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Sports betting, family leave bills to be discussed Monday

Posted at 8:59 PM, Apr 21, 2019
and last updated 2019-04-22 08:34:35-04

DENVER – Sports betting and family leave will be topics of discussion at the state capitol on Monday.

The House Finance Committee tomorrow will take up a bill to allow sports betting in Colorado.
Also, a second reading is scheduled for the Family and Medical Leave Insurance, or “Famli” program.

The sports betting comes after a landmark ruling from the Supreme Court last year opening up sports gambling to states other than Nevada. The Colorado state constitution bans gambling on sports, so the change would require a public vote in an election.

Meanwhile, the “Famli” program would create the most expansive leave program in the country – if passed.
Opponents say it’s too expensive while supporters say Colorado has the chance to join other states already participating.

“The program may be insolvent in just a couple of years depending on how many people use it,” said Rachel Beck with Colorado Springs Chamber & EDC.

“Other states have done it and we have the opportunity to do it here,” said a supporter rallying in favor of the bill.

The Senate debated the bill for several hours last week before postponing the second reading vote to Monday.

We’ll continue to track both of these bills for you as they move through the legislature.