Growth will be a big issue. Governor Owens has said that he is giving growth legislation his highest priority after education and transportation spending. If the legislature does not find a fair solution, growth controls will be on the ballot at the next general election. Through the summer the interim committees worked to prepare bills which would improve the foster-care system, give some seniors tax credits on prescription drugs, and refine parts of the welfare system. Other legislation will target nursing home abuses by cutting the time allowed for investigation of serious injuries and by funding more investigators.
Health is another priority.
The legislature will be looking for ways to include more children in Colorado's Health Insurance Program. Bills to establish a patient's bill of rights and to increase children's immunization rates are expected to be proposed. There promises to be some interesting times at the statehouse during this session. AAUW's lobby corps invites members to visit the Capitol and to join us as we monitor and lobby for or against bills. Please let us know when to expect you.