colorado Governor Ritter gave his State of the State speech to a joint session of the 66th Colorado General Assembly.
To read the full text of this speech, click state of the state

To see a status report of progress toward the initiatives outlined in Governor Ritter's 2007 State of the State speech, click 2007 progress

*1/9/08 Durango Herald, Lawmakers Set Topics for 2008 Session, to read the article, click DH1-9

*Wednesday, January 9 will begin the 2008 Colorado Legislative Session. Numerous studies were completed in 2007 in areas including transportation, climate change, Colorado taxes, healthcare, higher education and the Colorado Constitution. During this 120 day session, Colorado citizens will be looking forward to formal legislation, debate and resolution of issues in many of these areas. It should also be noted that Governor Ritter has already said that he wants the Legislature to ask the voters for no more than one ballot issue in 2008. No ballot strategy is evident at this time but it is possible that many of these major issues will be left off the ballot in 2008. For more information on this subject click DH2-6-08

LWV Colorado Legislative News

*4/17/09:Legislative Letter 2009-8

*4/3/09:Legislative Letter 2009-7

*3/20/09:Legislative Letter 2009-6

*undated:Legislative Letter 2009-5

*2/20/09:Legislative Letter 2009-4

*2/6/09:Legislative Letter 2009-3

*1/23/09:Legislative Letter 2009-2

*1/9/09:Legislative Letter 2009-1

LEGISLATIVE LETTER©

LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF COLORADO

*The League of Women Voters of Colorado provides the following update newsletters on Colorado Legislation:
Click the following links to view the LWVCO Newsletters.

• LWVCO Leg News Feb 25
• LWVCO Leg News Feb 11
• LWVCO Leg News Jan 28
• LWVCO Leg News Jan 14
• LWVCO Leg News Mar 10
• LWVCO Leg News Mar 24
• LWVCO Leg News Apr 7
• LWVCO Leg News Apr 21

*4/8/08 The League of Women Voters of Colorado have recently voted to oppose the Anti Affirmative Action ballot initiative (Amendment 46) on the November 2008 ballot. Additionally, they are circulating, on behalf of the Citizens Project, a survey of persons that have been helped by affirmative action. For a copy of their position and the survey, click affirmative action

Colorado Legislative Reform

March 7, 2008: The requirements to get an amendment to the Colorado Constitution may soon get tougher Representative Ellen Roberts (Rep, House District 59) has been working diligently since early in January, as one of six lawmakers chosen to participate on a bipartisan Select Committee on Colorado Constitutional Reform. The group has settled on a five-part plan to support changes to ordinary "statutory" laws rather than constitutional amendments. The panel expects to soon present a bill outlining these changes to the Legislature, which must approve it by a two-thirds vote before itb can be placed on the November 2008 ballot. Voters will have the final say.

• For more information, click DH3-7
• to read info from the LVW of Colorado on this subject, click LWVCO Leg
• to read input supplied by LWVCO to the Select panel, click LWVCO input

Legislation - Healthcare

COLORADO HEALTHCARE LEGISLATION

HB8-1060, HB8-1061, HB8-1094 Advanced Practice Nurse Providers:

HB8-1060: A BILL FOR AN ACT CONCERNING THE PROCEDURE FOR DETERMINING WHETHER AN ADVANCED PRACTICE NURSE WILL BE GRANTED PARTICIPATINGPROVIDER STATUS FOR A HEALTH BENEFIT PLAN.

HB8-1061: A BILL FOR AN ACT CONCERNING SIGNATURES BY ADVANCED PRACTICE NURSES ON SPECIFIED DOCUMENTS WITHIN THE SCOPE OF PRACTICE OF AN ADVANCED PRACTICE NURSE.

HB8-1094: A BILL FOR AN ACT CONCERNING REIMBURSEMENT FOR SERVICES PROVIDED BY ADVANCED PRACTICE NURSES UNDER THE "COLORADO MEDICAL ASSISTANCE ACT".

To access the three House bills involved,

1-click HB8-1060 Advanced Practice Nurse Network Provider
sponsors: GAGLIARDI--HAGEDORN
HB8-1060 was signed by the Governor on 3/20/08

2-click HB8-1061 Advanced Practice Nurse Affidavit Certification
sponsors: ROBERTS--HAGEDORN
HB8-1061 was signed by the Governor on 3/20/08

3-click HB8-1094 Advanced Practice Nurses Reimbursement
Support: GAGLIARDI--HAGEDORN
HB8-1094 was signed by the Governor on 3/20/08

*3/21/08 Durango Herald by Joe Hanel: Gov. Ritter signs advanced-nurse bill into law
*1/25/08: Durango Herald editorial Nursing a Solution State Rep. Ellen Roberts has joined with fellow legislators to introduce legislation to increase the role of Advance Practice Nurses in Colorado. For more info, click DH1-25-08

Legislation- Voter Reform

FEDERAL VOTER REFORM LEGISLATION
*S.3212 Bipartisan Electronic Voting Reform Act
Purpose: A bill to amend the Help America Vote Act of 2002 to provide for auditable, independent verification of ballots, to ensure the security of voting systems, and for other purposes.
for S.3212 details, click S3212

*HR 5036 Emergency Assistance for Secure Elections Act of 2008:
Purpose: To direct the Administrator of General Services to reimburse certain jurisdictions for the costs of obtaining paper ballot voting systems for the general elections for Federal office to be held in November 2008, to reimburse jurisdictions for the costs incurred in conducting audits or hand counting of the results of the general elections for Federal office to be held in November 2008, and for other purposes.
for HR 5036 details, click HR5036

The following is the history of HR 5036:
Sponsor: Rep Holt, Rush D. [NJ-12] (introduced 1/17/2008) Cosponsors (61)
Latest Major Action: 4/15/2008 Failed of passage/not agreed to in House. Status: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Failed by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 239 - 178 (Roll no. 188).

to read the following support statement on HR 5036 by the LWVUS President, Mary Wilson, click HR5036

on January 31, 2008, Mary Wilson, President LWVUS, and Judy Duffy, LWVUS Advocacy Chair, met with met with Rep. Rush Holt for over an hour on Monday to discuss the provisions of HR 5036. For a report from this meeting, click 1-31-08Holt

COLORADO VOTER REFORM LEGISLATION
*CO House Bill 8-1155: A BILL FOR AN ACT CONCERNING THE AUTHORITY OF THE SECRETARY OF STATE TO CONTINUE THE CERTIFICATION PROCESS FOR VOTING SYSTEMS RETESTED BY THE SECRETARY OF STATE IN 2007.
introduced by Colorado Democratics and Republicans to allow Sec of State Mike Coffman to retest and possibly recertify the electron ic voting machines that he disqualified last month. For more information please click HB1155.
Sponsors: Reps. Balmer and Marshall, Benefield, Borodkin, Butcher, Carroll M., Casso, Gallegos, Gardner B., Garza-Hicks, Green, Jahn, Kerr J., King,Labuda, Lambert, Looper, Lundberg, Marostica, Massey, McNulty, Mitchell V., Peniston, Pommer, Rose, Sonnenberg, Stafford, Summers, Todd, White, Witwer, and Levy;
Sens. Gordon and Johnson, Kester, Romer, Schultheis, Shaffer, Spence, and Taylor.
HB8-1155 was signed by the Governor on 02/11/2008

*CO Senate Bill 08-189: A BILL FOR AN ACT CONCERNING CONDUCTING THE ELECTIONS IN 2008 PRIMARILY BY PAPER BALLOT, AND MAKING AN APPROPRIATION IN CONNECTION THEREWITH. States that the 2008 primary and general elections shall be conducted primarily by paper ballot or paper ballot card, subject to the requirements of state and federal law regarding accessibility for individuals with disabilities. Requires a designated election official to deliver to each polling place a number of paper ballots or paper ballot cards equal to or greater than the number of eligible electors expected to vote at the polling place. States that each eligible elector voting in an election shall be offered a paper ballot or paper ballot card and that a direct record electronic voting device shall be used only by an eligible elector who affirmatively requests to vote on a direct record electronic voting device. Requires the clerk and recorder of each county to provide information to the electors of the county on the methods and procedures of voting in the 2008 primary and general elections. Permits the use of a certified voting device with which an elector marks a paper ballot card. Permits the use of certified electronic vote tabulating equipment to count paper ballots or paper ballot cards. Authorizes the secretary of state to reimburse counties for any necessary additional costs incurred by the county. For more info, please click SB8-189
Sponsors: Reps. May M. and Madden, Sens. Gordon and McElhany
SB 08-189 was killed by the Senate Committee on State, Veterans & Military Affairs on 3/20/2008
3/21/08 Durango Herald by Colleen Slavin: Lawmakers kill paper-ballot bill

*HOUSE BILL 08-1177: CONCERNING THE VERIFICATION OF A PERSON'S CITIZENSHIP FOR VOTING PURPOSES AS REFLECTED IN IDENTIFICATION DOCUMENTS ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE. Requires a person who applies to register to vote to provide proof of citizenship. Allows proof of citizenship to be established by:
A valid United States passport or photocopy thereof;
The person's birth certificate or a photocopy thereof;
The person's United States naturalization documentation or a photocopy thereof;
The number of the applicant's certificate of naturalization,verified by the county clerk and recorder; or
Any document or method of proof of citizenship established by federal immigration law.
Directs the county clerk and recorder not to register a person who applies to register to vote by completing a provisional ballot affidavit until the person provides proof of citizenship. For more info, click HB8-1177
Sponsors: Reps. McNulty, Gardner C., King, Lambert, Lundberg, May M., Mitchell V., Sonnenberg,Stephens, Summers, Swalm, and Vaad, Sens. McElhany, Harvey, Kopp, Schultheis, Brophy, and Renfroe
HB 08-1177 was sent to the House Committee on State, Veterans, & Military Affairs Postpone Indefinitely on 2/7/2008.

Legislation - Global Outreach

FEDERAL GLOBAL OUTREACH LEGISLATION

Senate Bill 1464 and House Bill 3698, the Global Service Fellowship Program Act of 2007:
Introduced May 23 and Sept 27, 2007 to expand volunteer opportunities for individuals who may wish to serve but who are unable because of economic constraints. The purpose of the Program is to fund fellowships to promote international volunteering opportunities as a means of building bridges across cultures, addressing critical human needs, and promoting mutual understanding.

For more info, click Thomas and enter SB1464 in the bill search box or click Thomas and enter HB3698 in the bill search box.

The following is the history of HB3698:
Sponsor: Rep McCollum, Betty [MN-4] (introduced 9/27/2007) Cosponsors (18)
9/27/2007 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

The following is the history of SB1464:
Sponsor: Sen Feingold, Russell D. [WI] (introduced 5/23/2007) Cosponsors (10)
5/23/2007 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.

Legislation-Environment

COLORADO ENVIRONMENT LEGISLATION

HB08-1025: CONCERNING THE GOVERNOR'S ENERGY OFFICE.
Statutorily creates the governor's energy office (office) within the office of the governor.
Specifies the director as the head of the office.
Establishes duties and powers of the office and the director.
Makes conforming amendments.
To reference the text of HB08-1025, click HB8-1025
The following is the history of HB08-1025:
Sponsor: Rep.Weissmann, Sen. Tupa
HB-8-1025 was signed by the Governor on 3/18/08

SB08-093: CONCERNING STANDARDS FOR THE USE OF NET METERING FOR CUSTOMER-GENERATORS OF COOPERATIVE ELECTRIC ASSOCIATIONS.
Repeals the requirement that a customer pay for the installation of metering equipment to participate in a net metering system.
Repeals authorization for a cooperative electric association ("utility") to install additional equipment for net metering.
Broadens the utility's authorization to impose a fee, beyond a backup or standby fee, on a net metering system to avoid cost shifting.
For more information please click SB8-093.
The following is the history of SB8-093:
Sponsor: Sen. Isgar, Jim
SB08-093 was sent to the Senate Committee on State, Veterans & Military Affairs Postpone Indefinitely on 2/13/08

Past Actions_09

*10/22/09 from LWVLPC: If you support Health Care Reform, now is the time to flood our elected officials with messages indicating that support, and, if you agree, asking for the choice of a public option to keep costs under control.

Local numbers are:
Senator Udall: 970-247-1047
Senator Bennet: 970-259-1710
Representative Salazar 970-259-1012

If you wish you may call their D.C. congressional offices directly through these toll free numbers: 1-877-264-4226 (health care line to their offices) or 1-866-338-1015 for the congressional switchboard. You may also leave a message for Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid by calling the switchboard number and requesting his office.

We cannot let up now; it is very important we keep the pressure on our representatives in Washington, DC.

LWVLPC Legislative Chair

*9/4/09 from LWVUS Action Alert: The Senate is due to pass a climate/energy piece of legislation as early as September 28th. Please act as individuals to curb global warming and transition America to a clean energy economy, creating jobs along the way.
If you wish to do so, go to 'Climate Change: Contact your Senators on climate change' on the LWV website by clicking ACTION ALERT: Climate Change Battle Moves on to the Senate! and entering your zip code. Confirm your zip code or change it if needed and click GO. The letter you can send as is, or customize, will appear with your Senators' names and addresses ready to be sent. Anything you do to personalize this message will make it more effective.
It's vital that we urge our senators now to support strong climate change legislation. A bill should include a cap on greenhouse gases that declines over time to meet pollution-reduction goals based on the best scientific information. Enforceable interim and long-term goals are needed to compel early and effective action and guard against irreversible damage. We also need complementary policies such as a strong renewable energy standard and tough new energy conservation requirements.
Global climate change is one of the most serious threats to the environment, health, and economy of our nation and our world. We the people can sway the vote. Learn more at global climate change

*7/22/09 Letter from LWV-LPC Legislative Chair on healthcare legislation:
Dear LWV La Plata Members:
The League has been working hard to urge Congress to pass comprehensive health care reform legislation that will guarantee access to comprehensive and essential benefits to all U.S. residents. Such reform must also provide for quality and safety in the health care system and reduce the costs of health care for individuals, businesses and communities. As a nation, we are spending $1 out of every $6 we earn on health care. Over the last three decades, increases in the amount we spend on health care have consistently risen faster than wages and inflation. If nothing is done to control costs, we could be spending $3 trillion for health care by 2011 and $4.2 trillion by 2016. We spend more per capita and yet have worse medical outcomes than most other industrialized countries. 46 million Americans are uninsured, and 25 million more underinsured. Clearly, business as usual is not an option.
If you also support the effort to reform our health care system, LWV-La Plata is asking you to contact our representatives and urge them to take action.
An easy way to do this as individuals is to click on the League's Health Care Reform page: lwvus healthcare
and then click on the action alert, enter your zip code and this will take you to the application that allows you to send a personalized message to Senators Bennet and Udall and Representative Salazar.
Ellen Park
LWV-La Plata Legislative Action Chair

*7/11/09 from LWVUS Action Alert: Climate Change Battle Moves on to the Senate The House of Representatives has made history by passing the American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009 by just 219-212. The bill is the first to try to curb the green house gases that cause climate change and help move the U.S. into a clean energy economy. Now is the time to contact your Senators and tell them to support strong climate change legislation.
If you would like to respond to this LWV-US action alert as an individual, just click on LWV-US action alert to email Senator Mark Udall and Senator Michael Bennet.

*On Tuesday, September 1, 2009 from 7-9pm at the Durango Public Library, the League of Women Voters of La Plata County and the City of Durango will co-sponsor an educational event titled Colorado's Budget Crisis
You are invited to hear Carol Hedges, Senior Fiscal Analyst with the Colorado Fiscal Policy Institute (CFPI) in Denver. She will be discussing the newly projected $382 million shortfall, how that might be bridged, what might be cut out, etc. She will take questions at the end. Plan to be there and tell your friends!

*3/25/09: LWV-LPC has received the following Legislative Action Alert from LWV-US and encourages you to contact your appropriate US Senators and Representatives to urge their support.
ACTION ALERT: Health Care and Climate at Risk -- Support the President's Budget
President Obama has proposed a 2010 federal budget that articulates America's most urgent priorities. The proposal contains essential funding for health care reform and for curbing global warming, while making other changes aimed at putting America on a path for economic recovery.

Please take action now to urge your Senators and Representative to support the President's budget!

The upcoming votes in the House and Senate will be the first real political tests for health care reform and curbs on global warming. Opponents of both these important initiatives are mobilizing to defeat the President's budget because they know that's the easiest way to sidetrack reform. We can't let them succeed!

Tell your Senators and Representative that you support health care reform and cutting global warming. Ask them to vote for the President's budget.

In today's economy, it is more important than ever to support a budget that includes solutions to America's toughest problems. The President's proposal includes $630 billion over ten years for health care reform and $646 billion over the same time period to reduce the greenhouse gases that are causing global warming.
The House and Senate Budget Committees are expected to release their budget resolutions soon, with votes scheduled quickly after. Make sure your Representative and Senators know that any budget that Congress passes must include investments in two of our toughest challenges - health care reform and global warming.

TAKE ACTION

1. Contact your Senators and Representative now, by phone or by email, and urge them to vote to support the President's budget. Tell them you support health care reform and curbs on global warming.

2. Send this alert to other concerned citizens - your grassroots network, your friends and coworkers. Encourage them to contact their Representative and Senators today!

Send an instant message to your Senators and Representative now! Phone calls are helpful as well, and can be made through the Capitol Hill switchboard at 202-224-3121 or 202-225-3121.

Click LWVUS healthcare reform and click LWVUS climate change position for additional information on the League's stands on health care reform and global warming.

Sign up to receive Action Alerts directly by email. Don't miss an opportunity to take action! It's easy to sign up and the League will never share your email with others: Click LWVUS signup.
Action Alert #111-6, House and Senate, GLC, 03/24/09
League of Women Voters
1730 M Street, NW, Suite 1000, Washington, DC 20036
202-429-1965 http://www.lwv.org lwv@lwv.org

*3/24/09: In Colorado, HB09-1273, Colorado Guaranteed Health Care Act, passed out of the Business and Labor Affairs Committee on 3/18 (The LWVCO prepared testimony for the hearing in support).
Next the bill heads to the Appropriations Committee. Helpful action would be to contact one of these members on that committee and urge support!
Reps. Joel Judd (5), Andy Kerr (26), Jim Riesberg (50), Jim Kerr(28), Marostica (51), Bob Gardner (21), Jerry Sonnenberg (65), and Glen Vaad (48) could use some encouraging.
Five of the members have already indicated they support the bill and deserve thanks: Jack Pommer (11), Mark Ferrandino (2), Beth McCann(8), Sal Pace (46) and the sponsor JohnKefalas(52). Click HealthCare For All Colorado for further information.

*3/5/09 LWV-LaPlata: Click letter to J. Salazar regarding DC Voting Rights. by author Marilyn Brown, LWV-LPC.

*2/24/09 LWV-US: DC Voting Rights Bill on the Brink of Becoming Law
League of Women Voters Congratulates Senate on Historic Action - League Urges House to Support DC Voting Rights
Click LWVUS to House to read a letter to member of the House of Representatives urging them to support the DC House Voting Rights Act of 2009.

*Please join Colorado Voices for Coverage and the 6% Coalition in supporting Senate Bill 228, that eliminates the 6% formula, by attending a community gathering in your community.

• Grand Junction When: Tuesday, March 24, 2009 Time: Noon Where: Goodwill Industries, 630 1/2 Rd.

• Greeley When: Wednesday, March 25, 2009 Time: Noon Where: Jesus Rodarte, Cultural Center, 920 A. St.

• Durango When: Wednesday, March 25, 2009 Time: Noon Where: Durango Community Rec. Center, 2700 Main Ave.

• Pueblo When: Thursday, March 26, 2009 Time: Noon Where: Rawlins Public Library, 100 E. Abriendo
  Senate Bill 228 will help Colorado avoid making the current budget cuts permanent, maximize federal recovery dollars, and get the state's economy back on track more quickly by addressing current economic realities and putting all of the state's priorities on a level playing field.

  For more information on SB 228 please visit http://ga3.org/ct/1pe690Y14YRf/ or http://ga3.org/ct/17e690Y14YRr/

  For more information on the Community Gathering in your community contact Kelli at kkeck@cohealthinitiative.org

  The League of Women Voters of La Plata County and the Durango Public Library invite you to our annual "Legislative Lowdown" on Saturday, February 7, 2009 from 9:30 to 11:30 AM at the Durango Public Library, Program Room II,1900 East 3rd Avenue. Hear Colorado State Senator Jim Isgar and Colorado State Representative Ellen Roberts discuss current legislative initiatives and the potential impacts on you as residents of House District 59 and Senate District 6. Remember to bring your questions and also join us for snacks. Click leg lowdown to view the flier for our 2009 Legislative Lowdown event

Past Actions 2008

*On April 30, 2008, LWV-LPC will host a public presentation and discussion on Colorado's fiscal prospects after Referendum C. Speakers Rich Jones (Bell Policy Center) and Mark Fermanich (Colorado Children's Campaign) will speak on "where we are headed looking forward and is this actually where we want to go"
The public is invited to attend from 5:30 to 7pm in the Peaks Rookms at the Durango Recreational Center. For a view of the flier, click looking forward
This event is jointly sponsored by LWV of La Plata County, the Colorado Fiscal Policy Institute, The Bell Policy Center and the Colorado Children's Campaign.

*April 15, 2008: to read a Letter to the Editor regarding the Looking Forward event and authored by the LWV-LPC President, Ellen Park, click lte4-15

*2/23/2008 Legislative Lowdown
LWV of la Plata sponsored Legislative Lowdown with our Legislators Jim Isgar and Ellen Roberts. Sen. Isgar and Rep. Roberts gave us an overview of the Colorado 2008 Legislative session including specific bills that they will be sponsoring and carrying in the Colorado House and Senate. Approximately 50 citizens attended at the Durango Rec. Center from 9:30 to 11:30am. To see a flier, click leg lowdown
*To view a letter of invitation sent to the local media, click letter to editor 2-11

*For a report on the February 23, 2008 Legislative Lowdown meeting with Rep. Ellen Roberts and Sen. Jim Isgar, click Mar Newsletter and turn to Another successful Legislative Lowdown on page 4.

Legislation References

*3/3/09 WhiteHouse.gov: Rebuilding America's Infrastructure
President Obama and Transportation Secretary LaHood have announced that $27 billion in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funds are headed to states to provide critical repairs to our nation's crumbling roads and bridges.
Colorado is set to receive $403,924,130. of which

• $12,117.724 is for mandatory transportation enhancements
• $74,875,946 is for urban area transportation enhancements
• $34,387,670 is for suburban area transportation enhancements
• $11,914,623 is for rural transportation enhancements
• $270,629,167 is available for use in any area Click transporation dollars to read more.

  *2/26/09 White House.Gov: A New Era of Responsibility Renewing America's Promise - U.S. Government FY10 Budget as proposed by President Obama on February 26, 2009

  *To follow your taxpayer money at work, click US recovery Recovery.gov is a website that lets you, the taxpayer, figure out where the money from the 2009 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act is going.

  *To follow the US recovery monies that have been allocated to the State of Colorado, click CO recovery -We have a responsibility to the taxpayers and the public that this will be an open process, and the people of Colorado have a right to know where their money is going and how it is being spent.- Gov. Ritter

  *2/12/09 LWV-US: League Calls on FEC to Follow Law in Issuing Campaign Finance Regulations The League and coalition partners called on the FEC to follow the law in issuing regulations to implement campaign finance legislation. The letter also points out the structural problems with the agency and that President Obama has the ability to change the nomination process for FEC commissioners to provide for a better-functioning agency. Click LWVUS to FEC to read the letter sent to the FEC.

  *1/15/09 Durango Herald: Colorado swears in Buescher by Joe Hanel Herald Denver Bureau DENVER - Democrat Bernie Buescher was sworn in as secretary of state Wednesday, hours after the state Senate unanimously backed his appointment. Gov. Bill Ritter appointed Buescher to replace Republican Mike Coffman, who resigned the post to serve in Congress. Click 1/15/09DH for the full story.

  *1/4/09 Denver Post: Daunting challenges face 2009 legislature By The Denver Post Besides serious budget constraints, state lawmakers also must deal with job creation, safety net services and oil and gas rules. This year's session of the Colorado General Assembly has all the marks of being a somber gathering. State lawmakers have the daunting task of figuring out which important government functions to ax to make up for falling revenues. Higher education? Health care? Transportation? It's not as though there are a lot of options. The state's budget constraints inevitably will shape the four-month convening of Colorado's 65 state representatives and 35 senators. click DP1-4-09leg to read the full article.

  *9/25/08 Human Rights & Community Relations Denver Women's Commission Possible 2009 Legislation Affecting Women

  * to view current Federal Legislation and Key Votes, click CSPAN leg

  * to view the current Colorado House Calendar, click CO House Cal

  * to view the current Colorado Senate Calendar, click CO Senate Cal

  *to watch or listen to sessions of our current Colorado Legislature, click CO leg

  *to find the detail on a specific 2008 Colorado Senate or House bill, click 2008House or click 2008Senate. Once you are on the Legislation Index page, select the appropriate bill range and click on the bill of interest. The most useful information is often found in the history and summary descriptions. If you do not know the specific bill number for a Colorado House or Senate bill, click bill index and enter words that you think might be in the text of the bill. The Search will return all bills containing the prescribed text.

  *to find the detail on a specific US Senate or House bill, click thomas. Enter the bill number (or a word or phrase) of interest and search for the bill of interest. Useful info can be found on the Bill Summary and Status file.

  *The following links are provided to information from the Bell Policy Center "the voice of opportunity in Colorado". 1-Volume 6 no: 1 Jan 15, 2008
  What's ahead for Colorado's Economy?
  Governors, budget officers see squeeze with lower revenues, tighter conditions
  Let's talk about Looking Forward

  2-Looking Forward
  Colorado's Fiscal Prospects after Ref C