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The I-70 Scout & Eastern Colorado News

Category: Colorado News

  • Colorado Secretary of State’s Office Extends Charity Filing Deadlines

    Colorado Secretary of State’s Office Extends Charity Filing Deadlines

    Colorado Secretary of State Jena Griswold has issued emergency rules extending certain filing deadlines for charities to August 15, 2020.  These rules will address the filing deadlines for charity registration renewals and solicitation campaign financial reports.  They will not affect the filing deadline for new solicitation notices, which must be filed at least 15 days prior to the commencement of a solicitation campaign.

    “Like the IRS, we are extending some filing deadlines for charities,” said Secretary Griswold.  “This will enable charities to focus on providing vital services to Coloradans during this time of need.”

    Last year, Coloradans donated over $4.6 billion to 7,321 Colorado-based charities. With the extension, charities are required to file their financial statements, Form 990s, and state financial forms to the Secretary of State’s by August 15, 2020.  These extensions were granted in light of the IRS extension of certain filing deadlines, which also impacts charities and their ability to prepare documents needed for filings with the Secretary of State.

    For the Notice of Temporary Adoption for the Colorado Charities Program Rules (8 CCR 1505-9), please click here. The notice includes the adopted rules, a statement of basis, and statement of justification. For an unofficial copy of the charity rules as adopted and effective on April 3, please click here.

    For more information, please visit www.sos.state.co.us. 

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  • Now’s the time to submit big-game hunting applications; deadline to apply is April 7

    Now’s the time to submit big-game hunting applications; deadline to apply is April 7

    DENVER – Colorado Parks and Wildlife’s on-line hunting license application site is open around-the-clock and hunters are urged not to wait until the last minute to apply for 2020 big-game licenses. Deadline to apply is April 7 at 8 p.m.

    “When a high volume of people hit the site on the last day, that can cause system slowdowns and we want to ensure you have the ability to put in for the license you want,” said Rebecca Ferrell, public information and website manager for Colorado Parks and Wildlife. “There’s no reason to wait until the last minute – get online now, spend some quality time with our videos, harvest data and other resources, and be sure your account is set up correctly.”

    To apply for a limited big game license, go to cpwshop.com sign in to your account and then click on the “Go Hunting and Fishing” tab in the menu bar at the top of the page. The system is set up to guide hunters easily through the well-defined steps. Hunters must be sure to have their CID number and a valid credit card before beginning the process.

     

    Hunters should go on line to the Colorado Parks and Wildlife website as soon as possible to apply for limited big-game hunting licenses. Deadline to apply is April 7.

    Please review the big game section of the CPW site for background information on Colorado’s hunting seasons and how to apply. The web pages include harvest statistics from the 2019 seasons for all big-game species, seasons and units.

    You can also call CPW’s hunt planners at 303-297-1192 if you have questions. Please note that call-wait times may be lengthy as our staff is complying with current stay-at-home orders.

    Although all CPW offices are closed to the public because of the coronavirus pandemic, staff members are available to answer questions. Phone numbers and contact information are posted at all CPW offices for direct staff assistance.

    Hunters are also reminded that they are required to purchase a “qualifying license” before submitting an application. You’ll be prompted to make that purchase as you start the application process.

    For first-time hunters who have not completed a hunter education class, an apprentice certificate is available to those who are able to hunt with a mentor. Those who hunted last year with an apprentice license can obtain a second certificate. But previous year’s apprentice certificates will not be renewed automatically; you need to go to cpwshop.com and add a new profile before applying for a limited license.

    “Everything you need to apply is at your fingertips,” Ferrell said. “So please get your application in now and get ready for the fall hunting season.”

     

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  • CPW’s Aquatic Nuisance Species inspections underway in 2020

    CPW’s Aquatic Nuisance Species inspections underway in 2020

    DENVER – As the final winter frosts begin to thaw, reservoirs are opening to boating and Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) officials are busy ramping up inspection stations for the upcoming season. Boat inspections for aquatic nuisance species (ANS) are mandatory in Colorado and required for motorized or trailered watercraft entering the state and prior to launching on most public waters within the state. 

    ANS boat inspections and COVID-19

    Because of the COVID-19 outbreak, many local and federal waters are postponing opening to boating and ANS inspections at this time. Waters operated by CPW are continuing to open and provide recreation opportunities as weather permits. Boaters are reminded not to travel long distances to go boating or fishing while the COVID-19 pandemic continues to affect Colorado. Recreate at local reservoirs in compliance with the Stay-At-Home order from Gov. Jared Polis.  

          • Boaters are reminded to stay at least six feet away from inspection station staff at all times. 

    • Do not congregate in groups larger than 10 individuals and practice good social distancing in accordance with recommendations from the Centers for Disease and Prevention and the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE). Local health orders may further limit group size; please be aware of local requirements.
    • Boaters should wait until the inspector calls them up to the station. 
    • Boaters should stay in their vehicles, set the parking brake, turn their vehicles off, and remain in the vehicles unless instructed by an inspector to get out and assist with the inspection. 
    • If you have a green seal receipt, please keep your window closed and show it to the inspector through the window glass. CPW reminds everyone to get a green seal and receipt after boating to speed up the next inspection. CPW is diligently working to keep state parks’s waters open for boating so the public can enjoy the health benefits associated with being outside. However, visitors must enjoy parks responsibly during the COVID-19 outbreak. It’s important for everyone to follow the recommendations from CDPHE for easy, everyday actions to protect yourself and those around you.

    Up-to-date information about how CPW is responding to the COVID-19 pandemic is available on our website. 

    As waters open to boating in Colorado, aquatic nuisance species (ANS) boat inspections are underway. Keeping Colorado mussel-free depends on boaters following posted rules, purchasing an ANS stamp and undergoing mandatory inspections prior to launch.

    Reminder: Get your ANS stamp

    An ANS stamp is required prior to boating in Colorado. The stamp helps CPW fund ANS inspections, monitoring, education, and other activities across the state.

    Colorado boat owners who operate motorboats and sailboats on lakes and reservoirs must purchase a $25 ANS stamp annually. The cost of the stamp for out-of-state motorboats and sailboats is $50. Boaters from out of state can purchase online at www.cpwshop.com.

    Colorado is one of just a few states in the country that doesn’t have an infestation of adult mussels in any of its waters,” said Elizabeth Brown, invasive species program manager for CPW. “That’s directly attributable to our mandatory inspection and decontamination program that’s been in place for over a decade now.”

    There have been 281 watercraft infested with zebra or quagga mussels intercepted in the state since the program’s inception. Last year, inspectors intercepted 86 infested watercraft, a huge increase from 51 in 2018 and 26 in 2017. 

    “CPW is very confident in the statewide inspection and decontamination system to protect our waters. However, this program relies on the compliance of the boating community,” said Reid DeWalt, Assistant Director for Aquatic, Terrestrial and Natural Resources for CPW. “Boaters need to know the rules and follow them if we are going to be effective at keeping zebra and quagga mussels out of the nation’s headwaters.”

    Aquatic nuisance species, such as zebra and quagga mussels, pose a serious threat to natural resources, recreation and the water infrastructure of the state. Mussel infestations cause a variety of major problems. Because mussels consume plankton, they disrupt the food web and out-compete sport fish and native fish. Mussels clog infrastructure, including reservoir dams, outlet structures and distribution systems that carry water for irrigation, municipal and industrial uses. Mussels also infest boats and damage engines.

    Mussels have caused billions of dollars in damage, especially in the upper Midwest. Nearby states where mussel infestations exist include Utah, Arizona, Kansas, Texas, Nebraska and Oklahoma. Invasive mussels could have devastating ecological, economic, and recreational impacts if infestations were to establish here.

    “Keeping Colorado’s waters free of invasive species is critical to maintaining efficient water delivery and infrastructure systems, and providing high-quality fishing and boating opportunities for our residents and visitors,” Brown said. “The success of the ANS Program is due to the dedicated inspection and decontamination staff across the state. We are grateful to those individuals that are working on the front lines to provide recreation and protect our waters.”

    A complete list of Colorado inspection sites and hours of operation, along with information about the ANS stamp, can be found on CPW’s boating page. Always check with your destination reservoir before going to verify hours of operation.

    For more information on preventing harmful aquatic nuisance species in Colorado, visit www.cpw.state.co.us.

     

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  • InstaCheck Numbers Remain Elevated

    InstaCheck Numbers Remain Elevated

    With the tremendous volume of requests for background checks for firearms transfers, the Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) InstaCheck Unit is reporting extended wait times for these important public safety checks.

    With 12,266 background checks for firearms transfers received in the last week, as compared to 6,499 received in the same timeframe last year, this has resulted in an increase of 89%. The sustained demand has resulted in a queue of 9,257 with an average turnaround time of approximately six calendar days.

    Current background check turnaround times for some checks exceed the federal regulation of three *business days, which means it becomes the discretion of Federal Firearms Licensees (FFLs) to release firearms outside of this window. However, the CBI strongly encourages firearms dealers to hold firearms until background checks are completed. 

    The CBI has implemented changes to address this unprecedented volume of background checks, from expanding internal InstaCheck hours to cross-training specialized staff members to assist in the process; however, these efforts must be balanced with protecting the health and safety of employees and reducing the potential for community spread related to COVID-19. 

    Similar spikes and delays in background checks for firearms transfers are being reported nationwide by the FBI and by other states, who perform their own background checks.

    The CBI is committed to performing background checks as quickly and efficiently as possible, as evidenced by InstaCheck’s average turnaround of less than eight minutes prior to COVID-19. That being said, the circumstances impacting communities across the state and the nation have posed significant challenges. The CBI continues to implement adjustments to address the demand, and appreciates the patience of FFL’s and their customers.

     *Please note: The 3-day turnaround is based on BUSINESS DAYS (M-F) and excludes holidays. Example: The three business day window for a background check received on Saturday at 10am is Wednesday at midnight.

    image credit: MGN online

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  • All Colorado Parks and Wildlife Campgrounds Closed Until Further Notice

    DENVER – As the State of Colorado continues taking measures to combat the spread of COVID-19, Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) will close all playgrounds, campgrounds, camping and camping facilities (including yurts and cabins) at Colorado’s state parks as well as camping at State Wildlife Areas effective Thursday, March 26 until further notice. This action has been taken based on The Stay-At-Home Order from Colorado Governor Jared Polis and the advice of the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). 

    CPW will notify all campers currently on-site to vacate immediately and staff will be contacting reservation holders and provide the process for either refunds or changes for those affected campers. 

    As of today, non-campground outdoor areas of parks, including trails, boat ramps, marinas and shorelines remain open. However, CPW managers may close areas that do not allow for social distancing. This could include picnic areas, fishing piers and other more concentrated recreation areas and will be determined by location. CPW encourages people to take local and state stay-at-home orders seriously, and limit travel time wherever possible, even for approved recreation. 

    Park visitors are reminded to practice social distancing and maintain at least six feet between other visitors. Anyone demonstrating signs of illness, such as coughing, fever or shortness of breath should stay home. Restrooms also remain open, and visitors are advised to take soap for hand washing and alcohol-based hand sanitizers when water is not available. 

    Most importantly, CPW recommends that everyone follow precautionary guidance issued by the CDC, CDPHE, public local health agencies, and the Colorado Governor’s Office when recreating in the outdoors.

    Last week, CPW temporarily suspended classes and large events and has temporarily closed facilities such as visitor centers and area offices.

    CPW is monitoring the COVID-19 situation carefully and is committed to following the state’s updated policy on social gatherings to help slow the spread of COVID-19. Visit CPW on the web for the most up-to-date information on how CPW is supporting the state’s COVID-19 efforts, as well as our social media platforms: Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

    When getting outside, Coloradans must practice social distancing to help prevent COVID-19 and limit community spread. Updated information about Colorado Parks and Wildlife’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic is available at cpw.state.co.us.

    In addition, all US Forest Service campgrounds, restrooms, trailheads, cabins and fire lookout rentals, picnic sites and trash facilities are closed to the public. Check with your local National Forest, Bureau of Land Management, National Park Service, or US Fish and Wildlife Service office for specific closures and allowed recreation activities. 

     

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  • Colorado consumers urged to be diligent about avoiding COVID-19 related scams

    Colorado consumers urged to be diligent about avoiding COVID-19 related scams

     DENVER (March 26, 2020) – The Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) is urging consumers to take extra precaution to avoid scams that prey on fears and anxiety related to the spread of COVID-19. During times of emergencies or natural disasters, scammers seek to take advantage of vulnerable populations, and federal agencies are receiving reports about scams related to banking, financial services, insurance, healthcare services and more. 

    Scammers seek to get your personal financial or healthcare information, credit card information, social security number, or are seeking to sell you a false product. Below are some of the top COVID-related scams:

    Banking/Financial Services Scams • Bank Deposit Seizures:  Claims or assertions that consumer-insured bank deposits can be legally seized by banks is false. The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) last week demanded Newsmax media “stop and correct its misleading advertising that falsely claims consumers’ FDIC-insured deposits are at risk of forfeiture” from a precious metals trader, Monetary Gold of Woodland Park, California. Federal law is clear that in the unlikely event of a bank failure, customers’ insured deposits would be fully protected up to the $250,000 limit.

    • Fake Calls from the Feds:  Calls posing as employees from federal agencies, such as the FDIC, who ask for sensitive information like your social security number and bank account information, are scams. The FDIC or any other agency would never make unsolicited phone calls.
    • Student Loans:  Calls or emails advising you that COVID-19 will have an impact on your student loans, urging you to contact a specific number or visit a website to determine your new payment, are likely a scam. These calls seek to gain your personal information, even when they call or email from what they claim to be your own bank. If you need to verify or have questions about your loan, contact your financial institution with a phone number or email you’ve independently verified. 
    • Investment scams:  Scammers may call regarding money-making opportunities by investing in certain products or services of publicly traded companies that claim to prevent, detect or cure COVID-19. See a recent notice from the Colorado Division of Securities for more information.
    • Employment scams:  According to the Better Business Bureau (BBB), employment scams may kick into high gear surrounding the current COVID-19-related employment crisis. Read BBB’s tips for avoiding employment scams. Healthcare Scams • Fake Test Kits:  COVID-19 test kits are not for sale. Any advertisement or call you receive that claims to offer free testing kits, asking for your personal information or health insurance details, is a scam. At high risk to this scam are those considered more vulnerable to COVID-19 complications, including diabetics, those on Medicare or Medicaid, and individuals over 60. 
    • Threats to Treat Coronavirus:  Reports are coming out of callers who pose as healthcare providers claiming they are treating a relative for COVID-19 and demanding immediate payment for treatment or threatening legal action if you don’t pay.  Other • Charity Scams:  With all the relief efforts taking place right now, you may receive calls or emails from fake charities. Scams like these disrupt legitimate charitable efforts, so if you receive any calls or emails to send cash donations by wire transfer or by gift card, this is a scam. If you want to donate to a specific charity, go directly to the organization’s website or call them in order to make direct donation arrangements.  
    • Fake Online Stores:  Scammers may create fake stores that appear in your social media feeds, the websites you visit, and via email addresses. They claim to sell medical supplies, test kits, cures or products that currently are in high demand. These fake stores may even use images of similar items or products you have searched for online. If you fall for a fake digital storefront and use your credit card for the “purchase,” contact your credit card company immediately.
    • Phishing, Malware and Apps:  Phishing and malware scams are used to gain access to your computer or to steal your credentials. Prevent loading malicious software or downloading apps by never clicking on an unsolicited email or text from a company or organization before verifying the source, even if initially the source appears trustworthy or legitimate. For example, scammers may pose as national and global health authorities, or your financial institutions, and send emails and texts designed to trick you into downloading malware or providing your personal and financial information. Additionally, do not download apps designed to track the spread of COVID-19. It may be a front to gain access to your personal information. Stick to visiting the official websites to get information and data regarding COVID-19.  The Bottom Line 

    Be overly cautious of emails, texts, apps, advertisements or social media posts that may be selling fake products or information about emerging coronavirus cases. Learn to recognize numbers, emails and texts that may be spoofs, and avoid engaging scam callers by promptly hanging up. Learn more about how to prevent, recognize, and report fraud and scams by visiting the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and Stop Fraud Colorado. 

    Sources:

          • Better Business Bureau (BBB) – https://www.bbb.org/article/news-releases/21781-coronavirus-creates-perfect-storm-for-scammers

    image credit— MGN online 

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  • Colorado State Patrol, CDOT, Ski Areas join forces to combat dangerous parking

    Colorado State Patrol, CDOT, Ski Areas join forces to combat dangerous parking

    COLORADO – Despite the public health order to remain at home and the continued pleas of government officials to self-isolate away from other people, thousands of individuals are congregating to the same areas – and that means hundreds of vehicles being parked dangerously.

    Berthoud and Loveland Passes have seen a high influx of hikers and backcountry skiers recently. When searching for areas to park vehicles or trailers, the public is reminded to do so safely and lawfully. Backcountry users should park only in clearly marked and designated parking areas. Parking on the side of a highway or mountain pass, with narrow to no shoulders, may put part of your car in live traffic lanes, which is extremely dangerous to you and other motorists. By blocking roadways, it makes it difficult or even impossible for emergency responders and maintenance crews, including avalanche workers, to do their jobs.

    Additionally, Loveland Pass is a designated HAZMAT route, which includes delivery of much needed essential products to help the COVID-19 crisis. The Colorado Department of Transportation will not close Loveland Pass except as an extreme last resort, due to its importance in the distribution of food, supplies, and commerce; inappropriately parked vehicles can impede maintenance crews and the much-needed supplies being transported.  

    As a result of these parking safety issues, Colorado State Patrol Troopers and Clear Creek County Sheriff Deputies will be adding extra officers to Berthoud and Loveland Passes to prevent illegal or dangerous parking from happening. Vehicles that park anywhere other than designated parking areas are subject to citations or being towed. Additional signs will be in place for both parking or no-parking areas; when in doubt, do not park.

    “We understand that being isolated is difficult, especially if you have a lot of free time and are so close to the natural beauty that Colorado provides” said Captain Jared Rapp, local Colorado State Patrol Troop Commander.  “The problem arises when dozens or even hundreds of vehicles are parked in areas not designed for parking, like on highways or blocking roadways.  It’s dangerous in a variety of ways.”

    US 40 and US 6 are vital links for commodities to be transported statewide. This means large commercial motor vehicles traveling in areas with tight curves and limited visibility. Therefore, traffic cannot become choked into a single lane due to motorists parking out of designated areas, especially where little or no shoulder exists. Vehicles parked in these areas may also be trapped with snow as plows go through the area. Not to mention, backcountry users must be aware of avalanche conditions as well with known slide path areas along the highway, which are clearly signed, and avoid parking in those slide paths. Additionally, last weekend, many people were seen walking in the roadway with their backs to traffic; not only improper but highly dangerous.

    “Each contact we need to make with someone who has parked illegally raises the risk of exposure to everyone involved” said Colorado State Patrol Master Sergeant Don Enloe. “Nobody wants to take this home or injure someone else as a result of being in a place they didn’t need to be at in the first place.”

     As the COVID-19 crisis continues, residents and visitors are reminded to continue practicing social distancing and not make non necessary trips out, especially around other people. Doing so will not only help the crisis to pass quicker, but will literally help save lives in the process.

    photo credit : Denver Post via online

     

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  • USDA Implements Immediate Measures to Help Rural Residents, Businesses and Communities Affected by COVID-19

    USDA Implements Immediate Measures to Help Rural Residents, Businesses and Communities Affected by COVID-19

    WASHINGTON, March 25, 2020 – USDA Rural Development has taken a number of immediate actions to help rural residents, businesses and communities affected by the COVID-19 outbreak. Rural Development will keep our customers, partners, and stakeholders continuously updated as more actions are taken to better serve rural America.

    OPPORTUNITIES FOR IMMEDIATE RELIEF

    Rural Housing Service

    Single-Family Housing

    Effective March 19, borrowers with USDA single-family housing Direct and Guaranteed loans are subject to a moratorium on foreclosure and eviction for a period of 60 days. This action applies to the initiation of foreclosures and evictions and to the completion of foreclosures and evictions in process.

    Guaranteed Loan Program:

    Direct Loan Program:

    • USDA has waived or relaxed certain parts of the application process for Single-Family Housing Direct Loans, including site assessments, and has extended the time period that certificates of eligibility are valid.
    • A Direct Loan borrower who is experiencing a reduction of income by more than 10 percent can request a Payment Assistance package to see if he/she is eligible for payment assistance or for more assistance than currently received.
    • Moratorium Assistance is available for Direct Loan borrowers experiencing medical bill expenses (not covered by insurance) or job loss because of COVID-19. Qualifying borrowers can receive a moratorium on house payments for a period of time, repaid at a later date.
    • Direct Loan questions should be directed to USDA’s Customer Service Center at 800-414-1226 (7:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Eastern Time Monday-Friday) or https://www.rd.usda.gov/contact-us/loan-servicing. Call volume and wait times are high at this time.

    Multi-Family Housing

    Multi-Family Housing is taking several steps to help owners, management agents and tenants maintain quality housing during the COVID-19 outbreak. Specifically, three immediate steps are effective for Section 515 Multi-Family properties:

    • Tenant certifications due March 31, April 30 and May 31 for Multi-Family properties have been extended to June 30 with no late fees or overage charges, as allowed in Multi-Family guidance (HB-3-3560, Chapter 4, Section 4.11). This extension will allow for additional time to complete needed certifications while avoiding face-to-face meetings as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
    • Late fees on Section 515 mortgages will be waived, subject to waiver authority in 7 CFR 3560.403 (c)(3).
    • Section 515 Annual Financial Statements due March 31 will be extended 30 days, as per Multi-Family guidance (HB-2-3560 Chapter 4, Section 4.16-H). USDA is exploring whether a longer extension is appropriate and will provide further guidance. 
    • Current policy states that owners must process an interim recertification at the tenant’s request if there is a change in income of $50 or more per month. The owner should already have this policy in writing and apply it consistently. To the maximum extent possible, we encourage all owners to work with all tenants with impacted income to adjust rent payments.
    • USDA encourages all owners to work with impacted residents and families to adjust rent payments, enter into forbearance agreements, and lessen the impact on affected residents. At this time, no additional subsidy funding has been made available. If borrowers are temporarily unable to make loan payments, the Agency may waive late fees and enter into an official workout plan.

    Rural Utilities Service

    Rural Business-Cooperative Service

    • Beginning immediately, through July 31, 2020, USDA Business and Industry Loan Guarantees (B&I) and Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) Guaranteed lenders may assist borrowers experiencing temporary cash flow issues by deferring payments for a period no longer than 120 days. The lender must notify The Agency in writing of any payment deferments. Written notification to the Agency will meet the standard for concurrence until July 31, 2020. A response from the Agency is not required. This guidance applies to ALL borrowers that had a current repayment status as of March 1, 2020.
      • If the guaranteed loan has been sold on the secondary market, the secondary market holder and lender must agree to the deferment actions being taken. The Agency will expect a written agreement from both parties in these instances. 
    • RBCS intermediary borrowers continue to have authority to service loan portfolios independent of USDA. Intermediary borrowers participating in these programs may approve loan payment deferrals may to their borrowers without USDA approval. These programs are:
      • Intermediary Relending Program (IRP)
      • Rural Business Development Grant (RBDG)
      • Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant (REDL and REDG)
      • Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance Program (RMAP)
    • For existing Intermediary Relending Program (IRP) and Rural Economic Development Loan (REDL) borrowers, the Agency is committed to maintaining well-capitalized intermediary lenders and will work with you on loan servicing requests on a case-by-case basis to make sure you remain a pillar in our rural business communities.

    EXTENSION OF APPLICATION DEADLINES

    USDA is extending the application window for the following programs:

    Rural Business-Cooperative Service

    • USDA extended the application deadline for the Rural Business Development Grant (RBDG) program to no later than April 15, 2020. Contact the Rural Development office for the deadline in your state. USDA announced the extension in an Unnumbered Letter posted March 19, 2020.
    • USDA extended the application deadline for the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) to April 15, 2020. For additional information, see page 16925 of the March 25, 2020, Federal Register.

     

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  • Farmers and ranchers celebrate Colorado Ag Day in the fields

    Farmers and ranchers celebrate Colorado Ag Day in the fields

    In a Time of Uncertainty Agriculture Remains “Open for Business”  

    Farmers and ranchers celebrate Colorado Ag Day in the fields CENTENNIAL, Colo.—March 25, 2019— Even though the 2020 Ag Day celebration at the Colorado Capitol is canceled, the Colorado Farm Bureau assures Coloradans that the agriculture industry is “Still Open for Business” and farmers and ranchers are committed to maintaining a reliable and resilient food supply. 

    “We are all navigating a time that is unlike any other. There is uncertainty all around us and many unanswered questions about what the future holds,” says Chad Vorthmann, Executive Vice President of the Colorado Farm Bureau. “However, even in all this uncertainty, Colorado agriculture remains open for business. Farmers and ranchers around the state and around the country will continue producing high quality food for your table.”

    As people shop and prepare for quarantine periods, consumer purchasing of particular goods has spiked causing a change in the food supply chain. Many have seen grocery stores sell out of many goods due to surge buying of particular items. While grocery store shelves may be temporarily empty, it’s important to note that there is not a food shortage and replacements for those items are on the way. The supply chain just needs time to replenish and adjust to differences in purchasing behavior.

    Efforts are underway to ensure that the supply of goods happens as quickly as possible. State and federal governments have declared agriculture as a ‘critical’ industry, allowing farming operations and agriculture-related industries to continue working together to ensure safe, reliable and timely delivery of goods. However, there are still certain assurances the industry needs to continue operating as needed, including the processing of H-2A visas to recruit critical labor; ensuring meat, dairy and other processing plants continue operating; waiving hours of service requirements for food transportation and trucking across the agricultural supply chain; and maintaining stable and fair markets across the agriculture sector. 

    “We are thankful to Governor Polis and President Trump for declaring the agriculture industry as critical infrastructure. The job of farmers and ranchers never ends and it’s important to have the tools to continue to care for our livestock and crops while delivering food to people,” adds Vorthmann. “Our leaders are working hard to keep every element of the supply chain strong so that the food supply remains stable, and we are confident that our leaders in Denver and Washington, D.C. will continue to get it done.” 

    The Colorado Farm Bureau has launched AgisOpen.com as a one stop resource for those looking for information about COVID-19’s impact on the agriculture community. The resource, “Ag is Open” will address various issues like those listed above as well as provide information on rural mental health, life on the farm, agriculture job listings and much more. 

    Throughout the week, Colorado Farm Bureau will be celebrating Ag Day with helpful information for the agriculture industry and consumers alike, as well as a look into the lives of farmers and ranchers during this time.

    photo credit — MGN online 

     

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  • Colorado Delegation Calls on Federal Health Agency to Grant Colorado More Flexibility to Respond to Coronavirus Pandemic

    Colorado Delegation Calls on Federal Health Agency to Grant Colorado More Flexibility to Respond to Coronavirus Pandemic

    Delegation Letter Supports State of Colorado’s Application for 1135 Waiver from HHS  

     Washington, D.C. – Colorado U.S. Senators Michael Bennet (D) and Cory Gardner (R), along with Colorado U.S. Representatives Diana DeGette (D), Joe Neguse (D), Scott Tipton (R), Ken Buck (R), Doug Lamborn (R), Jason Crow (D), and Ed Perlmutter (D), requested the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) waive certain requirements hampering the State of Colorado’s efforts to provide much-needed care to Coloradans during the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. In their letter to HHS Secretary Alex Azar, the lawmakers requested a swift review of the state’s application for an 1135 waiver, which would provide Colorado’s Medicaid program more flexibility to serve Coloradans during this turbulent period.

     The lawmakers’ letter follows an announcement on Monday from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services that it will grant 11 other states 1135 waivers.

     “On March 24, the Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Financing, the State’s Single State Medicaid agency, submitted an 1135 waiver, designed to reduce administrative burdens on: clients seeking access to care; on the state’s Medicaid program; and, on providers seeking to participate in Medicaid,” wrote Bennet and the lawmakers. “This three-pronged approach will free up valuable state resources during a time when, more than ever, Coloradans need seamless access to care and the state needs to devote as many resources as possible to the COVID-19 response.”

     “On behalf of our constituents, we urge HHS to complete full and fair consideration of Colorado’s 1135 waiver application in the most expeditious manner possible,” concluded the lawmakers.

     The text of the letter is available HERE and below. 

     Dear Secretary Azar:

     We write to request the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to give its quick, fair, and full consideration to Colorado’s application for a waiver under Section 1135 of the Social Security Act, which the state submitted today, March 24, 2020 [see attachment].

     On March 5, 2020, the first Colorado patient tested presumptive positive for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), now a global pandemic. On March 10, Governor Jared Polis declared a state of emergency. As of this morning on March 24, Colorado had 720 COVID-19 cases in 31 of its 64 counties, 72 hospitalizations, seven deaths, and five outbreaks at residential and non-residential health care facilities.

     Governor Polis, working with state agencies, has expeditiously deployed resources across the state to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Colorado has developed and implemented innovative approaches to addressing the increasing demands on state and private resources, including working with private business to address the personal protective equipment shortage, issuing Executive Orders to stop the spread of the disease, and implementing numerous measures to increase access to care, including through telehealth.

     On March 24, the Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Financing, the State’s Single State Medicaid agency, submitted an 1135 waiver, designed to reduce administrative burdens on: clients seeking access to care; on the state’s Medicaid program; and, on providers seeking to participate in Medicaid. This three-pronged approach will free up valuable state resources during a time when, more than ever, Coloradans need seamless access to care and the state needs to devote as many resources as possible to the COVID-19 response.

     We fully support quick consideration of Colorado’s 1135 waiver application, including both the check list of flexibilities under numbers 1 through 5 and the additional flexibilities under “Number 6 – Other Section 1135 Waiver Flexibilities,” to ensure they have the flexibility they need to effectively combat COVID-19.

     On behalf of our constituents, we urge HHS to complete full and fair consideration of Colorado’s 1135 waiver application in the most expeditious manner possible.

    photo credit: MGN online

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