Colorado's higher ed system needs more money, panel says

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, Aug. 4, 2010. Listing does not imply endorsement of the content.

GENERAL
Colorado Springs Gazette: Community centers blossoming under nonprofit management
The city’s community centers have come a long way since late last year when the city cut budgets and gave a harsh ultimatum: come up with operating money or face closure.


FISCAL POLICY
Pueblo Chieftain: Panel: higher ed funds must improve
A commission seated by Gov. Bill Ritter to find ways of improving the state’s higher education system first must come up with the means. Budgetary shortfalls on the horizon threaten a rainy day for which the state isn’t prepared. Consequently, colleges in Colorado must identify sustained funding streams. Otherwise, reduced services or even closure of institutions could result.

Colorado News Agency: GOP lawmakers top group’s annual taxpayer-friendly score card again
A taxpayer-watchdog group released its annual report card for state legislators  Monday–no sliding scales allowed–doling out seven A+’s and numerous failing grades.  Of the seven perfect scores, five of the lawmakers had previously taken the the group’s pledge to “oppose any new net tax increases.”

Durango Herald: Bill: Feds would aid tuition waiver
U.S. Rep. John Salazar has introduced legislation that would provide funding for Fort Lewis College's Native American tuition-waiver program. Passage of the bill would help ease Colorado's budget woes and preserve the tuition waiver in the future, proponents said Tuesday.

Fort Collins Coloradoan: Budget cuts could limit access to special classes
Elementary school students will have between 45 and 60 minutes each week of instruction in art, music and physical education classes this year, according to estimates released on the Poudre School District website. As the school district struggles with cutting $12 million from its 2010-11 budget, these classes, known as specials, are subject to reductions, too.

Grand Junction Sentinel: Board talks Amendment 61 what-ifs
District 51 may join the growing November ballot in an effort to offset the effects of another ballot measure. The district has a handful of options for handling the effects of Amendment 61 if it passes, District Support Services Executive Director Melissa Callahan DeVita told the board Tuesday at a retreat.

KUSA: County residents asked to pay to fix community's crumbling roads
This week, thousands of Boulder County property owners will be asked to pay thousands of dollars to fix their crumbled roadways. In 1995, the county passed a law requiring subdivision homeowners to take care of their own roadways. Up until now, their roads haven't been too bad. On Tuesday, the Boulder County Highway Department sent ballots to 10,200 residents asking them if they would consider paying for the projects.


ECONOMIC SELF-SUFFICIENCY
Steamboat Today editorial: Lunch cost hike supports key program
The Steamboat Springs School District is increasing lunch prices at the high school and the middle school next school year, and that’s likely to make buying lunch more difficult for some local families. But the price hikes are meant to make the meal program self-supporting, and that’s key to ensure that the new locally focused, healthy menu remains sustainable.