House District 3
Anticipating the sound of the final gavel marking the close of the 2008 legislative session, I want to share with you some notable accomplishments of the General Assembly this year. I'll start with health care reform, given its place as my prime focus and its importance as a hot topic this election year.
Over the past two years, I have worked in collaboration with the chair of the Senate Health and Human Services Committee on comprehensive health care reform. I salute Sen. Bob Hagedorn's 16 years of public service in the House and Senate. Of the many bills we have worked on together, two bills this session are especially noteworthy. A bill that advances the discussion on comprehensive health care reform, SB 217, also known as Centennial Care Choices, is on its way to the Governor for signature. And SB 160 will expand health care coverage to 50,000 more children.
University Park Home Tour May 4
Submitted by annemcgihon on Wed, 04/30/2008 - 8:43pm.Treat yourself and a friend to the 4th Annual University Park Home Tour. This fun event benefits the students of University Park Elementary School, located at 2300 S. St. Paul. The tour features five fabulous homes plus the historic Chamberlin Observatory in this very popular Denver neighborhood.
When: Sunday, May 4, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: University Park
Cost: $15 in advance or $20 day of event
2008 Furry Scurry - Sponsor the "Gold Dome Doggies"
Submitted by annemcgihon on Mon, 04/28/2008 - 2:37pm.Please join me in supporting the Dumb Friends League during the 2008 Furry Scurry to be held, as usual, in Washington Park. This annual event is being held on this Saturday, May 3rd.
I will be walking with “Ms. G” , one of my two sweet canine companions. Any contribution is welcome.
You can sponsor my participation by either going online at: http://ddfl.convio.net/goto/Anne.McGihon or mailing a check (made out to Dumb Friends League)
Balancing free speech and privacy rights
Submitted by annemcgihon on Sat, 04/19/2008 - 6:49pm.The 2008 legislative session is winding down with a flurry, with a full slate of activity both on the House floor and in committees. So it’s been a busy week, capped by today's passage on third reading of SB 192 after a spirited two-hour debate on the House floor.
This bill, sponsored in the House by Rep. Joe Rice and myself, sets guidelines for targeted picketing in residential neighborhoods. These guidelines include requiring protestors to keep moving, restricting the size and number of signs that picketers can carry, and specifying the distance from a residence that picketers must remain. The goal of this bill is to preserve the right of free speech of picketers while also preserving the privacy rights of individuals in their own homes.
One of my favorite local events of the year takes place in just a couple of weeks. It’s the Furry Scurry, a two-mile walk and fun run for you and your pet. The fun begins Saturday, May 3 at 9:00 a.m. in Washington Park.
Sponsored by the Denver Dumb Friends League (DDFL), this annual event benefits the more than 25,000 homeless and abandoned animals that DDFL cares for each year. The goal this year is to raise $850,000.
Now that the state budget bill has passed both the House and Senate, you may have recently heard many voices both pro and con on the merits of this legislation. I continue to believe that this is a fiscally responsible budget in line with legally mandated spending limits. I’d like to clear up some misconceptions you may have heard:
Myth: The state faces a $700 million shortfall over five years.
Here at the Capitol it’s been a very busy couple of weeks, both for the House in general and for me in particular.
Last week we debated for some very long and lively hours over the “long bill,” the state’s annual budget bill that ultimately passed in the House. Today the Senate gave final approval of this bill, which makes critical investments in education, health care and economic development.
Congrats!
HB07 1126 has come to fruition! My bill authorized the certification of animal physical therapists. I am pleased to announce that on Feb. 25 Marty Pease, of Canine Rehabilitation & Conditioning Group in Englewood, became the first person in the state to receive the Animal Physical Therapy certification. Congratulations, Marty!
County Assemblies
Reminder to all delegates and alternates elected at the recent Caucuses: The Denver County Assembly and Convention is tomorrow at the Wells Fargo Theatre in the Colorado Convention Center. Registration is at 7:30 a.m.; proceedings begin at 9.
Reducing prescription drug costs
Submitted by annemcgihon on Thu, 02/21/2008 - 10:00pm.I'm happy to share with you information from the Dept. of Health Care Policy and Financing about a new program that could lower your prescription drug costs. The Colorado Cares Rx Program allows Colorado residents a way to buy generic prescription medicines at a discounted price. The Department has teamed with Rx Outreach – a leading mail order patient assistance program – to offer this valuable program.
Welcome Representative Middleton!
Submitted by annemcgihon on Sun, 02/10/2008 - 8:01pm.Today, State Education Board Member Karen Middleton was elected to fill the vacancy in House District 42. Her swearing-in is expected to be Weds, February 13, 2008 prior to the commencement of the House proceedings.
