In an announcement made Friday morning, April 8, State Senator Kerry Donovan, along with two other prime sponsors of HB20-1349, Representative Dylan Roberts and Representative Chris Kennedy, decided to withdraw the Colorado Affordable Health Care Option from the legislative agenda. The Colorado Legislature isn’t yet back in general assembly session from its forced hiatus due to the coronavirus known as COVID-19, but the budget shortfall due to the pandemic is monumental.
Sen. Kerry Donovan, Colorado Senate District 5, speaks to constituents during a visit to Chaffee County. Donovan is running for re-election. (Photo by Joe Stone)
“It was on deck to be one of the most impactful pieces of legislation this year,” said Donovan. “COVID-19 has revealed some of the biggest gaps in our healthcare system, making it abundantly clear that the Colorado Option is the right policy to address the rising cost of care and lack of insurance choice.
However, the circumstances of the coronavirus will prevent us from having a robust public process that ensures those opposed and those in support have their concerns and ideas heard … While we are withdrawing the bill for this session, we remain committed to developing affordable healthcare options that increase access and competition in every part of Colorado.”
This coming week the Joint Budget Committee will be meeting every day to discuss budget balancing, department-specific budget requests, and potential legislation. The budget committee schedule is available here.
Coloradans can listen online to the live committee hearings here.
Donovan is one of four sponsors behind HB20-1003, offering modifications to the Rural Jump-start Zone Act.
“It is designed to boost the economies of our rural communities through job creation, small business support, and attracting new businesses. In the wake of COVID-19, economic stabilization and job creation are more important than ever,” said Donovan.
Colorado has set up a new information area focused on testing for COVID-19.
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