Press Room

Gov. Ritter Signs Bills to Help Senior Citizens, Military Veterans and Consumers

Wednesday, May 19 2010

Gov. Ritter signs HB 1400 with Sen. Mike Johnston, Rep. Dennis Apuan, Sen. John Morse

COLORADO SPRINGS ─ Gov. Bill Ritter today visited Cheyenne Mountain State Park in Colorado Springs to sign into law legislation that will help senior citizens, military veterans and consumers. He was joined by Sen. John Morse and Rep. Dennis Apuan of Colorado Springs at the newest state park.

“I want to thank Sen. Morse and Rep. Apuan for being strong partners and fierce advocates for their constituents during the 2010 legislative session,” Gov. Ritter said. “Together, we remained focused on strengthening the economy, keeping the state budget balanced and making historic gains in education, energy and health care reform.”

Gov. Ritter signed three bills into law at the state park:

Senate Bill 71 (Morse/Riesberg) allows senior citizens to purchase lifetime passes to Colorado State Parks through a new Aspen Leaf Pass.

Sen. John Morse with constituent Hal Seiferd, his wife and Gov Ritter

“I’m proud that this bill has passed and I’m pleased with the benefit that we’re giving seniors,” Sen. Morse said. “For all of the seniors on fixed incomes, this law will ensure they can spend their golden years in the great outdoors.”

“The lifetime pass helps our seniors to live an active, healthy lifestyle,” Rep. Jim Riesberg said. “I suspect their interest in the outdoors will help improve various aspects of their lives, and their example will likely encourage their family to enjoy the outdoors too.”

House Bill 1139 (Apuan/Heath) establishes a new specialty license plate to honor military veterans who have served in Iraq and Afghanistan.

“Our returning veterans deserve recognition for their brave service wherever they drive,” Rep. Apuan said. “They have made tremendous sacrifices; leaving their families and risking their lives for our freedom and safety.”

House Bill 1400 (Apuan/Johnston) provides stronger protections for consumers who take out high-interest loans against their anticipated tax refunds.

“It’s only fair that taxpayers are made aware of the terms of the anticipation loans,” which sometimes run as high as 50 percent to 500 percent, said Rep. Apuan. “Tax-preparers need to spell out what’s in the fine print, so that consumers can make informed decisions about these loans.”

“In times of economic hardship, many hardworking Coloradans are forced to take refund anticipation loans because their bills are due now and they can’t wait for their tax returns,” said Sen. Mike Johnston. “House Bill 1400 will ensure these loan facilitators are being regulated and that they are providing these loans in a fair and non-predatory way.”

For a complete list of Gov. Ritter’s 2010 legislation decisions, visit www.colorado.gov/governor or click here.