Mar 24, 2017

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May Letter from Bethany Pray, Interim Executive Director

The anti-poverty movement involves hundreds of organizations that, like CCLP, take the fight to the state. Operating at the state level is an absolute necessity because many of the core laws and policies that affect access to health, housing, income, and food are...

Legislative Update: March 24, 2017

by | Mar 24, 2017

Bipartisanship in Colorado!
While it seems the U.S. Congress is gummed up with political divisions, controversy and bitter rivalries these days, Colorado legislators managed to advance a few bills supported by CCLP that promise to improve the health and well-being of low-income Coloradans – with bipartisan support, no less!

On Monday, the Senate Health and Human Services Committee unanimously approved House Bill 1126, part of a three-bill package developed by CCLP and the Colorado Cross-Disabilities Coalition intended to ensure that Medicaid clients do not lose access to health care in violation of state or federal law. HB 1126 would ensure that an administrative law judge reviews the sufficiency of Medicaid termination notices at the beginning of an appeal hearing. The legislation now goes to Senate floor.

On Thursday, the Senate Local Government Committee approved SB 245 by a 5-0 vote. Sponsored by Rep. Kevin Priola, R-Henderson, the measure would increase the notification period to terminate a tenancy or raise rent on month-to-month rentals from seven to 21 days. Thanks to Sen. Priola for sponsoring the legislation and all of our partners who testified. The bill also goes to the Senate floor.Also on Thursday, the House Health, Insurance and Environment Committee approved House Bill 1236 by a 7-4 vote. The bill requires hospitals to submit information regarding health cost they are already required provide to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to the Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Financing as well.

Though the Colorado Hospital Association opposed HB 1236, the legislation could shed light on what’s driving health care expenses in the state and bring some much-needed transparency to the system – which could ultimately reduce costs. CCLP supports the bill, which is sponsored in the House by Rep. Chris Kennedy, D-Lakewood and by Sens. Jim Smallwood, R-Parker and Don Coram, R-Montrose.
– By Bob Mook

Recent articles

May Letter from Bethany Pray, Interim Executive Director

The anti-poverty movement involves hundreds of organizations that, like CCLP, take the fight to the state. Operating at the state level is an absolute necessity because many of the core laws and policies that affect access to health, housing, income, and food are...