Date: 01/25/2011

Final
BILL SUMMARY for SB11-003

SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION

Votes: View--> Action Taken:
Moved amendment L.001 (Attachment A). The motion p
Refer Senate Bill 11-003, as amended, to the Commi
Pass Without Objection
PASS



01:38 PM -- Senate Bill 11-003

Senator Spence, sponsor of Senate Bill 11-003 concerning the creation of a special license plate for Craig Hospital, presented her bill. The bill creates a special license plate that will be available to applicants who pay a one-time fee of $50 in addition to appropriate license fees, along with a $20 donation to Craig Hospital. Senator Spence passed out amendment L.001, which corrects a drafting error (Attachment A).

SenTran0125AttachA.pdf


Senator Spence responded to committee questions. Senator Tochtrop asked how many people have signed up to get the new license plate. Senator Spence said her first witness would be able to address that question.


01:40 PM

The following persons testified:

01:40 PM --
Chris Chappell, representing Craig Hospital, testified in support of the bill. Mr. Chappell said he has 3,100 signatures from people wanting to purchase the plate. He provided a handout showing what the plate will look like (Attachment B). Mr. Chappell explained that all the moneys raised will be credited to the hospital's patient assistance fund.

SenTran0125AttachB.pdf

Mr. Chappell responded to questions from the committee. Senator Williams asked for information on Craig Hospital's other fund-raising efforts for the patient assistance fund. Mr. Chappell talked about the hospital's annual PUSH dinner, which raises between $500,000 and $1 million. He mentioned a number of other fund-raising events Craig Hospital sponsors, saying the license plate would be one of about a half dozen fund-raisers. Senator Williams asked whether the plate is a marketing plan more than a fundraising one. Senator Spence noted that the $20 donation is a one-time charge, so the plate will not be a big revenue generator for the hospital, but said it will be a reminder of what Craig Hospital brings to the people of the state.

Senator Hudak asked for further information about the patient assistance fund. Mr. Chappell responded, reiterating that all of the money raised from the license plates will go into the fund. He said what the fund is used for depends on patient needs. He noted that many services to low-income patients are no longer available, and the fund fills the gap for these patients. Mr. Chappell talked about the importance of independence for Craig graduates, noting that services provided using fund moneys often mean success in providing independence. He said the license plate will draw attention to the work that is done at Craig Hospital. Mr. Chappell said his goal is to issue 500 license plates per year.


01:52 PM

Committee conversation with the witness continued, with Senator Schwartz asking for clarification about the decision to make the $20 fee a one-time contribution. Mr. Chappell responded, describing the thinking behind this decision. Mr. Chappell said he wants new people to purchase the plate every year, so that more people will be aware and supportive of Craig Hospital.

01:55 PM -- Jim Tatten, representing himself, testified in support of the bill. Mr. Tatten said the bill is important because it recognizes the important work of Craig Hospital and it allows Coloradans to provide financial support. Mr. Tatten shared his experience as a patient and graduate of Craig Hospital.


01:59 PM

In response to a question from Senator Schwartz, Senator Spence clarified that the Craig Hospital license plates will be available to the public at large.
BILL:SB11-003
TIME: 02:00:30 PM
MOVED:Spence
MOTION:Moved amendment L.001 (Attachment A). The motion passed without objection.
SECONDED:
VOTE
King S.
Renfroe
Schwartz
Spence
Tochtrop
Williams S.
Hudak
Not Final YES: 0 NO: 0 EXC: 0 ABS: 0 FINAL ACTION: Pass Without Objection


02:01 PM

Senator Tochtrop commented on Craig Hospital. Senator Spence responded.
BILL:SB11-003
TIME: 02:04:53 PM
MOVED:Spence
MOTION:Refer Senate Bill 11-003, as amended, to the Committee on Finance. The motion passed on a 7-0 vote.
SECONDED:
VOTE
King S.
Yes
Renfroe
Yes
Schwartz
Yes
Spence
Yes
Tochtrop
Yes
Williams S.
Yes
Hudak
Yes
Final YES: 7 NO: 0 EXC: 0 ABS: 0 FINAL ACTION: PASS



02:05 PM

The committee adjourned.