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Colorado lawmakers Barbara McLachlan and Cleave Simpson discussed a range of topics, including school funding, health care, and annexations, during a legislative wrap-up in Durango. McLachlan spoke about the elimination of the budget stabilization factor, which should allow schools to receive billions in the 2024-25 school year and is particularly beneficial for rural schools. On the other hand, Simpson addressed his skepticism towards a single-payer health care system but emphasized his willingness to listen and learn from others’ opinions.
Colorado Legislators Address Residents’ Concerns at Durango Public Library
Colorado representatives Barbara McLachlan and Cleave Simpson visited the Durango Public Library to discuss key legislative topics with local residents. Their dialogue covered health care, education, agriculture, and other important issues.
The legislators talked about a contract dispute between CommonSpirit Health and Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, which temporarily disrupted insurance coverage for several Durango and La Plata County employees. They also touched on the city of Durango’s complex relationship with the Southern Ute Indian Tribe.
The dialogue was moderated by the League of Women Voters of La Plata County. The representatives also expressed pride over the bills they had passed relating to agriculture, education, and the environment.
With McLachlan’s final term as the House Education Committee chair ending on Jan. 8, 2025, and Simpson seeking reelection for Colorado District 6, their respective goals were also discussed.
McLachlan highlighted the Legislature’s successful elimination of the budget stabilization factor, which would notably increase school funding by billions of dollars in the 2024-25 school year. She also praised Animas High School students for their advocacy efforts leading to the passage of House Bill 1003, which extends policies for schools to maintain and administer Narcan to treat narcotic overdoses.
The Legislative Wrap-Up event at the Durango Public Library attracted approximately 60 attendees. Both McLachlan, a Democrat, and Simpson, a Republican, appreciated the opportunity for bipartisan discussions that focus on people, not parties.
When asked about a proposed study into the feasibility of a single-payer health care system, Simpson expressed his skepticism but openness to learning from others’ perspectives. Simpson and McLachlan admitted they weren’t sure how to prevent an issue like the Anthem/CommonSpirit disagreement from affecting insured patients in the future.
Regarding Durango’s interest in annexing private property within the Southern Ute Indian Tribe’s boundaries, Simpson acknowledged the complexity of the issue involving the tribe, city, and private property owners. He also discussed the proposed Colorado Senate Bill 24-193, which reaffirms tribes’ protection from unauthorized land annexations. The bill has passed with unanimous support in the state House and Senate and is awaiting Governor Jared Polis’s signature to become law.
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