Legislative Watch Write Up; March 5th

The Legislative Watch Council met Friday at Bistro De Pinto (26 East Kiowa St, downtown) to continue our 2010 legislative review.



We reviewed several bills this week and took positions on five. The Chamber Health Care Council and the Legislative Watch Council are proud to support HB10-1160; Wellness Incentives Rewards Outcomes by El Paso County local Representative Amy Stephens. This bill will help companies encourage wellness and prevention measures that potentially could help reduce costs along with encouraging positive lifestyle changes while helping the insurance providers reward smart healthy decsions. We also reviewed HB10-1283; Patient Safety Issues which works to help physicians gain further training, allow more responsibility in hiring, and work on patient rights. The LWC voted to support this effort.

We also reviewed HB10-1281; Telco VoIP Wireless Deregulation Basic Service and voted to support it, as it will allow for a more relaxed regulation recognizing the change from Landline to VoIP or mobile service. One of the bills we looked at was SB10-155; Limitations on Gift Cards which is nothing more than pointless regulation on already burdened businesses. Consumers can choose not to purchase gift cards with policies they disagree with and the process should not be regulated. The LWC pointed out that this bill could turn business off the use of gift cards and create possible cash-losses during holiday seasons when promotional cards are offered at discounts. This bill is bad for business and the LWC strongly opposes it.

The group also reviewed the Chamber’s Annual Day at the Legislature which took place Wednesday March 3rd. Many of our Legislative Watch Council members attended to meet with our legislators directly, engaging in discussions about issues important to the state and to the region. The chance to meet in person and to talk with elected and appointed officials as well as opportunities to hear from the Gubernatorial candidates created another great year for the Quality Community Group's Day at the Legislature.

If you are interested in the Legislative Watch Council, or are curious about bills the Chamber has reviewed, please contact Jessica McMullen at jmcmullen@cscc.org