Originally Posted by
bornwildnfree
I apologize, this has taken a long time for me to write, partially because I have been checking facts and partially because I've been trying to wrap my head around what's been happening. I went to the CDOT MOST Motorcycle Operator Safety Advisory Board meeting and here's what I came away with:
1. Most of the people that were there were vendors (ABATE, T3RG and Motorcycle Training Academy are on the board), and they were very upset that CDOT wants to end the vendor rebate. More info on this: For the longest time, the vendors could basically use the fund as their own slush fund, applying for and receiving funding for things such as picnic tables and new motorcycles. (ABATE is not nor was not upset that the "check" ins't coming to us anymore....as long as the check is going to the student. I cannot speak on behalf of other vendors) That ended after an investigation by the state (THAT WAS PROMPTED BY ABATE), now the rebate has been limited to classes that result in an endorsement and it is only $35 per student. CDOT spends a lot of time verifying what the vendors send them and making sure the rebate is warranted. This is part of their duties, but they are very tired of trying to rangle the vendors.
2. CDOT wishes to end the rebate program to the vendors. Instead they wish to: (Completely end the student tuition subsidy that you refer to as a rebate)
a. Bring in a company to oversee the vendors and make sure they are compliant. This will most likely be the MSF but could be any motorcycle company that applies for the job (Not just ANY motorcycle company can apply for this) ABATE has no issue with compliance. We have passed every QA that we have gone thru. We complain that some other vendors are not compliant. The problem with a 3rd party like MSF over seeing the program....vendors will not be able to offer other advanced curriculum. Remember....MSF is a curriculum PROVIDER, they are not a training company Is it not the point to educate people to be safer riders? MSF is a good curriculum....but there are others out there that could address Colorado riding conditions a bit better.
b. Take the remaining money and if it's financially feasible, give the rebate directly to the student using a 3rd party rebate program (something like Visa gift card rebates). Feasible means if the third party company isn't going to charge too much and if the student rebate is going to be more than say $10. 3rd party rebate company means a reduction in the subsidy to the student.
3. The Department of Revenue is the one responsible for collecting the fees from our endorsements and registrations and according to ABATE, the collection of the fees will end when MOST ends, however according to CDOT, DOR will continue to collect the fees. I have a call to the Department of Revenue to confirm whether ending MOST will end the Fee collection. Depending on the answer, that sways my vote. ABATE has never suggested ENDING the MOST program. We have suggested and intend to pursue repealing the fees that motorcyclists pay for the program. Another note, this program is TOTALLY funded by motorcyclists. IF we accomplish this, there will still be enough funding to keep the program running thru the year 2022, then the State will need to figure out how to pay for the program. By the way, this means ending the subsidy which is what CDOT wants to do anyway. So I am not sure how you figure ABATE was acting like "a child" concerning this issue. You saying ABATE said if the MOST program ends so will the fees. I am the ABATE you are referring to, I said the fees SHOULD end if the MOST program ends. I never said they would I am not stupid and I know that has to be done legislatively.
4. I have to go to a meeting on the 22nd with ABATE, T3RG, and the Coalition of Clubs to "bring me into the fold" and try and talk me into supporting the end of MOST this year through legislation. Last time I checked, I'm not a sheep, however, it is not what I believe that I must represent. It is the riders of Colorado. So I need your help.
Now, for my opinions:
The MOST program is pretty messed up right now and the reason we are in this mess, IMHO, and in danger of losing the program lands partially on CDOT, but mostly on the vendors. They used the MOST funds as their own personal slush fund. Now that they won't be getting a check anymore they are very angry and want to end the program all together. They are also seem opposed to having anyone oversee that they are in compliance. Do not include ABATE in this angry comment. Also, ABATE was investigated as to a "slush fund" that you refer to and guess what....we were actually using the funding to reduce the cost to students. You can verify that with CDOT if you would like.
If ending the most program means the ending the fund collection, then maybe MOST should end. It's a big pile of crap and while it does some good, there are federal funds available to provide awareness etc. CDOT cannot or will not get these funds...it is up to a private entity to apply for these grants. So far the only ones in the state that have done so is ABATE and Ride Smart....is CSC interested in applying for the grants to provide awareness?
However, if ending the MOST program means the funds will still be collected and put into a general fund, then no, the MOST program shouldn't end. According to CDOT and DOR, it is extremely difficult to end a tax on anything if the state is collecting it so it is very likely that the fees will still apply even if the MOST program ends which means we will still be paying for the program but have no control and no vote on what happens to those funds. They will go into the general fund to be used by the state as it sees fit. ABATE has assured me that this is not the case and the fees will no longer be collected but I want to hear directly from the Department of Revenue. I will keep you posted. ABATE has not assured you of any such thing. If the fees are not repealed legislatively the money will go in to a general fund. IF the fees are repealed then DOR will no longer collect them.
I also have a question out to the DOR asking if they will still accept the endorsment certificates from vendors if the MOST program ends. The vendors say yes, CDOT and DOR say no. I'll keep you posted on that one as well. Again, no one has asked for the program to end. ABATE is only asking that the motorcyclists no longer pay for it because the funds are not being used as intended by original legislation. There again, you can feel free to call former Senator Tochtrop for the full history of the MOST program.
If you can't tell, I'm pretty angry about the whole thing. I am really angry at the vendors on the board for acting like small children, screaming because their check won't be happening any more. It looked like something off of Jerry Springer. "How dare they take away my check! That's it the program must end. " I'm angry that they are trying to bring me into the fold and I'm angry that I've been lied to by people that I thought I could trust. So thanks for hanging out through the whole thing. Please vote and let me know what you think.
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