We're back. The Legislature's back. Everybody's back for 2009!

After a little holiday hiatus, CCLP and COFPI are back, and we're ready to go for the 2009 legislative session. A few news and notes:

Budget Works 2009: It's this Friday, January 9th (a.k.a. Communications Director Scott Downes' birthday), from 8:30am to 3:30pm, at the Colorado History Museum. TODAY is the LAST DAY to Register, and you can do so online here. We've got a great agenda set up with a Budget 101 presention in the morning, a lunch speaker from the Center for American Progress, and a couple panel sessions in the afternoon featuring policy experts and state leaders, including State Treasurer Cary Kennedy.

Legislative Session: The 2009 Legislative Session kicks off today in Denver, and we'll be bringing you frequent update on policy developments related to fiscal policy, health care, economic security, and more. Also, check the Rocky and Post legislative blogs for up the minute news.

Facebook: If you haven't joined CCLP's Facebook group, you can do so right now by going here, and help stay up to speed on policy developments, issue updates, action alerts, and other info.

Bad News Budget: While we're all excited for the impending legislative goings on, the main concern on everyone's mind is the $631 million budget shortfall. COFPI released this statement on the shortfall in December. Also, Carol Hedges gave this presentation to the Colorado Social Legislation Committee earlier this week, which outlines the budget forecast, revenue estimates, and other economic indicators. We're not going to lie to you: it's not pretty.

That's all for now, folks.