Health Care

McNulty to American Cancer Society: House Republicans Will Help You Protect Cancer Research Dollars DENVER—At a breakfast sponsored by the American Cancer Society today, Speaker of the House Frank McNulty announced that allocating cancer research funding or "Amendment 35 dollars" to other purposes not designated for their use by our state constitution is off the table when it comes to budget negotiations next year. "We all recognize that the state has struggled over the past few years," said McNulty, R-Highlands Ranch. "But the programs that receive Amendment 35 funding have paid more than their fair share to balance the budget. It is time these funds go where our state constitution directs them to go—to advance the health and well-being of Coloradans." Amendment 35 was approved overwhelming by the voters in 2004, with tax funds from tobacco products going to the early detection and treatment of cancer, cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases, as well comprehensive primary care, children's health care and prevention and cessation programs. Chair of the House Health and Environment Committee, State Rep. Ken Summers, R-Lakewood, hailed the news: "I am proud that the Speaker and House Republicans have made the decision to follow the will of the people and allocate Amendment 35 funds to medical care for children and providing affordable mammograms and other life saving tests and treatments to those in need. "Cancer is something that has touched everyone. I've personally lost several family members and even recently a friend to cancer. Working together, we can beat this disease," Summers, a cancer survivor, added. The announcement comes on the heels of the June revenue forecasts, which showed a slight increase in state revenue expectations. "The forecasts certainly gave us cause for optimism," said Joint Budget Committee chairman Cheri Gerou, R-Evergreen. "But they don't mean we can continue the reckless spending of years past. As we did last year, House Republicans are ready to make the tough choices necessary for us to have a responsible budget. This year, we will do so by ensuring the Amendment 35 dollars go to preventing and treating life threatening diseases." For more information on Amendment 35, click here: http://www.cdphe.state.co.us/ps/Amendment35report.pdf. J. Paul Brown Colorado State Representative House District 59 State Capitol 200 E. Colfax, Room 271 Denver, Colorado 80203 303-866-2914