Jared Polis RSS Articles

Heads Of The Class: Barney Frank, Tammy Baldwin & Jared Polis

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 05:00:00 GMT

Where are our “fierce advocates?” They’re in the United States House of Representatives. Frank, Baldwin, and Polis form a powerful, out triumvirate, wielding influence over the economy, social welfare, labor, and education. Frank’s was one of few steady hands on the rudder of the failing U.S. economy during the 2008 credit crisis. He helped midwife the bailouts and stimulus package many say were crucial to avoiding a Great Depression redux.

Baldwin, representing Wisconsin’s second congressional district and the House’s first openly gay woman, has led a progressive offensive, opposing the invasion of Iraq and cosponsoring bills proposing the impeachment of former vice president Dick Cheney and attorney general Alberto Gonzales.

Polis, meanwhile, was elected alongside Barack Obama in November 2008, becoming the first openly gay man elected to the U.S. House of Representatives as a freshman. (Frank came out while in office.) The former tech entrepreneur prevailed in a heavily contested Democratic primary fight before going on to handily win Colorado’s second congressional district, centered on Boulder. Of course, all three are cosponsors—along with 179 of their colleagues—of House Resolution 1283, which would repeal “don’t ask, don’t tell.”

Congressman Polis, Summit County Educator to Speak at Congressional Literacy Hearing

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 05:00:00 GMT

This Thursday, November 19th, Congressman Jared Polis (D-CO) and guest Mary Kay Doré, District Student Support Services Manager of the Summit School District, will speak before the House Education and Labor Committee’s Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary and Secondary Education at a hearing to review current federal literacy initiatives and explore ways to improve the reading and writing skills of all children from birth through high school.

"Focusing on the literacy needs of our children is of the utmost importance,” said Doré. “Children who struggle with literacy skills can have a hard time feeling connected with school, and as they get older, everything they are asked to do becomes connected to those skills. I am excited at the chance to share some changes we have made in our schools that have helped address the needs of students and help teachers plan for interventions that make a difference for students. We have tried to change our practice to help support every student to their highest levels of achievement."

Polis recently introduced the Literacy Education for All, Results for the Nation (or LEARN) Act, which will support comprehensive state and local literacy initiatives to ensure that children from birth through 12th grade have the reading and writing skills necessary for success in school and beyond. More information on Polis’ LEARN Act is available at http://polis.house.gov/UploadedFiles/House_LEARN_Act_one_pager.pdf.

“Literacy is the cornerstone of all learning,” said Polis. “Yet recent data show that about seventy percent of 4th graders and 8th graders read below the proficient level, which prevents them from realizing their full potential, both in school and in life. Mary Kay’s testimony will highlight the effective strategies for improving reading instruction and comprehension that she and her colleagues have implemented successfully in Summit County’s schools, offering guidance on how we can strengthen the federal role in literacy. The LEARN Act seeks to support such proven literacy initiatives in districts across the nation from early learning through high school to help create the world class education system that America’s children deserve."

WHO: Congressman Jared Polis (D-CO) & Mary Kay Doré, District Student Support Services Manager, Summit School District

WHAT: House Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary and Secondary Education Hearing on “Improving the Literacy Skills of Children and Young Adults”

WHEN: Thursday, November 19, 2009, 10:00 a.m. EST

WHERE: House Education and Labor Committee Hearing Room
2175 Rayburn House Office Building, Washington, DC

Note: This hearing will be webcast live from the Education and Labor Committee website. You can access the webcast when the hearing begins at 10:00 a.m. from http://edlabor.house.gov/.

HOH’s One-Minute Recess: Congressional Trekkie

Sun, 15 Nov 2009 05:00:00 GMT

Another Member of Congress has jumped on the mini-me Internet bandwagon, posting a digitized, itty-bitty version of himself to his official Web site — but this Congressman gets bonus points for throwing a “Star Trek” reference into the mix.

Rep. Jared Polis (D) relaunched his Web site Thursday, including a bite-sized version of himself welcoming visitors to the “virtual gateway to Colorado’s beautiful second Congressional district.”

But after the digitized Polis — who made his fortune as an Internet entrepreneur, by the way — shows guests around his site, he totally geeks out, standing up tall and boasting: “Beam me up, Scotty.”

And then, a la Captain James T. Kirk, Polis is beamed up. “I’ve always been a techie and a Trekkie,” Polis joked.

Get behind-the-scenes footage of Polis filming his mini-me spot for episode 19 of the “Freshman Year” Web series that the Congressman films alongside Rep. Jason Chaffetz (R-Utah).

Polis goes through several takes to get it right. Apparently, creating a tiny version of yourself isn't as easy as one might guess ...

Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Steele arguably kicked off the whole digitized politician trend, as he welcomes visitors to the GOP’s site with a mini-version of himself. Several Members of Congress since have joined in, including GOP Reps. Howard McKeon (Calif.), Mike Conaway (Texas) and Bob Latta (Ohio).

Statement in Support of H.R. 3962, the America’s Affordable Health Care Act

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 05:00:00 GMT

M. Speaker, today we make history. Finally, after months and years of hard work, my colleagues and I can make good on our promise to deliver meaningful health care reform.

Like most members of Congress, I held over 50 town halls, tele-town halls, round tables, open houses, listening sessions, and “Congress on your Corners” in my district this year, listening to constituents about health care reform. Every town hall in America from Virginia to Vail, and Northglenn to North Dakota shed light on our broken health care system. And nearly every member in this body heard the same thing: “We need health care reform!”

We took their concerns back with us to Washington. We echoed their voices in these halls. And we created the bill we have before us today. A STRONGER and BETTER bill; a bill that is IN NO WAY a government takeover of healthcare, that costs less and reduces the budget deficit by over $100 billion—a bill we can all be proud of.

We fought to protect the Medicare program upon which many seniors rely. And we’re giving our seniors a bill that immediately closes the Medicare Part D “donut hole.”

We heard story after story from honest, hard-working Americans who were denied or lost coverage because of pre-existing conditions when they needed it most. OUR BILL ENDS THIS DISCRIMINATORY PROCESS. The Republican bill, by their own admission, leaves more uninsured people in 10 years then we have today.

I personally took on the cause of our small businesses—the economic engine of the American economy and job growth—many of which cannot afford to provide coverage. These businesses are the entrepreneurs and innovators on which the future of our economy depends.

And I am happy to say that this new bill raised the threshold for the surcharge to $1 million in income for most small businesses, significantly reducing any negative impact on small businesses, while giving them access to the exchange, which provides small businesses the same buying power previously only enjoyed by large corporations.

My constituents said to include tort reform and interstate competition in the bill, and their voices have been heard. I’m proud to say that this bill provides for insurance companies competing across state lines through interstate compacts and includes reforms to reduce defensive medicine.

I’m thrilled to see that the new version of the bill addresses the critical issues shared by my constituents and those across the country, and reduces the deficit by over $100 billion more than taking no action.

But most important of all, I thank Speaker Pelosi, for bringing this bill—with a STRONG public option—to the floor here today.

This summer Americans in every district in this country spoke out about health care. We listened. We took their ideas to heart and brought them to Washington. This bill was written by patriots across our great nation and I urge my fellow members to join me in proud support for this bill. Thank You.

Polis Hails Passage of Historic Health Care Bill

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 05:00:00 GMT

Congressman Jared Polis (D-CO) today urged his colleagues to join him in voting for H.R. 3962, the Affordable Health Care for America Act, which passed the House by a vote of 220 to 215.

“Today we made history and we finally made good on our promise to deliver meaningful health care reform. Today the House stated loud and clear what the good people of Colorado have known all along—that all Americans should have access to quality, stable, affordable health care.

Health care should make people’s lives better, not worse. No one should have to live with the fear that sickness will bankrupt their family or stay with a job they hate to keep the insurance they couldn’t otherwise afford. Today we took the first step to reform our broken health care system to ensure that no suffering American falls through the cracks.

Although the journey has been long and hard and is far from over, I am proud to support the bill before us today—a stronger and better bill that helps more and costs less than any alternative including the status quo. It is time we put aside partisanship and bickering and do what’s best for our constituents and the physical and economic health of our nation.”

CD2 Benefits under H.R. 3962 - the Affordable Health Care for America Act:

•   Improve employer-based coverage for 505,000 residents.
•   Provide credits to help pay for coverage for up to 145,000 households.
•   Improve Medicare for 65,000 beneficiaries, including closing the prescription drug donut hole for 7,500 seniors.
•   Allow 23,400 small businesses to obtain affordable health care coverage and provide tax credits to help reduce health insurance costs for up to 22,300 small businesses.
•   Provide coverage for 71,000 uninsured residents.
•   Protect up to 1,400 families from bankruptcy due to unaffordable health care costs.
•   Reduce the cost of uncompensated care for hospitals and health care providers by $52 million.

Affordable and Improved Health Care Coverage for the Middle Class

Better health care coverage for the insured. Approximately 72% of the district’s population, 505,000 residents, receive health care coverage from their employer. Under the legislation, individuals and families with employer-based coverage can keep the health insurance coverage they have now, and it will get better. As a result of the insurance reforms in the bill, there will be no co-pays or deductibles for preventive care; no more rate increases or coverage denials for pre-existing conditions, gender, or occupation; and guaranteed oral, vision, and hearing benefits for children.

Affordable health care for the uninsured. Those who do not receive health care coverage through their employer will be able to purchase coverage at group rates through a health insurance exchange. Individuals and families with an income of up to four times the federal poverty level — an income of up to $88,000 for a family of four — will receive affordability credits to help cover the cost of coverage. There are 145,000 households in the district that could qualify for these affordability credits if they need to purchase their own coverage.

Coverage for individuals with pre-existing conditions. There are 14,100 individuals in the district who have pre-existing medical conditions that could prevent them from buying insurance. Under the bill’s insurance reforms, they will now be able to purchase affordable coverage.

Health care and financial security. There were 1,400 health care-related bankruptcies in the district in 2008, caused primarily by the health care costs not covered by insurance. The bill caps annual out-of-
pocket costs at $5,000 for singles and $10,000 for families and eliminates lifetime limits on insurance coverage, ensuring that no citizen will have to face financial ruin because of high health care costs.

Security for Seniors

Improving Medicare. There are 65,000 Medicare beneficiaries in the district. The health care reform legislation improves Medicare by providing free preventive and wellness care, improving primary and coordinated care, improving nursing home quality, and strengthening the Medicare Trust Fund.

Closing the Part D donut hole. Each year, 7,500 seniors in the district hit the donut hole and are forced to pay their full drug costs, despite having Part D drug coverage. The legislation will provide these seniors with immediate relief, covering the first $500 of donut hole costs in 2010, cutting brand-name drug costs in the donut hole by 50%, and completely eliminating the donut hole by 2019.

Helping Small Businesses

Helping small businesses obtain health insurance. Under the legislation, businesses with up to 100 employees will be able to join the health insurance exchange, benefitting from group rates and a greater choice of insurers. There are 23,400 small businesses in the district that will be able to join the health insurance exchange.

Tax credits for small businesses. Small businesses with 25 employees or less and average wages of less than $40,000 will qualify for tax credits of up to 50% of the costs of providing health insurance. There are up to 22,300 small businesses in the district that could qualify for credits.

Covering the Uninsured

Coverage of the uninsured. There are 110,000 uninsured individuals in the district, 17% of the district residents under age 65. The Congressional Budget Office estimates that nationwide, 96% of all Americans will have insurance coverage when the bill takes effect. If this benchmark is reached in the district, 71,000 people who currently do not have health insurance will receive coverage.

Relieving the burden of uncompensated care. In 2008, health care providers in the district provided $52 million worth of uncompensated care. This care was provided to individuals who lacked insurance coverage and were unable to pay their bills. Under the legislation, these costs of uncompensated care will be virtually eliminated.

Deficit Responsibility

No deficit spending. The cost of health care reform under the legislation is fully paid for: half through eliminating waste, fraud, abuse, and excessive profits for private insurers in Medicare and Medicaid and half through a surcharge on the income of the top 0.3% wealthiest individuals. This surcharge will affect only 1,350 households in the district. The surcharge will not affect 99.57% of taxpayers in the district.

Reducing the deficit. According to the Congressional Budget Office, the bill will cut the deficit by over $30 billion over the next decade and will continue to create a budget surplus over the next 20 years.

This analysis is based upon the following sources: the U.S. Census (data on insurance rates and small businesses); the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (data on Medicare and Part D enrollment) the Department of Health and Human Services (data on health care-related bankruptcies, uncompensated care, and pre-existing conditions); and the House Committee on Ways and Means (data on the surtax).

Polis, Yarmuth, Murray Introduce Landmark Federal Literacy Bill

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 05:00:00 GMT

Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), and Representatives John Yarmuth (D-KY 3rd) and Jared Polis (D-CO 2nd) announced they would introduce major legislation to fund comprehensive literacy programs in states across the country. The Literacy Education for All, Results for the Nation (LEARN) Act will provide $2.35 billion in grants to fund state and local school-based literacy programs that span from early childhood to grade twelve. The LEARN Act will create the flagship federal literacy program to ensure that students have the literacy skills to succeed in school and their future careers.

The LEARN Act fills a critical void at an important time as states across the nation face budget cutbacks and amid the elimination of federal Reading First grants. The bill would authorize $2.35 billion in much-needed federal support for comprehensive state and locally-led literacy programs to ensure that children from early childhood through twelfth grade have the reading and writing skills necessary for success in school and beyond.

“The LEARN Act is based on the simple fact that literacy is the cornerstone of all learning,” said Congressman Jared Polis. “Unfortunately, too many students cannot read and write at their grade level, which prevents them from realizing their full potential, both in school and in life. This comprehensive legislation supports high-quality literacy instruction to provide each and every child, including English language learners and students with special needs, with the reading and writing skills needed to succeed in college and in the workforce. By supporting effective literacy initiatives from early learning through high school, this legislation will help to create the world class education system that America’s children deserve.”

“Literacy must be education priority number one,” said Senator Murray, a senior member of the Senate Education Committee. “It’s the building block that keeps students engaged in school and on track to college and a successful career. The LEARN Act will provide a new comprehensive and state-wide approach to literacy. It will help ensure that high quality literacy instruction starts early and continues through high school for students who need extra support. The LEARN Act also comes at a critical time for Washington state as budget cutbacks continue to affect the resources available to address literacy.”

“Students who are not proficient in reading and writing are far less likely to succeed in school and in life. But, in Louisville alone, up to 38 percent of high school students are unable to read at their grade level,” said Congressman John Yarmuth. “Our nation and our communities must make literacy education a top priority. By investing in local high-quality literacy programs and expanding literacy instruction for the students who need it most, that’s exactly what the LEARN Act will do.”

“Literacy is the foundation for a world-class education. Our children will not be able to develop the complex skills and knowledge they need to succeed and compete in a global economy if they can’t read or write,” said U.S. Rep. George Miller (D-CA-7th), chairman of the House Education and Labor Committee and a co-sponsor of the House legislation. “This bill asks states to take a more comprehensive approach to literacy that starts with our youngest learners and focuses attention and resources to students at every step along the way.”

The grant funding will be used to provide high-quality professional development that would prepare teachers to improve literacy instruction specific to grade level; analyze data to improve student learning; fund assessments of student progress; and effectively implement literacy intervention strategies. As a result, teachers will be prepared with the tools to provide students, including special education students and English language learners, with excellent instruction in reading and writing.

The LEARN Act incorporates principles from the Striving Readers federal adolescent literacy program, and it makes reforms and improvements to K-3 and early literacy programs, including strong conflict of interest provisions. It also places a greater focus on coordinating literacy instruction across districts and the state, and across grade levels.

Senator Murray will introduce the LEARN Act in the Senate today, while Congressmen Yarmuth and Polis will introduce a version of the LEARN Act in the House in the coming days.

To get more details on the Senate version of this bill visit: http://murray.senate.gov/education/LEARNact.pdf
To get more details on the Senate version of this bill visit: http://polis.house.gov/UploadedFiles/House_LEARN_Act_one_pager.pdf

Remarks on H.R. 2476, the Ski Area Recreational Opportunity Enhancement Act of 2009.

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 05:00:00 GMT

Chairman Grijalva, Congresswoman DeGette and members of this subcommittee, thank you very much for the opportunity to share with you my support for H.R. 2476, the Ski Area Recreational Opportunity Enhancement Act of 2009.

My district in Colorado is an internationally acclaimed playground where the world class resorts of Vail, Keystone, Breckenridge, Copper Mountain, Winter Park and many other community favorites provide a place for individuals of all abilities and fitness levels to get great exercise, experience nature and take in the incredible landscapes that define Colorado’s character.

In my district, skiing isn’t just an activity, it’s a way of life that supports businesses, provides jobs, sustains communities and has created a national industry of related fields. Not only do ski areas and resorts hire employees, but so do nearby hotels, rental shops and equipment retailers, restaurants, equipment manufacturing companies, magazines, nearby airports and every aspect of our local economies, all of which are reliant on the travel and tourism generated by these ski areas. The ability of ski areas to offer these benefits year round means the survival of communities and businesses not just in my district but across the country. It means a more stable economy, better communities and a better quality of life by balancing the influx of winter guests with the void of summer visitors.

Increased summer visitation, done correctly, also has environmental and educational benefits. Our national forests are important reservoirs for our nation’s natural assets, and conservation of these forests must be a top priority. Ski areas are places where people can safely experience these lands and get a taste of nature even if limited by fitness, ability or outdoor know how. Nearly 20% of all national forest visitors are visitors at ski resorts, confining this usage to specific places and leaving other areas less impacted. They provide an important recreational and educational venue in a controlled environment, melding elements of nature with features of modern convenience. This melding should not take place everywhere and ski areas play an important role in confining this practice to specific and small tracks of land allowing a greater number of individuals to gain an introduction to nature. I applaud the current and future work of the Forest Service, National Ski Areas Association, this committee and the environmental community on their current collaborative efforts to ensure that this bill’s excellent goals are carried out in an environmentally friendly manner.

The National Forest Ski Area Permit Act of 1986 once allowed this industry to flourish and has ensured that the needs of a growing industry, local economies, and our national forest ecosystems are simultaneously met. Today however, the Forest Service is dealing with unclear directives from the National Forest Ski Area Permit Act. Things like snowboards and ski bikes were never envisioned when the law was originally written. Today we also face new consequences from climate change and an ever growing popularity in summer recreational activities that the original law does not adequately address. H.R. 2476 is aimed at giving our vitally important ski areas the flexibility they need to provide an economic foundation all year round, in the face of a changing climate and changing ski season, while giving the Forest Service a proper and legal base on which to responsibly manage these areas.

Finally, while I would certainly argue that Colorado’s Second Congressional District is second to none in outdoor recreation, this issue isn’t a Colorado issue it is an issue for every ski area and every ski community in the country from California to New Hampshire. Over 120 resorts, and the businesses and communities they support, across the country would benefit from increased summer activities within current ski areas. Areas in Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, New York, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Vermont, Washington, West Virginia and Wyoming, like in my district, are economic foundations of local communities.

This legislation represents a needed change for our federal land managers and an important change and opportunity for the many communities, businesses, employees, and public lands lovers’ throughout the country. Once again I thank Chairman Grijalva, Congresswoman DeGette and this subcommittee for hearing my testimony today.

Floor Speech on Health Care Coverage for Immigrants

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 05:00:00 GMT

I would like to thank Mr. Ellison, certainly, for the kind introduction and for sharing very powerful stories.

I have had the opportunity to share a number of stories on the floor of the House of Representatives, and these are all real people who are impacted. I think that, perhaps, my colleagues in the House and those watching us can see in themselves some of the experiences that American families go through.

We're not just talking about the uninsured out there, some mysterious group that you're not a part of because you might have insurance. We're talking about American families, American families who are worrying because one of the parents lost a job; we're talking about soccer moms; we're talking about people with preexisting conditions.

I want to briefly talk about immigration in the context of immigration and health care reform. I received some false information from an anti-immigrant group. The name of this group is the Federation for American Immigration Reform. They're actually a group that fights against immigration reform, but their name says that they're for immigration reform.

They believe—and I believe that similar comments have been echoed on the floor of the House of Representatives—that there is in the health care bill before us something that allows illegal aliens to game the system and to access taxpayer-subsidized health care benefits.

What they're seeking to do—and it would significantly raise the cost of the bill should they succeed—is to prevent our undocumented population, some 12 to 15 million people who reside in our country and who contribute in so many ways, from buying insurance through the exchange.

Now, remember, the "exchange" is something that doesn't exist today. It's set up under law. It is not subsidized health care. It is where small businesses or individuals will go. They, of course, will pay the full market rate. There will be many private companies that will participate in the exchange and that will design products for the exchange. It is not a benefit. It is simply a marketplace. We've never before barred anyone from being able to purchase a product like health insurance at full price because of one's citizenship or immigration status, nor is it good policy.

I think that many of us on both sides of the aisle would agree that we shouldn't have as large an undocumented population as we do. I dare say we shouldn't have an undocumented population at all. There might be different solutions to that. Mine would simply be to normalize the status of those who are here, who work hard and who contribute so much to our country. My colleagues on the other side of the aisle, who also agree we shouldn't have a large undocumented population, might, in fact, have a different solution to that.

Insofar as they are here, we should, all of us, regardless of where we stand ideologically, want them to buy insurance with their own money if they are willing to. They certainly all won't; but to the extent that they do, they are less of a burden on the rest of us. Anybody who would seek to prevent them from accessing the exchange, which will really be "the place"—"the place" for individuals to buy insurance—effectively is saying that taxpayers should subsidize illegal immigrants.

Frankly, I think that there are many across the country who have a problem with that. To prevent undocumented immigrants from being able to buy insurance from the exchange is saying that taxpayers should pay for their health care. They're going to go to the emergency rooms. They won't have insurance. The costs will be shifted to the rest of us and to taxpayers. We should encourage our undocumented population to buy insurance with their own money. Again, I don't think all of them will, but some of them will.

That's a very good thing, and I'm very hopeful that many undocumented immigrants will participate in this exchange.
The exchange makes health care affordable for individuals. Right now, we have an issue where individuals don't have the buying power of big companies. If you have a preexisting condition, which is that scarlet letter that so many residents of our country wear, forget about it. Whether you're a citizen or a noncitizen, if you're an individual, the exchange will allow you to pool your risk. The exchange has the buying power that previously has only been enjoyed by large corporations. It allows one to negotiate the very best rates with insurers. Once again, the exchange is not a benefit. It is not a product.

With Wilderness, Process Matters

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 05:00:00 GMT

Protecting Colorado's natural treasures means protecting our state's identity and its prosperity. At its heart, our wild places are an investment, a savings account that insulates our most valuable resources from everyday impulses. Our landscapes are treasured, not just for aesthetics, but because scientific study tells us the value of conservation. In providing refuge for nature, we provide ourselves a reservoir of recreation, history, philosophy, science, clean air and water, not to mention amazing landscapes. In seeking these benefits, however, we must ensure we are preserving the right areas through the proper process.

The “Hidden Gems” is a proposal, currently being drafted by the Hidden Gems Coalition, to designate areas within the White River National Forest and the district which I represent as wilderness. I am closely watching this proposal and working with those who have concerns as it continues to be discussed and revised by its supporters and a diversity of local interests. For this proposal to be adopted, it would need to gain Congressional approval, and it is very important to me that it undergoes the proper process here in Colorado to refine it.

Public input is the most important part in this process. Concerned citizens should feel free to reach out to the proposal's supporters directly, as well as to my office. Over the coming weeks, months and beyond, my office will host open houses and listening sessions to garner public opinions, questions, comments and any concerns as we join local stakeholders in examining this proposal.

The Hidden Gems proposal is just that — a proposal — not a final product, not yet a piece of legislation. It is a work in progress, one which the proposal's supporters are continuing to revise as new data and trail information are made available. This is why it is so important that area residents and interested parties express their thoughts now.

Working to address both the needs of users and conservation isn't always easy, but it is possible and in fact has been done many times before. It requires a process focused on the details and the specific merits of each area and trail. The intricacy of these important specifics can be very complex and often lead to confusion. Undoubtedly and unfortunately, extreme points of view will enter this discussion but we must all work together to put passions aside and stick to the facts.

My office has already heard some examples of confusion and misinformation and I hope that I can be helpful in getting to the bottom of any questions and concerns. Individuals have cited old or incorrect maps and trails, have confused the “Hidden Gems” wilderness proposal with other proposals, have heard incorrect timeframes, have assumed that draft proposals are final, or are unaware of solutions that are being worked out between opposing viewpoints. This is exactly why process counts in the question of wilderness designation.

The Wilderness Act of 1964 endowed Congress with the power to conserve special places not just to the benefit of our wildlands, but also for the people who live, love and rely upon them. My goal is to focus the conversation and debate on the true merits or shortcomings of specific areas, not broad generalities or philosophies. I hope everyone will join me in examining this proposal and share with me any thoughts, questions, support or criticisms. I encourage all interested parties to contact my office, either in person at one of our future events, by phone (Frisco office: (970) 668-3240 or Boulder office: (303) 484-9596), or via email at feedback.polis@mail.house.gov, to share their views.

Jared Polis is U.S. Representative from Colorado's 2nd Congressional District, which includes Summit County.

Polis, Titus Pledge Support for Health Care Bill, Praise Surcharge Fix

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 05:00:00 GMT

Today, two key Democrats on the House Education and Labor Committee—Reps. Dina Titus (D-NV) and Jared Polis (D-CO)—who initially opposed H.R. 3200 when it was before their committee—announced their full support for H.R. 3962, given its lower cost, deficit neutrality, and significant changes made to the surcharge, which improve the bill’s impact on small businesses.

“For more than six months I have discussed the need for health care reform with my constituents, and time and again I heard from small business owners who are struggling to afford health care coverage,” said Titus. “With a large number of small businesses in my suburban Southern Nevada district, it is critical that we do everything we can to strengthen their hand so they can be critical engines of growth in our community. After having serious concerns about the impact the first health care bill would have on small businesses, I am pleased that the new House bill takes important steps to make health insurance more affordable and accessible for the uninsured, employers, and those with preexisting conditions.”

“Although I found enough fault with the initial version to justify a no vote in committee, my strong support for President Obama’s health care reform has never wavered,” said Polis. “I am thrilled to now support a House bill that more closely resembles the President’s plan to ensure health care stability for American families and extend coverage to more Americans. While ideally I would prefer a bill with no tax increases, the threshold for the surcharge has been raised significantly, and I am pleased that this new bill not only reduces the deficit, but also includes no tax increases for most small businesses making less than one million dollars.”

“We both commend House Leadership for addressing and including the concerns we heard from our constituents into the final bill and are proud to join them in support of the fiscally responsible health care reform bill before us today,” concluded Titus and Polis.

Earlier this year, Polis and Titus voted against H.R. 3200 in committee, primarily in opposition to the surcharge’s impact on small businesses. During the summer, Titus and Polis led efforts to adjust the surcharge and find a more equitable funding solution in the House bill.

The new House bill—H.R. 3962—released last week, raised the threshold for the surcharge from $280,000 to $500,000 for individuals and from $350,000 to $1 million for families, significantly reducing any negative impact on small businesses, while meeting President Obama’s goal of deficit neutrality and keeping the price of the bill under $900 billion. Under the higher threshold in the new legislation 98.8% of small business owners will pay no surcharge.

The legislation also includes a Health Insurance Exchange for individuals and small businesses to enter into in order to purchase health insurance at a lower cost. An amendment offered by Titus and supported by Polis has been included in the bill to increase access for small businesses by increasing the size of small businesses that can enter the exchange.

Without reform, many small businesses would face the steepest rise in insurance premiums in years. The House bill will allow 18,900 small businesses in Titus’ district and 23,400 in Polis’ district to obtain affordable health care coverage and will provide tax credits to help reduce health insurance costs for up to 16,700 small businesses in Nevada’s Third District and 22,300 small businesses in Colorado’s Second District.

With two key Democrats who opposed the initial version now supporting health care reform, the bill is gaining momentum toward passage in the House.

Congress on Your Corner @ Vic's Coffee

Mon, 03 Aug 2009 20:03:37 GMT

Friday, August 7th Congress on Your Corner Vic’s Coffee 2680 Broadway Street Boulder, CO 80302 8:00 – 9:30 AM

Congress on Your Corner @ Southern Sun - Boulder

Mon, 03 Aug 2009 20:15:39 GMT

Monday, August 17th Congress on Your Corner The Southern Sun 627 South Broadway Boulder, CO 80305 5:30 – 7:00 PM

Eagle County Town Hall

Mon, 03 Aug 2009 20:16:34 GMT

Wednesday, August 19th Eagle County Town Hall Singletree Community Center 1010 Berry Creek Road Edwards, CO 81632 4:30 – 5:30 PM

Congress on Your Corner @ Boulder Whole Foods

Fri, 14 Aug 2009 14:36:05 GMT

Thursday, August 20th Congress on Your Corner Whole Foods Market 2905 Pearl Street Boulder, CO 80301 6:00 – 7:30 PM

Housing Fair

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 14:23:24 GMT

Congress on Your Corner @ Boulder Farmers Market

Mon, 03 Aug 2009 20:17:29 GMT

Wednesday, September 2nd Congress on Your Corner Boulder Farmers Market Next to Central Park on 13th Street between Canyon Boulevard and Arapahoe Avenue Boulder, CO 80302 5:30 – 7:00 PM

Congress on Your Corner @ Lafayette VFW Hall

Mon, 03 Aug 2009 20:18:20 GMT

Thursday, September 3rd Congress on Your Corner VFW HALL 105 West Emma Street Lafayette, CO 80026 5:30 - 7:00 PM

Boulder Town Hall

Tue, 18 Aug 2009 22:47:51 GMT

Friday, September 4th Boulder Town Hall University of Colorado at Boulder University Memorial Center (UMC)Ball Room 7:00 - 8:30 PM

Congress on Your Corner @ Rancho Liborio Grocery Store

Mon, 03 Aug 2009 20:19:17 GMT

Saturday, September 5th Congress on Your Corner Rancho Liborio Grocery Store 850 East 88th Avenue Thornton, CO 80229 10:00 – 11:30 AM

Adams County Town Hall

Mon, 03 Aug 2009 20:20:15 GMT

Saturday, September 5th Adams County Town Hall Welby New Technology High School 1200 East 78th Avenue #105 Thornton, CO 80229 1:00 - 3:00 PM