News

Levy Appointed to Lower North Fork Wildfire Commission

Thu, 7 Jun 2012 11:09:21 -0600

(Denver) – Representative Claire Levy (D-Boulder) was appointed to the
Lower North Fork Wildfire Commission on Wednesday by House Democratic Leader Mark Ferrandino (D-Denver).

The Lower North Fork Wildfire Commission is tasked with examining the
causes of the disaster and advising legislative or other action that
would prevent a similar occurrence. The commission will also hold a
public hearing to take testimony and accept reports on the impacts and
causes of the fire.

“I am honored to be asked to serve on the Lower North Fork Wildfire
Commission,” Rep. Levy said. “The state has a commitment to enhance
disaster response and ensure the victims of the Lower North Fork fire
are treated fairly while maintaining our responsibility to sound
fiscal management. I’m eager to begin working with the commission.”

Estimated damages resulting from the Lower North Fork Wildfire include
three fatalities and $11.3 million in property damage, with 23
residences destroyed or significantly damaged.

The commission has its first meeting before Sunday, July 1, and will
complete their work before the next legislative session in January.

Hick Signs Duran’s Bill Boosting Training for the Unemployed

Wed, 6 Jun 2012 09:54:34 -0600

(Denver) – Rep. Crisanta Duran’s bill investing $8 million in enhanced benefits for unemployed Coloradans who want to learn new workforce or entrepreneurial skills was signed into law today by Gov. John Hicklenlooper.

The new law, HB12-1272, will help those currently out of work get training without having to sacrifice critical support for their families. It was one of the most important jobs measures of the 2012 legislative session.

“This new law will give unskilled, unemployed Coloradans a better chance to acquire the skills that will qualify them for good jobs with steady employment,” said Rep. Duran (D-Denver). “It will also help skilled workers who need to retrain for the workforce of the 21st century.”

Sponsoring the bill with Rep. Duran were Rep. Robert Ramirez (R-Westminster) and Sen. Linda Newell (D-Littleton).

Young’s Medicaid Innovations Act Signed into Law

Mon, 4 Jun 2012 15:16:09 -0600

(Denver) –Rep. Dave Young’s landmark Innovations in Medicaid Act was signed into law today by Gov. John Hickenlooper.

The Innovations in Medicaid Act will improve the quality of care for Medicaid patients in Colorado and help contain the spiraling cost of healthcare, saving Colorado taxpayers millions of dollars. It authorizes pilot programs as alternatives to the current budget-busting “fee for service” payment system, which compensates health professionals according to how many times their patients visit their offices, and on the number of tests and services they use.   The new pilot programs will move toward a system that rewards health professionals according to how well they achieve positive health results for their patients, and on patient satisfaction.   “The end result will be millions of dollars of savings for the state and better health for Colorado's Medicaid patients,” said Rep. Young (D-Greeley).   The governor visited Greeley on May 22 to promote the new law with Rep. Young.

Ryden Appointed to Legislative Audit Committee

Fri, 1 Jun 2012 15:34:08 -0600

(Denver) – Rep. Su Ryden (D-Aurora) has been appointed to the Legislative Audit Committee, the General Assembly’s fiscal watchdog.

“Su’s extensive business experience and familiarity with accounting practices make her ideally qualified for the Audit Committee,” said House Democratic Leader Mark Ferrandino (D-Denver), who nominated Rep. Ryden. She was formally appointed on Thursday by Speaker Frank McNulty (R-Highlands Ranch).

“It’s an honor to be one of the eight legislators selected for this key committee,” Rep. Ryden said. “Our job is to guard against waste, fraud and abuse of state revenues, and I’m dedicated to making sure our taxpayer dollars are spent wisely and prudently.”

Rep. Ryden replaces Rep. Joe Miklosi (D-Denver), who is not seeking re-election. “Continuity is important on the Audit Committee, so this is a good time to make the change,” Rep. Ferrandino said.

The Legislative Audit Committee’s next hearing begins Monday, June 4. On the agenda is a report from State Auditor Dianne Ray on the causes of the state Division of Wildlife’s failure to account for $32.4 million in spending between 2006 and 2010.

A First for State’s New Restorative Justice Law

Thu, 31 May 2012 10:57:40 -0600

(Denver) – Sharletta Evans’ first question for the killer of her child was, “Will you say a prayer for us?”

Raymond Johnson said a prayer, and Evans did likewise as they began the first victim-offender dialogue ever held in a Colorado prison.

Evans’ 3-year-old toddler, Casson, was killed in 1995 in a drive-by shooting in Denver. Johnson, then 16, was one of several gang members who sprayed the house of an Evans acquaintance with bullets. One of them hit Casson, who was in Evans’ car while his mother went to rescue a relative within. Johnson and two others were convicted of murder in 1996 and Johnson was sentenced to life without parole.
On Wednesday, May 23, Evans and her 23-year-old son, Calvin, met with Johnson face to face at a maximum-security state prison, as part of a Colorado Department of Corrections pilot program authorized by last year’s Restorative Justice Law sponsored by Rep. Pete Lee (D-Colorado Springs).
The tension in the room was palpable as Johnson met the mother and brother of his victim. But the prayers by Johnson and Sharletta Evans set the tone for eight hours of respectful, soulful discussions. They talked about how Casson’s death has impacted all their lives for the past 17 years.
Evans had testified in support of Rep. Lee’s bill when it made its way through the legislature in 2011, saying she felt it would help her to heal. After the May 23 encounter, she said it was “everything I had hoped for” and described it as “fulfilling and completely satisfactory.” She expressed particular satisfaction that Johnson had been forthright and honest with her and Calvin.
“This is exactly the kind of healing encounter I hoped to see when I sponsored the Restorative Justice Law in the legislature,” Rep. Lee said. “Nothing can totally heal the pain of losing a loved one, particularly to homicide. But we, as a society, should do what we can to help them begin to heal. Victim-initiated restorative justice dialogues enable victims to get questions answered, to share their pain and possibly to change their story from anger, resentment and anguish to one of restoration, healing and possibly forgiveness.”
Acknowledging that crime causes injury to people and communities, restorative justice attempts to repair those injuries. Restorative justice dialogues may only be initiated by the victim or victim’s family and have no impact on the inmate’s sentence or status at DOC.
The Colorado DOC program is one of 20 around the country and is unfunded. This week’s encounter happened because of the cooperation of the Department of Corrections and the hard work of volunteer facilitators Lynn Lee and Peggy Evans as well as Sharletta and Calvin’s bravery.
“Ms. Evans is a remarkably courageous woman to undertake this journey,” Rep. Lee said. “I know she is gratified and fulfilled by the outcome. I hope that DOC will continue the pilot program for other victims.”
All of the participants expressed gratitude to the Department of Corrections for allowing the process to go forward. “I commend the Department of Corrections for working with us. This dialogue will provide lasting, life-changing benefits for the victims,” Rep. Lee said.