106,000 more children insured under Medicaid and CHP+ since 2007

Good morning. Here's a look at news reports from around the state on issues of interest to the Colorado Center on Law and Policy for Wednesday, July 28, 2010. Listing does not imply endorsement of the content.

GENERAL
The Denver Post: Colorado a finalist again in "Race to the Top"
For the second round, Colorado scaled back its $377 million request, asking for $175 million over four years. About $90 million would go directly to the participating districts, while the rest would go to statewide support of the districts.
Also: Denver Daily News: Second time’s the charm?


ECONOMIC SELF-SUFFICIENCY
Pueblo Chieftain: Poverty problem
The percentage of children living in poverty statewide climbed by half between 2000 and 2008, to 15 percent from 10 percent — tied with New Hampshire for the most drastic increase in the nation during that time. Colorado ranks 18th in the nation in the percentage of children living in poverty, and the state still registers better in that dubious category than the nation overall, which saw childhood poverty grow to 18 percent from 17 percent during the same span.
Also: Steamboat Today: Report: Child poverty down in Routt County, up in state


HEALTH CARE
Colorado News Agency: Progress praised on kids’ coverage; others note much work lies ahead
A coalition of organizations housed under the umbrella of the “All Kids Covered Initiative” organized the event in recognition of the 106,000 children who have been insured through Medicaid and CHP+ since Ritter took office in January of 2007.

Summit Daily News: Local health care meeting a big deal for the industry
With so much changing in the United States health care industry, state professionals — everyone from doctors to insurance agents — want to learn how Colorado will be impacted. The 29th annual Colorado Health Symposium aims to do just that.

KUSA: State aid computer program facing glitches
For months, frustrations have run high at a computer benefit program that filters benefits for many of Colorado's neediest residents.


FISCAL POLICY
Durango Herald: Area officials blast Nov. tax measures
"Devastating." "Disastrous." "Superficial." "Short-sighted." The Southwest Colorado Council of Governments hosted a news conference Tuesday to discuss the economic impact of three anti-tax ballot measures in the November election.

Sterling Journal-Advocate: Ballot issues worry local governments
Even some very fiscally conservative people are worried about how Amendment 60, Amendment 61 and Initiative 101 would hurt Colorado.

Aspen Daily News: County prepares for ‘Armageddon’ if tax questions pass
If three statewide anti-tax ballot initiatives pass in November, Pitkin County would lose more than $10 million in revenue for its budget, according to a county analysis. That would constitute a cut of about 40 percent of county tax revenue and force reductions in basic public services.


ECONOMY
Grand Junction Sentinel: June sales tax collections up from June 2009
Finally, an inkling of hope that Grand Junction consumers may be feeling more comfortable about dipping into their wallets. For the first month this year, sales tax collections in June in Grand Junction were slightly higher than the previous year, according to city figures.