Health reform fallout continues; opponents target Markey with threats, vandalism

Good morning. Here's a look at news reports from around the state on issues of interest to the Colorado Center on Law and Policy for Thursday, March 25, 2010. Note most of these reports were written before news broke that the reconciliation bill will have to go back to the House for a final vote.

FISCAL POLICY
The Denver Post: Group wants to free education from limits of TABOR
Should the legislature be allowed to raise taxes without a vote of the people if the money goes to help education?
Also: Denver Daily News: School revenue sought

The Denver Post: Denver Metro Chamber targets six bills as anti-business
In a letter to Colorado legislative leaders, the Denver Metro Chamber this week outlined six bills it considers damaging to the business community and future economic investments, asking that they be amended or dumped.
Also: Denver Post commentary: Democrats against business

Grand Junction Sentinel: District 51 considers cutting Friday classes
With millions of dollars in cuts headed their way, the next thing to go at some Colorado school districts could be Fridays.


HEALTH POLICY
The Denver Post: Markey, other health care reform backers report threats, vandalism
U.S. Rep. Betsy Markey of Fort Collins and other Democrats nationwide have reported receiving threats or having offices vandalized in the days before and after passage of sweeping health care legislation.
Also: Colorado Independent: Markey target of threatening calls in wake of health care vote
Also: The Associated Press via the Greeley Tribune: Betsy Markey's office asks police for extra patrols around her Fort Collins home

Colorado Springs Gazette editorial: Attorney General Suthers takes on health care law
Attorney General John Suthers should be commended for taking quick action this week to join fellow attorneys general from other states in suing to stop the federal takeover of health care. Was the decision to sue politically motivated? Absolutely. Should we care? Absolutely not.
Also: Colorado Springs Gazette commentary: Something 'historical' should be something we all support
Also: Pueblo Chieftain editorial: First shot

Durango Herald: Bennet won't ask for option
Sen. Michael Bennet, D-Colo., plans to vote for the bill and fend off any attempts to change it. That has dismayed liberal activists and brought criticism from his primary challenger, Andrew Romanoff.
Also: Durango Herald: Is there anything in the health-care bill that affects you?

Colorado Pols: Open letter to Senators Bennet and Udall: "No" on amendments is a "Yes" for healthcare reform
Urge our Senators to pass the reconciliation package of health reform "fixes" that is presented to them without further amendment, thus ensuring their passage without creating undue delay by sending the measure back to the House.

Fort Collins Coloradoan: $200,000 union ad campaign thanks Markey for health care vote
The Service Employees International Union has begun a television advertising campaign in six congressional districts to thank potentially vulnerable Democrats for their vote in favor of health care reform. About $200,000 of the $700,000 budgeted for the campaign will go to commercials thanking Rep. Betsy Markey, the SEIU tells me.

Colorado Springs Independent: Memorial Hospital works against the odds to instill a new culture
As pressure builds to cut costs while improving patient outcomes, a team approach to health care is gaining traction at city-owned Memorial Health System. The concept is relatively simple — get all caregivers on the same page for the benefit of the patient.

Grand Junction Sentinel: Gap found in health care law for children’s coverage
The health care package adopted this week wouldn’t require an insurance company to cover young Alex Lange, even after the national publicity of late last year when he was denied coverage.

KUSA-TV: Hospitals react to health care reform bill
DENVER - If you're still not clear on all of the changes to expect from the health care reform bill, you're not alone. Hospitals across the country are still trying to figure out exactly how the new law will affect them.

Denver Post editorial: Latest Pinnacol plan goes too far
As tempting as the latest big-money offer from Pinnacol Assurance is during difficult economic times, Colorado lawmakers ought to take a pass on it this legislative session.

Colorado Springs Business Journal: Insurance division fines companies
The Colorado Division of Insurance has fined three health insurance companies for violating the state’s insurance laws.


CONSUMER PROTECTION
Denver Post commentary: Shield consumers from abuses
Despite benefitting from trillions of dollars in U.S. taxpayer support, Wall Street still believes nothing has changed.


SELF SUFFICIENCY
Colorado Independent: Colorado payday loan regulation battle moves backstage
DENVER– The war to regulate payday loans in Colorado continues behind the scenes at the capitol here. Lobbyists and lawmakers are working hard to shore up votes for and against legislation introduced by Denver Democrats Rep. Mark Ferrandino and Sen. Chris Romer weeks ago. The bill is stalled for now as negotiations over proposed amendments continue.
Also: Colorado Pols: Payday D-Day is today, people


ECONOMY
Colorado springs Business Journal: Springs housing price declines put it on double-dip list
Colorado Springs earned a new distinction this week. It was named by Zillow.com among 12 twelve U.S. cities showing extended declines in housing values, reversing signs of a sustained recovery last year.