Late last week, the Colorado House of Representatives passed an amended version of the Long Bill. Refusing to cut $300 million from higher education, the House instead targeted other general fund programs with virtually no debate. The cuts, which are in addition to previous cuts this session, were adopted two key amendments outlined in this COFPI issue brief.
The cuts outlined in this issue brief, the adjustments to higher education, and the proposed $30.2 million revenue increase from the repeal of the tobacco tax exemption (HB 1342) come close to erasing the $300 million gap.
CCLP and COFPI are very concerned about the provider rate cuts and believe that there are better options available, whether it means closing tax loopholes, dipping further into reserves, or other possibilities. As Colorado faces a serious economic situation with rising unemployment and growing number of uninsured, this is exactly the wrong time to be cutting vital health care and safety net services.
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