HB-1159, the Education Finance bill, moved through second reading in the House on Friday. Of particular interest here is that HB-1159 raises the appropriation 3.5 percent over last year, even though inflation is projected at 2.9 percent. One would think that the members would have been happy to send this bill out with a unified message of renewed commitment to school financing. While the bill did pass, it did not escape the political games-playing an election year seems to elicit.

Rep. Ken Gordon (D-Denver), is the minority leader and is facing a stiff race from Rep. Dorothy Gotleib (R-Denver) next year for the Senate. While not limited just to these combatant urbanites, the posturing is becoming obnoxious and demeaning. Take for example Rep. Gordon's amendment attempt. Raising the level to a 3.5-percent increase, in and of itself, was a positive, constructive move. However, Rep. Gordon's attempted amendment would make this year’s unprecedented move a minimum level for the next five years. On the surface, one would think this was an admirable motive. But Rep. Gordon knows full well that this legislature cannot obligate future legislatures. What Rep. Gordon was attempting to do was to force a recorded vote that, if one voted "no," would appear to not support the increased education funding level. To vote "yes" for his amendment would ignore that this legislature cannot obligate future legislative bodies. Shame on Rep. Gordon for using his position to mislead the voters while attempting to elevate his political capital. He is certainly not the only one but this maneuver was by far the most blatant.

I had the pleasure this week of working closely with TeenPact, a statewide organization that brings students of all ages to Denver for four days of intensive legislative education. Participants held mock committee hearings while considering draft legislation the students themselves crafted and then presented before the mock committee. The process of taking a piece of legislation from a good idea to a bill and then maneuvering it through the legislature is not well understood by many. The questions I was asked demonstrated that these future involved citizens were not only understanding the process but they were able to plan for potential pitfalls along the way. One student asked, "Will it help if I improve the wording of the legislative declaration in my bill to assure that if there is a judicial challenge that my intent will stand?" This is just one example to the many excellent questions asked. These visits by students rekindle my spirit and fortify my resolve to keep children and education a primary focus.

***

My bill allowing the transportation of involuntarily held mentally ill patients to facilities across state lines is on its way to the Senate. This bill saw opposition by the one group that it is intending to help: the consumer. I never envisioned that this much needed legislation would become the poster child of all the problems inherent in the mental health community. I understand that this state needs to better address the lack of adequate funding for mental health treatment. I also recognize the need for training for those transporting involuntarily held mentally distressed people. And, I understand their concern that this bill may give lawmakers the impression that Colorado should make transporting our mentally ill out of state a common practice. However, the fact is that transporting an already mentally distressed patient 5 1/2 hours over two mountain passes to Pueblo while shackled in the back of a Jeep, away from family and support, is unacceptable. HB-1207 allows rural communities to utilize available regional resources while assuring the same level of quality control and patients rights. This bill makes sense. Sen. Dottie Wham (R-Denver), chairman of the Senate Health, Environment, Welfare and Institutions Committee, will shepherd HB 1207 through the Senate.

***

The gun bills e-mail and phone calls have settled down now. Please do not hesitate to contact me with your concerns.