Seed Newsvine
The Department of Public Health and Environment reported today that there are now 25 confirmed cases of H1N1 virus in Colorado.
The infections are in the following counties: Adams (4), Arapahoe (6), Boulder (1), Denver (3), Douglas (1), Eagle (3), Fremont (1), Garfield (2) and Jefferson (4).
None of the patients in these cases were hospitalized, and all are recovering.
The public may continue to get general information about H1N1 by calling CoHELP at 1-877-462-2911. CoHELP hours are from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Monday-Friday. Recorded messages continue to be available at CoHELP 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
People can also find information about the swine flu virus by visiting DPHE's web site at http://www.cdphe.state.co.us.
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Cold Case Funding Bill Again Includes Death Penalty Ban
A conference committee restored this morning to a bill funding investigations of "cold cases" a provision repealing Colorado's death penalty.
The senate had removed the death penalty repeal during debate on HB 1274 earlier in the week, adopting a bipartisan amendment offered by Sens. John Morse, D-Colorado Springs, and Josh Penry, R-Fruita, that would directly appropriate funds for such investigations from a new $2.50 fine applicable to all criminal convictions and traffic infraction verdicts.
The conference committee, which included members of the House of Representatives who had supported the death penalty repeal, returned to the proposal to fund cold case investigations by using money that would otherwise go toward capital punishment.
Both chambers of the General Assembly will consider the conference committee report today before adjourning the session.
Gov. Bill Ritter, a former prosecutor, has not publicly said whether he would sign a bill repealing the state's death penalty.
The senate had removed the death penalty repeal during debate on HB 1274 earlier in the week, adopting a bipartisan amendment offered by Sens. John Morse, D-Colorado Springs, and Josh Penry, R-Fruita, that would directly appropriate funds for such investigations from a new $2.50 fine applicable to all criminal convictions and traffic infraction verdicts.
The conference committee, which included members of the House of Representatives who had supported the death penalty repeal, returned to the proposal to fund cold case investigations by using money that would otherwise go toward capital punishment.
Both chambers of the General Assembly will consider the conference committee report today before adjourning the session.
Gov. Bill Ritter, a former prosecutor, has not publicly said whether he would sign a bill repealing the state's death penalty.
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Former Sen. Grossman Named to Ethics Panel
A former Democratic state legislator has been appointed to one of the five seats on the state's Independent Ethics Commission.
Dan Grossman, who served as a state representative between 1997-2003 and as a state senator from 2003-2007, was nominated by Senate president Peter Groff, D-Denver, to replace Republican Sally Hooper.
Grossman's nomination will have to be confirmed by the state senate. The vote on the nomination is expected to occur Wednesday.
Gov. Bill Ritter will name a replacement for Democratic commission member Nancy Friedman. Ritter is required by law to appoint a Republican to that seat.
The Independent Ethics Commission is responsible for enforcing Amendment 41, the far-reaching anti-corruption initiative approved by voters in 2006.
Dan Grossman, who served as a state representative between 1997-2003 and as a state senator from 2003-2007, was nominated by Senate president Peter Groff, D-Denver, to replace Republican Sally Hooper.
Grossman's nomination will have to be confirmed by the state senate. The vote on the nomination is expected to occur Wednesday.
Gov. Bill Ritter will name a replacement for Democratic commission member Nancy Friedman. Ritter is required by law to appoint a Republican to that seat.
The Independent Ethics Commission is responsible for enforcing Amendment 41, the far-reaching anti-corruption initiative approved by voters in 2006.
Ten Colorado H1N1 Cases
The state has used a new laboratory testing procedure to confirm four additional cases of swine flu infection in Colorado, bringing the total to ten.
The new cases reported today are two elementary school-age children, from Adams and Jefferson counties, as well as a college-age man from Adams County and a Fremont County woman.
There were six cases confirmed earlier.
The Department of Public Health and Environment recommends that people who experience influenza symptoms should stay home for seven days after onset of symptoms or at least 24 hours after symptoms have resolved, whichever is longer.
The new cases reported today are two elementary school-age children, from Adams and Jefferson counties, as well as a college-age man from Adams County and a Fremont County woman.
There were six cases confirmed earlier.
The Department of Public Health and Environment recommends that people who experience influenza symptoms should stay home for seven days after onset of symptoms or at least 24 hours after symptoms have resolved, whichever is longer.
Monday, May 4, 2009
Six H1N1 Cases in Colorado
The Department of Public Health and Environment is now reporting six confirmed cases of H1N1 virus.
The six confirmed cases are in the following counties: Adams, Arapahoe, Douglas, Eagle and Jefferson (2). Four of the victims are men, one is a woman, and one is a pre-teenage boy.
Only one of the six cases required hospitalization. That patient has been discharged and all who have been confirmed as having contracted the virus are recovering.
There is evidence that the swine flu virus is circulating in the United States and Colorado. Individuals do not need to have traveled to Mexico or another area of the U.S. to have been exposed to the virus.
Local public health agencies are responsible for investigating cases in their communities.
People who experience influenza symptoms should stay home for seven days after onset of symptoms or at least 24 hours after symptoms have resolved, whichever is longer.
The public can obtain general information about H1N1 by calling 1-877-462-2911 between 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. on Monday through Friday and between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.
Information is also available at DPHE's web site, http://www.cdphe.state.co.us.
The six confirmed cases are in the following counties: Adams, Arapahoe, Douglas, Eagle and Jefferson (2). Four of the victims are men, one is a woman, and one is a pre-teenage boy.
Only one of the six cases required hospitalization. That patient has been discharged and all who have been confirmed as having contracted the virus are recovering.
There is evidence that the swine flu virus is circulating in the United States and Colorado. Individuals do not need to have traveled to Mexico or another area of the U.S. to have been exposed to the virus.
Local public health agencies are responsible for investigating cases in their communities.
People who experience influenza symptoms should stay home for seven days after onset of symptoms or at least 24 hours after symptoms have resolved, whichever is longer.
The public can obtain general information about H1N1 by calling 1-877-462-2911 between 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. on Monday through Friday and between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.
Information is also available at DPHE's web site, http://www.cdphe.state.co.us.
Sunday, May 3, 2009
DPHE Announces 2 New Colorado Swine Flu Cases
The Department of Public Health and Environment said today that there are two new cases of swine flu in Colorado.
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Both are in Jefferson County and neither patient was hospitalized.
“The new cases are not unexpected, and do not change the state’s
approach to the H1N1 flu outbreak,” the state's chief medical officer, Dr. Ned
Calonge, said at a news conference.
The new cases involve a middle-school aged man who had recently traveled to an affected area in the U.S. and another man in his twenties.
“Of the two new confirmed cases, both had possible exposure to travelers having visited Mexico or a part of the country where H1N1 is known to be circulating,” Calonge said.
DPHE is awaiting confirmation of six additional cases from the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Colorado has had four confirmed cases of H1N1 infection this year. Other than the two announced today, a person in Arapahoe County and a person in Douglas County have been infected.
http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=6077175309734867272
Both are in Jefferson County and neither patient was hospitalized.
“The new cases are not unexpected, and do not change the state’s
approach to the H1N1 flu outbreak,” the state's chief medical officer, Dr. Ned
Calonge, said at a news conference.
The new cases involve a middle-school aged man who had recently traveled to an affected area in the U.S. and another man in his twenties.
“Of the two new confirmed cases, both had possible exposure to travelers having visited Mexico or a part of the country where H1N1 is known to be circulating,” Calonge said.
DPHE is awaiting confirmation of six additional cases from the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Colorado has had four confirmed cases of H1N1 infection this year. Other than the two announced today, a person in Arapahoe County and a person in Douglas County have been infected.
Friday, May 1, 2009
State Health Department Distributes H1N1 Vaccine
The Department of Public Health and Environment, which received 167,000 courses of a vaccine for the swine flu virus from the federal government, has distributed the stockpile to 13 locations around Colorado.
The location to which the drugs were transported was based on population density. The goal is to ensure a rapid delivery of medicines to any area of the state in the event of an outbreak of the H1N1 virus this year.
“The highest priority for the antiviral stockpile is to meet unmet needs in communities around Colorado,” the state's chief medical officer, Dr. Ned Calonge, said. “The antiviral drugs are primarily intended for use with severely ill patients in hospitals.”
Calonge said it that the supply provided by the U.S. government is for emergency purposes. Only public health agencies will be able to obtain the anti-viral medication. Individuals cannot have prescriptions for the vaccine filled at those agencies.
Shipments were made to storage facilities in Alamosa, Arapahoe, Boulder, Denver, Eagle, El Paso, Jefferson, La Plata, Larimer, Mesa, Otero, Pueblo and Weld counties.
The vaccine was obtained from the Strategic National Stockpile, which is maintained by the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to respond to public health emergencies.
The location to which the drugs were transported was based on population density. The goal is to ensure a rapid delivery of medicines to any area of the state in the event of an outbreak of the H1N1 virus this year.
“The highest priority for the antiviral stockpile is to meet unmet needs in communities around Colorado,” the state's chief medical officer, Dr. Ned Calonge, said. “The antiviral drugs are primarily intended for use with severely ill patients in hospitals.”
Calonge said it that the supply provided by the U.S. government is for emergency purposes. Only public health agencies will be able to obtain the anti-viral medication. Individuals cannot have prescriptions for the vaccine filled at those agencies.
Shipments were made to storage facilities in Alamosa, Arapahoe, Boulder, Denver, Eagle, El Paso, Jefferson, La Plata, Larimer, Mesa, Otero, Pueblo and Weld counties.
The vaccine was obtained from the Strategic National Stockpile, which is maintained by the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to respond to public health emergencies.
Weissman's University Transparency Bill Gets Initial House OK
A bill that would require the state's colleges and universities to use an open search process before hiring new leaders gained initial approval in the House today.
HB 1369, sponsored by Rep. Paul Weissman, D-Louisville, would require the use of search committees and mandate development and publication of job qualifications before institutions can hire a chancellor or president.
The bill is motivated by concerns over the selection process for a chancellor at Colorado State University.
“I have real concerns about how the search process for new leadership at CSU is progressing," Weissman said. "I want to make sure the decision is made in the light of day, not behind closed doors. It should be made with the input of students, alumni, faculty, and other stakeholders. The era of closed door governing is over.”
The bill must pass third reading in the House before being considered in the Senate.
HB 1369, sponsored by Rep. Paul Weissman, D-Louisville, would require the use of search committees and mandate development and publication of job qualifications before institutions can hire a chancellor or president.
The bill is motivated by concerns over the selection process for a chancellor at Colorado State University.
“I have real concerns about how the search process for new leadership at CSU is progressing," Weissman said. "I want to make sure the decision is made in the light of day, not behind closed doors. It should be made with the input of students, alumni, faculty, and other stakeholders. The era of closed door governing is over.”
The bill must pass third reading in the House before being considered in the Senate.
Ritter Awards Grants for Local Infrastructure Projects
Municipalities and counties around Colorado were awarded Friday more than $23 million from the state's severance tax and mineral lease revenues for a variety of infrastructure projects, according to an announcement issued by Gov. Bill Ritter's office.
“Communities all across Colorado are struggling to cope with the challenges of current economic conditions,” said Ritter. "These grants will allow communities to make key investments in projects that will put people back to work and strengthen local economies in the short-term, while making communities more sustainable and economically healthy in the long-term.”
The 47 funded projects include construction of a library in El Paso county, design of a water treatment plant for Rifle, replacement of a natural gas pipeline in Ignacio, replacement of the Beaver Creek Bridge in La Plata county, construction of a wastewater treatment plant in Fruita and a new police station in Windsor, and provision of digital mammography equipment at the Salida hospital.
Energy and Mineral Impact Assistance Grant funds are matched by other private and public funds, which will result in the $23.2 million announced by Ritter being leveraged to $218.5 million for construction and other development activity around the state.
"Projects that meet basic needs like water, sewer, drainage, and local roads received highest priority," Department of Local Affairs director Susan Kirkpatrick said. "Projects that demonstrated a strong energy conservation or renewable energy component also received priority.”
The grant program was created by the General Assembly in 1977.
“Communities all across Colorado are struggling to cope with the challenges of current economic conditions,” said Ritter. "These grants will allow communities to make key investments in projects that will put people back to work and strengthen local economies in the short-term, while making communities more sustainable and economically healthy in the long-term.”
The 47 funded projects include construction of a library in El Paso county, design of a water treatment plant for Rifle, replacement of a natural gas pipeline in Ignacio, replacement of the Beaver Creek Bridge in La Plata county, construction of a wastewater treatment plant in Fruita and a new police station in Windsor, and provision of digital mammography equipment at the Salida hospital.
Energy and Mineral Impact Assistance Grant funds are matched by other private and public funds, which will result in the $23.2 million announced by Ritter being leveraged to $218.5 million for construction and other development activity around the state.
"Projects that meet basic needs like water, sewer, drainage, and local roads received highest priority," Department of Local Affairs director Susan Kirkpatrick said. "Projects that demonstrated a strong energy conservation or renewable energy component also received priority.”
The grant program was created by the General Assembly in 1977.
Ritter Honors Fallen Lawmen
Gov. Bill Ritter led a ceremony commemorating the lives and sacrifices of Colorado peace officers Friday and issued a proclamation in honor of the state's Law Enforcement Memorial Day.
Ritter also laid a wreath at the base of the Colorado Law Enforcement Memorial.
“It is my honor to lay a wreath at the foot of the Law Enforcement Memorial,” Ritter said. “These brave men and women—and their families, deserve every ounce of gratitude we can give. They put their lives on the line to serve and protect us day in and day out, and for that they will forever have our deepest respect and our eternal debt and gratitude.”
This year, the names of Officer Nicholas K. Heine of the Pueblo Police, Alexandar Brighton of the Trinidad Police, and Jesse B. Craig, Sr. and Jacob A. Kipper of the Rocky Ford Police will be added to the memorial.
The ceremony took place at the State Patrol Academy in Golden.
The Colorado Law Enforcement Memorial Day service takes place each year on the first Friday in May.
Ritter also laid a wreath at the base of the Colorado Law Enforcement Memorial.
“It is my honor to lay a wreath at the foot of the Law Enforcement Memorial,” Ritter said. “These brave men and women—and their families, deserve every ounce of gratitude we can give. They put their lives on the line to serve and protect us day in and day out, and for that they will forever have our deepest respect and our eternal debt and gratitude.”
This year, the names of Officer Nicholas K. Heine of the Pueblo Police, Alexandar Brighton of the Trinidad Police, and Jesse B. Craig, Sr. and Jacob A. Kipper of the Rocky Ford Police will be added to the memorial.
The ceremony took place at the State Patrol Academy in Golden.
The Colorado Law Enforcement Memorial Day service takes place each year on the first Friday in May.
Ritter to Sign Bills Saturday
Gov. Bill Ritter will sign six bills into law Saturday.
According to a press release issued by spokesperson Evan Dreyer, Ritter will okay SB 126, HB 1059, HB 1237, HB 1213, SB 104 and SB 144 at signing ceremonies in Denver, Arvada and Broomfield.
SB 126 renews the provision of state law allowing taxpayers to donate part of their refund to the multiple sclerosis fund. The bill was sponsored by Sen. Linda Newell, D-Littleton, and Rep. Dennis Apuan, D-Colorado Springs.
HB 1059 mandates continuing coverage http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=6077175309734867272by health insurers when policyholders participate in clinical tests. The bill was sponsored by Rep. Dianne Primavera, D-Broomfield, and Sen. Morgan Carroll, D-Aurora.
HB 1237 is a measure relating to state payments for the education of disabled youth. It was sponsored by Rep. Dianne Primavera, D-Broomfield, and Sen. Brandon Shaffer, D-Longmont.
HB 1213, sponsored by Rep. Sara Gagliardi, D-Arvada, and Sen. Gail Schwartz, D-Snowmass Village, creates a state housing development grant fund in order to facilitate construction of additional affordable housing.
SB 104 requires Colorado child welfare regulators to provided foster children being emancipated with relevant and certified identity documents, including birth certificates and social security cards, at state expense. The measure was sponsored by Sen. Paula Sandoval, D-Denver, and Rep. Sara Gagliardi, D-Arvada.
SB 144 makes changes to the function, composition and procedures of the state Commission on the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. It was sponsored by Sen. Ken Kester, R-Las Animas, and Rep. Sara Gagliardi, D-Arvada.
According to a press release issued by spokesperson Evan Dreyer, Ritter will okay SB 126, HB 1059, HB 1237, HB 1213, SB 104 and SB 144 at signing ceremonies in Denver, Arvada and Broomfield.
SB 126 renews the provision of state law allowing taxpayers to donate part of their refund to the multiple sclerosis fund. The bill was sponsored by Sen. Linda Newell, D-Littleton, and Rep. Dennis Apuan, D-Colorado Springs.
HB 1059 mandates continuing coverage http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=6077175309734867272by health insurers when policyholders participate in clinical tests. The bill was sponsored by Rep. Dianne Primavera, D-Broomfield, and Sen. Morgan Carroll, D-Aurora.
HB 1237 is a measure relating to state payments for the education of disabled youth. It was sponsored by Rep. Dianne Primavera, D-Broomfield, and Sen. Brandon Shaffer, D-Longmont.
HB 1213, sponsored by Rep. Sara Gagliardi, D-Arvada, and Sen. Gail Schwartz, D-Snowmass Village, creates a state housing development grant fund in order to facilitate construction of additional affordable housing.
SB 104 requires Colorado child welfare regulators to provided foster children being emancipated with relevant and certified identity documents, including birth certificates and social security cards, at state expense. The measure was sponsored by Sen. Paula Sandoval, D-Denver, and Rep. Sara Gagliardi, D-Arvada.
SB 144 makes changes to the function, composition and procedures of the state Commission on the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. It was sponsored by Sen. Ken Kester, R-Las Animas, and Rep. Sara Gagliardi, D-Arvada.
O'Brien to Kick Off "Kids Outdoors" Forum Tomorrow
Lt. Gov. Barbara O'Brien will launch an initiative aimed at encouraging Colorado kids to get outside and play today.
O'Brien will head to Grand Junction to hear about local projects such as Outdoor Heritage Day and then meet with Mesa County kids to learn their ideas for a "Colorado Kids Outdoor Bill of Rights."
“The importance of connecting kids to the outdoors shouldn’t be trivialized," O'Brien said. "Outdoor activities make children healthier, more focused on learning, and can help some behavior issues. The amount of time kids spend outdoors has been cut in half over the last 20 years, while the obesity rates have doubled.”
O'Brien will head to Grand Junction to hear about local projects such as Outdoor Heritage Day and then meet with Mesa County kids to learn their ideas for a "Colorado Kids Outdoor Bill of Rights."
“The importance of connecting kids to the outdoors shouldn’t be trivialized," O'Brien said. "Outdoor activities make children healthier, more focused on learning, and can help some behavior issues. The amount of time kids spend outdoors has been cut in half over the last 20 years, while the obesity rates have doubled.”
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