Betty Boyd
For State Senate
Disability Issues
Disabled Coloradans face many challenges that other Coloradans don’t. In addition to everyday needs like food and housing, these people and their families face additional health care needs which must be addressed at the state level. I have sponsored several pieces of legislation aimed at helping the disabled community meet it’s particular needs.
Family Caregivers
With the challenges faced by severely disabled people, it is important to change as few variables in their lives as possible. This year, I sponsored SB08-02, which allows developmentally disabled people to receive services in their own homes. It also allows qualified family members to act as caregivers and receive payment for that work. The funding for this measure comes from funds which are currently being spent on care by an outside caregiver. This assures that family members stay in their homes and can provide much-needed care for their loved ones in the least restrictive environment possible.
Employment
In the belief that self-sufficiency increases self-esteem and dignity, while contributing to a strong economy, I also sponsored legislation which helps disabled become self-sufficient. HB08-1047, which I sponsored in the Senate, provides set-asides for nonprofits that contract with the state and employ severely disabled persons. This bill rewards state contractors for keeping disabled people in the workforce by providing ability-appropriate jobs to them.
Funding – Amendment 51
Because of lack of funding, there are waiting lists up to 20 years long for many services for adults with developmental disabilities. Many of their parents are over 60 years old and fear what will happen to their adult child when they die. Families and advocates for persons with disabilities have secured sufficient signatures to place Amendment 51 on the ballot. It is a statutory proposal and the first time since the 1992 passage of the TABOR amendment that a group has had the courage to ask for a tax increase. Voters are asked to increase the state sales tax .001% in the first year and another .001% in the second and subsequent years. The tax does not apply to food, services or prescription drugs. While I normally don’t support earmarking such funding, the need is critical and there is no other funding source on the horizon. I support the statutory change and hope that in future years we will untie our budget knots and fund from the General Fund.
