Debbie Benefield

COLORADO
HOUSE MAJORITY COMMUNICATIONS
STATE CAPITOL


“Colorado Open House” Bill Passes House

(DENVER) — A bill that ensures YOU can keep an eye on the state legislature passed out of the House unanimously today.

House Bill 1307, sponsored by State Representative Debbie Benefield (D-Jefferson County), creates the Colorado Channel Authority, which will be responsible for coordinating the broadcast sessions of the General Assembly and other state government proceedings via cable television and the internet.

“The goal of the Colorado Channel is to make Colorado’s government the most transparent, the most accountable, the most citizen-friendly in America,” said Rep. Benefield. “Too many citizens just don’t have the time to come to the Capitol in person, so we’re bringing it home. We’re bringing the statehouse to your house. That’s important, because this is a statehouse, not a clubhouse. This is the people’s house, and we want all Colorado citizens to be well-educated about what we are doing at the Capitol. We encourage Coloradans to tune in or log on to the Colorado Channel on Comcast ch. 165. It’s the ultimate reality show.”

The authority will be governed by a board of directors and will be funded by gifts, grants, and donations, as well as generate revenue through its operation of the Colorado Channel. This revenue could be used to expand television coverage of state government proceedings, purchase equipment, and pay staff salaries and board member expenses.

# # #