Central Nova News

Team #SoColoradansCanMove are fast out of the gates after a successful 11-0 passage in the House Health & Insurance Committee yesterday for #COHB1136! 

Led by the Rocky Mountain Orthotic and Prosthetic Coalition (RMOPC), the team prepared an incredible panel of individuals to testify before the committee. These Coloradans shared:

 Personal stories of limb loss and how equitable access to physical activity changes lives The mental, emotional, and fiscal benefits of providing this O&P care for Coloradans with disabilities The health disparities associated with the current lack of access to recreational prosthetics and the need to change this for equality and disability rights

The Committee heard them loud and clear. Committee member Rep. Garcia (D-35) powerfully shared, “To me, this bill is about basic access and basic dignity. It astonishes me that we are in 2023 still barely addressing basic access. I wish this was not something I had the ability to vote on because I wish this was something that had been taken care of years and years and years ago. I’m excited to vote yes.”

Rep. Soper (R-54) spoke in support of the bill sharing, “I’m in full support. I had a great youth. I had the ability to be a marathon runner for awhile and every kid should have that opportunity. And the opportunity to play outside, to run, to hike, to enjoy the great outdoors that is Colorado.” We couldn’t agree more. 

Thank you to HB 1136’s incredible bipartisan sponsors fighting for this bill, including Rep. David Ortiz (D-38), Rep. Anthony Hartsook (R-44), Sen. Faith Winter (D-25), Sen. Larry Liston (R-10). Now, on to House Appropriations!

Original source can be found here