By Senator Lisa Frizell
Coloradans have a right to expect transparency, accountability and fiscal responsibility from public institutions. Unfortunately, the ongoing single-payer health care study commissioned last year under SB25-45 is raising more questions than answers. Despite repeated warnings from voters and prior analyses, the Colorado School of Public Health is moving forward with a new single-payer study that now carries a whopping $750,000 price tag.
When the General Assembly passed SB25-45, supporters promised this study would be funded entirely by private grants and donations. That assurance was meant to calm concerns taxpayer dollars would once again be spent rehashing an idea voters have already rejected. But transparency was always going to be essential. If private dollars are driving this work, the public has a right to know who is footing the bill and what personal interests may be influencing the outcome.