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.
Reality: In December, economists predicted that revenues would be $62.3 billion over five years. Recently, that figure has been adjusted to $61.589 billion. Thus, revenues are expected to continue to grow, just not at the rate previously forecast.

Myth: The state is spending every dime of taxpayer money.
Reality: This year, the state has set aside $423.4 million (a 4% reserve), plus $359.1 million in TABOR reserve.

Myth: Colorado is a “fat” state.
Reality: We rank 47th in state taxes per capita, 48th in Medicaid spending and 43rd in spending overall.

In other news, this week Rep. Joe Rice and I moved SB 192 out of the Judiciary Committee. The bill prohibits residential targeted picketing, protecting the free-speech rights of protesters while ensuring that these rights don’t infringe on the privacy rights of people in their own homes. The bill comes to the floor of the House next week for a vote on Second Reading.

We in the House HHS (Health and Human Services) Committee are anxiously awaiting the rest of the bills this session from the Senate HHS Committee. We anticipate the arrival of some interesting bills you may have been reading about in the newspaper – ranging from a unique proposal on comprehensive health insurance, to TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) for working families.

As always, I encourage you to contact me with your input on the state budget bill, any of my bills, or any other legislation that concerns you.

And finally, don’t forget our House District 3 meeting on Saturday, April 19 at 9:00 a.m. See you there!

Anne

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