We are more than halfway through the session, with the second half promising to be just as exciting as the first.
Yesterday was among the most intense days we’ve had in the House, as my oil and gas rules bill (HB 1292) endured a lengthy and contested debate. As sponsor of the bill, I helped ensure that all proponents who wanted to speak stayed on message.
For just under 5 hours the debate raged. Republicans offered numerous amendments to the bill. They argued that the bill would hurt the oil and gas industry, which is already ailing due to stringent rules imposed on it.
We were able to answer these objections easily, as there’s much evidence pointing to other factors, such as commodity prices and the economy in general. And we were able to emphasize what this bill does achieve in terms of public health and safety.
The bill passed Second Reading yesterday and Third Reading today. Now it goes to the Senate. Stay tuned.
Many of you have emailed me about HB 1293, the Colorado Healthcare Affordability Act, which assesses a special fee on hospitals. The bill is currently being considered in the House Health & Human Services Committee. As a co-sponsor, I strongly believe that this bill will help decrease the number of uninsured and help with health care costs.
When matched by the federal government, the fee will generate revenue to improve hospital reimbursement under Medicaid and the Colorado Indigent Care Program (CICP).
It would also provide coverage for up to 200,000 under Medicaid and Children's Health Plan Plus (CHP+). Further, it would help keep eligible children on Medicaid for a full year. I’ll keep you posted on this bill as updates become available.
Have a great weekend!