Health care, transportation on front burner for Legislature

The Colorado legislative session this spring will prominently focus on health care and transportation infrastructure.

In our 2017 system for health care, the Obamacare burden continues to hold back Coloradans. Individual insurance rates in Colorado have increased by more than 20 percent, and nearly a third of our counties have only one insurance carrier option left on the state exchange.

Sen. Jim Smallwood says state health exchange repeal would save the state millions of dollars

Sen. Jim Smallwood says state health exchange repeal would save the state millions of dollars

“Our state exchange is really funded through a number of different sources, but many of them are really tax payer dollars,” State Sen. Smallwood said. “With my proposal, first of all we want people to know that by repealing the state exchange that in no way ends the ACA, it doesn’t end ObamaCare in the state of Colorado. It allows our citizens to buy the same policies from the same insurance companies at the same rates, but on website healthcare.gov instead of connectforhealthco.com because healthcare.gov is being paid for with federal dollars because with connect for health we’re paying for it, again, with our state dollars.”

Bill Would Repeal State Healthcare Exchange

Bill Would Repeal State Healthcare Exchange

“When this gets up to costing tens of millions of dollars and potentially hundreds of millions of dollars of taxpayer money, at some point I think we have to look at do the costs outweigh the pros on it,” said Sen. Jim Smallwood, a Republican representing Douglas County.

First-day Colorado legislative bills target health exchange, construction defects reform

First-day Colorado legislative bills target health exchange, construction defects reform

Colorado legislative leaders did not wait long to get to bills on some of the most anticipated topics of 2017 on the first day of the legislative session Wednesday.

They introduced bills targeting construction-defects reform, regulatory reform and the repeal of the state’s health exchange.

Newly Elected State Senator Jim Smallwood Appointed Chair of Senate Health and Human Services Committee

“I am honored to be appointed Chair. I am looking forward to working with my colleagues to ensure affordable health care choices for all Coloradans and lead Colorado back to responsible and limited government,” remarked Senator-elect Jim Smallwood.

Democrat emerges, Republicans locked in tight race for state Senate District 4

Smallwood, of Parker, led Castle Rock banker and Army veteran Benjamin Lyng 39.04 percent to 38.58 percent - with only 69 votes separating them. Smallwood is the president of Smallwood Select Financial Corp.

Jim Smallwood: Republican candidate for state Senate District 4

I am a 20-year Douglas County resident and a lifelong Republican, and a husband, a father and a small businessperson. I have always worked in the private sector and know firsthand how to create jobs. I also have a strong working knowledge of healthcare in Colorado, and have spent decades working with business owners and Colorado working families to find the best possible solutions to our health insurance and retirement savings challenges. I have a long track record as a leader in both business and the community.

Colorado Senate District 4 Voter Guide

I want to help bring positive changes to Colorado, specifically bringing real world business knowledge, entrepreneurial experience and health plan expertise to the legislature. Continuing to attract existing businesses to move here, and encouraging “start-up” enterprises brings good jobs to Coloradans. This is my opportunity to serve our community, and to dedicate a tremendous amount of proven energy into helping Colorado businesses and families thrive.