Press Release - Metro Area Bill Signings & Constituent Visits
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OFFICE OF GOVERNOR BILL RITTER, JR
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
SATURDAY, MAY 2, 2009
CONTACTS:
Craig Bannister, 720.635.9779, craig.bannister@state.co.us
Evan Dreyer, 720.350.8370, evan.dreyer@state.co.us
GOV. RITTER TRAVERSES METRO AREA TO SIGN BILLS
Gov. Bill Ritter traveled around the metro area today, signing several new bills into law, kicking off the annual MS Walk in Denver and visiting with constituents at town hall meetings with lawmakers in Broomfield and Arvada.
2009 MS Walk -- Denver City Park
Gov. Ritter welcomed participants to the start of the 2009 MS Walk and signed Senate Bill 126, which extends through 2011 the voluntary income tax contribution check-off benefiting the Multiple Sclerosis Fund. The bill was sponsored by Sen. Linda Newell and Rep. Dennis Apuan.
"MS is a cruel disease that most frequently impacts young people in the prime of their lives," Gov. Ritter said. "The dollars from this check-off for the past few years have ensured that comprehensive programs and services remain available for the 8,500 Coloradans diagnosed with MS. It is events such as the MS Walk that continue to move us closer to a world without MS."
Broomfield Town Hall
Gov. Ritter joined state Rep. Dianne Primavera and Broomfield Mayor Pat Quinn at a town hall meeting to provide an overview of the nearly complete 2009 legislative session and answer questions from constituents. He signed three bills sponsored by Rep. Primavera into law:
- HB 1059 (Primavera/M. Carroll), which provides health coverage during clinical trials.
- HB 1164 (Primavera/Kester), which increases the surcharge on special breast cancer license plates in an effort to further the fight against breast cancer.
- HB 1237 (Primavera/Shaffer), which streamlines and codifies the relationship between public and private funding for developmentally disabled children.
"This session, we worked together to expand the circle of opportunity by saving and creating good jobs, providing support for struggling families, building a world-class education system, and expanding the New Energy Economy," Rep. Primavera said. "We know times are tough, but so are Coloradans. As we look back, our work is not done, but we are doing more with less. I'm proud of that."
Arvada West High School Town Hall
Gov. Ritter joined Rep. Sara Gagliardi for a town hall meeting at Arvada West High School, where he signed three bills sponsored by Rep. Gagliardi into law:
- HB 1213 (Gagliardi/Schwartz), which converts the Housing Development Grant Line to the Housing Development Grant Fund, with the purpose of improving, preserving or expanding the supply of affordable housing in the state.
- SB 104 (Sandoval/Gagliardi), which mandates that all youth in foster care be provided with ID documents such as a social security card or birth certificate.
- SB 144 (Kester/Gagliardi), which clarifies the Colorado Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing's role to help the deaf and hard of hearing in the state court system, and establishes a grant program to address the needs of those who are hearing impaired.
Also taking part in the signing ceremony and town hall were state Sens. Paula Sandoval and Evie Hudak.
"During this session, we dealt with the harsh realities of these tough economic times. Despite being forced to make some very difficult financial decisions, we were able to stay committed to our goal of expanding the circle of opportunity to all Coloradans," Rep. Gagliardi said. "It is an honor to host the Governor at Arvada West High School, where my son Tony is a student."
View the legislative action by Gov. Ritter so far this session.