Crisanta Duran, State Representative In Colorado's House District 5, Unveils Legislative Agenda

DENVER, CO, January 27, 2011

Representative Crisanta Duran campaigned on the platform of creating stable jobs, ensuring corporate accountability, promoting government efficiency, and fighting for economic opportunity. Representative Duran has stayed true to those promises and is introducing a comprehensive agenda to address a variety of economic issues affecting the state and our community.

"When taxpayers' money is involved, it's not enough to cut red tape, we must also promote Colorado's values and quality of life," says Representative Duran. "As Governor Hickenlooper said in his State of the State address, the best economic plan to promote the economy is not a top-down government mandated scheme; it's a bottom-up initiative that will reflect the priorities of Colorado."

Representative Duran plans to propose the Colorado Quality Jobs Act, legislation designed to ensure that any and all taxpayer funding used to subsidize business is utilized to promote quality Colorado jobs. To be eligible to receive state contracts, tax incentives or exemptions, businesses must pay employees market-based wages, offer paid sick days, and provide leave to attend teacher-parent conferences. A percentage of new jobs created must be full-time positions and be filled by Colorado residents receiving unemployment insurance or educated by a Colorado higher education institution, if applicable.

Taxpayers will have the opportunity to review how their taxes are being spent by visiting the State of Colorado website. Information to be disclosed will include the identity of the company receiving a subsidy and the agency or program that provided it, the amount of funding received, and the quality of jobs provided.

In addition to the Colorado Quality Jobs Act, Representative Duran intends to introduce legislation that addresses:

Government Efficiency: This bill will consolidate duplicate housing vouchers programs through the Department of Local Affairs and Department of Human Services into one system. This initiative would empower local communities to have more control of funding for struggling families who seek to put a roof over their head rather than state administrative costs.

Parental Involvement in K-12 Public Education: This bill will require all schools and districts to create a policy to encourage parent involvement in K-12 public education. It will ensure parents have a right to know the condition of their child's school and require a 30-day notice and public hearing when a school is in need of an improvement plan or a school turnaround plan (as defined by law).

Affordable Health Care: This bill prohibits insurance companies from denying patients with chronic conditions from receiving reimbursement for approved off-label prescription drugs.

Auraria Higher Education Center: This bill will ensure student or faculty representation on the board of directors of the Auraria Higher Education Center when there is a vacancy. This bill will be heard in the House Education Committee on Monday, January 24th.

You are encouraged to follow any legislation that concerns or interests you by visiting the General Assembly website at http://www.leg.state.co.us/. Also, please feel free to contact Rep. Duran with any questions you have at 303-866-2925 or crisanta.duran@state.co.us.

Crisanta Duran
State Representative for House District 5