2006 HCAC Legislative Breakfast
At the State Capitol

HCAC has sponsored an annual "Legislative Breakfast" on the Mezzanine at the State Capitol for more than 23  years. This year the event was again co-sponsored by the Colorado Hospice Organization and the Colorado Association of Independent Living Centers. The Capitol venue continues to be a highly successful means of meeting and renewing relationships with more than half of all State Representatives and Senators in one session. Legislators and staff wander by for coffee and conversation between 7:30 and 9:00 a.m. 
Sen. Jim Isgar (D-Hesperus) visits with West Slope home care provider, Bob Page, Adult Care Home Care Services, Delta. Page is chair of the state Home Care PAC and member of HCAC's Legislative / Advocacy Council.
Rep. Richard Decker (R-Fountain) talks about health care in SE Colorado with Sonya Neumann, Physicians Home Health, with locations in Colorado Springs, Pueblo and Denver. Neumann is chair of HCAC's Legislative / Advocacy Council.
HCAC member Louisa Walthers, Mt. Evans Hospice / Home Health in Evergreen, meets Senate President Joan Fitz-Gerald, (D-Golden) who was elected by her peers to the highest leadership position of the Senate. Walthers represents the Rocky Mountain region on the National Association for Home Care board of directors.
Hand shakes and greeting are the entire purpose of the event. Within 90 minutes, nearly half of the state's legislators are contacted and made more aware of the importance of home care.

 

Rep. Bill Berens (R-Broomfield) talks politics with David Bolen, Center for People with Disabilities, Boulder. Bolen is a member of the Colorado Board of Medical Services.
Colorado Medical Society president-elect Lynn Perry, MD, stops by the breakfast to discuss health care with Laura Reilly, Visiting Nurse Corp. of Colorado, with locations in Denver and Colorado Springs.
HCAC contract lobbyist Betsy (Clark) Murray discusses home care issues with Louisa Walthers.
HCAC Legislative Council member Tony Marino, Visiting Nurse Corp of Colorado, greets Rep. Jim Kerr (R-Littleton). 
Much happened in favor of home care "under the Golden Dome" during the 2006 legislative session, including substantial Medicaid rate increases and passage of a bill authorizing payment for telehealth visits to Medicaid clients.
Long-time home care supporter Rep. Val Vigil (D-Thornton) renews acquaintance with Bob Page.
  

fcc - 04/23/06