The state’s $604 million budget shortfall isn’t discouraging backers of proposed legislation that would increase Colorado's vehicle registration fee by $1 for emergency medical services. In fact, they have been doubling their lobbying efforts.
Randy Kuykendall, chief of the Emergency Medical and Trauma Services Section at the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, is asking supporters of the measure to call state lawmakers and urge them to co-sponsor the bill. (PDF) Rural lawmakers and those in leadership positions are primary targets. “Particularly during economic downturns, EMS and trauma services are a necessary safety net,” Kuykendall said.
As Face The State previously reported, emergency services are in dire straits, and rural areas are particularly vulnerable. In 1989, Colorado implemented a $1 vehicle registration fee for emergency services. Funding hasn't increased since.
Sen. John Morse, D-Colorado Springs, and Rep. Cherylin Peniston, D-Westminster, are sponsoring the legislation. Kuykendall expects it will be one of the first bills on deck at the beginning of the session in January. But as times continue to get tougher and the legislature is focused on fixing the budget, we predict this bill won’t make it very far.