From the Lutheran Office of Governmental Affairs

Advocacy Alerts

December 13, 2005

Two Federal Alerts - Both votes happen THIS week
1. Federal Budget: Last chance to save human services programs from big cuts.
2. Lutheran Immigration & Refugee Services Alert

................................................................................................................................
 
1. Last chance to save human services programs from big cuts!
 
The budget reconciliation package, which includes cuts to vital human services programs, passed in both the Senate and the House. It is currently being negotiated in conference, and the final version of the budget reconciliation package is expected to come back to the House and the Senate YET THIS WEEK. This vote gives you ONE LAST CHANCE to stop spending cuts from programs that benefit the poor, driven by tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans.
 
Please call your Representative and Senators now - December 14th - 16th. Even if you've already contacted them about the federal budget, it's important that we call again. Call the Capitol Switchboard toll-free at 800-426-8073 and ask for your Representative's and Senators' offices). To find the names of your representative and senators, visit www.elca.org/advocacy 
 
Suggested Message: 
 
"It's still wrong to cut programs for people living in poverty and without insurance to offset tax cuts. I urge you to oppose the budget reconciliation package when it comes back to the House/Senate Floor." 
 
ELCA Policy
 
"We call for efforts to increase the participation of low-income people in political and civic life, and citizen vigilance and action that challenges governments and other sectors when they become captive to narrow economic interests that do not represent the good of all". - Sufficient Sustainable Livelihood for All, p. 6. Adopted by the ELCA Churchwide Assembly 1999
 
Thank you for all the phone calls you've placed and e-mails you've sent on this issue. Representatives are still under enormous pressure to vote for this budget, and they need to hear from you one last time! 
 
...........................................................................................................................
 
2. Lutheran Immigration & Refugee Services Alert
 
THIS WEEK, the House will vote on H.R. 4437, the Border Protection, Antiterrorism, and Illegal Immigration Control Act of 2005, which purports to fix our broken immigration system. This bill, introduced by Rep. F. James Sensenbrenner (R-WI), provides no real solutions, but creates problems. It would force the 10 million undocumented individuals in the United States deeper into the shadows, making it harder for authorities to manage immigration flows. 
 
While advocating for safe borders and a fair, orderly immigration system, Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service upholds the following principles as essential elements to true comprehensive immigration reform:
* Uniting families
* Protecting human rights and worker rights
* Ending the marginalization of undocumented individuals and making it possible for them to live freely and openly in our society
* Giving immigrants who contribute to our economy and society a path toward citizenship
 
Action: Please contact your representative immediately, and urge a vote to oppose H.R. 4437. 
 
As the past decade has shown, such legislation...
* will not secure America against terrorism,
* will not deter individuals from crossing the border,
* will not meet the employment demands of our national economy, and
* will not reunite families.
 
To learn more about this issue & take action, click on the following link to the LIRS website: http://www.lirs.org/Action/20051212Alert.htm
 
Blessings,
 
Terri
 
......................................................................
Terri McMaster, Diaconal Minister
Director, Lutheran Advocacy Ministry - Colorado
455 Sherman Street, Suite 160
Denver, CO  80203-4403
(303) 777-6700
www.LAM-CO.org

November 1, 2005

Letter to Congress opposing federal budget measure from all 66 ELCA Bishops
  
Action Alert - Contact your Congressional Representatives to support the bishops' message

Letter to Congress:  All 65 synod bishops of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), plus the presiding bishop, are urging members of the U.S. Congress to oppose any attempt to move forward on the budget reconciliation measures the lawmakers are now considering.  The text of the letter follows:
 
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
October 26, 2005
 
Dear Members of Congress,
 
We write to you as religious leaders seeking justice for millions of vulnerable and dispossessed people in our nation. As Bishops of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America we represent diverse regions but speak with one voice about the fundamental responsibility of the government, as an expression of the will of the people, to protect  the least of its citizens and provide for the poorest in our society. In this spirit we ask specifically that you oppose any attempt to move forward on the budget reconciliation measures now before Congress.
 
Cuts to mandatory spending called for in the reconciliation package would decrease valuable assistance to millions of low-income families, children, elderly and people with disabilities. Even as the number of people living in poverty and without insurance has increased dramatically in the past five years, the last few tragic weeks in the Gulf Coast area have put a face, indeed, thousands of new faces, on poverty in the heart of our society. Programs such as Food Stamps, Medicaid, the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP), and Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) help to keep struggling families together and assist low-income working families in moving to higher economic ground. This is not the time to cut such important programs while using the cuts to pay for tax breaks for those who don't need them.
 
The Biblical record is clear. The Scriptural witness on which our faith tradition stands speaks dramatically of God 's concern for and solidarity with poor and oppressed communities while speaking firmly in opposition to governments whose policies place narrow economic interests driven by greed above the common good. Jesus speaks and acts unequivocally on behalf of those on the margins of society. St. Paul writes forcefully about the importance of community and expands the definition of those we call brothers and sisters in Christ. As Americans open their homes to embrace neighbors from Gulf Coast states, as non-profit and religious organizations provide relief services, we strongly urge you to reflect on your role as a government official in providing for the least in our society and ask that you oppose any attempt to move forward with the budget reconciliation process.
 
Peace Be With You,
Bishop Mark S. Hanson
Presiding Bishop
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
   
The Nov. 1 issue of "Roll Call," the newspaper of Capitol Hill, contains a full-page ad with the letter, signed by the Rev. Mark S. Hanson, ELCA presiding bishop, and names of all of the ELCA bishops, listed with the states in which they serve. A copy of the ELCA bishops' letter, with this listing of bishop is available at www.ELCA.org/advocacy on the ELCA Web site.
 
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
 
Action Alert: Please contact your congressional representative now to support our bishops' message. It is quick and easy to do using the ELCA website, and the Action Alert prepared by our advocacy office in Washington, D.C.  
 
1.     Go to:  www.elca.org/advocacy
2.     Click on the following Action Alert:
        Human Service Programs in Danger of Additional Cuts
3.     Click on the message points you want to include in your letter. 
        Then, complete your name and address and click the "send message" button.  
 
Blessings,
 
Terri
 
......................................................................
Terri McMaster, Diaconal Minister
Director, Lutheran Advocacy Ministry - Colorado
455 Sherman Street, Suite 160
Denver, CO  80203-4403
(303) 777-6700
www.LAM-CO.org

August 2, 2005

Lutheran Advocacy Ministry SUPPORTS REFERENDUM C
As you may recall, our top priority in the last legislative session was Budget and Tax policy because of the impact of budget cuts in recent years to services for poor and vulnerable Coloradans. In particular, we supported the economic recovery plan, which includes two legislative referendums (C & D) going to the ballot on November 1st. We have not taken a position on Referendum D since it focuses on infrastructure, which isn't one of the issues in our ELCA advocacy plan.

Background: Why does the state have a budget crisis? Colorado experienced a record-breaking population explosion in the decade of the '90s. Soon after, the state was thrust into a three-year national recession. Colorado lost 115,000 jobs and had to cut $1 billion in services to its citizens, out of a $6 billion general funds budget. Cuts were especially painful for our most vulnerable neighbors: the young, poor, infirm or elderly.

Key provisions- Referendum C * Allows the state to retain all revenues it collects over the next five years. A temporary, five-year timeout from revenue limits would provide funding (estimated at $3.7 billion), which is specifically earmarked for health care, education and transportation. * Allows state services to rebound after a recession, by re-setting the revenue base. After five years, the new base will be set at the level of the year with the highest revenue during the five years. Under current limitations, services can't rebound even when the state collects more revenues.

Key provisions- Referendum D * Allows the state to issue bonds, which could finance approximately $1.5 billion in transportation projects, school repairs, and police & firefighter pension plans. * Allows the state, starting in 2011, to retain $100 million above existing limits to help pay off the bonds.

Frequently asked questions: If Referendum C passes, will I still get a tax refund? It would not affect income tax refunds expected from paying taxes to the federal or state governments. What you would give up is the possibility of getting an additional TABOR rebate for five years. No one has received a TABOR rebate in the last three years because of the poor economy. Estimates indicate that a Colorado taxpayer making the median income would give up a rebate of about $80 a year.

If Referendum C passes, will my tax rate go up? No. The funding generated by Referendum C would come from revenues the state already collects under our current low tax rate (lowest state income tax in the nation; fifth lowest when state & local taxes are combined).

What will happen if Referendum C doesn't pass? Even though the economy is improving, more budget cuts will have to be made if Referendum C fails. The non-partisan economic staff to the legislature estimates the need for $627 million in budget cuts over next five years, at the same time the state would be issuing $3.7 billion in rebates.

Can churches participate? Yes. A publication of the Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life, Politics and the Pulpit 2004, A Guide to the Internal Revenue Code Restrictions on the Political Activity of Religious Organizations, notes that churches can engage in discussions of and even endorse ballot initiates and referendums without being in violation of the Church & State separation. For more information, you can read this publication at: http://pewforum.org/docs/index.php?DocID=57

Call to action The faith community has always heard a particular call to action: to raise our voices and take action for social justice. Passing referendum C would give the state the chance to restore many basic human services, which were cut in recent years because of the economic recession, and avoid additional budget cuts. For that reason, Lutheran Advocacy Ministry is working to pass this referendum along with a coalition representing many faith-traditions, including members from the Protestant, Catholic, Jewish and Muslim communities, as well as faith-based service providers. We've named this coalition Colorado Religious Communities for the Common Good. We have developed educational materials, which we plan to distribute soon to religious communities around the state. Those materials will also be posted at our website: www.LAM-CO.org and the coalition's website www.commongoodcolorado.org

How you can help Please consider supporting Referendum C, and remember to vote on November 1st. Want to do more? We will send another message in the coming week outlining ways you can partner with us in this effort.
-----------------------------------------------------------
Sources: Colorado Legislative Council, Colorado Fiscal Policy Institute, The Bell Center for Public Policy, the Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life. Blessings, Terri McMaster Lutheran Advocacy Ministry - Colorado Director, Terri McMaster, Diaconal Minister 455 Sherman Street, Suite 160 Denver, CO 80203-4403 (303) 777-6700 Website: www.LAM-CO.org

June 8, 2005

Final Legislative Update
The Governor has now completed action on all the bills on our legislative agenda. We tracked about 30 bills, but focused our advocacy on 17, which are included in this update, with very brief descriptions. For additional information on these bills, please go to our website at www.LAM-CO.org and click on the "Issues" tab.

Budget & Tax Policy HB 1194: TABOR referendum Description: Asks voters in November to keep & spend all revenues collected for five years, to address critical state needs ELCA Position: Support Outcome: Passed -- does not require Governor's signature (has his support)

HB 1232: Earned Income Tax Credit -- Making state credit permanent Description: Provides tax relief to low-income working families, in years when there is "excess revenue" under the TABOR formula. This would have guaranteed it annually. ELCA Position: Support Outcome: Lost in the House

1135: Reduce Tax & Spending: Retain Revenue Description: Would ask voters to approve a large reduction in state spending and a lowered income tax rate, while allowing the state keep some additional revenue for two years. ELCA Position: Oppose Outcome: Lost in the House

Poverty & Homelessness SB 202: Repealing fee on the poor Description: Ends the practice of charging poor and vulnerable Coloradans a fee of $1 per month to receive public assistance. ELCA Position: Support Outcome: Passed & Signed into Law

SB 001: Increased funding for low-income energy assistance Description: Authorizes utilities to ask customers, on their energy bills, for an optional contribution to help provide financial assistance to low-income families. ELCA Position: Support Outcome: Passed & Signed into Law

HB 1061: Increased tenant rights Description: Provides basic rights and protections to tenants, helping to prevent homelessness. ELCA Position: Support Outcome: Passed by Legislature; Vetoed by Governor

HB 1331: Housing Investment Fund Description: Establishes the structure for a Housing Investment Fund, which would create a permanent and dependable funding stream for affordable housing. ELCA Position: Support Outcome: Passed by Legislature; Vetoed by Governor

HB 1105: Domestic Violence Description: Improves access to unemployment insurance for victims of domestic violence ELCA Position: Support Outcome: Passed & Signed into Law

Health Care HB 1262: Tobacco Tax Allocation Description: Distributes new revenues generated by the increase in the tobacco tax, approved at the ballot last year, increasing access to health care for 90,000 Coloradans. ELCA Position: Support Outcome: Passed & Signed into Law

HB 1025: Prenatal Care for Low-Income Women Description: Restores early access to prenatal care through the "presumptive eligibility" process. ELCA Position: Support Outcome: Passed & Signed into Law

HB 1086: Health Care for Legal Immigrants Description: Restores Medicaid coverage for poor, legal immigrants, eliminated in budget cuts. ELCA Position: Support Outcome: Passed & Signed into Law

HB 1015: Substance-abuse treatment under Medicaid Description: Adds outpatient treatment as an optional service, as 47 other states do. ELCA Position: Support Outcome: Passed & Signed into Law

SB 059: Mental Health Special Districts Description: Allows communities to ask local voters for approval to create a district. If approved, they could seek voter approval for funding to provide mental health services within that district. ELCA Position: Support Outcome: Passed & Signed into Law

Criminal Justice HB 1109: Task Force on Juvenile Justice Description: Authorizes a task force to study the criminal justice system impacting youth who are sentenced as adults. ELCA Position: Support Outcome: Passed by Legislature; Vetoed by Governor

HB 1014: Substantive Changes to Criminal Law Description: Makes changes recommended by the states district attorneys. An amendment adds the classifications of disability and gender orientation to the state's "ethnic intimidation" statute, and re-names it "bias-motivated crime." Sentencing options include alternatives rooted in the principles of Restorative Justice. ELCA Position: Support bias-motivated crime amendment Outcome: Passed; Governor allowed it to become law without his signature

Civil & Human Rights SB 028: Employment Discrimination: Sexual Orientation Description: Employment discrimination is currently illegal when due to race, religion, age, disability, and sex. This bill adds "sexual orientation" and "gender variance" to that statute. ELCA Position: Support Outcome: Passed by Legislature; Vetoed by Governor

HB 1143: Trafficking in Persons Description: Establishes s a task force to evaluate & make recommendations on the progress of the state in preventing trafficking, providing assistance to victims, and prosecuting offenders. ELCA Position: Support Outcome: Passed & Signed into Law Blessings, Terri McMaster Lutheran Advocacy Ministry - Colorado Director, Terri McMaster, Diaconal Minister 455 Sherman Street, Suite 160 Denver, CO 80203-4403 (303) 777-6700 Website: www.LAM-CO.org

June 2, 2005

Bill Signing Ceremony Filled with Joy!
On a bright, sunny morning, with balloons flying in the courtyard at Children's Hospital, children and families celebrated with advocates, legislators, and health care providers as Governor Owens signed House Bill 1262 into law today. It allocates new tobacco tax revenue to programs that will expand health care for many children in greatest need in Colorado. What a difference this funding will make! It will: 

• Eliminate the Medicaid waiting list of more than 600 special-needs kids who don't have access to the critical health care they need.
• Extend access to healthcare to by increasing eligibility in the Children's Health Plan and Medicaid for approximately 24,000 children and families. 
• Support community and school-based clinics across Colorado, which provide primary care to poor and uninsured Coloradans.
• Remove barriers to care through the Medicaid program, including the asset test (which prevents low-income families with even a modest car from participating).
• Provide funding for prevention, detection and treatment for heart and lung diseases and cancer.
• Reduce tobacco use - especially among kids - by fully funding the state's tobacco education, prevention and cessation programs.

Our thanks to Rep. Betty Boyd and Sen. Bob Hagedorn who sponsored this legislation, to Governor Owens for his support, to the broad coalition who worked so hard for passage of Amendment 35, which generated this funding, and to YOU... thanks so much to every one who supported Amendment 35 last year or House Bill 1262 this year. Whether you helped collect signatures to put it on the ballot, put a sign in your yard, distributed flyers, discussed it in your congregation, talked to your friends or neighbors, or simply voted yes on 35, THANK YOU again, for the difference you have made in the lives thousands of Coloradans who now have access to health care! Blessings, Terri McMaster Lutheran Advocacy Ministry - Colorado Director, Terri McMaster, Diaconal Minister 455 Sherman Street, Suite 160 Denver, CO 80203-4403 (303) 777-6700 Website: www.LAM-CO.org

May 11, 2005

End-of-Session Update
Thank you for your interest and involvement in our advocacy ministry in Colorado this year! Following are updates on some of our top priority bills. Many are not decided, awaiting consideration by the Governor. Please check our website for the final outcome of these bills at www.LAM-CO.org. Click on the "Issues" tab.
-----------------------------------------------------------
**Governor Owens' contact information is included at the end of this e-mail message. Please consider contacting the Governor about any of the bills still under his consideration. ** Budget & Tax Policy * TABOR referendum passed: will ask voters in November to retain excess revenues to address critical state needs (HB-1194). Known as the Colorado Economic Recovery Act, this bill passed with bipartisan support, including approximately 2/3 of the legislature. As a referendum, it does not go to the Governor for signature, but he has expressed his strong support and intent to work for its passage. A top priority for Lutheran Advocacy Ministry between now and the November election will be doing education & advocacy in support of this referendum. Additional resources will be available soon.

• Tax relief for the poor lost (HB-1232). The Earned Income Tax Credit has proven to be the most effective tool in lifting families out of poverty. In Colorado, the state credit is not permanent. It is given only in years in which there are excess revenues under the TABOR formula. This bill, which we strongly supported, would have made it a guaranteed credit. Lost in the House Appropriations Committee.
• Poverty & Homelessness Burdensome fee on the poor repealed (SB-202). As a part of efforts to balance the budget a couple of years ago, a new fee of $1 per month, to receive public assistance, was charged to our poorest and most vulnerable citizens: those who receive assistance through programs to aid to the needy & disabled; blind; elderly, and low income (welfare, child care, energy assistance). We opposed this fee then, and strongly supported this bill, to eliminate it. Passed the legislature. Awaiting consideration by the Governor.
• Increased funding for low-income energy assistance (SB-001). This bill authorizes utilities to ask customers, on their energy bills, for an optional contribution to help provide assistance to low-income families. Once a person "opts in," the contribution will be assessed monthly until they notify the utility otherwise. Passed by the legislature. Signed by Governor Owens.
• Increased tenant rights vetoed (HB-1061). We strongly supported this bill that worked to prevent homelessness by providing basic rights and protections to tenants, such as capping late fees and requiring security deposits be returned in a timely manner. Passed the legislature. Vetoed by Governor Owens.
• Health Care  New access to health care for 90,000 Coloradans, through the increased tobacco tax (HB-1262). This bill distributes new revenues generated by the increase in the tobacco tax, approved at the ballot last year. Some highlights include: removing the asset test for low-income families to qualify for Medicaid (as has been done in 48 other states): eliminating the waiting list for children with severe health needs; restoring Medicaid coverage for legal immigrants; expanding eligibility in the Children's Health Plan to low-income families (from 185% to 200% of the federal poverty level); and increasing funding for Community Health Centers, often the only source of health care for the uninsured. Passed the legislature. Awaiting consideration by the Governor, who has expressed his intention to sign it.
• Early access to pre-natal care restored for low-income pregnant women (HB-1025). If a pregnant woman's income is low enough to qualify for Medicaid, she will receive treatment while the application is being processed, through a process called "presumptive eligibility". Women must declare their immigration status when applying for Medicaid. Passed the legislature & signed by Governor Owens.
• Substance-abuse treatment to be added to Medicaid (HB-1015). This bill would add outpatient substance abuse treatment as an optional service (as 47 other states do). Passed the legislature. Awaiting consideration by the Governor.
• Criminal Justice Task force on youth to be established (HB-1109). This bill authorizes the establishment of a task force to study the portion of the criminal justice system related to youth who are sentenced as adults. Passed the legislature. Awaiting consideration by the Governor.
• Victims of domestic violence to get better access to Unemployment Insurance (HB-1105). Victims of domestic violence must sometimes decide whether to leave their job as part of escaping an abusive relationship, or remain in danger until they can find another job. This bill improves their access to unemployment insurance by exempting victims from actively seeking work for the first 45 days so they can create stability and address safety needs. Passed legislature. Signed by Governor Owens.
  -----------------------------------------------------------
  Contact Information: Governor Owens: Phone: (303) 866-2471 E-mail: governorowens@state.co.us Governor Owens' website requests that you include a Colorado mailing address if you wish to receive a reply, and please do not include any attachments.
  -----------------------------------------------------------
  Blessings, Terri McMaster Lutheran Advocacy Ministry - Colorado Director, Terri McMaster, Diaconal Minister 455 Sherman Street, Suite 160 Denver, CO 80203-4403 (303) 777-6700 Website: www.LAM-CO.org

April 22, 2005

1) Two Affordable Housing Bills
2) Criminal Justice - Youth Charged as Adults
3) Letter from Presiding Bishop Mark S. Hanson to Senator Bill Frist of Tennessee regarding rhetoric surrounding "people of faith"

 -----------------------------------------------------------
1) Two Affordable Housing Bills House Bill 1061: Landlord/Tenant Relations (Rep. Mike Merrifield/ Sen. Lewis Entz) You may recall that we sent out an alert on this bill early in the legislative session. It has now passed both the House of Representatives and Senate and is on its way to the Governor's office. This bill is about basic rights & responsibilities, and it works to prevent homelessness. For details of the bill, click on the following link to our web site: www.lam-co.org/issues.php?nav=housing ** Take Action** Please consider contacting Governor Owens, urging him to sign this important bill.

Possible talking points:

• Passage of the Landlord/Tenant Relations Bill will protect tenants from unscrupulous landlords and help to prevent homelessness. Currently, Colorado is one of only two states, the other being Arkansas, which does not provide minimum protections and remedies for tenants.
• "This bill will give tenants more leverage in dealing with landlords who refuse to treat their tenants with respect and humanity," according to State Representative Michael Merrifield (D-Manitou Springs), the prime sponsor of HB 1061. Contact Information: Governor Owens: Phone: (303) 866-2471 E-mail: governorowens@state.co.us Governor Owens' website requests that you include a Colorado mailing address if you wish to receive a reply, and please do not include any attachments.
  -----------------------------------------------------------
  House Bill 1331: Home Investment Fund (Rep. Betty Boyd/ Sen. Peter Groff) About the bill: This bill creates the structure for an ongoing Home Investment Fund in the Colorado Division of Housing. It amends current law to give new, limited powers to the Division, so it can help create strong communities and affordable housing. For details, please click on the following link to our web site and scroll down to see this bill. www.lam-co.org/issues.php?nav=housing The bill has strong bipartisan support. However, we have only three weeks to reach legislators and successfully advocate for passage of this bill through both the House and Senate before the end of the session. The bill has been assigned to the House Local Government Committee. ** Take Action ** Please consider contacting at least one member of the House Local Government Committee this weekend (Check for a legislator who represents a county near you). The committee is scheduled to hear the bill on Tuesday. In addition, please call your own Representative and Senator next week. Don't know who they are? Go to www.vote-smart.org to find out.
• Possible Talking Points: * This bill does not establish funding. It creates the structure for the fund. A Blue Ribbon Panel on Housing is exploring funding sources that would meet the needs for the fund. * This is the first step. HB1331 is not the whole solution to Colorado's affordable housing shortage. It is an important first step of creating a structure to meet the diverse housing needs of Colorado from homelessness to homeownership. * It doesn't create new bureaucracy. HB1331 does not create a new level of bureaucracy, which is an important value in Colorado.
  Contact Information
  Local Government Committee: Representative Mary Hodge (Adams County) Cap: 303-866-2912 E-mail: mary.hodge.house@state.co.us
  Representative Gary Lindstrom (Eagle, Lake, Summit Counties) Cap: 303-866-2952 E-mail: gary.lindstrom.house@state.co.us
  Representative Bill Berens (Boulder, Broomfield, Weld, Adams Counties) Cap: 303-866-4667 E-mail: bill.berens.house@state.co.us Representative Mike Cerbo (Denver County) Cap: 303-866-2911 E-mail: michael.cerbo.house@state.co.us
  Representative Kathleen Curry (Eagle, Garfield, Gunnison, Hinsdale, Pitkin Counties) Cap: 303-866-2945 E-mail: kathleencurry@montrose.net
  Representative Richard Decker (El Paso County) Cap: 303-866-2946 E-mail: richard.decker.house@state.co.us
  Representative Mike May (Douglas County) Cap: 303-866-2933 E-mail: mike.may.house@state.co.us
  Representative Michael Merrifield (El Paso County) Cap: 303-866-2932 E-mail: michael.merrifield.house@state.co.us
  Representative John Soper (Adams County) Cap: 303-866-2931 E-mail: john.soper.house@state.co.us
  Representative James Sullivan (Douglas,Teller Counties) Cap: 303-866-2948 E-mail: jim.sullivan.house@state.co.us
  Representative Jim Welker (Larimer County) Cap: 303-866-2947 E-mail: jim.welker.house@state.co.us
  -----------------------------------------------------------

 2) Criminal Justice - Youth Charged as Adults House Bill 1109: (Rep.Hefley; Sen. Johnson) Background: This bill addresses the part of the criminal justice system in which youth are charged as adults, for most serious crimes (murder, sex offenses, etc.). In Colorado, this system has evolved over the last 25 years with a lowered emphasis on rehabilitation. Sentences have become more punitive and mandatory. On the rare occasions when juveniles commit the worst crimes, these cases are often tried in the media, putting intense pressure on DA's to charge them even more harshly than adults. In a recent statement by The U.S. Supreme Court, in its decision abolishing the death penalty for juveniles, that juveniles have "diminished culpability," versus adults, for the same crime. In addition, juveniles in Colorado's adult prisons are inadequately protected. Since they have little or no hope, many act out and are put in solitary confinement, where they often develop mental illnesses. Those put into the general population are often sexually and physically assaulted by older and larger adult inmates. There are alternatives. When serving as Governor of Texas, George W. Bush put in place an excellent juvenile justice system, where over 80 percent of those convicted of committing the "worst of the worst" crimes are given a second chance. They first spend 4-7 years in a juvenile facility. If successful, they graduate to be on parole; if not, they are transferred to an adult facility to serve out their adult sentence. In Colorado these same juveniles often receive sentences upwards of 48 years to life, without the possibility of parole.
About this Bill: House Bill 1109 would establish a task force to study issues related to this particular population in the criminal-justice system, and possibly make recommendations for system changes. The bill has passed the House of Representatives, and two committees in the Senate: Judiciary & Appropriations. ** Take Action ** Please consider contacting your Senator to express support for this bill. Don't know who he/she is? Go to www.vote-smart.org to find out.

 Possible Talking Points:

• As people of faith advocating for just, sound, and compassionate public policy, we believe Colorado's system has become too punitive and inadequately rehabilitative.
• This bill takes an important first step, providing for in-depth study of this criminal-justice system by an appointed task force. * There is no cost to the state to establish this task force, as the bill calls for costs to be covered by gifts, grants, and donations.
  -----------------------------------------------------------

3) Letter from Presiding Bishop Mark S. Hanson to Senator Bill Frist regarding rhetoric surrounding "people of faith" April 19, 2005 The Honorable Senator Bill Frist 509 Hart Senate Office Building Washington, D.C. 20510 Dear Senator Frist: I am writing to you as the Presiding Bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), the fifth largest Protestant church body in the United States with a membership of nearly five million people of faith. As Lutherans, we share a common faith in Jesus Christ, a love of the gospel and, in the tradition of Martin Luther, a healthy respect for the separation of church and state. We are a church body deeply committed to unity in the body of Christ and to mission for the sake of the world. The membership of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America includes conservatives, moderates, and liberals. As Republicans, Democrats, and Independents, we are all "people of faith" who take our faith seriously and attempt to live out Christ's love in love for and service to our neighbor. Discerning God's will for all people and creation challenges each of us individually, and our church corporately, on a daily basis. This discernment is never clear cut and it certainly is never subject to a political party litmus test on any issue. The rhetoric that some people of faith-Republicans, conservatives, or fundamentalists-"have it right" and all other people of faith have it wrong not only is self righteous, but inappropriately polarizes people of faith for political purposes. I am not writing to express a view on the proposed rule change affecting judicial nominations, but to respectfully ask that you cease judging whether or not people have faith by how they choose to express that faith on political issues. You honor neither yourself, this country, nor people of faith by such political manipulation. In the strongest terms, I urge you to use your position of significant responsibility to lead this country to a healthy respect not only for dissent, but for all people of faith. In God's grace, Mark S. Hanson Presiding Bishop Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
-----------------------------------------------------------
Blessings, Terri McMaster Lutheran Advocacy Ministry - Colorado Director, Terri McMaster, Diaconal Minister 455 Sherman Street, Suite 160 Denver, CO 80203-4403 (303) 777-6700 Website: www.LAM-CO.org

April 14, 2005

Three Important Alerts:

1) Help stop legislation that would hurt refugees
2) Help prevent budget cuts to services for poor & vulnerable
3) Participate in Cover the Uninsured Week: May 1-8
* Resources for your Congregation
* Volunteers need for Health Fair
-----------------------------------------------------------
1) Help stop federal legislation that would hurt refugees Background: The REAL ID ACT: (House Resolution 418) includes a host of anti-immigrant provisions that would impose unfair barriers to deserving refugees and asylum seekers. Proponents of the bill justify these changes in asylum law by saying that the changes will keep our country safe from terrorists who allegedly are abusing the asylum system. That claim is not supported by the facts, as current law already bars terrorists and others who present a security risk from getting asylum. This bill threatens the most vulnerable-victims of religious persecution, torture and trauma who seek protection and freedom in the United States. Summary: REAL ID Act provisions would: * hurt refugees, asylum seekers, torture victims, unaccompanied children, and separated families; * place many refugees, including those fleeing religious and political persecution, at risk of being returned to their torturers or to death; and * do nothing to secure America against terrorism. ** TAKE ACTION ** Please call your Senators' offices today!

Suggested talking points:

• I believe we can keep our country secure, while preserving human rights. I urge you to vote against the REAL ID Act, and to actively speak out against it.
• The REAL ID Act does nothing to secure America against terrorism. Current law already bars terrorists and others who present a security risk from getting asylum.
• The REAL ID Act would have life and death consequences for genuine refugees. The bill places many refugees, including those fleeing religious and political persecution, at risk of being returned to their torturers or to death.
• The REAL ID Act especially puts women and children at a disadvantage. Under this proposed bill, if anyone fails to discuss their persecution in their first meeting with immigration officials, this could be used against them. It is unrealistic to expect people to share personal details of their abuse to immigration officials when they first arrive in the United States and are still fearful and confused.
  Contact Info: Senator Ken Salazar: 202-224-5852 E-mail, through website: www.salazar.senate.gov
  Senator Wayne Allard: 202-224-5941 E-mail, through website: www.allard.senate.gov Alert from Lutheran Immigration & Refugee Services. For detailed information about this bill, go to their Web site at www.lirs.org.
  -----------------------------------------------------------

2) Help prevent federal budget cuts to services for poor & vulnerable We've made a difference so far, in convincing the Senate to drop cuts to Medicaid and food stamps from its budget resolution -- thanks for your calls and letters! But the battle is not over. The House approved deep cuts that will affect many more programs serving vulnerable people. The Senate and House are now trying work out their differences in a final budget resolution -- and it might include the drastic cuts by the House. Please consider sending a quick e-mail to your Senators and Representatives.

Millions of people are counting on us to speak up:

• There are no powerful well-heeled groups to protect the Earned Income Tax Credit - but there are 21 million families who are better able to make ends meet because of it. The EITC may be cut if we don't act.
• Poor people with disabilities don't run ads in congressional districts -- but nearly 7 million poor people either elderly or with severe disabilities depend on SSI. SSI may be cut if we don't act.
• Child support collections have lifted more than one million children and their parents out of poverty -- but they need our help to prevent cuts in collection efforts. Child support may be cut if we don't act.
• Many more programs may be cut as well, and they are all essential -- services to protect children from abuse and neglect, TANF (welfare) and child care among them. These programs all fall under the jurisdiction of the House Ways and Means Committee, which is ordered to make $18.7 billion in cuts under the House budget resolution.
  Take Action! In just a few minutes of your time, you can write your Senators and Representative directly from the Web site of the ELCA, asking them to protect these critical federal programs. To do so, click on the following link: Advocacy Action Alert from the Coalition on Human Needs and Lutheran Office for Governmental Affairs.
  -----------------------------------------------------------

 3) Cover the Uninsured Week: May 1-8 ** Resources for your Congregation ** As you know, 45 million Americans have no health care coverage, including more than eight million children. The involvement of faith communities underscores the moral and ethical dimensions of this growing problem and highlights the imperative to respond. We cannot afford to remain silent. Speak up for an America where everyone has health care coverage! The following materials can be downloaded at www.CoverTheUninsuredWeek.org/interfaith: 

• The Action Kit for Christian, Jewish and Muslim faith communities -- for use in the weeks leading up to, during and after Cover the Uninsured Week. The Action Kits include action steps, group discussion resources, prayers, sermon resources and bulletin insert/flier attachments.
• National Interfaith Advisory Board Letter -- describes the critical role of the interfaith community.
• Action Steps -- suggests ways the faith community can become involved in Cover the Uninsured Week.
• The Call to Care -- can be used as a responsive reading or to raise awareness and gain support for people who are uninsured. The Call to Care may also be used at a prayer breakfast, in newsletters or bulletins, or posted in a gathering place. Additional Cover the Uninsured Week materials are available at www.CoverTheUninsuredWeek.org/materials. For more information, call (202) 572-2848.
  ** Health Fair Volunteers Needed in Denver
  ** For the second year in a row, community organizations have come together to sponsor a free health fair during Cover the Uninsured Week. They can use your time and skills to provide the following needed services: Set-up/tear-down; Bilingual Interpreter
  **Registration; Ushers/Runners; Food Distribution Dates: Thursday, May 5th, setup from 3-6 pm & Friday, May 6th, volunteer during the fair, between 5:45 a.m. & 2:00 p.m. Place: Church In The City, 1530 Josephine, Denver (at East Colfax) For additional information, see attached sign-up form, or send an e-mail to Sarah Moss at DenverCTUW@yahoo.com Alert from The National Interfaith Advisory Board of Cover the Uninsured Week.
  -----------------------------------------------------------
  Lutheran Advocacy Ministry - Colorado Director, Terri McMaster, Diaconal Minister 455 Sherman Street, Suite 160 Denver, CO 80203-4403 (303) 777-6700 Website: www.LAM-CO.org

March 30, 2005

1) Alert: Tax credit for low income families (HB 1232) 2) Update: TABOR Referendum (HB 1194)
-----------------------------------------------------------
1) Earned Income Tax Credit: House Bill 1232 Background: The federal "Earned Income Tax Credit" (EITC) was designed to offset the effects of federal payroll taxes for low-income families. It has proven to be one of the most effective anti-poverty tools, lifting more families with children out of poverty than any other program. At least 2.4 million children are above the poverty level because of EITC benefits. Low-income families receive the credit even if it exceeds the amount of income taxes they owe. As a result, it effectively adds about $2 per hour to the net income of 10 million low-income families with children, and about a $1.50 per hour to the net income of 6 million slightly better-off families. Seventeen states, including Colorado have enacted state EITCs. But, Colorado currently funds it with excess revenues, as defined by the TABOR limit. This tax credit has been suspended since tax year 2002, since there has been no TABOR surplus. Bill Summary: House Bill 1232: Rep. Betty Boyd & Sen. Ken Kester This bill would gradually increase the amount of Colorado's Earned Income Tax Credit from 10% of the federal EITC to 20% and make it permanent. This would effectively double the amount of the average state EITC payment from $160 to $320. More importantly, it would make the credit permanent, eliminating the connection between the Earned Income Tax Credit and the TABOR limit, ensuring that working families receive the credit every year. ** Take Action ** HB1232 passed the House Finance Committee on a 13-0 vote. However, it may be more difficult for it to pass in the Appropriations Committee and on the House floor since many bills propose new or permanent tax credits this year. It is scheduled for hearing in the House Appropriations Committee next week, on Thursday, April 7th. Please consider contacting your own House Representative, and also a member of the Appropriations Committee if you have time, to express support for this bill. Since all tax credits lower the amount of revenues the state receives, legislators will prioritize only those they believe are most effective. Following are possible talking points describing why this tax credit is particularly effective.

The EITC is: 

• proven effective. It is one of the most successful programs in helping to lift families and children out of poverty.
• well targeted to those with the greatest need. Studies have shown that low-income families use the EITC for basic necessities, while their incomes are increasing. As income does increase, the amount of the tax credit automatically tapers off.
• easy & cost effective to administer. Since Colorado's tax credit is based on the federal credit, the cost and labor involved in administering the program is minimal.
  Appropriations Committee Contact Info.:
  Plant, Tom, Chair (Boulder, Clear Creek, Gilpin) 303.866.2583 tom.plant.house@state.co.us
  Buescher, Bernie, Vice-Chair (Mesa) 303.866.2583 bernie.buescher.house@state.co.us
  Butcher, Dorothy (Pueblo) 303.866.2968 dorothy.butcher.house@state.co.us
  Garcia, Michael (Arapahoe) 303.866.3911 michael@michaelgarcia.info Hall, Dale (Weld) 303-866-2943 dale.hall.house@state.co.us
  Hoppe, Diane (Logan, Phillips, Sedgwick, Weld) 303-866-3706 diane.hoppe.house@state.co.us
  Judd, Joel (Denver) 303-866-2925 joel.judd.house@state.co.us
  King, Keith (El Paso, Fremont) 303-866-2348 keith@keithking.org Riesberg, James (Weld) 303-866-2929 jim.riesberg@state.co.us Stafford, Debbie (Arapahoe, Elbert) 303-866-2944 debbie.stafford.house@state.co.us
  Vigil, Val (Adams) 303-866-2964 val.vigil.house@state.co.us Weissmann, Paul (Boulder) 303-866-2920 reppaul@aol.com
  Witwer, John (Jefferson) 303-866-2582 john.witwer.house@state.co.us -
  ----------------------------------------------------------

2) Update: TABOR Referendum: HB 1194 As you've probably read, legislative leadership and Governor Owens have agreed on a proposal to address the state's ongoing budget shortfalls. HB1194 was amended and passed in the Senate to reflect that agreement. A conference committee has now formed, with members from both the House and the Senate, where final details are being negotiated. Below is an outline of the agreement, which involved a good deal of compromise on all sides. While it doesn't provide the long-term solution we have advocated, it does represent a significant short-term solution (for the next five years). Early discussions suggest that it will be widely supported by organizations working on this issue. It is hoped that this budget solution will be more likely to pass in November, given the support of the Governor and nearly 2/3 of the legislature.
Basic provisions of the agreement, which would seek voter approval in November: 1. Keep and Spend Authority (also known as de-brucing). For the next five years, the state could keep and spend all revenues collected, to provide services to the people of Colorado. Companion measures are expected to earmark funding for education, health care, and transportation. 2. Bonding Authority. Another companion measure would ask voters to approve a 20-year stream of bonds to finance approximately $1.5 billion worth of transportation projects, school repairs, and police and fire pension plans. 3. TABOR Spending Limit: The formula used in calculating how much revenue the state can keep and spend will not change (annual increase based on population growth and inflation). In the sixth year, it will be applied to a new base, set at the highest revenue level received in the first five years). If there is additional revenue in the sixth year, the state would also be allowed to retain $100 million dollars for use in paying the bonding obligations outlined in #2. 4. Tax Cut. Originally, HB 1194 included an income tax rate cut from 4.63% to 4.5%. Under this agreement, that rate reduction would happen after the sixth year, if there is sufficient revenue. This same temporary reduction would take place in subsequent years, when there is sufficient excess revenue. Additional updates will follow in the coming weeks. ** Take Action ** Please consider contacting Governor Owens office to express appreciation for his work in reaching this agreement, and his commitment to work for the passage of this referendum in November, should it pass in the legislature.
Governor Bill Owens: Phone: (303) 866-2471 E-mail: governorowens@state.co.us Governor Owens' website requests that you include a Colorado mailing address if you wish to receive a reply, and please do not include any attachments. Blessings, Terri McMaster Lutheran Advocacy Ministry - Colorado Director, Terri McMaster, Diaconal Minister 455 Sherman Street, Suite 160 Denver, CO 80203-4403 (303) 777-6700 Website: www.LAM-CO.org

March 10, 2005

1) HB1194: Fiscal Reform Bill
2) Federal Budget
.................................................................................
1) House Bill 1194: Fiscal Reform Bill HB-1194, the bi-partisan fiscal reform package sponsored by House Speaker Andrew Romanoff and Senators Steve Johnson and Peter Groff, passed the House of Representatives today after civil, but lengthy debates over the last two days. It passed on a vote of 41-Yes; 22-No & 2-Excused. As amended in the House, HB-1194: 1. Cuts the income tax rate from its current level of 4.63% to 4.5% and allows the state to retain and spend the revenues collected under that lowered rate for 10 years, after which the voters must reauthorize the entire measure. 2. Requires that a financial report be posted annually, outlining the amount of money retained and how it was spent. 3. Earmarks the money retained. Creates a "general fund exempt" category in the budget into which the retained revenues will go. They will be used to fund: o Reduced health insurance rates for individuals and business o K-12 education, and to pay back the State Education Fund o College tuition assistance to the College Opportunity Fund and scholarships o Priority transportation projects. The bill now moves to the Senate, and has been assigned to the Finance Committee. This would be a good time to contact your state senator to share your views on this proposal. Lutheran Advocacy Ministry continues to support this bill because it prevents additional cuts to essential human services & allows for state services to partially recover from the cuts made during the recession. It takes a balanced approach, addressing both the revenue and spending sides of the equation. It maintains strict spending limits and does not overspend.

2) Federal Budget Proposals Programs and services for moderate-and low-income families will face very deep cuts in the next five years under the budget resolution passed last night by the House Budget Committee. The Senate Budget Committee started consideration of its budget resolution and is expected to pass it out of committee today. Please read the brief summary below, then mark your calendar for next Tuesday & Wednesday so you can participate in a call-in day (details below). Deep cuts to low-income programs & services

• Mandatory programs: Under the House resolution, mandatory programs (which include Medicaid, Welfare, Food Stamps and the Earned Income Tax Credit) would be slashed by $68.6 billion over the next five years. Medicaid cut could be as much as $20 billion.
• Discretionary programs: Under the House resolution, domestic discretionary programs (those appropriated each year) would be cut by $216 billion over five years. The cuts would hit education, housing, Head Start, veterans' benefits, community services and many other programs.
• Additional tax cuts Even while slashing programs that help the neediest Americans, both the House and Senate resolutions make room for still more tax cuts. The House resolution assumes $106 billion in tax cuts over the next five years; the Senate resolution makes room for $70 billion in tax cuts in the same period. Included in both resolutions is an extension of tax breaks for capital gains and dividends - which would otherwise expire in 2008.
• No deficit reduction According to the budget committee chairs, such deep cuts are necessary to put the budget on a path to shrinking deficits. But, the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities reports that the House budget resolution actually increases the deficit because of the tax cuts included. ** Take Action ** The Coalition on Human Needs has scheduled a call-in day to the US Capitol for Tuesday, March 15th and Wednesday, March 16th. You can use a toll-free number 1-800-247-2971, which is provided by the American Friends Service Committee, or try these web sites: Save Our Services Democracy in Action Don't be discouraged if the lines are busy - the goal is for calls to pour into the Senate offices. Direct lines for Colorado Senators are:
  Senator Wayne Allard: 202-220-5941
  Senator Ken Salazar: 202-882-5036
• Suggested message points:
  * The federal budget is a moral document intended to reflect our shared values and priorities. Please oppose any budget that would cut basic services for millions in order to protect tax cuts tilted toward high-income households.
  * Protect children, older people, people with disabilities and families by opposing cuts in nutrition, health care, education and other vital services.
  * Large cuts in domestic programs will harm Coloradans from all walks of life. Domestic programs are a way for America to reinvest in its people, its environment and its future. Protect our investments in Medicaid, seniors, veterans, kids, farmers and our environment.
  * Cutting federal support will just shift problems to the state, which is still reeling from the recent recession and struggling to meet growing state needs. * Please oppose 5-year binding caps on domestic discretionary programs. These caps will force deep cuts in programs and reduce accountability.
  * There is a better way - one that's fair, balanced and shares the burden. A federal budget that singles out vulnerable populations and the middle class to solve our nation's fiscal problems is not fair, and it's not balanced. There are better ways to reduce the deficit that involve shared sacrifice. Congress can and must do better. For additional information, see two new reports from the Center on Budget & Policy Priorities Assessing the Budget Proposal Put Forward by the Senate Budget Committee Chair Assessing the Budget Proposal Put Forward by the Senate Budget Committee Chair Assessing the Budget Proposal Put Forward by the House Budget Committee Chair Assessing the Budget Proposal Put Forward by the House Budget Committee Chair Thanks to all of you who responded to our last alert to sign onto a letter to Senator Allard. Thanks also to the Colorado Fiscal Policy Institute and the Coalition on Human Needs for information contained in this Alert/Update. Blessings, Terri McMaster Director, Diaconal Minister Lutheran Advocacy Ministry - Colorado 455 Sherman Street, Suite 160 Denver, CO 80203-4403 (303) 777-6700 Website: www.LAM-CO.org

February 27, 2005

1) Alert: Federal Budget - Opposing Binding Spending Caps
 2) Updates: bills in earlier actions alerts
.................................................................................
1) Alert: Federal Budget - Opposing Binding Spending Caps Background: As you may know, Congress is working to draft its budget. Of particular concern is the danger that the budget could include binding spending caps on the funding that goes to domestic discretionary programs. These would be TABOR-like caps that would require very deep cuts over the next five years. The required budget cuts would affect nearly all categories of domestic discretionary programs - including many programs that provide grants to state and local governments for health programs, K-12 education, community development (CDBG), and the environment. Overall, Colorado stands to lose $824 million in federal aid for non-entitlement programs in the next five years. Moreover, there are additional proposed cuts in entitlement programs, such as Medicaid, food stamps and child- care assistance on the horizon. This cost shifting to the states is very alarming. Colorado is in no position to make up the difference in funding levels, as we wrestle with our own budget problems and are further impaired by our many tax and expenditure limits. For further information, see a background paper just released by the Lutheran Office of Governmental Affairs, which outlines many concerns with the President's federal budget proposal. You can find it online, at http://www.elca.org/advocacy/issues/taxes/2005fiscalyear.html
How Lutheran Advocacy Ministry is Taking Action: One of our guiding principles for advocacy is working in coalition with organizations with common commitments, for increased effectiveness. In this case, we are partnering with the Colorado Fiscal Policy Institute (CFPI), whose mission is "advocating" on behalf of the poor, working poor, and other vulnerable populations." 

• Please consider participating with us in a letter campaign, by March 3rd. The letter to Senator Allard is attached to this e-mail in Word format. 
• The CFPI staff has drafted a letter to Senator Wayne Allard, who sits on the Senate Appropriations Committee, opposing
  1) cuts in human-service programs and
  2) five-year binding spending caps. They would like to fax this letter to Senator Allard by March 3rd and then follow up with calls to his office. In those calls, they will urge Senate Allard to contact Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Cochran, Senate Budget Committee Chairman Gregg, and Senate Majority Leader Frist to raise concerns about the five-year binding caps.
• What You Can Do:
  1) Sign on to the letter. To add your support to this letter, simply reply to this e-mail with your name and the name of the city in which you live.
  2) Call in to endorse the letter. You can also add your name to this letter by calling our office & leaving you name & city. Call 303:777-6700 or 1-800-525-0462 and leave a message for Lutheran Advocacy Ministry.
  3) Contact Senator Allard or Senator Salazar by phone or e-mail. If you would like to send your own letter, you might want to use CFPI's letter as a template. We would appreciate it if you could also let us know if you do this, to help us n gauge the number of contacts being made. Contact Information: Senator Wayne Allard (R) 525 Dirksen Senate Office Bldg. Washington, DC 20510 202-224-5941 tel 202-224-6471 fax 303-220-7414 local web: http://allard.senate.gov/ Senator Ken Salazar and Colorado's House Representatives can also play an important role in educating other members about the difficulties involved with five-year, TABOR-like spending caps and reduced federal aid for domestic programs. CFPI will draft a separate letter to them asking for their help in educating other members about binding spending/revenue caps. Contact Information: Senator Ken Salazar (D) 40A Dirksen Senate Office Bldg. Washington, DC 20510 202-228-5036 tel 202-228-4609 fax 303-534-5617 fax local http://salazar.senate.gov/

2) Updates on bills in earlier alerts * TABOR (HB1194). This bill is still awaiting hearing on the floor of the House of Representatives, as legislative leaders continue to negotiate with the Governor and other legislators to increase support for this bi-partisan bill.

• Energy Assistance (SB001). This bill passed the Senate on Friday on a 34-1 vote. It will next be heard in its first committee in the House of Representatives.
• Landlord/Tenant Issues (HB1061). This bill passed the House of Representatives on a 34-29 vote. It will next be heard in its first committee in the Senate. Blessings, Terri McMaster Director, Diaconal Minister Lutheran Advocacy Ministry - Colorado 455 Sherman Street, Suite 160 Denver, CO 80203-4403 (303) 777-6700 Website: www.LAM-CO.org

January 31, 2005

1) Alert: Low-Income Energy Assistance - Senate Bill 001
2) Alert: Landlord/Tenant Issues -- House Bill 1061
3) Update: TABOR proposal - House Bill 1194
.................................................................................
1) Alert: Low-Income Energy Assistance - Senate Bill 001 Background: Natural gas prices in Colorado have doubled in the last two years and experts predict they will not be going back down in the near future. Applications from low-income households for home heating assistance were up 20% last year and have doubled since 1999. Many working families, disabled people and seniors on fixed incomes are carrying large balances on their energy bills due to skyrocketing energy prices. A long-term, permanent solution is needed so that all of our citizens can afford the basic necessities of warmth and light without having to sacrifice medical care, food or home safety. Bill Summary: Senate Bill 05-001 - The Low Income Energy Assistance Act Sponsors: Sen. Paula Sandoval/Rep Bernie Buescher

• The bill, which we strongly supported last year is being amended this year to remove the Opt-out provision and substitute an enhanced opt-in program. Utilities would be required to offer customers the opportunity to make a contribution through check off boxes on their utility bills. Once a person opts in to the program, their contribution will be assessed monthly on their bill as a separate line item until they notify the utility of their desire to no longer participate.
• Currently, all of the investor-owned utilities in the state have the capability to process these voluntary contributions and the program will be overseen by the Colorado Public Utilities Commission.
• Low-income applicants may obtain assistance once a year in an emergency, and the funds go directly to the utility.
  ** Take Action ** The Low-income Energy Assistance Act" , will be in the Senate Business, Labor & Technology Committee on Monday, February 14th at 1:30 P.M. in room 354. Please consider calling one of the members of this committee over the weekend to leave a voicemail, asking for their support of this bill -- especially if you are one of their constituents Sen. Jennifer Viega, Denver (303) 866- 4861 Sen. Lois Tochtrop, Adams (303) 866-4863 Sen. John Evans, Douglas (303) 866-4881 Sen. Deanna Hanna, Jefferson (303) 866-4857 Sen. Andy McElhany, El Paso (303) 866-4866 Sen. Stephanie Takis, Adams (303) 866-4855 Sen. Tom Wiens, Douglas, El Paso, Lake, Park, Teller (303) 866-4869 (Our thanks to Energy Outreach Colorado for this data. Its mission is ensuring that Colorado's low-income households can meet their home energy needs.)
  .................................................................................

2) Alert: Landlord/Tenant Issues -- House Bill 1061 Background: This bill addresses basic rights and responsibilities of tenants, and involves minimal changes to existing law. It proposes essential consumer protections that have served in other states to prevent homelessness, especially among low-income and fixed-income tenants. Bill Summary: HB-05-1061: Landlord & Tenant Relations Sponsors: Rep. Merrifield & Sen. Entz The Five Provisions of HB05-1061:

• Return of Security Deposit. Specifies that security deposits must be returned in 30 days. Colorado is now one of just two states which allow 60 days for this return, while most states allow 30 days or less. Low-income and fixed-income tenants are often left without the resources to access new, suitable housing.
• Late fees: Prohibits excessive and abusive charges. Limits late fees to 2% of the monthly rent for each day that the rent is late with a cap of 15% of the monthly rent in a given month. There is currently no limitation on late fees in Colorado. This provision attempts to set maximum late fees that are reflective of the actual costs to the landlord as a result of late payment of rent.
• Mandatory copy of lease to tenant. Ensures that tenants are provided a copy of the fully executed lease.
• Comprehensive Eviction Notice. Provides basic information about eviction proceedings, remedies and timelines when evicting a tenant for a lease violation.
• Non-waiver of Rights and Protection. This section prevents the parties to a residential lease from waiving their rights created by the Legislature or the Courts of Colorado. Bill Status: This bill passed out of the Business Affairs Committee last week on an 8-5 vote. It will next be heard on the House floor. ** Take Action ** Please consider contacting your House Representative to ask for their support for this bill. To identify your state and federal elected officials, go to the ELCA's advocacy website at www.elca.org/advocacy Enter your zip code & click on the word "find." Your federal legislators will be displayed. Just above their pictures, you'll see "federal, state, and local." Click on the word, "state" provide your street address on request. Your state senator and representative will then be displayed. If you don't have web access, simply reply to this message with your complete street address and we'll send that information to you. (Our thanks to the Colorado Coalition for the Homeless for this data. Its mission is preventing homelessness and creating lasting solutions for homeless and at-risk families and individuals).
  .................................................................................

3) Update: TABOR proposal - House Bill 1194 Background: This bill - explained in detail in our last alert, passed the House Finance Committee on a 10-3 vote. It will next be heard on the House floor. ** Take Action ** Please consider contacting your House Representative and state Senator to encourage their support for this moderate, bi-partisan proposal. In addition, please consider contacting Governor Owens to urge his support. Possible message points: We support this particular proposal because it addresses both the revenue and spending sides of the budget equation. It would maintain the strictest spending limits in the country, provide the lowest flat tax in Colorado's history, and allow the state to retain the revenues needed under that lowered tax rate to provide essential human services to its citizens in greatest need. Contact Information: Governor Owens: Phone: (303) 866-2471 E-mail: governorowens@state.co.us Governor Owens' website requests that you include a Colorado mailing address if you wish to receive a reply, and please do not include any attachments. State Legislators: The following state website provides contact information for all Colorado state legislators. Phone numbers are listed, and by clicking on their names, you can also find e-mail addresses. http://www.leg.state.co.us/Clics2005a/csl.nsf/Directory?openFrameset If you don't have web access, please respond to this message with your legislators' names or your street address, and we'd be happy to provide that information.
.................................................................................
Blessings, Terri McMaster Director, Diaconal Minister Lutheran Advocacy Ministry - Colorado 455 Sherman Street, Suite 160 Denver, CO 80203-4403 (303) 777-6700 Website: www.LAM-CO.org