Latest news with #AnthonyHartsook
Fox News
7 days ago
- General
- Fox News
Colorado Dems face backlash for fundraiser with Ilhan Omar after Boulder terror attack: 'Reprehensible'
Colorado Democrats are facing criticism for leading a fundraiser with Rep. Ilhan Omar less than an hour after Sunday's antisemitic terrorist attack in which 12 people were hurt, including a Holocaust survivor. The suspect, 45-year-old Mohamed Sabry Soliman, is facing federal hate crime charges and numerous state-level attempted murder charges for using incendiary devices to burn people who were rallying for the release of hostages held by the terrorist group Hamas in Gaza. Soliman was in the country illegally after overstaying his visa and work authorization, according to authorities. About 30 minutes later in nearby Denver, there was a "private reception" with Omar, who has been a major critic of Israel, with many other Democrats listed as the hosts. Ticket prices ranged from $500 to $7,000. "Colorado Democrats who raise money for a notorious anti-Semite should be ashamed of themselves for ever doing so, but doing it while victims of the latest wave of anti-Semitic violence were en route to the hospital is even more hypocritical and reprehensible," Colorado House Minority Caucus Chair Rep. Anthony Hartsook, a Republican, said in a statement on Monday. "Just last year, House Democrats turned away families of Israeli hostages, denying them access to the House floor for fear that House Democrats' own radical members might cause a scene. Enough is enough. We must speak loudly and clearly against extremists who justify violence against Jewish communities worldwide. There is no place for anti-Semitism in Colorado," Harstook added. In the aftermath of the attack, Omar posted on X, "Violence against all forms is never acceptable. We must reject hatred and harm in all its forms." Rep. Junie Joseph, D-Boulder, who attended the event, faced additional scrutiny, but she told Fox News Digital that she condemns antisemitism. "Sunday was a deeply painful day for our community. My heart is with the victims of the Boulder attack and all those affected. I unequivocally condemn hate and violence in all forms—including antisemitism and Islamophobia," Joseph said in an email to Fox News Digital. "I've heard concerns about my attendance at a private event for Congresswoman Ilhan Omar. I was originally invited to introduce her at a Young Democrats event focused on youth engagement—something I care deeply about. When she was unable to attend, I chose to welcome her at a separate gathering, as a matter of courtesy and civic respect," she continued. "Attending that event was not an endorsement of any particular policy or comment. It was an extension of my role as a public servant who believes in dialogue, inclusion, and maintaining open lines of communication—even when views differ." "Condemning antisemitism and supporting peace, dignity, and human rights for all—including Israelis and Palestinians—are not mutually exclusive. I believe both are essential to a just and compassionate society," Joseph further stated. "These are difficult times, and I remain committed to listening, learning, and leading with care—for all members of our community—Jewish, Muslim, and beyond." Fox News Digital reached out to Omar's campaign for comment.
CBS News
29-04-2025
- Health
- CBS News
Some lawmakers want Coloradans to pay hundreds more in fees to fund health insurance for non-citizens
A bill at the Colorado State Capitol would double a fee assessed on state-regulated health insurance plans, with most of the money going to a program that helps non-citizens afford health insurance. The program, OmniSalud, receives about $18 million a year in fees now to help about 12,000 non-citizens. Under House Bill 1297, the funding would jump to nearly $75 million. CBS "No fee is free, right?" says Kevin McFatridge, CEO of the Colorado Association of Health Plans. "Someone has to pay for those fees, and unfortunately, it's going to go to Colorado families." He says the bill would cost a family of four up to $100 more in fees each month, or $1,200 per year. The legislation also allocates $19 million to cover subsidies to offset insurance for low-income Coloradans, $12 million for reproductive and gender affirming care, and $6.5 million for an existing state enterprise to administer the program, which is double what it receives now. While OmniSalud would see a $56 million increase under the measure, a program that has helped reduce premiums 20%-40% for Colorado families would receive $12 million less in fee revenue. The Reinsurance program receives about $87 million now. It would receive $75 million - the same as OmniSalud - under the bill. "We want to be a society that has a heart but, when you have the citizens and taxpayers here that are suffering and we're not taking care of them but, we're going to help take care of somebody who came here illegally, I have a problem with that," says Representative Anthony Hartsook, a republican from Parker who opposes the bill. CBS Democratic Representative Kyle Brown, who's sponsoring the measure, says it's aimed at offsetting cuts in federal funding. If it fails, he says, rates will jump by up to $6-thousand a year for a family of four, "It's important that we are providing health care for folks regardless of their documentation, regardless of whether they are citizens, because they end up in the emergency room too... and we all end up paying for it one way or another." The bill is stalled in the House Finance Committee with less than two weeks left in the legislative session. Supporters are considering an amendment to give Reinsurance more of the fee revenue.
