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 Friday, April 30, 2010.
FISCAL POLICY
The Associated Press via The Denver Post: Gov. Bill Ritter signs $18.2 billion budget
Gov. Bill Ritter signed an $18.2 billion budget into law Thursday, saying it contained tough cuts but the pain was spread across the board.
Also: Denver Business Journal: Ritter signs state budget bill
Boulder Daily Camera: Boulder Valley School District to reconsider classroom fees
School board president: 'How much private funding should we have for public schools?'
Pueblo Chieftain editorial: Kill this bill
The anti-business bias among Democrats at the Colorado Statehouse has been made evident once more with House passage of a bill to limit enterprise zone tax credits. The big loser collectively in Pueblo: Evraz Rocky Mountain Steel Mills and its employees.
Durango Herald: Senate panel OKs tuition-hike bill
Gov. Ritter warns that a crisis still exists in higher education.
ECONOMIC SELF SUFFICIENCY
The Denver Post: Executive director named for Denver's homelessness program
Amber Callender, Mayor John Hickenlooper's deputy director of legislative services, is becoming executive director of Denver's anti-homelessness program.
CONSUMER PROTECTION
Denver Daily News: Protesting for financial reform
“We are shortsighted and they counts on that, so just the fact that they caved (Wednesday) to move this to the Senate floor, they’re going to think…we’re not going to stay with it,” said T.A. Taylor-Hunt, director of Coloradans for Financial Reform. “But we have got to stay with this, because if we don’t…we could have a repeat of the overall economic crisis.”
GENERAL
Aurora Sentinel: For Aurora tea partiers, all politics is local
Excessive spending by Congress has riled up Aurora’s tea partiers, but the buck doesn’t stop at the federal level for this outspoken group — they’re also concerned about local government spending habits.
HEALTH POLICY
Longmont Times-Call: New law nets Longmont United Hospital $5.5M
Hospital rewarded for helping needy patients.
Friday, April 30, 2010
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Officials sort out legal thicket in possible sale of Colorado Springs health system
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 Thursday, April 29, 2010.
HEALTH POLICY
The Denver Post: New Colorado law to help insure 67,500 more
Colorado can afford to add about 67,500 people to Medicaid and other government insurance next week, thanks to a new state law that requires hospitals to chip in toward the landmark initiative.
Colorado Springs Gazette: Health on wheels: New van providing free medical care to rural poor
Many (patients) don’t have medical insurance or a way to get into town to see a doctor. Or if they do have a vehicle, they can’t afford the gas to make the trip into town.
Colorado Springs Gazette: State law could complicate possible Memorial sale, use of proceeds
“I think the issue is: Is the city-owned hospital considered a nonprofit for purposes of the act?” said Ed Kahn, special counsel with the Colorado Center on Law and Policy, a nonpartisan policy research organization. “The answer to that is not 100 percent clear.”
Also: Colorado Springs Independent: Because of state law, selling Memorial Hospital likely wouldn't solve city's financial problems
Colorado Springs Business Journal: COBRA eligibility extended to May 31
Workers who are involuntarily terminated from their jobs between Sept. 1, 2008 and May 31 may be eligible for a 65-percent subsidy of their COBRA premiums for a period of up to 15 months. In some cases, workers who had their hours reduced and later lost their jobs may also be eligible for the subsidy.
FISCAL POLICY
Associated Press via Greeley Tribune: Ritter will sign $18.2 billion budget
Gov. Bill Ritter planned to sign the budget bill Thursday. It will take effect in July, when the fiscal year begins.
Denver Post editorial: Flexibility for raising tuition
Reluctantly, we support a measure in the legislature that opens the door to hefty tuition hikes by the state's colleges.
Boulder Daily Camera: Boulder Valley School District to cut $4.2M in teacher jobs, salaries or benefits
Teacher compensation makes up the largest chunk of the Boulder Valley School District's operating budget, which is why district officials say they're now forced to either eliminate teaching positions, cut salaries or reduce health and dental benefits to make a workable 2010-11 school year budget.
Also: Summit Daily News: Summit Schools cut $867,000 from next school year's budget
Denver Daily News: Lawmaker: Define fees
Angry over fee increases backed by lawmakers in recent legislative sessions, Republican Sen. Greg Brophy is attempting to send to voters a constitutional amendment that would only allow fees to be levied to defray costs for specific government services related to that fee.
Denver Business Journal: Eco-devo wins one, loses one at Colorado statehouse
Colorado economic-development officials won one and lost one Wednesday as the House passed a bill to train a microscope on job-creation tax incentives but a House committee killed a measure that would have eliminated all enterprise zones.
Also: Grand Junction Sentinel: Tax credits to stay in place for state’s enterprise zones
Fort Collins Coloradoan editorial: Scorecard isn't appropriate place for tax campaign
Students receive report cards and nearly every worker gets some sort of a review, so it stands to reason that the city of Fort Collins should detail its performance to the public.
CONSUMER PROTECTION
Pueblo Chieftain editorial: Get it right
The U.S. Senate has been wrestling with a much-needed overhaul of the nation’s financial oversight, but it needs to get it right.
GENERAL
Colorado News Agency: Will voters make it tougher on themselves to amend the constitution?
Lawmakers today debated and approved in committee a measure that would make it more difficult for citizens to amend the state constitution— but only if those same voters approve the measure in November.
Also: Durango Herald: Tapia: Make amending constitution harder
Also: Grand Junction Sentinel: Voters might get second chance to toughen ballot measure rules
ECONOMIC SELF SUFFICIENCY
Aurora Sentinel commentary: Food stamps for college kids
Whereas government-funded grub has long been available to the working poor, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), through its Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), is eagerly expanding such benefits to college kids, too.
HEALTH POLICY
The Denver Post: New Colorado law to help insure 67,500 more
Colorado can afford to add about 67,500 people to Medicaid and other government insurance next week, thanks to a new state law that requires hospitals to chip in toward the landmark initiative.
Colorado Springs Gazette: Health on wheels: New van providing free medical care to rural poor
Many (patients) don’t have medical insurance or a way to get into town to see a doctor. Or if they do have a vehicle, they can’t afford the gas to make the trip into town.
Colorado Springs Gazette: State law could complicate possible Memorial sale, use of proceeds
“I think the issue is: Is the city-owned hospital considered a nonprofit for purposes of the act?” said Ed Kahn, special counsel with the Colorado Center on Law and Policy, a nonpartisan policy research organization. “The answer to that is not 100 percent clear.”
Also: Colorado Springs Independent: Because of state law, selling Memorial Hospital likely wouldn't solve city's financial problems
Colorado Springs Business Journal: COBRA eligibility extended to May 31
Workers who are involuntarily terminated from their jobs between Sept. 1, 2008 and May 31 may be eligible for a 65-percent subsidy of their COBRA premiums for a period of up to 15 months. In some cases, workers who had their hours reduced and later lost their jobs may also be eligible for the subsidy.
FISCAL POLICY
Associated Press via Greeley Tribune: Ritter will sign $18.2 billion budget
Gov. Bill Ritter planned to sign the budget bill Thursday. It will take effect in July, when the fiscal year begins.
Denver Post editorial: Flexibility for raising tuition
Reluctantly, we support a measure in the legislature that opens the door to hefty tuition hikes by the state's colleges.
Boulder Daily Camera: Boulder Valley School District to cut $4.2M in teacher jobs, salaries or benefits
Teacher compensation makes up the largest chunk of the Boulder Valley School District's operating budget, which is why district officials say they're now forced to either eliminate teaching positions, cut salaries or reduce health and dental benefits to make a workable 2010-11 school year budget.
Also: Summit Daily News: Summit Schools cut $867,000 from next school year's budget
Denver Daily News: Lawmaker: Define fees
Angry over fee increases backed by lawmakers in recent legislative sessions, Republican Sen. Greg Brophy is attempting to send to voters a constitutional amendment that would only allow fees to be levied to defray costs for specific government services related to that fee.
Denver Business Journal: Eco-devo wins one, loses one at Colorado statehouse
Colorado economic-development officials won one and lost one Wednesday as the House passed a bill to train a microscope on job-creation tax incentives but a House committee killed a measure that would have eliminated all enterprise zones.
Also: Grand Junction Sentinel: Tax credits to stay in place for state’s enterprise zones
Fort Collins Coloradoan editorial: Scorecard isn't appropriate place for tax campaign
Students receive report cards and nearly every worker gets some sort of a review, so it stands to reason that the city of Fort Collins should detail its performance to the public.
CONSUMER PROTECTION
Pueblo Chieftain editorial: Get it right
The U.S. Senate has been wrestling with a much-needed overhaul of the nation’s financial oversight, but it needs to get it right.
GENERAL
Colorado News Agency: Will voters make it tougher on themselves to amend the constitution?
Lawmakers today debated and approved in committee a measure that would make it more difficult for citizens to amend the state constitution— but only if those same voters approve the measure in November.
Also: Durango Herald: Tapia: Make amending constitution harder
Also: Grand Junction Sentinel: Voters might get second chance to toughen ballot measure rules
ECONOMIC SELF SUFFICIENCY
Aurora Sentinel commentary: Food stamps for college kids
Whereas government-funded grub has long been available to the working poor, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), through its Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), is eagerly expanding such benefits to college kids, too.
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
House approves measure to limit tax credit for state's largest companies
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, April 28, 2010.
FISCAL POLICY
The Denver Post: Shift in approvals of college tuition hikes on table
Colorado could find itself permanently recast as a state where universities charge higher tuition while providing extra aid to low- and middle-income students if a bipartisan team of state senators gets its way.
Also: Associated Press via Boulder Daily Camera: Colorado lawmakers consider major tuition overhaul
The Denver Post: House narrowly passes change to enterprise zone tax credit
A bill that would limit an enterprise zone tax credit for the state's largest companies narrowly cleared the House by a 33-32 vote on Tuesday after a debate over whether the Democratic-led legislature was attacking business.
Also: Pueblo Chieftain: Enterprise zone bill passes by one vote
Also: Denver Business Journal: Colorado House OK’s business tax-break cut, enterprise-zone bill
Also: Durango Herald: Lawmakers vote to delay tax credits
Denver Post commentary: Don't cry for state's farmers
Colorado farmers and ranchers have successfully played the romance of the West card to fill their pockets. Millions of tax dollars remain in their bank accounts because of conservation easements securing their land from development.
Colorado Independent: Lamborn: Tax-starved Colorado Springs not all ‘gloom and doom’
U.S. Rep Doug Lamborn represents Colorado Springs, where most residents support his anti-government views. Indeed, Lamborn has worked for the government on their behalf for the last fifteen years.
Also: Colorado Springs Business Journal: Springs businessman blames city cuts for crime
Craig Daily Press editorial: Tax as a catalyst
It seems many agree that a proposed 6.9-percent lodging tax is a worthy question and one best left to voters to decide on in November.
Grand Junction Sentinel editorial: Entrepreneurial approach could benefit government
It’s heartening that the leaders of Grand Junction, Mesa County and School District 51 are willing to accept salary freezes and even pay reductions for themselves.
Longmont Times-Call: SVVSD won’t cut teachers
Though it’s losing some state funding, the St. Vrain Valley School District won’t cut teaching positions for the 2010-11 school year, superintendent Don Haddad said Tuesday.
EdNews via KUSA: Historic budget cuts hammer districts
School districts in Colorado are shedding hundreds of jobs, pulling millions of dollars from reserves and piling on student fees as they face the biggest budget cuts in memory.
HEALTH POLICY
Associated Press via Colorado Springs Business Journal: Health lawsuit supporters defend Colo. AG
People upset with the new health care law are rallying to support Colorado’s attorney general, who has angered some by joining a national lawsuit challenging the overhaul.
CONSUMER PROTECTION
Aurora Sentinel editorial: A simple solution to Wall Street's complex gambles
Tuesday’s Senate banking committee hearings on just how corrupt Wall Street has become made it obvious that Congress is on the right track in bringing down the hammer on appalling trading practices.
ECONOMY
KOAA-TV: Tax credit deadline extended for some in military
The deadline for the federal home buyers tax credit is Friday, unless you're an active member of the military. For any member of the military who has served 90 consecutive days overseas since January 1, 2009, that person may be eligible to wait another year to take advantage of the home buyers tax credit.
FISCAL POLICY
The Denver Post: Shift in approvals of college tuition hikes on table
Colorado could find itself permanently recast as a state where universities charge higher tuition while providing extra aid to low- and middle-income students if a bipartisan team of state senators gets its way.
Also: Associated Press via Boulder Daily Camera: Colorado lawmakers consider major tuition overhaul
The Denver Post: House narrowly passes change to enterprise zone tax credit
A bill that would limit an enterprise zone tax credit for the state's largest companies narrowly cleared the House by a 33-32 vote on Tuesday after a debate over whether the Democratic-led legislature was attacking business.
Also: Pueblo Chieftain: Enterprise zone bill passes by one vote
Also: Denver Business Journal: Colorado House OK’s business tax-break cut, enterprise-zone bill
Also: Durango Herald: Lawmakers vote to delay tax credits
Denver Post commentary: Don't cry for state's farmers
Colorado farmers and ranchers have successfully played the romance of the West card to fill their pockets. Millions of tax dollars remain in their bank accounts because of conservation easements securing their land from development.
Colorado Independent: Lamborn: Tax-starved Colorado Springs not all ‘gloom and doom’
U.S. Rep Doug Lamborn represents Colorado Springs, where most residents support his anti-government views. Indeed, Lamborn has worked for the government on their behalf for the last fifteen years.
Also: Colorado Springs Business Journal: Springs businessman blames city cuts for crime
Craig Daily Press editorial: Tax as a catalyst
It seems many agree that a proposed 6.9-percent lodging tax is a worthy question and one best left to voters to decide on in November.
Grand Junction Sentinel editorial: Entrepreneurial approach could benefit government
It’s heartening that the leaders of Grand Junction, Mesa County and School District 51 are willing to accept salary freezes and even pay reductions for themselves.
Longmont Times-Call: SVVSD won’t cut teachers
Though it’s losing some state funding, the St. Vrain Valley School District won’t cut teaching positions for the 2010-11 school year, superintendent Don Haddad said Tuesday.
EdNews via KUSA: Historic budget cuts hammer districts
School districts in Colorado are shedding hundreds of jobs, pulling millions of dollars from reserves and piling on student fees as they face the biggest budget cuts in memory.
HEALTH POLICY
Associated Press via Colorado Springs Business Journal: Health lawsuit supporters defend Colo. AG
People upset with the new health care law are rallying to support Colorado’s attorney general, who has angered some by joining a national lawsuit challenging the overhaul.
CONSUMER PROTECTION
Aurora Sentinel editorial: A simple solution to Wall Street's complex gambles
Tuesday’s Senate banking committee hearings on just how corrupt Wall Street has become made it obvious that Congress is on the right track in bringing down the hammer on appalling trading practices.
ECONOMY
KOAA-TV: Tax credit deadline extended for some in military
The deadline for the federal home buyers tax credit is Friday, unless you're an active member of the military. For any member of the military who has served 90 consecutive days overseas since January 1, 2009, that person may be eligible to wait another year to take advantage of the home buyers tax credit.
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
A growing chorus for financial reform
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 Tuesday, April 27, 2010.
FISCAL POLICY
Colorado Springs Gazette: City kept streetlights on in Old North End
The historic Old North End, one of the most affluent neighborhoods in Colorado Springs, got a pass when the city turned off streetlights in every other residential area earlier this year to save money, officials said today.
Also: Colorado Springs Independent: Streetlight favoritism
Also: Colorado Springs Gazette commentary: The City Committee finds business ideas for an efficient city
Colorado News Agency via Denver Daily News: Dems seek slowdown on investment tax credits
During House debate yesterday, it was a bit of déjà vu with Republicans pushing back against a Democratic measure seeking more revenue for a cash-starved state.
Also: Pueblo Chieftain: Proposal would strip another tax break from mill
HEALTH POLICY
Colorado Independent: No relief yet for consumers suffering double-digit WellPoint rate hike
Consumers were shocked when insurance giant WellPoint hiked rates in Colorado this year on its Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield individual-market policies by more than 20 percent. More shocking, perhaps, is that those rates may be perfectly in line, given the way medical prices are rising, according to consumer advocates. State regulators say Coloradans won’t learn whether the rates were fair or not, much less win relief, for months or longer.
CONSUMER PROTECTION
Huffington Post Denver: Coloradans Challenging Wall Street on Main Street This Week
Everyday Coloradans sick of being taken advantage of by Wall Street banks are unleashing their fury this week, exposing the greed and recklessness that put many of us on Main Street into the unemployment lines, on the foreclosure lists and in the bankruptcy courts.
Also: Durango Herald editorial: Wall Street
Also: Longmont Times-Call editorial: Fix imbalance between Wall, Main streets
ECONOMIC SELF SUFFICIENCY
Colorado Pols: Payday Lending Vote in Senate Soon
Legislation to crack down on interest rates charged by so-called "Payday Lenders" should see a vote in the State Senate any day now.
Colorado Springs Independent: City to fund homeless program through CDBG
City Council has agreed to fund a homeless program that puts individuals in local hotels and requires them to look for a job.
ECONOMY
Fort Collins Coloradoan: Fort Collins among cities on an economic upswing
By almost any measure, the economic recovery is in full swing. More factories are humming again. The stock market is roaring. Even consumers are loosening viselike grips on their wallets.
Grand Junction Sentinel editorial: Residents still feeling pinch of recession
The grip of the recession seems to be strengthening in many respects as more Grand Valley residents are finding as they line up for food at the Salvation Army.
FISCAL POLICY
Colorado Springs Gazette: City kept streetlights on in Old North End
The historic Old North End, one of the most affluent neighborhoods in Colorado Springs, got a pass when the city turned off streetlights in every other residential area earlier this year to save money, officials said today.
Also: Colorado Springs Independent: Streetlight favoritism
Also: Colorado Springs Gazette commentary: The City Committee finds business ideas for an efficient city
Colorado News Agency via Denver Daily News: Dems seek slowdown on investment tax credits
During House debate yesterday, it was a bit of déjà vu with Republicans pushing back against a Democratic measure seeking more revenue for a cash-starved state.
Also: Pueblo Chieftain: Proposal would strip another tax break from mill
HEALTH POLICY
Colorado Independent: No relief yet for consumers suffering double-digit WellPoint rate hike
Consumers were shocked when insurance giant WellPoint hiked rates in Colorado this year on its Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield individual-market policies by more than 20 percent. More shocking, perhaps, is that those rates may be perfectly in line, given the way medical prices are rising, according to consumer advocates. State regulators say Coloradans won’t learn whether the rates were fair or not, much less win relief, for months or longer.
CONSUMER PROTECTION
Huffington Post Denver: Coloradans Challenging Wall Street on Main Street This Week
Everyday Coloradans sick of being taken advantage of by Wall Street banks are unleashing their fury this week, exposing the greed and recklessness that put many of us on Main Street into the unemployment lines, on the foreclosure lists and in the bankruptcy courts.
Also: Durango Herald editorial: Wall Street
Also: Longmont Times-Call editorial: Fix imbalance between Wall, Main streets
ECONOMIC SELF SUFFICIENCY
Colorado Pols: Payday Lending Vote in Senate Soon
Legislation to crack down on interest rates charged by so-called "Payday Lenders" should see a vote in the State Senate any day now.
Colorado Springs Independent: City to fund homeless program through CDBG
City Council has agreed to fund a homeless program that puts individuals in local hotels and requires them to look for a job.
ECONOMY
Fort Collins Coloradoan: Fort Collins among cities on an economic upswing
By almost any measure, the economic recovery is in full swing. More factories are humming again. The stock market is roaring. Even consumers are loosening viselike grips on their wallets.
Grand Junction Sentinel editorial: Residents still feeling pinch of recession
The grip of the recession seems to be strengthening in many respects as more Grand Valley residents are finding as they line up for food at the Salvation Army.
Monday, April 26, 2010
Lawmakers consider cutting higher-ed budget in half
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 Monday, April 26, 2010.
GENERAL
Denver Post commentary: A reason to trust the government
When I answered the phone, I thought it was just another survey because I was asked about trusting the federal government. But then I recognized the voice: Lt. Col. Ananias Ziegler, ret., media relations director of the Committee That Really Runs America.
Craig Daily Press: Coffee party may be winding down
The Craig chapter of the coffee party political movement has lost some momentum.
FISCAL POLICY
The Denver Post: Republican lawmaker wants to sweep GOCO funds and use money for schools
A GOP lawmaker wants to tap lottery funds that now go to help buy land for public parks and instead use the money for public schools.
Colorado Independent: Colorado proposes slashing higher ed budget by half
Lawmakers are proposing that half of the money allotted to education will be cut in the 2011-2012 state budget. The new reality will force tuition increases and program eliminations in what the Senate Majority and Minority leaders characterize as a last-ditch effort to save Colorado higher education.
Also: Colorado Statesman: Tuition flexibility bill for higher ed is on its way
Colorado Statesman: Legislation to incentivize businesses to rehire laid-off workers faces opposition
Senate Bill 133, which would provide an income tax incentive to companies that rehire their own laid-off workers, was heard Wednesday by the House Business Affairs and Labor Committee.
Colorado Statesman: DECIDE initiative passes House education committee but its fate may be sealed
A referred legislative measure to the November 2011 ballot that would exempt a portion of K-12 and postsecondary education funding from TABOR restrictions passed the House Education Committee on Monday. But its success likely ended with the education committee vote as it is unlikely to gain the half-dozen Republican votes it needs to get out of the House.
Longmont Times-Call editorial: Tax increases not the way to balance budget
Not to put too fine a point on it, but asking for residents and businesses to pay more taxes, after a grueling recession and during a slow economic recovery, is not good governance.
HEALTH POLICY
Colorado News Agency: Dems want health policy surcharge; Republicans say it’s a tax
It may only be a couple of dollars, but House lawmakers today debated whether a surcharge on health insurance premiums and dental plans was an unconstitutional new tax or a benign step toward helping the families whose developmentally disabled children have catastrophic illnesses.
Huffington Post Denver: Health Care Battle Rages on in Colorado as Campaign Season Heats Up
Once upon a time, there was a Colorado politician that vowed to push for health care reform even if it would cost a Democratic seat. Sen. Michael Bennet famously affirmed that he would rather lose his job than vote against health care on CNN's State of the Union in November 2009.
Colorado Springs Business Journal: Memorial sale proceeds might not be city’s to spend
Anyone hoping that a sale of Memorial Health System will replenish the city’s coffers will want to think again.
ECONOMIC SELF-SUFFICIENCY
Durango Herald editorial: Payday lending
A bill to rein in the most egregious practices of so-called payday lenders has passed the state House and the state Senate's Finance Committee. It is expected to be heard Tuesday by the full Senate. The Senate should pass it.
Also: Colorado Statesman: Interest rates on payday loans capped in House bill
CONSUMER PROTECTION
Grand Junction Sentinel editorial: GOP is on hot seat with financial reform
Republicans in the U.S. Senate face a political dilemma this week: Whether to support the efforts of President Barack Obama and Democrats for new regulatory oversight of the nation’s financial system or whether to try to block the effort through filibuster.
ECONOMY
KDVR-TV: Homebuyers scramble as tax-credit deadline looms
The $8,000 tax credit for new home buyers expires on April 30th. It made this weekend a mad dash of sorts for people hoping to cash in on the free money.
GENERAL
Denver Post commentary: A reason to trust the government
When I answered the phone, I thought it was just another survey because I was asked about trusting the federal government. But then I recognized the voice: Lt. Col. Ananias Ziegler, ret., media relations director of the Committee That Really Runs America.
Craig Daily Press: Coffee party may be winding down
The Craig chapter of the coffee party political movement has lost some momentum.
FISCAL POLICY
The Denver Post: Republican lawmaker wants to sweep GOCO funds and use money for schools
A GOP lawmaker wants to tap lottery funds that now go to help buy land for public parks and instead use the money for public schools.
Colorado Independent: Colorado proposes slashing higher ed budget by half
Lawmakers are proposing that half of the money allotted to education will be cut in the 2011-2012 state budget. The new reality will force tuition increases and program eliminations in what the Senate Majority and Minority leaders characterize as a last-ditch effort to save Colorado higher education.
Also: Colorado Statesman: Tuition flexibility bill for higher ed is on its way
Colorado Statesman: Legislation to incentivize businesses to rehire laid-off workers faces opposition
Senate Bill 133, which would provide an income tax incentive to companies that rehire their own laid-off workers, was heard Wednesday by the House Business Affairs and Labor Committee.
Colorado Statesman: DECIDE initiative passes House education committee but its fate may be sealed
A referred legislative measure to the November 2011 ballot that would exempt a portion of K-12 and postsecondary education funding from TABOR restrictions passed the House Education Committee on Monday. But its success likely ended with the education committee vote as it is unlikely to gain the half-dozen Republican votes it needs to get out of the House.
Longmont Times-Call editorial: Tax increases not the way to balance budget
Not to put too fine a point on it, but asking for residents and businesses to pay more taxes, after a grueling recession and during a slow economic recovery, is not good governance.
HEALTH POLICY
Colorado News Agency: Dems want health policy surcharge; Republicans say it’s a tax
It may only be a couple of dollars, but House lawmakers today debated whether a surcharge on health insurance premiums and dental plans was an unconstitutional new tax or a benign step toward helping the families whose developmentally disabled children have catastrophic illnesses.
Huffington Post Denver: Health Care Battle Rages on in Colorado as Campaign Season Heats Up
Once upon a time, there was a Colorado politician that vowed to push for health care reform even if it would cost a Democratic seat. Sen. Michael Bennet famously affirmed that he would rather lose his job than vote against health care on CNN's State of the Union in November 2009.
Colorado Springs Business Journal: Memorial sale proceeds might not be city’s to spend
Anyone hoping that a sale of Memorial Health System will replenish the city’s coffers will want to think again.
ECONOMIC SELF-SUFFICIENCY
Durango Herald editorial: Payday lending
A bill to rein in the most egregious practices of so-called payday lenders has passed the state House and the state Senate's Finance Committee. It is expected to be heard Tuesday by the full Senate. The Senate should pass it.
Also: Colorado Statesman: Interest rates on payday loans capped in House bill
CONSUMER PROTECTION
Grand Junction Sentinel editorial: GOP is on hot seat with financial reform
Republicans in the U.S. Senate face a political dilemma this week: Whether to support the efforts of President Barack Obama and Democrats for new regulatory oversight of the nation’s financial system or whether to try to block the effort through filibuster.
ECONOMY
KDVR-TV: Homebuyers scramble as tax-credit deadline looms
The $8,000 tax credit for new home buyers expires on April 30th. It made this weekend a mad dash of sorts for people hoping to cash in on the free money.
Friday, April 23, 2010
Cuts will hurt quality at CU-Boulder, official 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 Friday, April 23, 2010.
FISCAL POLICY
Denver Post editorial: A bad gamble for higher ed
Rather than expand gambling, state lawmakers should seek more direct funding for Colorado's universities and colleges.
Also: Pueblo Chieftain editorial: Keen on keno?
Denver Post commentary: Rosen column on taxes is misleading
Rosen says that a family of four making $52,000 in 2009 pays zero taxes. I tried to work up the taxes using the federal guidelines and discovered that he really took a lot of assumptions to get to zero. I came up with about $4,000 in taxes. Of course, if the family owns a home, that will drop the tax burden, as will other taxable deductions.
Boulder Daily Camera: CU-Boulder: Cuts will affect education quality
The University of Colorado at Boulder's financial chief told the regents Thursday that the quality of education will "absolutely" be affected by multimillion-dollar budget cuts.
Fort Collins Coloradoan: Loveland teachers could carry brunt of budget cuts
In trying to balance a budget for the 2010-11 school year that featured at least a $5.9 million deficit, officials with the Thompson School District made keeping the district intact one of their top priorities, meaning many teachers and staff wouldn't lose their jobs in the budget crunch. Administrators also focused on keeping class sizes from increasing.
ECONOMIC SELF SUFFICIENCY
Denver Post commentary: Colorado's payday lending debate
Economists agree: Eliminating payday loans as an option for consumers has disastrous consequences for those who utilize them. We've already seen what happens when other states outlaw these short-term infusions of cash. It remains to be seen whether Colorado will fall into the same trap.
Also: Aurora Sentinel: Aurora legislators hopeful for payday reform plan’s passage
CONSUMER PROTECTION
Denver Daily News: Financial reform gaining speed
“What we’re hoping comes out of this is simply some serious effort on the part of everyone to move the legislation forward and stop the, ‘this is what this is gonna do’ scare tactics, because people are already uncertain enough, we have had enough stress these last two years, and I think this signals to our markets and outside markets that we’re serious about this — you can count on us, you can have some confidence in us and we’re gonna make it,” said T.A. Taylor-Hunt, director of Coloradans for Financial Reform.
HEALTH POLICY
Grand Junction Sentinel editorial: Cut from the middle on health insurance
If you own a business and want to save money on health insurance by cutting out the middle man and working directly with insurance companies — good luck. Call most of the major insurance companies and they will politely take your company information, then hand you over to one of their “preferred” agents, who will add a commission of 4 percent to 5 percent to your annual premium. Rocky Mountain Health Plans, headquartered in Grand Junction, is one of the few insurance providers that will deal directly with businesses, without an agent or broker.
FISCAL POLICY
Denver Post editorial: A bad gamble for higher ed
Rather than expand gambling, state lawmakers should seek more direct funding for Colorado's universities and colleges.
Also: Pueblo Chieftain editorial: Keen on keno?
Denver Post commentary: Rosen column on taxes is misleading
Rosen says that a family of four making $52,000 in 2009 pays zero taxes. I tried to work up the taxes using the federal guidelines and discovered that he really took a lot of assumptions to get to zero. I came up with about $4,000 in taxes. Of course, if the family owns a home, that will drop the tax burden, as will other taxable deductions.
Boulder Daily Camera: CU-Boulder: Cuts will affect education quality
The University of Colorado at Boulder's financial chief told the regents Thursday that the quality of education will "absolutely" be affected by multimillion-dollar budget cuts.
Fort Collins Coloradoan: Loveland teachers could carry brunt of budget cuts
In trying to balance a budget for the 2010-11 school year that featured at least a $5.9 million deficit, officials with the Thompson School District made keeping the district intact one of their top priorities, meaning many teachers and staff wouldn't lose their jobs in the budget crunch. Administrators also focused on keeping class sizes from increasing.
ECONOMIC SELF SUFFICIENCY
Denver Post commentary: Colorado's payday lending debate
Economists agree: Eliminating payday loans as an option for consumers has disastrous consequences for those who utilize them. We've already seen what happens when other states outlaw these short-term infusions of cash. It remains to be seen whether Colorado will fall into the same trap.
Also: Aurora Sentinel: Aurora legislators hopeful for payday reform plan’s passage
CONSUMER PROTECTION
Denver Daily News: Financial reform gaining speed
“What we’re hoping comes out of this is simply some serious effort on the part of everyone to move the legislation forward and stop the, ‘this is what this is gonna do’ scare tactics, because people are already uncertain enough, we have had enough stress these last two years, and I think this signals to our markets and outside markets that we’re serious about this — you can count on us, you can have some confidence in us and we’re gonna make it,” said T.A. Taylor-Hunt, director of Coloradans for Financial Reform.
HEALTH POLICY
Grand Junction Sentinel editorial: Cut from the middle on health insurance
If you own a business and want to save money on health insurance by cutting out the middle man and working directly with insurance companies — good luck. Call most of the major insurance companies and they will politely take your company information, then hand you over to one of their “preferred” agents, who will add a commission of 4 percent to 5 percent to your annual premium. Rocky Mountain Health Plans, headquartered in Grand Junction, is one of the few insurance providers that will deal directly with businesses, without an agent or broker.
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Japan's poverty problem sounds like U.S.
A great story in The New York Times today examines a growing realization in Japan that the country is not immune to the challenges of poverty. The perspectives are a lot like what we hear in this country from the government, nonprofits and people with low incomes.
New study recommends extending improvements to the Child Tax Credit, Earned Income Tax Credit
Policies adopted during the Obama administration have significantly lowered tax liabilities for lower-income Americans. A Washington-based advocacy group today issued a study arguing for the Obama policies to be extended while allowing Bush administration-era tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans to expire.
Of particular interest to the Colorado Fiscal Policy Institute is a possible extension of improvements to the federal Child Tax Credit (CTC) and the federal Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). The advocacy group, Citizens for Tax Justice, calculates "if the improvements in the CTC and EITC are not made permanent, the poorest three fifths of taxpayers would lose $124 of tax cuts on average."
Improvements to those tax credits were part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, commonly called the Recovery Act. The Fiscal Policy Institute last week issues papers analyzing the economic effects in Colorado of the CTC, the EITC and the Recovery Act's broader tax provisions.
These tax credits are particularly valuable to low-income families because they are refundable. That means working families benefit from the credits even if they have no tax liability.
Colorado, by the way, has a state-level Earned Income Tax Credit that's based on the federal credit. The state credit has been dormant for years, though, because lawmakers have declined to fund it. Colorado lawmakers this year passed a measure setting the EITC has the first refund mechanism when the state is required to give money back to taxpayers because of a surplus. Numerous studies have found the Earned Income Tax Credit is one of the most effective anti-poverty policies around.
The bulk of the Citizens for Tax Justice report is focused on a comparison of new tax proposals by the Obama administration and Republicans. It finds in Colorado the bottom 60 percent of taxpayers would pay $89 more in 2011 under the Republican approach than they would under Obama's proposal. The top 1 percent of Colorado taxpayers, meanwhile, would pay $53,723 less in 2011 under the Republican approach than they would under Obama's proposal.
Rolling back the tax cuts for the top 2 percent of taxpayers while maintaining the cuts for lower-income taxpayers, as the Obama administration has proposed, is a reasonable way of funding other priorities and setting our country on a path to a more secure future.
Of particular interest to the Colorado Fiscal Policy Institute is a possible extension of improvements to the federal Child Tax Credit (CTC) and the federal Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). The advocacy group, Citizens for Tax Justice, calculates "if the improvements in the CTC and EITC are not made permanent, the poorest three fifths of taxpayers would lose $124 of tax cuts on average."
Improvements to those tax credits were part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, commonly called the Recovery Act. The Fiscal Policy Institute last week issues papers analyzing the economic effects in Colorado of the CTC, the EITC and the Recovery Act's broader tax provisions.
These tax credits are particularly valuable to low-income families because they are refundable. That means working families benefit from the credits even if they have no tax liability.
Colorado, by the way, has a state-level Earned Income Tax Credit that's based on the federal credit. The state credit has been dormant for years, though, because lawmakers have declined to fund it. Colorado lawmakers this year passed a measure setting the EITC has the first refund mechanism when the state is required to give money back to taxpayers because of a surplus. Numerous studies have found the Earned Income Tax Credit is one of the most effective anti-poverty policies around.
The bulk of the Citizens for Tax Justice report is focused on a comparison of new tax proposals by the Obama administration and Republicans. It finds in Colorado the bottom 60 percent of taxpayers would pay $89 more in 2011 under the Republican approach than they would under Obama's proposal. The top 1 percent of Colorado taxpayers, meanwhile, would pay $53,723 less in 2011 under the Republican approach than they would under Obama's proposal.
Rolling back the tax cuts for the top 2 percent of taxpayers while maintaining the cuts for lower-income taxpayers, as the Obama administration has proposed, is a reasonable way of funding other priorities and setting our country on a path to a more secure future.
Expanded gambling proposed as funding source for universities
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 Thursday, April 22, 2010.
FISCAL POLICY
The Denver Post: Voters may be asked to expand gambling to aid universities
Out of places to turn for revenue and facing $300 million in cuts to colleges starting July 1, 2011, lawmakers pushing both proposals predict drastic changes to the face of Colorado higher education as a result of the state's multiyear budget crisis.
Durango Herald: Schools hit by budget crunch
Senate leaders opened the door Wednesday to steep tuition increases to protect against a looming financial disaster for Colorado colleges.
The Denver Post: Three counties get federal funds for retrofitting
The White House on Wednesday granted Boulder, Denver and Garfield counties $25 million in federal Recovery Act funds for helping residents save energy.
Denver Business Journal: Eco-devo crackdown bill is stripped of key provisions
A bill that would have allowed Colorado to take back public economic-development dollars if the recipient companies did not prove that they were creating jobs with the money passed out of its first committee Wednesday, but only after its main provisions were stripped from it.
Fort Collins Coloradoan: CSU makes changes to stay competitive
Northern Colorado's largest employer faces a future with fewer employees, more customers and uncertain finances. With about 6,100 employees, CSU is a massive regional economic engine, and its engineers hope they've kept Colorado State University on track to weather the worst of the economic troubles and come out the other side even better than before.
Associated Press via Vail Daily: Colorado providing funds for business loans
Gov. Bill Ritter and Treasurer Cary Kennedy say $40 million is being made available for loans for Colorado small businesses, manufacturers and agriculture.
CONSUMER PROTECTION
The Denver Post: Dems use recession stats to get moving on financial bill, stat
Democrats racing to enact bold financial regulatory reforms are pointing to stark statistics from the recent recession in making the case for the legislation. "There was nothing natural about how we ended up in the crisis," Sen. Michael Bennet, D-Colo., said at a news conference Wednesday. "It was a bunch of reckless practices at some of the country's largest financial institutions."
GENERAL
Denver Post commentary: The methods of Tea Party-crashers
The left's latest venture in subverting dissent they disagree with can be found at www.crashtheteaparty.org, described on its website as "A nationwide network of Democrats, Republicans, and Independents who are all sick and tired of that loose affiliation of racists, homophobes, and morons; who constitute the fake grass-roots movement which calls itself 'The Tea Party.' "
FISCAL POLICY
The Denver Post: Voters may be asked to expand gambling to aid universities
Out of places to turn for revenue and facing $300 million in cuts to colleges starting July 1, 2011, lawmakers pushing both proposals predict drastic changes to the face of Colorado higher education as a result of the state's multiyear budget crisis.
Durango Herald: Schools hit by budget crunch
Senate leaders opened the door Wednesday to steep tuition increases to protect against a looming financial disaster for Colorado colleges.
The Denver Post: Three counties get federal funds for retrofitting
The White House on Wednesday granted Boulder, Denver and Garfield counties $25 million in federal Recovery Act funds for helping residents save energy.
Denver Business Journal: Eco-devo crackdown bill is stripped of key provisions
A bill that would have allowed Colorado to take back public economic-development dollars if the recipient companies did not prove that they were creating jobs with the money passed out of its first committee Wednesday, but only after its main provisions were stripped from it.
Fort Collins Coloradoan: CSU makes changes to stay competitive
Northern Colorado's largest employer faces a future with fewer employees, more customers and uncertain finances. With about 6,100 employees, CSU is a massive regional economic engine, and its engineers hope they've kept Colorado State University on track to weather the worst of the economic troubles and come out the other side even better than before.
Associated Press via Vail Daily: Colorado providing funds for business loans
Gov. Bill Ritter and Treasurer Cary Kennedy say $40 million is being made available for loans for Colorado small businesses, manufacturers and agriculture.
CONSUMER PROTECTION
The Denver Post: Dems use recession stats to get moving on financial bill, stat
Democrats racing to enact bold financial regulatory reforms are pointing to stark statistics from the recent recession in making the case for the legislation. "There was nothing natural about how we ended up in the crisis," Sen. Michael Bennet, D-Colo., said at a news conference Wednesday. "It was a bunch of reckless practices at some of the country's largest financial institutions."
GENERAL
Denver Post commentary: The methods of Tea Party-crashers
The left's latest venture in subverting dissent they disagree with can be found at www.crashtheteaparty.org, described on its website as "A nationwide network of Democrats, Republicans, and Independents who are all sick and tired of that loose affiliation of racists, homophobes, and morons; who constitute the fake grass-roots movement which calls itself 'The Tea Party.' "
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Chieftain editorial blasts estate tax, and a few signs of economic strength emerge
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, April 21, 2010.
HEALTH POLICY
Denver Daily News: Implementing health reform
Ritter signs executive order to begin implementation, but GOP objects to approach.
Also: Pueblo Chieftain: Council seated to cope with health reform
Also: Associated Press via Huffington Post Denver: Bill Ritter Signs Legislation To Help Implement Health Care Reform In Colorado
Also: Denver Business Journal: Ritter creates board to oversee health-reform law in Colorado
Associated Press via the Greeley Tribune: Romanoff talking health care
A Democrat seeking a spot in the U.S. Senate says his work in the state Legislature is related to a national overhaul of health care.
FISCAL POLICY
Pueblo Chieftain editorial: Taxing death
The death tax expired for one year starting this Jan 1. But like the villain in a horror movie, it will rise from the dead with its full power intact on Jan. 1, 2011.
Colorado Pols: Jane Norton Should Love This
One of the stickier points of disagreement between various Republican candidates for office this year is the effect of the Taxpayer's Bill of Rights (TABOR) on the economy and public sector of Colorado. Of course, the biggest reason there is disagreement, as opposed to the wall of dogmatic support for TABOR casual observers would expect, is the need for Senate candidate Jane Norton to defend her support for 2005's Referendum C.
Glenwood Springs Post Independent: Garfield County assessor says state senior tax exemption threatened again
Garfield County officials are continuing to wrestle with the legalities of offering a “senior citizen benefit” to replace the state's Homestead Property Tax Exemption for senior citizens.
CONSUMER PROTECTION
Colorado Independent: Norton trots out false talking point: Financial reform equals taxpayer bailouts
ABC News Top Line interviewed Colorado Republican U.S. Senate candidate Jane Norton on the coming push to pass stricter regulations designed to prevent the kinds of Wall Street abuses that led to the financial global crisis and recession.
ECONOMY
Fort Collins Coloradoan: March tax revenue up 11 percent
Consumer confidence appeared to be inching back in February as Fort Collins residents started spending on clothes, cars and furniture.
Steamboat Today editorial: Down payment program merits praise
The Yampa Valley Housing Authority’s down payment assistance program has started distributing loans, and that’s excellent news.
Vail Daily: Vail construction activity shows signs of growth
Building activity is occurring mostly in Vail's residential neighborhoods.
HEALTH POLICY
Denver Daily News: Implementing health reform
Ritter signs executive order to begin implementation, but GOP objects to approach.
Also: Pueblo Chieftain: Council seated to cope with health reform
Also: Associated Press via Huffington Post Denver: Bill Ritter Signs Legislation To Help Implement Health Care Reform In Colorado
Also: Denver Business Journal: Ritter creates board to oversee health-reform law in Colorado
Associated Press via the Greeley Tribune: Romanoff talking health care
A Democrat seeking a spot in the U.S. Senate says his work in the state Legislature is related to a national overhaul of health care.
FISCAL POLICY
Pueblo Chieftain editorial: Taxing death
The death tax expired for one year starting this Jan 1. But like the villain in a horror movie, it will rise from the dead with its full power intact on Jan. 1, 2011.
Colorado Pols: Jane Norton Should Love This
One of the stickier points of disagreement between various Republican candidates for office this year is the effect of the Taxpayer's Bill of Rights (TABOR) on the economy and public sector of Colorado. Of course, the biggest reason there is disagreement, as opposed to the wall of dogmatic support for TABOR casual observers would expect, is the need for Senate candidate Jane Norton to defend her support for 2005's Referendum C.
Glenwood Springs Post Independent: Garfield County assessor says state senior tax exemption threatened again
Garfield County officials are continuing to wrestle with the legalities of offering a “senior citizen benefit” to replace the state's Homestead Property Tax Exemption for senior citizens.
CONSUMER PROTECTION
Colorado Independent: Norton trots out false talking point: Financial reform equals taxpayer bailouts
ABC News Top Line interviewed Colorado Republican U.S. Senate candidate Jane Norton on the coming push to pass stricter regulations designed to prevent the kinds of Wall Street abuses that led to the financial global crisis and recession.
ECONOMY
Fort Collins Coloradoan: March tax revenue up 11 percent
Consumer confidence appeared to be inching back in February as Fort Collins residents started spending on clothes, cars and furniture.
Steamboat Today editorial: Down payment program merits praise
The Yampa Valley Housing Authority’s down payment assistance program has started distributing loans, and that’s excellent news.
Vail Daily: Vail construction activity shows signs of growth
Building activity is occurring mostly in Vail's residential neighborhoods.
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
House committee approves measure to loosen restriction on school funding
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 Tuesday, April 20, 2010.
HEALTH POLICY
The Denver Post: Colo. bill allows insurance discounts for health improvement
A proposed state law that allows health insurance discounts for improvements such as losing weight or cutting cholesterol could lead to a system where co-workers with the same coverage pay different premiums based on their health.
The Denver Post: Ritter's executive order, bill signings will anchor health reform
Gov. Bill Ritter will sign an executive order today that health care advocates say is key to turning the federal government's vague framework for reform into reality in Colorado.
FISCAL POLICY
The Denver Post: House committee passes resolution in support of higher taxes for education
Supporters called it a way to help spare public schools and colleges from deeper cuts, but opponents said it was an open attack on the Taxpayer's Bill of Rights.
Also: Colorado News Agency: Voters could have choice to amend TABOR
Also: Durango Herald: TABOR rollback passes education panel
Also: Grand Junction Sentinel: House panel OKs school funding measure
Denver Business Journal: CACI the latest to join the kill-bills parade
Three influential Colorado business groups started the trend. Then construction associations got in on it, too. And now the Colorado Association of Commerce and Industry has become the latest organization to write to legislative leaders asking them to kill a handful of bills for the economy's sake.
SELF SUFFICIENCY
The Denver Post: Revised payday-loan bill narrowly passes in Colorado House
After remaining in limbo for weeks while supporters tried to round up votes, a bill slashing interest rates on payday loans narrowly passed the House on Monday.
Also: Colorado Independent: Ferrandino's payday loan bill narrowly passes in the House
Also: Denver Business Journal: Payday lending bill advances to Senate
Also: Grand Junction Sentinel: Colorado House narrowly passes payday loan bill
GENERAL
Pueblo Chieftain editorial: Distrust
Hi I'm from the government and I'm here to help you. Few Americans believe that today.
Also: Colorado Pols: Pew Study a Wake up Call to Democrats--But is Anybody Listening?
Also: Grand Junction Sentinel editorial: Trust of the governed?
HEALTH POLICY
The Denver Post: Colo. bill allows insurance discounts for health improvement
A proposed state law that allows health insurance discounts for improvements such as losing weight or cutting cholesterol could lead to a system where co-workers with the same coverage pay different premiums based on their health.
The Denver Post: Ritter's executive order, bill signings will anchor health reform
Gov. Bill Ritter will sign an executive order today that health care advocates say is key to turning the federal government's vague framework for reform into reality in Colorado.
FISCAL POLICY
The Denver Post: House committee passes resolution in support of higher taxes for education
Supporters called it a way to help spare public schools and colleges from deeper cuts, but opponents said it was an open attack on the Taxpayer's Bill of Rights.
Also: Colorado News Agency: Voters could have choice to amend TABOR
Also: Durango Herald: TABOR rollback passes education panel
Also: Grand Junction Sentinel: House panel OKs school funding measure
Denver Business Journal: CACI the latest to join the kill-bills parade
Three influential Colorado business groups started the trend. Then construction associations got in on it, too. And now the Colorado Association of Commerce and Industry has become the latest organization to write to legislative leaders asking them to kill a handful of bills for the economy's sake.
SELF SUFFICIENCY
The Denver Post: Revised payday-loan bill narrowly passes in Colorado House
After remaining in limbo for weeks while supporters tried to round up votes, a bill slashing interest rates on payday loans narrowly passed the House on Monday.
Also: Colorado Independent: Ferrandino's payday loan bill narrowly passes in the House
Also: Denver Business Journal: Payday lending bill advances to Senate
Also: Grand Junction Sentinel: Colorado House narrowly passes payday loan bill
GENERAL
Pueblo Chieftain editorial: Distrust
Hi I'm from the government and I'm here to help you. Few Americans believe that today.
Also: Colorado Pols: Pew Study a Wake up Call to Democrats--But is Anybody Listening?
Also: Grand Junction Sentinel editorial: Trust of the governed?
Monday, April 19, 2010
Unemployment insurance rates set to rise
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 Monday, April 19, 2010.
FISCAL POLICY
Denver Post commentary: State energy program based on flawed subsidies
The New Energy Economic Development grant program at the Governor's Energy Office is touted as an unqualified success. Of course, if giving other people's money away is your objective, it's exceedingly hard to fail.
The Denver Post: Colorado to offer energy rebates starting today
Starting today, Colorado consumers can apply for rebates on energy-efficient appliances and home energy upgrades from an $18 million economic stimulus program.
Also: Colorado Springs Gazette: Colorado will help cut costs of new appliances
KMGH-TV: Unemployment Insurance Tax Rate Hikes Ahead
Colorado employers that laid off workers during the recession face hikes in their first-quarter unemployment-insurance taxes, but the half that didn't cut workers are seeing rates stay flat or decline, the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment said.
Fort Collins Coloradoan: Taxing services could be part of solution
Some in the city would suggest that more taxes are not the answer. This faction suggests that more efficiencies and cutting waste is the true answer to meeting the budget crisis. Having been part of the budget process for almost 30 years and watching the expenditure cuts during the past five years, I can attest that this approach lacks real merit.
SELF SUFFICIENCY
Denver Post commentary: Suddenly homeless
It was the perfect storm of financial devastation. Divorce, the world economic meltdown and a depressed housing market. I lost my home, my business and found myself homeless.
Aurora Sentinel editorial: It's time to rein in debilitating payday loan practices
Bad news for authorized Colorado loan sharks: state lawmakers have stood their ground — so far.
Also: Grand Junction Sentinel editorial: Payday usury
GENERAL
Greeley Tribune: Independence Institute president says GOP must live up to its promises
Caldara told the crowd that success in November is likely, but winning at the polls is only the first step. He drew a comparison to Republican success at the polls when George W. Bush was president. “For the first time in nearly 50 years we had a House, a Senate and a president that were Republicans. How long did we dream of this moment?” he asked the crowd. “Government grew at a faster rate under George W. Bush than it did under Lyndon Baines Johnson.”
Pueblo Chieftain editorial: A real fix
Pueblo Sen. Abel Tapia wants Colorado voters to raise the bar for passing amendments to the State Constitution. As it is now, it’s as easy to amend the state charter as it is for citizens to pass a statute.
ECONOMY
Denver Business Journal: RealtyTrac: Colorado foreclosure filings up 9% in Q1
Colorado saw 16,023 foreclosure filings in the first quarter of the year, an increase of 8.99 percent from the previous quarter and up 27.12 percent from the first quarter of 2009, according to a report from RealtyTrac Inc.
HEALTH POLICY
Craig Daily Press: The Memorial Hospital seeks new management options
Hospital contract with Quorum Health Resources expires June 30.
FISCAL POLICY
Denver Post commentary: State energy program based on flawed subsidies
The New Energy Economic Development grant program at the Governor's Energy Office is touted as an unqualified success. Of course, if giving other people's money away is your objective, it's exceedingly hard to fail.
The Denver Post: Colorado to offer energy rebates starting today
Starting today, Colorado consumers can apply for rebates on energy-efficient appliances and home energy upgrades from an $18 million economic stimulus program.
Also: Colorado Springs Gazette: Colorado will help cut costs of new appliances
KMGH-TV: Unemployment Insurance Tax Rate Hikes Ahead
Colorado employers that laid off workers during the recession face hikes in their first-quarter unemployment-insurance taxes, but the half that didn't cut workers are seeing rates stay flat or decline, the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment said.
Fort Collins Coloradoan: Taxing services could be part of solution
Some in the city would suggest that more taxes are not the answer. This faction suggests that more efficiencies and cutting waste is the true answer to meeting the budget crisis. Having been part of the budget process for almost 30 years and watching the expenditure cuts during the past five years, I can attest that this approach lacks real merit.
SELF SUFFICIENCY
Denver Post commentary: Suddenly homeless
It was the perfect storm of financial devastation. Divorce, the world economic meltdown and a depressed housing market. I lost my home, my business and found myself homeless.
Aurora Sentinel editorial: It's time to rein in debilitating payday loan practices
Bad news for authorized Colorado loan sharks: state lawmakers have stood their ground — so far.
Also: Grand Junction Sentinel editorial: Payday usury
GENERAL
Greeley Tribune: Independence Institute president says GOP must live up to its promises
Caldara told the crowd that success in November is likely, but winning at the polls is only the first step. He drew a comparison to Republican success at the polls when George W. Bush was president. “For the first time in nearly 50 years we had a House, a Senate and a president that were Republicans. How long did we dream of this moment?” he asked the crowd. “Government grew at a faster rate under George W. Bush than it did under Lyndon Baines Johnson.”
Pueblo Chieftain editorial: A real fix
Pueblo Sen. Abel Tapia wants Colorado voters to raise the bar for passing amendments to the State Constitution. As it is now, it’s as easy to amend the state charter as it is for citizens to pass a statute.
ECONOMY
Denver Business Journal: RealtyTrac: Colorado foreclosure filings up 9% in Q1
Colorado saw 16,023 foreclosure filings in the first quarter of the year, an increase of 8.99 percent from the previous quarter and up 27.12 percent from the first quarter of 2009, according to a report from RealtyTrac Inc.
HEALTH POLICY
Craig Daily Press: The Memorial Hospital seeks new management options
Hospital contract with Quorum Health Resources expires June 30.
Friday, April 16, 2010
Tea partiers rally across the state
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 Friday, April 16, 2010.
SELF SUFFICIENCY
Denver Post commentary: Slow creep of poverty to the door
It is the number — 2,400 — that floors me, still. It is the number of schoolkids in Jefferson County who are homeless. It was in the paper the other day. You say that isn't a crime? It should be.
The Denver Post: Revamped payday loan bill narrowly survives vote on House floor
A reworked version of bill putting new limitations on payday lending narrowly won initial approval in the House today, only slipping by with the help of the legislature’s lone unaffiliated lawmaker, Rep. Kathleen Curry of Gunnison.
Also: Colorado Independent: Ferrandino wins key battle in payday loan war
Also: Grand Junction Sentinel: Limit on payday loans receives an initial OK
Also: Durango Herald: Loan bill clears House hurdle
Also: Denver Business Journal: Payday-lending limits narrowly survive
GENERAL
The Denver Post: Anti-tax rally suits crowds to a Tea
Hundreds of Tea Party activists rallied at the state Capitol on Thursday, some wearing tri-cornered hats and many waving freshly purchased, yellow "Don't Tread on Me" flags as speakers blasted Democrats, the president, taxes in particular and big government in general.
Also: Colorado News Agency via Denver Daily News: Nearly 2K turn out for Tax Day rally
Also: Denver Post commentary: 24-hour party people
Also: Colorado Springs Gazette: Tea Party rally draws 2,000
Also: Pueblo Chieftain: Tea Party hears from GOP contenders
Also: KCNC-TV: Tea Party Members Rally Along The Front Range
Also: Steamboat Today: Taking America back
Also: Grand Junction Sentinel: Tea partiers rally on tax day
Also: Fort Collins Coloradoan: Tea Party marks Tax Day with downtown rally
FISCAL POLICY
Denver Post commentary: A tax for suburban recreation
People living within the boundaries of the South Suburban Parks and Recreation District are facing a controversial election next month. At issue is whether voters will approve the extension of a 1 mill property tax levy that has been in place for 10 years. The levy will sunset if not re-authorized in the May 4 election.
Colorado Springs Gazette editorial: Wall Street Journal does the Springs
Finally, a fair story about our city.
Colorado News Agency: If a rainy day fund is created, will future lawmakers use restraint?
A panel of lawmakers today approved saving for a rainy day by setting aside $25 million annually from a tax that has fared well over the years. If the measure is ultimately approved by a super-majority of the full legislature, it will go to a vote of the people for final approval.
Longmont Times-Call: Tax credit leaves some families owing more
Thursday closed out a tax season of home breaks, car breaks, energy breaks ... and a few breaks that left some taxpayers a little broken.
Grand Junction Sentinel editorial: Taxing thoughts
Taxes are too high. We all know that. Or maybe we don’t. But a good many of us believe they are too high for us. And taxes for those other folks are clearly too low.
CONSUMER PROTECTION
Denver Business Journal: Perlmutter joins effort to boost protection for Ponzi-scheme victims
Six members of Congress — including U.S. Rep. Ed Perlmutter of Colorado — have introduced a bill that they say will enhance protections and public-insurance coverage for victims of Ponzi schemes.
SELF SUFFICIENCY
Denver Post commentary: Slow creep of poverty to the door
It is the number — 2,400 — that floors me, still. It is the number of schoolkids in Jefferson County who are homeless. It was in the paper the other day. You say that isn't a crime? It should be.
The Denver Post: Revamped payday loan bill narrowly survives vote on House floor
A reworked version of bill putting new limitations on payday lending narrowly won initial approval in the House today, only slipping by with the help of the legislature’s lone unaffiliated lawmaker, Rep. Kathleen Curry of Gunnison.
Also: Colorado Independent: Ferrandino wins key battle in payday loan war
Also: Grand Junction Sentinel: Limit on payday loans receives an initial OK
Also: Durango Herald: Loan bill clears House hurdle
Also: Denver Business Journal: Payday-lending limits narrowly survive
GENERAL
The Denver Post: Anti-tax rally suits crowds to a Tea
Hundreds of Tea Party activists rallied at the state Capitol on Thursday, some wearing tri-cornered hats and many waving freshly purchased, yellow "Don't Tread on Me" flags as speakers blasted Democrats, the president, taxes in particular and big government in general.
Also: Colorado News Agency via Denver Daily News: Nearly 2K turn out for Tax Day rally
Also: Denver Post commentary: 24-hour party people
Also: Colorado Springs Gazette: Tea Party rally draws 2,000
Also: Pueblo Chieftain: Tea Party hears from GOP contenders
Also: KCNC-TV: Tea Party Members Rally Along The Front Range
Also: Steamboat Today: Taking America back
Also: Grand Junction Sentinel: Tea partiers rally on tax day
Also: Fort Collins Coloradoan: Tea Party marks Tax Day with downtown rally
FISCAL POLICY
Denver Post commentary: A tax for suburban recreation
People living within the boundaries of the South Suburban Parks and Recreation District are facing a controversial election next month. At issue is whether voters will approve the extension of a 1 mill property tax levy that has been in place for 10 years. The levy will sunset if not re-authorized in the May 4 election.
Colorado Springs Gazette editorial: Wall Street Journal does the Springs
Finally, a fair story about our city.
Colorado News Agency: If a rainy day fund is created, will future lawmakers use restraint?
A panel of lawmakers today approved saving for a rainy day by setting aside $25 million annually from a tax that has fared well over the years. If the measure is ultimately approved by a super-majority of the full legislature, it will go to a vote of the people for final approval.
Longmont Times-Call: Tax credit leaves some families owing more
Thursday closed out a tax season of home breaks, car breaks, energy breaks ... and a few breaks that left some taxpayers a little broken.
Grand Junction Sentinel editorial: Taxing thoughts
Taxes are too high. We all know that. Or maybe we don’t. But a good many of us believe they are too high for us. And taxes for those other folks are clearly too low.
CONSUMER PROTECTION
Denver Business Journal: Perlmutter joins effort to boost protection for Ponzi-scheme victims
Six members of Congress — including U.S. Rep. Ed Perlmutter of Colorado — have introduced a bill that they say will enhance protections and public-insurance coverage for victims of Ponzi schemes.
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Tea party, 912 groups riled up in Loveland, Grand Junction, Craig
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, April 14, 2010.
SELF SUFFICIENCY
Greeley Tribune: Report: Children in poverty increased 31 percent in Weld
The number of children living in poverty in Weld County increased 31 percent between 2000 and 2008, according to the annual Kids Count report released Tuesday.
Also: Pueblo Chieftain: Childhood poverty increases in state
Also: Colorado Springs Gazette: Report: Colorado has fastest-growing child poverty rate in U.S.
GENERAL
Loveland Reporter-Herald: Tancredo galvanizes local 912 group
As Tom Tancredo looked out to about 450 attendees of the Loveland 912 Project meeting Tuesday in Loveland, he thanked one man: John McCain.
Also: Grand Junction Sentinel: Tea partiers take stock of impact
Also: Craig Daily Press: County tea party plans protest
Denver Post editorial: Raising the bar on amending Colorado's constitution
Though details are still being worked out, we support making it harder to amend Colorado's constitution by initiative.
FISCAL POLICY
Fort Collins Coloradoan: Council cool to advertising at recreation facilities
The Fort Collins Senior Center is not likely to become the Budweiser Senior Center anytime soon.
Fort Collins Coloradoan commentary: Innovation opens door to tax increase
With the groundbreaking for the new Rocky Mountain Innovation Initiative building on East Vine Drive, Fort Collins residents can now watch as $5.3 million from our general fund reserves takes a 20-year pleasure cruise around the world.
Colorado News Agency: How to provide transparency — with 80’s-era software
GOP lawmaker B.J. Nikkel of Berthoud sought to implement additional clarity today for Colorado’s financial transparency laws by creating an avenue to obtain public information that is currently withheld due to privacy concerns.
Denver Daily News: RTD nixes vote on sales tax increase, for now
The Regional Transportation District (RTD) Board of Directors decided at a special board meeting last night not to pursue a 2010 sales tax election for the FasTracks transit expansion program.
Boulder Daily Camera: Boulder council moves forward on lodging tax, cool on sales-tax extension
A proposal to increase Boulder's lodging tax gained steam Tuesday night, as the City Council indicated broad support for putting such a measure on the November ballot.
HEALTH POLICY
Colorado Springs Independent: Do no harm, former mayor says
Former Mayor Mary Lou Makepeace doesn't like the idea of selling city-owned Memorial Health System, and warned a panel studying the issue to proceed with caution.
Huffington Post Denver: Health Care Lawsuit: What Will it Cost Colorado?
Of primary concern to Colorado Ethics Watch is that Suthers entered the litigation on behalf of the state with little planning about how much it would cost or how to pay for it, leaving us to wonder what this effort will cost Colorado when all is said and done.
SELF SUFFICIENCY
Greeley Tribune: Report: Children in poverty increased 31 percent in Weld
The number of children living in poverty in Weld County increased 31 percent between 2000 and 2008, according to the annual Kids Count report released Tuesday.
Also: Pueblo Chieftain: Childhood poverty increases in state
Also: Colorado Springs Gazette: Report: Colorado has fastest-growing child poverty rate in U.S.
GENERAL
Loveland Reporter-Herald: Tancredo galvanizes local 912 group
As Tom Tancredo looked out to about 450 attendees of the Loveland 912 Project meeting Tuesday in Loveland, he thanked one man: John McCain.
Also: Grand Junction Sentinel: Tea partiers take stock of impact
Also: Craig Daily Press: County tea party plans protest
Denver Post editorial: Raising the bar on amending Colorado's constitution
Though details are still being worked out, we support making it harder to amend Colorado's constitution by initiative.
FISCAL POLICY
Fort Collins Coloradoan: Council cool to advertising at recreation facilities
The Fort Collins Senior Center is not likely to become the Budweiser Senior Center anytime soon.
Fort Collins Coloradoan commentary: Innovation opens door to tax increase
With the groundbreaking for the new Rocky Mountain Innovation Initiative building on East Vine Drive, Fort Collins residents can now watch as $5.3 million from our general fund reserves takes a 20-year pleasure cruise around the world.
Colorado News Agency: How to provide transparency — with 80’s-era software
GOP lawmaker B.J. Nikkel of Berthoud sought to implement additional clarity today for Colorado’s financial transparency laws by creating an avenue to obtain public information that is currently withheld due to privacy concerns.
Denver Daily News: RTD nixes vote on sales tax increase, for now
The Regional Transportation District (RTD) Board of Directors decided at a special board meeting last night not to pursue a 2010 sales tax election for the FasTracks transit expansion program.
Boulder Daily Camera: Boulder council moves forward on lodging tax, cool on sales-tax extension
A proposal to increase Boulder's lodging tax gained steam Tuesday night, as the City Council indicated broad support for putting such a measure on the November ballot.
HEALTH POLICY
Colorado Springs Independent: Do no harm, former mayor says
Former Mayor Mary Lou Makepeace doesn't like the idea of selling city-owned Memorial Health System, and warned a panel studying the issue to proceed with caution.
Huffington Post Denver: Health Care Lawsuit: What Will it Cost Colorado?
Of primary concern to Colorado Ethics Watch is that Suthers entered the litigation on behalf of the state with little planning about how much it would cost or how to pay for it, leaving us to wonder what this effort will cost Colorado when all is said and done.
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Colorado has the nation's fastest-growing rate of child poverty
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 Tuesday, April 13, 2010.
SELF SUFFICIENCY
The Denver Post: Child poverty skyrockets in Colorado
Colorado has the fastest-growing child-poverty rate in the nation — a distinction attributed to a burgeoning number of poor in Denver's suburbs and a widening gap between Latino and non-Latino income.
Colorado Independent: Payday lobby challenges lawmaker to try and pass regulation
Payday loan industry lobbyists taunted lawmakers looking to regulate them after a committee hearing on regulatory legislation held late last week.
Also: Colorado Independent: ‘Bank on Denver’ campaign seeks to wean resident from payday lenders
KUSA-TV: Study shows lack of affordable housing in Colorado
A new report from the Colorado Division of Housing says 80,000 households in Colorado have income of $10,000 or less. For those households, and thousands more, it is very difficult to find affordable housing.
HEALTH POLICY
Colorado Springs Gazette: Admissions down, profits up at Memorial
Admissions continued to be soft at Memorial Health System through the first two months of the year, but profits are up, Memorial chief financial officer Mike Scialdone told the Colorado Springs City Council on Monday.
FISCAL POLICY
Boulder Daily Camera: Boulder officials say state ballot questions could take $26M chunk of city's budget
Three statewide ballot initiatives have Boulder's finance officials on edge because they estimate the measures could affect the city's budget by up to $26.5 million.
Also: Boulder Daily Camera: Boulder begins ballot season with proposals for tax increases
Colorado Independent: Budget passes Colorado Senate; Republicans cry ‘socialism’
Republican lawmakers furious with the $18.2 billion budget presented Friday in the senate here said the proposal failed to limit government spending and that it amounted to another move toward socialism. Exasperated Democrats argued that the budget cut millions of dollars from programs, including vital education and medical programs in the state.
Craig Daily Press: No ‘final answer’ yet
After weeks of receiving feedback from parents, staff and community members, Moffat County School District officials presented an updated budget reduction template at a work session Monday night.
Associated Press via Steamboat Today: Colo. will get $40M for lowest achieving schools
Secretary of Education Arne Duncan made the announcement Monday. He said the money is part of $3.5 billion set aside for schools nationally in last year's budget and the federal stimulus package.
GENERAL
Canon City Daily Record: Tea partygoers express concern with direction of country
Veterans Park was filled Sunday with political activists who wanted to express their opinions on everything from health care to candidates for office.
SELF SUFFICIENCY
The Denver Post: Child poverty skyrockets in Colorado
Colorado has the fastest-growing child-poverty rate in the nation — a distinction attributed to a burgeoning number of poor in Denver's suburbs and a widening gap between Latino and non-Latino income.
Colorado Independent: Payday lobby challenges lawmaker to try and pass regulation
Payday loan industry lobbyists taunted lawmakers looking to regulate them after a committee hearing on regulatory legislation held late last week.
Also: Colorado Independent: ‘Bank on Denver’ campaign seeks to wean resident from payday lenders
KUSA-TV: Study shows lack of affordable housing in Colorado
A new report from the Colorado Division of Housing says 80,000 households in Colorado have income of $10,000 or less. For those households, and thousands more, it is very difficult to find affordable housing.
HEALTH POLICY
Colorado Springs Gazette: Admissions down, profits up at Memorial
Admissions continued to be soft at Memorial Health System through the first two months of the year, but profits are up, Memorial chief financial officer Mike Scialdone told the Colorado Springs City Council on Monday.
FISCAL POLICY
Boulder Daily Camera: Boulder officials say state ballot questions could take $26M chunk of city's budget
Three statewide ballot initiatives have Boulder's finance officials on edge because they estimate the measures could affect the city's budget by up to $26.5 million.
Also: Boulder Daily Camera: Boulder begins ballot season with proposals for tax increases
Colorado Independent: Budget passes Colorado Senate; Republicans cry ‘socialism’
Republican lawmakers furious with the $18.2 billion budget presented Friday in the senate here said the proposal failed to limit government spending and that it amounted to another move toward socialism. Exasperated Democrats argued that the budget cut millions of dollars from programs, including vital education and medical programs in the state.
Craig Daily Press: No ‘final answer’ yet
After weeks of receiving feedback from parents, staff and community members, Moffat County School District officials presented an updated budget reduction template at a work session Monday night.
Associated Press via Steamboat Today: Colo. will get $40M for lowest achieving schools
Secretary of Education Arne Duncan made the announcement Monday. He said the money is part of $3.5 billion set aside for schools nationally in last year's budget and the federal stimulus package.
GENERAL
Canon City Daily Record: Tea partygoers express concern with direction of country
Veterans Park was filled Sunday with political activists who wanted to express their opinions on everything from health care to candidates for office.
Monday, April 12, 2010
Denver Post again endorses limits on Old Age Pension, calls it "closing a bad loophole"
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 Monday, April 12, 2010.
FISCAL POLICY
The Denver Post: Legislation of cost-saving strategies likely to draw fire from Colorado lawmakers
A bipartisan pair of term-limited lawmakers are trying to leave behind a cost-saving strategy to spare future legislatures some of the budget pain they've experienced.
Denver Post editorial: Use license fees for DMV costs
A continued and vexing lack of money for Colorado's roads is driving a debate over the funding of some state offices that is as regrettable as it is understandable.
Also: Denver Daily News: Road funding detour?
Denver Post editorial: Closing a bad loophole
We're glad to see some bipartisan sanity injected into the budget process through a move that should start saving the state millions of taxpayer dollars beginning in July.
Denver Post commentary: A toast on Tax Day
Back in the day, some Boston patriots dumped tea into the harbor for a good reason: taxation without representation. Now we have representation without taxation.
Boulder Daily Camera: Boulder-area businesses weigh in on Colorado tax measures
State has already removed some exemptions; legislators and voters will decide on more.
Also: Colorado News Agency: Remaining tax exemptions and credits could get regular scrutiny
Grant Junction Sentinel editorial: More budget roulette at the state Capitol
Democrats in the Colorado Senate are playing the same game with the state budget as they did last year: Approving a spending plan for the state based on optimistic budget projections and potentially leaving it to Gov. Bill Ritter to clean up their mess if they economy doesn’t improve.
Grand Junction Sentinel letter: By Fiscal Policy Analyst Terry Scanlon
SELF SUFFICIENCY
Pueblo Chieftain commentary: Bill promotes nutrition plan for the needy
In a wealthy country like America, in a family-values states like Colorado, no mother should have to send her child to bed hungry or malnourished. But too many of our neighbors find themselves in that situation.
Colorado Pols: Payday Lending Reform Still Alive
Colorado is not the only state to be going after payday lenders.
Also: Colorado Springs Business Journal: Banks targeted for profiting from making ‘payday’ loans
FISCAL POLICY
The Denver Post: Legislation of cost-saving strategies likely to draw fire from Colorado lawmakers
A bipartisan pair of term-limited lawmakers are trying to leave behind a cost-saving strategy to spare future legislatures some of the budget pain they've experienced.
Denver Post editorial: Use license fees for DMV costs
A continued and vexing lack of money for Colorado's roads is driving a debate over the funding of some state offices that is as regrettable as it is understandable.
Also: Denver Daily News: Road funding detour?
Denver Post editorial: Closing a bad loophole
We're glad to see some bipartisan sanity injected into the budget process through a move that should start saving the state millions of taxpayer dollars beginning in July.
Denver Post commentary: A toast on Tax Day
Back in the day, some Boston patriots dumped tea into the harbor for a good reason: taxation without representation. Now we have representation without taxation.
Boulder Daily Camera: Boulder-area businesses weigh in on Colorado tax measures
State has already removed some exemptions; legislators and voters will decide on more.
Also: Colorado News Agency: Remaining tax exemptions and credits could get regular scrutiny
Grant Junction Sentinel editorial: More budget roulette at the state Capitol
Democrats in the Colorado Senate are playing the same game with the state budget as they did last year: Approving a spending plan for the state based on optimistic budget projections and potentially leaving it to Gov. Bill Ritter to clean up their mess if they economy doesn’t improve.
Grand Junction Sentinel letter: By Fiscal Policy Analyst Terry Scanlon
SELF SUFFICIENCY
Pueblo Chieftain commentary: Bill promotes nutrition plan for the needy
In a wealthy country like America, in a family-values states like Colorado, no mother should have to send her child to bed hungry or malnourished. But too many of our neighbors find themselves in that situation.
Colorado Pols: Payday Lending Reform Still Alive
Colorado is not the only state to be going after payday lenders.
Also: Colorado Springs Business Journal: Banks targeted for profiting from making ‘payday’ loans
Friday, April 9, 2010
Payday lender regulation bill is back, but weaker
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 Friday, April 9, 2010.
FISCAL POLICY
The Denver Post: Stimulus funds to boost DPS teacher residency program
Denver's teacher residency program is getting an $8.2 million boost from federal stimulus money aimed at raising student achievement by improving instruction in the nation's schools.
Denver Post commentary: Glory to the taxpayer
Yes, our tax system is fairly complex. And complexity is what makes it work. If Jane Taxpayer figures out she spends more than three months of her year working for Joe Biden, well, she might be annoyed.
Denver Post commentary: Tax relief petitions are good for Colorado
Dan Haley's column against tax relief shouted the epithet "extreme" four times, an extreme response to three short, simple, moderate tax reforms.
Colorado Springs Gazette editorial: It's so fun to soak the rich
Friday is Tax Freedom Day — the day when Americans have worked enough to pay their annual tax obligations.
Colorado Springs Gazette commentary: City and County of Colorado Springs? Doesn't make sense
Most people around here like the idea of smaller government and every so often someone fires off a missive about the benefits of a consolidation that would mirror the governments in Denver and Broomfield.
Pueblo Chieftain: Killing jobs
A very dangerous late bill has crept into the Legislature that would eliminate tax credits in Colorado’s enterprise zones, thus wiping out incentives for businesses to create jobs where they are desperately needed.
Huffington Post Denver: Cutting College Scholarships Should Be Colorado's Last Resort
We need to do more--not less--to get low-income students to complete college.
Durango Herald: Fort Lewis College supporters stand up to budget panel
DENVER - It may have been symbolic, but Fort Lewis College allies in the Legislature have won a small victory against the governor's office and an influential group of lawmakers.
Associated Press via KCNC-TV: Colo. Lawmakers Consider Abolishing All Tax Breaks
House Democratic Leader Paul Weissmann says lawmakers didn't go far enough when they voted this year to abolish nearly a dozen tax breaks on candy, soda, online sales and other items to balance the state budget.
Also: KOAA-TV: Budget would open new prison, end scholarships
KKTV-TV: City Turns off Lights to Save Money
While the city finishes turning off a third of the street lights indefinitely to save money, residents in one Colorado Springs neighborhood say their safety is at risk.
SELF SUFFICIENCY
The Denver Post: Weaker, rewritten version of payday loan bill clears committee
Supporters of legislation to put new limits on payday loans are hoping the second time is the charm.
Also: Denver Business Journal: Changes made to payday-lending legislation
CONSUMER PROTECTION
Longmont Times-Call: AG candidate says he’d make consumer protection a priority
He said that could include statewide programs to educate seniors, in particular, and Coloradans in general about ways to identify and protect themselves against fraud, abuse and such crimes as identity theft.
FISCAL POLICY
The Denver Post: Stimulus funds to boost DPS teacher residency program
Denver's teacher residency program is getting an $8.2 million boost from federal stimulus money aimed at raising student achievement by improving instruction in the nation's schools.
Denver Post commentary: Glory to the taxpayer
Yes, our tax system is fairly complex. And complexity is what makes it work. If Jane Taxpayer figures out she spends more than three months of her year working for Joe Biden, well, she might be annoyed.
Denver Post commentary: Tax relief petitions are good for Colorado
Dan Haley's column against tax relief shouted the epithet "extreme" four times, an extreme response to three short, simple, moderate tax reforms.
Colorado Springs Gazette editorial: It's so fun to soak the rich
Friday is Tax Freedom Day — the day when Americans have worked enough to pay their annual tax obligations.
Colorado Springs Gazette commentary: City and County of Colorado Springs? Doesn't make sense
Most people around here like the idea of smaller government and every so often someone fires off a missive about the benefits of a consolidation that would mirror the governments in Denver and Broomfield.
Pueblo Chieftain: Killing jobs
A very dangerous late bill has crept into the Legislature that would eliminate tax credits in Colorado’s enterprise zones, thus wiping out incentives for businesses to create jobs where they are desperately needed.
Huffington Post Denver: Cutting College Scholarships Should Be Colorado's Last Resort
We need to do more--not less--to get low-income students to complete college.
Durango Herald: Fort Lewis College supporters stand up to budget panel
DENVER - It may have been symbolic, but Fort Lewis College allies in the Legislature have won a small victory against the governor's office and an influential group of lawmakers.
Associated Press via KCNC-TV: Colo. Lawmakers Consider Abolishing All Tax Breaks
House Democratic Leader Paul Weissmann says lawmakers didn't go far enough when they voted this year to abolish nearly a dozen tax breaks on candy, soda, online sales and other items to balance the state budget.
Also: KOAA-TV: Budget would open new prison, end scholarships
KKTV-TV: City Turns off Lights to Save Money
While the city finishes turning off a third of the street lights indefinitely to save money, residents in one Colorado Springs neighborhood say their safety is at risk.
SELF SUFFICIENCY
The Denver Post: Weaker, rewritten version of payday loan bill clears committee
Supporters of legislation to put new limits on payday loans are hoping the second time is the charm.
Also: Denver Business Journal: Changes made to payday-lending legislation
CONSUMER PROTECTION
Longmont Times-Call: AG candidate says he’d make consumer protection a priority
He said that could include statewide programs to educate seniors, in particular, and Coloradans in general about ways to identify and protect themselves against fraud, abuse and such crimes as identity theft.
Thursday, April 8, 2010
News reports paint mixed picture of the economy
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 Thursday, April 8, 2010.
ECONOMY
The Denver Post: Mountain of foreclosures in Colorado resort communities
While foreclosure sales have been on the downturn along the Front Range, mountain communities are experiencing increases often of triple-digit percentages as homeowners from the wealthy on down lose their properties.
Colorado Springs Gazette: Rebound in housing market continues
The single-family home resale market had another solid performance last month in the Colorado Springs area.
Northern Colorado Business Report: NoCo economy hit bottom in November
November was the low point of the current recession in Northern Colorado. Monthly changes in the growth rate in Northern Colorado should be mostly positive in 2010. Thus, the Index of Economic Growth for Northern Colorado probably bottomed in November 2009 and will turn up in 2010.
FISCAL POLICY
The Denver Post: 139 jobs on line in CU
The University of Colorado on Wednesday announced millions in proposed cuts aimed at balancing a budget that is nearing a $50 million shortfall.
Also: Boulder Daily Camera: CU-Boulder to cut 60 more jobs, university system trying to address $22M shortfall
Denver Post commentary: The meaning of laissez faire
If two people were laid off and paid unemployment insurance, they'd have an incentive to quickly find new jobs and replace their full pay. Conversely, if rather than laying off two workers, 20 would have their hours reduced by 10 percent each, they'd likely stay at their jobs and collect the offsetting underemployment allowance. This would result in a greater total outlay of under-employment insurance payments from Colorado's already bankrupt trust fund.
Summit Daily News: Summit Schools budget cuts come into focus
The Summit School Board narrowed its list of proposed budget cuts Wednesday, steering clear of major staff reductions and big hits to athletics.
GENERAL
Colorado Springs Gazette editorial: They'll decide who eats and who begs
Now that city and county officials have made laws forbidding the homeless to camp, talk is underway to crack down on street begging and to control who gets to eat at soup kitchens. Though camping bans may have been needed, the zeal to control the homeless is getting carried away.
HEALTH POLICY
Colorado Springs Independent: Jumping the gun for Memorial
The nation's largest publicly traded general acute care hospital company, Community Health Systems based in Franklin, Tenn., has its eye on city-owned Memorial Health System.
Also: Colorado Springs Gazette: PR pro poised to help Memorial commission engage the public
Fort Collins Coloradoan: National Republicans start another small anti-Markey ad campaign
The National Republican Congressional Committee on Wednesday began a weeklong cable TV ad campaign criticizing Rep. Betsy Markey for "flip-flopping" on health care.
SELF SUFFICIENCY
Colorado News Agency: From the plow to the table: Bill would create food “advisory council”
Lawmakers today mulled over a measure that would create an advisory council within Colorado government to create a recipe for farm-to-table coordinated action, intended to promote healthy eating in Colorado while giving a boost to Colorado’s agricultural industries.
Colorado Springs Business Journal: Affordable housing scarce in Colorado
The Colorado Department of Local Affairs’ Division of Housing reported this week that there are twice as many low-income households as there are affordable rental units in Colorado. Housing units are deemed affordable if the household pays 30 percent or less of monthly income to rent.
ECONOMY
The Denver Post: Mountain of foreclosures in Colorado resort communities
While foreclosure sales have been on the downturn along the Front Range, mountain communities are experiencing increases often of triple-digit percentages as homeowners from the wealthy on down lose their properties.
Colorado Springs Gazette: Rebound in housing market continues
The single-family home resale market had another solid performance last month in the Colorado Springs area.
Northern Colorado Business Report: NoCo economy hit bottom in November
November was the low point of the current recession in Northern Colorado. Monthly changes in the growth rate in Northern Colorado should be mostly positive in 2010. Thus, the Index of Economic Growth for Northern Colorado probably bottomed in November 2009 and will turn up in 2010.
FISCAL POLICY
The Denver Post: 139 jobs on line in CU
The University of Colorado on Wednesday announced millions in proposed cuts aimed at balancing a budget that is nearing a $50 million shortfall.
Also: Boulder Daily Camera: CU-Boulder to cut 60 more jobs, university system trying to address $22M shortfall
Denver Post commentary: The meaning of laissez faire
If two people were laid off and paid unemployment insurance, they'd have an incentive to quickly find new jobs and replace their full pay. Conversely, if rather than laying off two workers, 20 would have their hours reduced by 10 percent each, they'd likely stay at their jobs and collect the offsetting underemployment allowance. This would result in a greater total outlay of under-employment insurance payments from Colorado's already bankrupt trust fund.
Summit Daily News: Summit Schools budget cuts come into focus
The Summit School Board narrowed its list of proposed budget cuts Wednesday, steering clear of major staff reductions and big hits to athletics.
GENERAL
Colorado Springs Gazette editorial: They'll decide who eats and who begs
Now that city and county officials have made laws forbidding the homeless to camp, talk is underway to crack down on street begging and to control who gets to eat at soup kitchens. Though camping bans may have been needed, the zeal to control the homeless is getting carried away.
HEALTH POLICY
Colorado Springs Independent: Jumping the gun for Memorial
The nation's largest publicly traded general acute care hospital company, Community Health Systems based in Franklin, Tenn., has its eye on city-owned Memorial Health System.
Also: Colorado Springs Gazette: PR pro poised to help Memorial commission engage the public
Fort Collins Coloradoan: National Republicans start another small anti-Markey ad campaign
The National Republican Congressional Committee on Wednesday began a weeklong cable TV ad campaign criticizing Rep. Betsy Markey for "flip-flopping" on health care.
SELF SUFFICIENCY
Colorado News Agency: From the plow to the table: Bill would create food “advisory council”
Lawmakers today mulled over a measure that would create an advisory council within Colorado government to create a recipe for farm-to-table coordinated action, intended to promote healthy eating in Colorado while giving a boost to Colorado’s agricultural industries.
Colorado Springs Business Journal: Affordable housing scarce in Colorado
The Colorado Department of Local Affairs’ Division of Housing reported this week that there are twice as many low-income households as there are affordable rental units in Colorado. Housing units are deemed affordable if the household pays 30 percent or less of monthly income to rent.
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Colorado takes another run in the "Race to the Top"
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, April 7, 2010.
FISCAL POLICY
The Denver Post: Colorado prepares new bid for Race to the Top education grant
The state will be seeking $175 million — $200 million less than in the first round — to implement reforms, including creating a statewide data system and developing a more robust evaluation system.
Also: Denver Post commentary: Colorado's Race to the Top quite an education
Also: Huffington Post Denver: After Trashing 'Race To The Top Judges,' Ritter Says Colorado Will Compete In Second Round
Also: Denver Business Journal: Colo. will try again on ‘Race to the Top'
Pueblo Chieftain: District 70 teachers offer cost-savings measures
Roxy Pignanelli, an officer with the Pueblo County Teachers Association, said the district should start out making sure that class sizes were limited to 25 and then allocate expenditures.
Associated Press via Colorado Springs Business Journal: Colo. budget adds $9.4M to open new prison unit
State senators are preparing to vote on some big spending cuts this week, including a $130 million reduction for public schools. But spending will still increase in some areas within the overall $18.2 billion budget.
Grand Junction Sentinel: Fruita OKs 5 percent tax on medical pot
Fruita voters on Tuesday approved a 5 percent sales tax on medical marijuana, making the city the first in Colorado to tax products sold by an industry that has boomed in the Grand Valley.
Also: KOAA-TV: Woodland Park voters turn down sales tax increase
KUSA-TV: Superintendent 'relieved' to cut only $10 million
"'Protect the classroom' was the most common theme," King said.
HEALTH POLICY
The Denver Post: Women with cancer can be denied Medicaid funding by going to wrong place
Women with breast or cervical cancer who qualify for a certain Medicaid program can sign up the day of their diagnosis for the federal insurance that pays for their treatment — but only if they go to the right clinic. If, by chance, they happen to get diagnosed at a site not designated for Women's Wellness Connection, they are not eligible. And they are blocked from ever enrolling during their cancer treatment.
The Denver Post: Obama administration taps San Luis Valley health-care provider
So much for the rumor that Democratic gubernatorial candidate John Hickenlooper might tap Marguerite Salazar as his running mate. Salazar today was appointed regional director for the U.S. Health and Human Services, which oversees a variety of programs, from Medicaid to Head Start.
Denver Daily News: Norton: Repeal health reform
U.S. Senate candidate Jane Norton yesterday said that lawmakers must repeal the health care reform bill President Barack Obama signed into law in order to jumpstart economic recovery.
Durango Herald: Couple sues to clarify tribal health plans
Case's outcome may help determine whether plans subject to federal law.
Greeley Tribune: Riesberg to host health care forum
State Rep. Jim Riesberg will focus his next Saturday town hall meeting on an overview of the National Health Care Reform Package.
SELF SUFFICIENCY
The Denver Post: Bennet says feds aware of state food stamp computer woes
U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet told Colorado school food experts that he’s making federal officials aware of computer glitches that have plagued the state’s food stamp applications.
FISCAL POLICY
The Denver Post: Colorado prepares new bid for Race to the Top education grant
The state will be seeking $175 million — $200 million less than in the first round — to implement reforms, including creating a statewide data system and developing a more robust evaluation system.
Also: Denver Post commentary: Colorado's Race to the Top quite an education
Also: Huffington Post Denver: After Trashing 'Race To The Top Judges,' Ritter Says Colorado Will Compete In Second Round
Also: Denver Business Journal: Colo. will try again on ‘Race to the Top'
Pueblo Chieftain: District 70 teachers offer cost-savings measures
Roxy Pignanelli, an officer with the Pueblo County Teachers Association, said the district should start out making sure that class sizes were limited to 25 and then allocate expenditures.
Associated Press via Colorado Springs Business Journal: Colo. budget adds $9.4M to open new prison unit
State senators are preparing to vote on some big spending cuts this week, including a $130 million reduction for public schools. But spending will still increase in some areas within the overall $18.2 billion budget.
Grand Junction Sentinel: Fruita OKs 5 percent tax on medical pot
Fruita voters on Tuesday approved a 5 percent sales tax on medical marijuana, making the city the first in Colorado to tax products sold by an industry that has boomed in the Grand Valley.
Also: KOAA-TV: Woodland Park voters turn down sales tax increase
KUSA-TV: Superintendent 'relieved' to cut only $10 million
"'Protect the classroom' was the most common theme," King said.
HEALTH POLICY
The Denver Post: Women with cancer can be denied Medicaid funding by going to wrong place
Women with breast or cervical cancer who qualify for a certain Medicaid program can sign up the day of their diagnosis for the federal insurance that pays for their treatment — but only if they go to the right clinic. If, by chance, they happen to get diagnosed at a site not designated for Women's Wellness Connection, they are not eligible. And they are blocked from ever enrolling during their cancer treatment.
The Denver Post: Obama administration taps San Luis Valley health-care provider
So much for the rumor that Democratic gubernatorial candidate John Hickenlooper might tap Marguerite Salazar as his running mate. Salazar today was appointed regional director for the U.S. Health and Human Services, which oversees a variety of programs, from Medicaid to Head Start.
Denver Daily News: Norton: Repeal health reform
U.S. Senate candidate Jane Norton yesterday said that lawmakers must repeal the health care reform bill President Barack Obama signed into law in order to jumpstart economic recovery.
Durango Herald: Couple sues to clarify tribal health plans
Case's outcome may help determine whether plans subject to federal law.
Greeley Tribune: Riesberg to host health care forum
State Rep. Jim Riesberg will focus his next Saturday town hall meeting on an overview of the National Health Care Reform Package.
SELF SUFFICIENCY
The Denver Post: Bennet says feds aware of state food stamp computer woes
U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet told Colorado school food experts that he’s making federal officials aware of computer glitches that have plagued the state’s food stamp applications.
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Colorado Senate approves tax credit for rehiring workers
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 Tuesday, April 6, 2010.
FISCAL POLICY
The Denver Post: Reward for rehiring workers OK'd
The tax credit squeaks by in the Senate after a tie and a second vote.
Also: Denver Daily News: Jobs tax credit measure moves
Also: The Associated Press via Huffington Post Denver: Colorado Tax Credit Legislation Passes Senate By Narrowest Of Margins
Also: Denver Business Journal: Rehire tax credit springs back to life
Also: Durango Herald: Senate votes for business tax credit
Longmont Times-Call editorial: Bipartisan budget plan is place to start
House Majority Leader Paul Weissmann, D-Louisville, and Minority Leader Mike May, R-Parker, want the state to do more than lurch from budget crisis to budget crisis. So they have announced plans to offer long-term fixes for several of the state’s budget problems — in transportation, corrections and higher education.
Loveland Reporter-Herald: Public considers $2.7 million in remaining budget cuts looming in Thompson School District
The state is expected to reduce funding to the district’s general fund by 6.6 percent to 8.6 percent in the coming year. The fund pays for teachers, administrators and classified staff at the schools, as well as covering school site expenditures and department budgets.
HEALTH POLICY
Boulder Daily Camera commentary: Get ready for health insurance slumlords
If you dislike your health insurer now, get ready for insurers' response to insurance price controls. The recently passed HR 3590 will impose them nationally, and some politicians in Colorado want more. Insurance price controls will make your insurer act like a slumlord. Expect worse customer service, skimpier plans, and more claim denials.
Durango Herald: Senator defends vote on health care
U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet during a visit to Durango on Monday defended his support of the health-care overhaul signed into law last month.
SELF SUFFICIENCY
Colorado Independent: New bank ‘payday loans’ sound watchdog alarms
As Colorado lawmakers wrangle over whether or not to regulate “payday loans” in the state, national mainstream banks are increasingly offering similar products– short-term, high-interest loans secured by a pending paycheck. That’s a bad thing, according to a consumer group that called on the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency to stop the practice.
ECONOMY
Steamboat Today: Sales tax sees slight decline in Steamboat
City Manager: February revenues give city budget “breathing room.”
FISCAL POLICY
The Denver Post: Reward for rehiring workers OK'd
The tax credit squeaks by in the Senate after a tie and a second vote.
Also: Denver Daily News: Jobs tax credit measure moves
Also: The Associated Press via Huffington Post Denver: Colorado Tax Credit Legislation Passes Senate By Narrowest Of Margins
Also: Denver Business Journal: Rehire tax credit springs back to life
Also: Durango Herald: Senate votes for business tax credit
Longmont Times-Call editorial: Bipartisan budget plan is place to start
House Majority Leader Paul Weissmann, D-Louisville, and Minority Leader Mike May, R-Parker, want the state to do more than lurch from budget crisis to budget crisis. So they have announced plans to offer long-term fixes for several of the state’s budget problems — in transportation, corrections and higher education.
Loveland Reporter-Herald: Public considers $2.7 million in remaining budget cuts looming in Thompson School District
The state is expected to reduce funding to the district’s general fund by 6.6 percent to 8.6 percent in the coming year. The fund pays for teachers, administrators and classified staff at the schools, as well as covering school site expenditures and department budgets.
HEALTH POLICY
Boulder Daily Camera commentary: Get ready for health insurance slumlords
If you dislike your health insurer now, get ready for insurers' response to insurance price controls. The recently passed HR 3590 will impose them nationally, and some politicians in Colorado want more. Insurance price controls will make your insurer act like a slumlord. Expect worse customer service, skimpier plans, and more claim denials.
Durango Herald: Senator defends vote on health care
U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet during a visit to Durango on Monday defended his support of the health-care overhaul signed into law last month.
SELF SUFFICIENCY
Colorado Independent: New bank ‘payday loans’ sound watchdog alarms
As Colorado lawmakers wrangle over whether or not to regulate “payday loans” in the state, national mainstream banks are increasingly offering similar products– short-term, high-interest loans secured by a pending paycheck. That’s a bad thing, according to a consumer group that called on the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency to stop the practice.
ECONOMY
Steamboat Today: Sales tax sees slight decline in Steamboat
City Manager: February revenues give city budget “breathing room.”
Monday, April 5, 2010
Putting Tax Freedom Day in perspective
The Economix blog at The New York Times today offers an interesting take on Tax Freedom Day, the annual event sponsored by the Tax Foundation that sets a hypothetical day when the average American taxpayer has worked enough to cover his or her tax liability for the year.
Tax Freedom Day is catchy, but it's not a useful way of looking at tax policy, as the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities points out in an annual release debunking the Tax Foundation's methodology.
Economics professor Nancy Folbre offers a fresh take on the issue by calculating the average taxes spent on a person by the 21st birthday and the time it would take to pay back that investment.
"In 2004, net government expenditures on individuals up to age 21 came to $208,552 per person. I assume that average amounts spent on individuals of different ages represent a reasonable estimate of expenditures on an average individual over time.
"I treat this accumulated expenditure as a debt that the average taxpayer starts to repay at age 21, at a real rate of interest of 3 percent. I assume that individuals repay this debt by forking over 27 percent of their income to the government every year, as per the Tax Foundation’s estimates. I also assume they start out earning average wages of a full-time employee for 2004, then enjoy real wage increases of 5 percent every year.
"In this hypothetical scenario, it takes more than 17 years for average taxpayers simply to repay what older taxpayers invested in them."
Tax Freedom Day is catchy, but it's not a useful way of looking at tax policy, as the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities points out in an annual release debunking the Tax Foundation's methodology.
Economics professor Nancy Folbre offers a fresh take on the issue by calculating the average taxes spent on a person by the 21st birthday and the time it would take to pay back that investment.
"In 2004, net government expenditures on individuals up to age 21 came to $208,552 per person. I assume that average amounts spent on individuals of different ages represent a reasonable estimate of expenditures on an average individual over time.
"I treat this accumulated expenditure as a debt that the average taxpayer starts to repay at age 21, at a real rate of interest of 3 percent. I assume that individuals repay this debt by forking over 27 percent of their income to the government every year, as per the Tax Foundation’s estimates. I also assume they start out earning average wages of a full-time employee for 2004, then enjoy real wage increases of 5 percent every year.
"In this hypothetical scenario, it takes more than 17 years for average taxpayers simply to repay what older taxpayers invested in them."
Colorado commentariat sorting out what health reform means
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 Monday, April 5, 2010.
GENERAL
Denver Post commentary: Non-profits need to pool resources
It's no secret. The past 18 months have been difficult. Families have struggled. Businesses have struggled. The government has struggled. And, sadly, non-profit organizations - the very groups families, businesses, and governments turn to for help when times get tough-have also struggled.
SELF SUFFICIENCY
Denver Daily News: Targeting rent control
Ballot proposal would make rent control unconstitutional.
FISAL POLICY
Pueblo Chieftain editorial: Colorado flunks
Colorado lost a golden opportunity for a giant financial shot in the arm for public education.
Grand Junction Sentinel: Colorado plans to employ 500 new workers
Despite the poor economy and nearly $2 billion in program cuts over the past two years, virtually every part of state government plans to expand the number of jobs next year.
HEALTH POLICY
Colorado Springs Independent: Hospital fee approved
A new fee charged to Colorado hospitals will help create a "massive expansion of health insurance for people with low incomes," the Colorado Center on Law and Policy/Colorado Fiscal Policy Institute says in a press release.
Durango Herald editorial: Health reform
At least in the short run, how the recently enacted health-care reform law will play politically will depend on two things. Will voters stick with the Republican narrative of high costs, expanding deficits and inevitable tax increases? Or, as Democrats clearly hope, will they find that some of the changes to take effect first are good for them, and approve?
Grand Junction Sentinel commentary: Improved business efficiencies can help rein in health costs
Can you believe the extent of the effort that went into finding the politically correct route to creating a more effective U.S. health care system? Still we are uncertain about whether coverage will become more affordable. It depends on how well the new law — and market factors — prompt reductions in the costs of administering and delivering care.
Aurora Sentinel: Health act shines tax light on wide range of businesses
The massive health care legislation lawmakers in Washington, D.C. passed last month includes a few items that have some business owners howling.
Also: Aurora Sentinel: Health care reform hits home in Aurora
Aurora Sentinel commentary: Facts speak for themselves on Obamacare
You don’t need to listen to the right-wing spin to discover what a disaster Obamanomics is shaping up to be.
Vail Daily commentary: Obama's new math
Vis-à-vis Obamacare, perhaps new math is alive and well and we've just been unaware of it.
ECONOMY
Glenwood Springs Post-Independent: Glenwood Springs sales tax drops for 21st straight month
This is bad, m'kay. Glenwood Springs sales tax revenues are still taking a beating through the first two months of 2010. The city has posted declines in sales tax revenues for the past 21 months. The last time the city saw an increase in sales tax revenues was June 2008.
Steamboat Today: New tool forecasts unemployment
Analysts use year-over-year data to predict rates in Routt, Moffat.
GENERAL
Denver Post commentary: Non-profits need to pool resources
It's no secret. The past 18 months have been difficult. Families have struggled. Businesses have struggled. The government has struggled. And, sadly, non-profit organizations - the very groups families, businesses, and governments turn to for help when times get tough-have also struggled.
SELF SUFFICIENCY
Denver Daily News: Targeting rent control
Ballot proposal would make rent control unconstitutional.
FISAL POLICY
Pueblo Chieftain editorial: Colorado flunks
Colorado lost a golden opportunity for a giant financial shot in the arm for public education.
Grand Junction Sentinel: Colorado plans to employ 500 new workers
Despite the poor economy and nearly $2 billion in program cuts over the past two years, virtually every part of state government plans to expand the number of jobs next year.
HEALTH POLICY
Colorado Springs Independent: Hospital fee approved
A new fee charged to Colorado hospitals will help create a "massive expansion of health insurance for people with low incomes," the Colorado Center on Law and Policy/Colorado Fiscal Policy Institute says in a press release.
Durango Herald editorial: Health reform
At least in the short run, how the recently enacted health-care reform law will play politically will depend on two things. Will voters stick with the Republican narrative of high costs, expanding deficits and inevitable tax increases? Or, as Democrats clearly hope, will they find that some of the changes to take effect first are good for them, and approve?
Grand Junction Sentinel commentary: Improved business efficiencies can help rein in health costs
Can you believe the extent of the effort that went into finding the politically correct route to creating a more effective U.S. health care system? Still we are uncertain about whether coverage will become more affordable. It depends on how well the new law — and market factors — prompt reductions in the costs of administering and delivering care.
Aurora Sentinel: Health act shines tax light on wide range of businesses
The massive health care legislation lawmakers in Washington, D.C. passed last month includes a few items that have some business owners howling.
Also: Aurora Sentinel: Health care reform hits home in Aurora
Aurora Sentinel commentary: Facts speak for themselves on Obamacare
You don’t need to listen to the right-wing spin to discover what a disaster Obamanomics is shaping up to be.
Vail Daily commentary: Obama's new math
Vis-à-vis Obamacare, perhaps new math is alive and well and we've just been unaware of it.
ECONOMY
Glenwood Springs Post-Independent: Glenwood Springs sales tax drops for 21st straight month
This is bad, m'kay. Glenwood Springs sales tax revenues are still taking a beating through the first two months of 2010. The city has posted declines in sales tax revenues for the past 21 months. The last time the city saw an increase in sales tax revenues was June 2008.
Steamboat Today: New tool forecasts unemployment
Analysts use year-over-year data to predict rates in Routt, Moffat.
Friday, April 2, 2010
Feds approve hospital fee to expand Medicaid in Colorado
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 Friday, April 2, 2010.
HEALTH POLICY
The Denver Post: Colorado's hospital fee plan wins federal approval
Nearly a year after lawmakers passed it, a fee on hospitals that ultimately will expand Medicaid coverage to an estimated 100,000 Coloradans won federal approval.
Also: Denver Business Journal: Feds OK Colorado hospital fee
The Associated Press via KRDO-TV: Colorado Democrats Against Health Reform Law Suit
Colorado House Democrats are sending a letter to state Attorney General John Suthers opposing his decision to join a national lawsuit to block a federal law overhauling health care.
Also: Denver Daily News: AG told to drop health care suit
Also: Colorado Independent: Colorado Dems confirm: Cuts to AG’s office over health reform suit still on the table
Also: Colorado Pols: 8,000 Coloradans Spank Suthers
KKTV-TV: Sen. Mark Udall Talks Health Care in Pueblo
Udall explained how the Rural Physicians Pipeline Act is a part of the health care reform bill that will help rural Colorado citizens gain access to health care.
Huffington Post Denver: Democrats Let the Tail Wag the Dog, Fail to Make the Best Case for Reform
Why haven't Democrats advocated the best case for reform, also the simplest to define and legislate, improving and extending Medicare to all?
Fort Collins Coloradoan: Markey fields questions via telephone town hall
In her first meeting with constituents since voting in favor of the health-care reform plan, Rep. Betsy Markey had a telephone town-hall meeting Thursday night that included several skeptical questions about the new law's ability to reduce costs for health care and insurance.
GENERAL
Denver Post commentary: The Tea Party's revolution will be sanitized
I hate to admit this, but I get a kick out of the Tea Party.
Greeley Tribune: Area 9.12 group not worried by health care repeal backlash
While top Republicans nationally are starting to worry about their health care rallying cry “repeal the bill,” local conservatives are saying the idea that Republicans should fear a backlash is wrong.
Colorado Statesman: Plans to privatize Pinnacol pulled
Any legislative plans to turn the state-owned Pinnacol Assurance into a private worker’s compensation insurance provider will have to wait until next year.
FISCAL POLICY
The Denver Post: Unpaid furloughs close some city, state offices Friday
Many state and city of Denver offices will be closed today because of cost-saving furloughs.
Also: Durango Herald: State employees taking furlough day
Denver Post editorial: Finally saving for a rainy day
Even though the state may end the year $150 million in the black, Gov. Bill Ritter is wise not to quickly restore cuts.
Denver Post commentary: State businesses lose out to Internet
I was dismayed to read David Harsanyi and Vincent Carroll's columns on sales tax collection in Colorado. The system they defend has government picking winners and losers in business, a terrible policy.
The Denver Post: State awash in money – April Fool’s!
Rep. Frank McNulty showed up in a leisure suit today, all part of April Fool’s Day, Capitol style.
Colorado Statesman: House approves $20 billion budget
The House this week approved the $20 billion state budget for 2010-11 after debates marked by their collegiality and at times, humor.
Also: Pueblo Chieftain: House passes 2010-11 state budget bill to Senate
Grand Junction Sentinel: Tax revenue still in free fall
Coming off a year in which they experienced the greatest drop in revenue since the oil-shale bust of the early 1980s, Grand Valley governments are paying close attention to what shoppers are spending, knowing those dollars can make or break their budgets.
Grand Junction Sentinel editorial: County building plan a stimulating proposal
Mesa County has a chance to build new facilities, create jobs and boost the local economy — all without raising taxes — by approving a $17.5 million lease arrangement next week. When added to projects the county had already been planning for the next couple of years, it means the county will be spending nearly $30 million in capital projects in the next two years, not including projects where work has already begun, such as the 29 Road viaduct.
SELF SUFFICIENCY
The Denver Post: Housing bill revives memories of special session on illegal immigration
A debate in the Senate today over a housing measure turned into a rehash of a special session on illegal immigration and a fight over whether resort towns pay “slave wages.”
Also: Denver Business Journal: Denver Chamber drops opposition to rent-control bill
ECONOMY
Colorado Springs Gazette: March home construction up, but foreclosures stay high
The pace of homebuilding in the Pikes Peak region is off to a better start in 2010 than the past few years, although foreclosure filings remain relatively high, two reports released Thursday suggest.
Fort Collins Coloradoan: County lost 5,700 jobs in Sept.
Larimer County lost about $59 million in payroll in September last year compared to 2008 because of the economic recession that continued to reduce jobs and hours for local workers.
HEALTH POLICY
The Denver Post: Colorado's hospital fee plan wins federal approval
Nearly a year after lawmakers passed it, a fee on hospitals that ultimately will expand Medicaid coverage to an estimated 100,000 Coloradans won federal approval.
Also: Denver Business Journal: Feds OK Colorado hospital fee
The Associated Press via KRDO-TV: Colorado Democrats Against Health Reform Law Suit
Colorado House Democrats are sending a letter to state Attorney General John Suthers opposing his decision to join a national lawsuit to block a federal law overhauling health care.
Also: Denver Daily News: AG told to drop health care suit
Also: Colorado Independent: Colorado Dems confirm: Cuts to AG’s office over health reform suit still on the table
Also: Colorado Pols: 8,000 Coloradans Spank Suthers
KKTV-TV: Sen. Mark Udall Talks Health Care in Pueblo
Udall explained how the Rural Physicians Pipeline Act is a part of the health care reform bill that will help rural Colorado citizens gain access to health care.
Huffington Post Denver: Democrats Let the Tail Wag the Dog, Fail to Make the Best Case for Reform
Why haven't Democrats advocated the best case for reform, also the simplest to define and legislate, improving and extending Medicare to all?
Fort Collins Coloradoan: Markey fields questions via telephone town hall
In her first meeting with constituents since voting in favor of the health-care reform plan, Rep. Betsy Markey had a telephone town-hall meeting Thursday night that included several skeptical questions about the new law's ability to reduce costs for health care and insurance.
GENERAL
Denver Post commentary: The Tea Party's revolution will be sanitized
I hate to admit this, but I get a kick out of the Tea Party.
Greeley Tribune: Area 9.12 group not worried by health care repeal backlash
While top Republicans nationally are starting to worry about their health care rallying cry “repeal the bill,” local conservatives are saying the idea that Republicans should fear a backlash is wrong.
Colorado Statesman: Plans to privatize Pinnacol pulled
Any legislative plans to turn the state-owned Pinnacol Assurance into a private worker’s compensation insurance provider will have to wait until next year.
FISCAL POLICY
The Denver Post: Unpaid furloughs close some city, state offices Friday
Many state and city of Denver offices will be closed today because of cost-saving furloughs.
Also: Durango Herald: State employees taking furlough day
Denver Post editorial: Finally saving for a rainy day
Even though the state may end the year $150 million in the black, Gov. Bill Ritter is wise not to quickly restore cuts.
Denver Post commentary: State businesses lose out to Internet
I was dismayed to read David Harsanyi and Vincent Carroll's columns on sales tax collection in Colorado. The system they defend has government picking winners and losers in business, a terrible policy.
The Denver Post: State awash in money – April Fool’s!
Rep. Frank McNulty showed up in a leisure suit today, all part of April Fool’s Day, Capitol style.
Colorado Statesman: House approves $20 billion budget
The House this week approved the $20 billion state budget for 2010-11 after debates marked by their collegiality and at times, humor.
Also: Pueblo Chieftain: House passes 2010-11 state budget bill to Senate
Grand Junction Sentinel: Tax revenue still in free fall
Coming off a year in which they experienced the greatest drop in revenue since the oil-shale bust of the early 1980s, Grand Valley governments are paying close attention to what shoppers are spending, knowing those dollars can make or break their budgets.
Grand Junction Sentinel editorial: County building plan a stimulating proposal
Mesa County has a chance to build new facilities, create jobs and boost the local economy — all without raising taxes — by approving a $17.5 million lease arrangement next week. When added to projects the county had already been planning for the next couple of years, it means the county will be spending nearly $30 million in capital projects in the next two years, not including projects where work has already begun, such as the 29 Road viaduct.
SELF SUFFICIENCY
The Denver Post: Housing bill revives memories of special session on illegal immigration
A debate in the Senate today over a housing measure turned into a rehash of a special session on illegal immigration and a fight over whether resort towns pay “slave wages.”
Also: Denver Business Journal: Denver Chamber drops opposition to rent-control bill
ECONOMY
Colorado Springs Gazette: March home construction up, but foreclosures stay high
The pace of homebuilding in the Pikes Peak region is off to a better start in 2010 than the past few years, although foreclosure filings remain relatively high, two reports released Thursday suggest.
Fort Collins Coloradoan: County lost 5,700 jobs in Sept.
Larimer County lost about $59 million in payroll in September last year compared to 2008 because of the economic recession that continued to reduce jobs and hours for local workers.
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Steeped in frustration at the government, Tea Party rolls into Colorado
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 Thursday, April 1, 2010.
GENERAL
Denver Post editorial: Deal offered by Pinnacol never quite added up
It may have been lucrative for the state to let the workers' comp insurer go private, but long-term benefits weren't clear.
Denver Daily News: Tea Party: ‘Vote them out’
Conservative group fires up prospective voters in Colorado visit.
Also: The Denver Post: Tea Party Express rolls through Denver, Grand Junction
Also: Colorado Independent: Tea Party Express docks in Denver
Also: Summit Daily News commentary: Steeped in frustration
ECONOMY
Boulder Daily Camera: Economy's wallop hasn't let up for many Boulder County residents
Camera debuts quarterly series following four people affected by economy.
Grand Junction Sentinel: County unveils stimulus plan
Mesa County is considering entering into a financing agreement that would allow it to sink $17.5 million into a variety of fast-tracked capital projects. County Administrator Jon Peacock told The Daily Sentinel on Wednesday the plan gives the county the ability to buy at a “bargain price” and put a dent in its unemployment rate, which has ballooned to nearly 10 percent.
HEALTH POLICY
Pueblo Chieftain editorial: Thud!
Some of the consequences of ObamaCare are already being felt, and they are costly.
Associated Press via the Colorado Springs Business Journal: Liberal group petitions state health care suit
ProgressNow Colorado says it will take petitions signed by more than 7,000 Coloradans to Suthers’ office Thursday. The online petition demands that Suthers “stop wasting taxpayer dollars on a frivolous grandstand.”
Grand Junction Sentinel editorial: Politics of pettiness promote real violence
Don’t like what the other side is doing in America’s ongoing political battles? You can attack them, as so many people are unfortunately doing these days, by demonizing and applying scatological nicknames to those who think differently. And, increasingly it seems, the American way is to resort to violence — from minor to much worse.
Aurora Sentinel commentary: Tan and tax
My family and I are taking the new tax personally. One of the many items tucked into the government overhaul of America’s health care system is a 10 percent sales tax on tanning salons.
FISCAL POLICY
Colorado News Agency: Pols ponder GOP leader’s plan to slim down state government
A panel of lawmakers eyed a sweeping measure today that was aimed at making Colorado government leaner and more efficient, but members put off action, saying they needed more time to find an approach with a lighter touch.
Grand Junction Sentinel commentary: Legislature takes aim at businesses once more
The clay pigeon shoot of Colorado business taking place under the Capitol dome continues unabated this week as state lawmakers zero in on what surely must be important legislation to pull Colorado out of this deep economic downturn.
GENERAL
Denver Post editorial: Deal offered by Pinnacol never quite added up
It may have been lucrative for the state to let the workers' comp insurer go private, but long-term benefits weren't clear.
Denver Daily News: Tea Party: ‘Vote them out’
Conservative group fires up prospective voters in Colorado visit.
Also: The Denver Post: Tea Party Express rolls through Denver, Grand Junction
Also: Colorado Independent: Tea Party Express docks in Denver
Also: Summit Daily News commentary: Steeped in frustration
ECONOMY
Boulder Daily Camera: Economy's wallop hasn't let up for many Boulder County residents
Camera debuts quarterly series following four people affected by economy.
Grand Junction Sentinel: County unveils stimulus plan
Mesa County is considering entering into a financing agreement that would allow it to sink $17.5 million into a variety of fast-tracked capital projects. County Administrator Jon Peacock told The Daily Sentinel on Wednesday the plan gives the county the ability to buy at a “bargain price” and put a dent in its unemployment rate, which has ballooned to nearly 10 percent.
HEALTH POLICY
Pueblo Chieftain editorial: Thud!
Some of the consequences of ObamaCare are already being felt, and they are costly.
Associated Press via the Colorado Springs Business Journal: Liberal group petitions state health care suit
ProgressNow Colorado says it will take petitions signed by more than 7,000 Coloradans to Suthers’ office Thursday. The online petition demands that Suthers “stop wasting taxpayer dollars on a frivolous grandstand.”
Grand Junction Sentinel editorial: Politics of pettiness promote real violence
Don’t like what the other side is doing in America’s ongoing political battles? You can attack them, as so many people are unfortunately doing these days, by demonizing and applying scatological nicknames to those who think differently. And, increasingly it seems, the American way is to resort to violence — from minor to much worse.
Aurora Sentinel commentary: Tan and tax
My family and I are taking the new tax personally. One of the many items tucked into the government overhaul of America’s health care system is a 10 percent sales tax on tanning salons.
FISCAL POLICY
Colorado News Agency: Pols ponder GOP leader’s plan to slim down state government
A panel of lawmakers eyed a sweeping measure today that was aimed at making Colorado government leaner and more efficient, but members put off action, saying they needed more time to find an approach with a lighter touch.
Grand Junction Sentinel commentary: Legislature takes aim at businesses once more
The clay pigeon shoot of Colorado business taking place under the Capitol dome continues unabated this week as state lawmakers zero in on what surely must be important legislation to pull Colorado out of this deep economic downturn.
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