A Post for Non-Coloradans

The other day I posted an alert from Karen Van Vuuren of Natural Transitions about a hostile body of legislation that would effectively ban home funerals in Colorado. I hoped it would spur Colorado readers to take action.

This post is to ask the rest of our readers to respond. Van Vuuren assures me that our letters and appeals are vitally important. The legislation is being hailed by its supporters as being a significant step toward regulating the funeral industry for the public good, but the Devil is in its details, vague language, and far sweeping powers that seem aimed more at protecting the funeral industry's turf.

You can be sure other state regulatory bodies -- almost all predominantly populated with industry insiders -- will be watching to see what happens. We need to show that funeral consumer advocates in general and home funeral advocates in particular know how to rally in response!

First, take just a few minutes to see the actual bill. See how sloppy and vague it is. See how it places at risk those who assist families WITHOUT COMPENSATION in caring for their dead. See how difficult it makes it for newcomers to enter the funeral trade. See how it requires funeral directors to gain experience in cremation and embalming even if they would rather not participate in those practices.

You don't have to read it all to get the gist.

Second, look at Josh Slocum's excellent critique:

Third, take one or more actions.

* If you are in a chapter of Crossings or another sympathetic group, generate a petition to voice your opposition, then email Karen Van Vuuren to let her know: info@naturaltransitions.org

* If you have friends or relatives in Colorado who might spend just a minute on the matter, have them contact their legislator to oppose Colorado House Bill 09-1202, "Concerning the Regulation of Persons Who Provide for the Final Disposition of Dead Human Bodies in the Normal Course of Business." If they do not know who their representative is, have them go here: http://www.votesmart.org/

* Email the Colorado House Appropriations Committee, which will be the first to examine the bill, then email Karen Van Vuuren at info@naturaltransitions.org to let her know:

Representative Jack Pommer

Representative Mark Ferrandino

Representative Don Marostica

Representatives Bob Gardner
.
Representative Joel Judd

Representative John Kefalas

Representative Andy Kerr

Representative James Kerr

Representative Elizabeth McCann

Representative Sal Pace

Representative Jim Riesberg

Representative Jerry Sonnenberg

Representative Glenn Vaad


*Write to or email the bill's sponsor to ask her to seek input from consumer groups and funeral consumers, then email Karen Van Vuuren t info@naturaltransitions.org to let her know you did
The sponsor is:
Representative Nancy Todd
District 41
200 E. Colfax
Denver CO 80203.
nancy.todd.house@state.co.us
303-866-2919