The passing of SB 17-267, Sustainability of Rural Colorado, marks a significant moment in Colorado history. This bill will move the Hospital Provider Fee into a separate enterprise, protecting Colorado’s hospitals from a half billion-dollar budget cut. The bill sponsors and legislators created a legacy for the future of health care in Colorado and for the value of working together to find common ground. This bill has been described as the “compromise of the decade.”

We applaud SB 17-267’s sponsors and all Colorado legislators who supported the bill. They serve as a national model for their ability to work across the aisle on behalf of all Coloradans. Senator Don Coram of District 6 and Representative Marc Catlin of House District 58 are specific examples of how important it is to elect leaders who are committed to representing the best interest of Coloradans and keeping their constituents’ interests at the heart of the debate.

On behalf of the hospitals in Senate District 6 and House District 58, we thank Sen. Coram, Rep. Catlin, and all Colorado legislators for their ongoing efforts to work across the aisle to ensure a healthy, sustainable and prosperous future for all Coloradans.”

W. Kent Rogers, CEO, Southwest Health System Steve Hannah, MHA, CEO, Montrose Memorial Hospital Brad Cochennet, CEO, Pagosa Springs Medical Center Will McConnell, Ph.D., CEO, Mercy Regional Medical Center