The budget has passed the House and Senate and is awaiting the governor’s signature. I have previously outlined the controversial process for the funding of Fort Lewis College’s Berndt Hall and Western State College of Colorado University’s Quigley Hall. These construction projects were recommended by the Capital Development Committee, were removed by the Joint Budget Committee and then reinserted into the funding process by a bipartisan amendment.
The budget then went to the Senate, and I would like to thank Sen. Gail Schwartz, D-Snowmass, and Sen. Ellen Roberts, R-Durango, for their work in that chamber. Ultimately, Berndt Hall received $10 million for summer construction, and the rest of the necessary $20 million will be funded in September. Likewise, Quigley Hall will receive its $25 million appropriation when the June economic forecast is received. I worked hard to ensure this funding was secured, and I’m proud this compromise moved forward in a bipartisan effort. I am looking forward to attending the FLC commencement on May 3 and WSCU graduation May 10.
Another significant piece of legislation that affects higher education and its economic future is Senate Bill 1, the College Affordability Act. I am proud to be sponsoring this measure. It will provide about $1 million to FLC and WSCU. It also limits tuition increases for higher-education institutions in Colorado to 6 percent annually. College graduates earn nearly twice as much as students who graduate from only high school, and people who do not receive a college education have an unemployment rate of 7.3 percent, while people who have at least a bachelor’s degree have an unemployment rate of 3.4 percent. The rising costs of tuition have prevented many students from attending college, and this bill will make college more affordable to students across Colorado and support people who are considering a college education.
This week in the Judiciary Committee, we heard two important bills. House Bill 1355 creates re-entry programs for adult parolees. This bill directs the Department of Corrections to implement programs aimed at reducing recidivism, enhancing public safety and increasing the likelihood that an offender will be able to successfully reintegrate into society. It will help offenders prepare for their release and assist them during their transition from a correctional facility to their community. By providing support for these programs, we are reducing the likelihood that people will re-offend, and we are helping rehabilitated offenders become productive people.
The other, SB 92, makes insurance fraud a crime and passed unanimously out of committee. Under the bill, a person who provides false information on an insurance application can be charged with a class 1 misdemeanor, and someone who submits a fraudulent claim can be charged with a class 5 felony. I believe this bill will enable us to more effectively prosecute crimes of insurance fraud.
On April 12, I was honored to attend the Democratic State Assembly and be renominated to be state representative of District 59. I really enjoyed speaking with people from District 59 at the assembly. In the last week, I have seen local constituents Tom Morrissey, Raven Fallon-Cyr and Logan Graham; the latter two were here for the Colorado Youth Advisory Council. It is always a pleasure to hear from my constituents and to see them at the state Capitol. For the last two years, I have been proud to serve the people of House District 59. I will formally launch my campaign for re-election when this session ends May 7.
I remain honored to be your state representative from House District 59.
McLachlan represents House District 59 in Colorado’s General Assembly. The district encompasses La Plata, Archuleta, San Juan, Ouray and Hinsdale counties and part of Gunnison County. Call McLachlan at (303) 866-2914 or email mike.mclachlan.house@state.co.us.
