Imagine knowing who or what organizations are giving gifts in the form or grants or donations to the state of Colorado?  Taxpayers may want to send a thank you card.  As of right now, taxpayers don’t have access to that information unless they do some serious research. 

State Representative Amy Stephens  is trying to fix that. Her legislation, HB 1178 Transparency in the Use of Grant Moneys, is a simple fix that would require all gifts, grants and donations to be disclosed.  In other words if an organization wants to pay for a state program or an interim committee, taxpayers have a right to know.  It’s just good government.  According to Rep Stephens, the bill has been amended so there is NO cost to the state to provide the information.

Sadly, but predictably the State, Veterans, and Military Affairs Committee wants to kill the bill.  It’s been laid over until Thursday. If you want to call members and give them you want to know who and what are giving gifts, grants and donations to Colorado, I’ve provided member’s contact information below.   Also, below is a quick summary of Rep Stephen’s bill.

HB 1178

This bill directs any state agency that receives gifts, grants, and donations to make an annual report to the General Assembly. Beginning in 2011, the report will list each gift, grant, or donation received; its source and use; and its impact on the sustainability of certain programs.

Upon receipt of a gift, grant, or donation from a non-governmental entity, a state agency is to request a letter from the donor that specifies the amount, duration, purpose, and bill number, if applicable.

As of January 1, 2011, all bills that rely on gifts, grants, or donations for funding are to include a notice of funding provision. This provision directs a state agency to report to the Legislative Council when sufficient funding is received. Relevant portions of the bill may be repealed if funding is not received within 18 months. The Legislative Council is required to:

• keep a record of all bills passed during each legislative session that rely on gifts, grants,

• or donations;

• track gifts, grants, and donations received for any interim committee dependent on such

• funds to ensure sufficient funds are available; and

• track information from state agencies and make a report as of January 2013 on all bills

• that have not received adequate funding from gifts, grants, or donations, as required

• under the bill

State, Veterans and Military Affairs

Beth McCann, 303-866-2959, beth.mccann,house@state.co.us
Joe Miklosi, 303-866-2910, joe@joemiklosi.com
Carole Murray, 303-866-2948, murrayhouse45@gmail.com
BJ Nikkel, 303-866-2907, rep.nikkel@gmail.com
Mark Waller, 303-866-5525, mark.waller.house@state.co.us
Nancy Todd, 303-866-2919, nancy.todd.house@state.co.us
Jeanne Labuda, 303-866-2966, jeanne.labuda.house@state.co.us
Ed Casso, 303-866-2964, ed.casso.house@state.co.us
Lois Court, 303-866-2967, lois.court.house@state.co.us
Brian DelGrosso, 303-866-2947, brian@briandelgrosso.com
Dickey Lee Hullinghorst, 303-866-2915, dl.hullinghorst.house@state.co.us
Joe Miklosi, 303-866-2910, joe@joemiklosi.com
Carole Murray, 303-866-2948, murrayhouse45@gmail.com
BJ Nikkel, 303-866-2907, rep.nikkel@gmail.com
Mark Waller, 303-866-5525, mark.waller.house@state.co.us

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