A fascinating blog post at The New York Times website last Friday shows the origins of our nation's budget deficit and suggests a way to avoid disaster.
"Given what we, the people, expect the federal government to deliver ... the only way to avoid a looming fiscal disaster would be to return to the higher taxes across the board that prevailed during the Clinton administration," writes Uwe E. Reinhardt at the Economix blog.
Definitely worth a read.
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Colorado news roundup: Heath tax campaign uses innovative online petition distribution
Remember you can be a part of the solution by gathering petition signatures to ensure the Bright Colorado measure gets on the ballot. Check out The Denver Post's report on the campaign's efforts to get signatures, plus find links to all the day's public-policy news, at the weekday Colorado news roundup.
Sunday, May 29, 2011
State of Working Colorado: Child Poverty – Kids in need
The child poverty rate is the percentage of children younger than 18 living in a household earning less than the Federal Poverty Level. From 2000 to 2009, the number of Colorado kids in poverty increased from roughly 110,000 to 210,000. That was the fastest growth in child poverty recorded in any state.
In 2009, that translated into child poverty rates of 17 percent; and 37 percent using twice the Federal Poverty Level. Disturbingly, both poverty measures are notably higher for children in Colorado than the state as a whole. Despite the record-setting growth of child poverty in Colorado, the state’s 2009 child poverty rate ranks only 30th worst among other states.
For more insights, including detailed policy recommendations for enhancing economic security for all Coloradans, check out the State of Working Colorado 2010.
In 2009, that translated into child poverty rates of 17 percent; and 37 percent using twice the Federal Poverty Level. Disturbingly, both poverty measures are notably higher for children in Colorado than the state as a whole. Despite the record-setting growth of child poverty in Colorado, the state’s 2009 child poverty rate ranks only 30th worst among other states.
For more insights, including detailed policy recommendations for enhancing economic security for all Coloradans, check out the State of Working Colorado 2010.
Friday, May 27, 2011
Colorado news roundup: Job growth and economic development start with education
A study out yesterday claims a small rise in state sales and income taxes will cost jobs. The additional money would go to support public education in Colorado. We doubt the study's conclusion in the first place, but more important is the point Colorado Fiscal Policy Institute Director Carol Hedges made to the Denver Daily News:
"One of the most important criteria of quality of life is the quality of the education system," said Hedges. "People make decisions on where they want to live based on the quality of life, and one of the most important contributors to quality of life is the quality of education."
Read about it, and find links to all the day's public-policy news, at the weekday Colorado news roundup.
"One of the most important criteria of quality of life is the quality of the education system," said Hedges. "People make decisions on where they want to live based on the quality of life, and one of the most important contributors to quality of life is the quality of education."
Read about it, and find links to all the day's public-policy news, at the weekday Colorado news roundup.
Thursday, May 26, 2011
State of Working Colorado: Wages and unions – Pay convergence
Union and nonunion wages saw a strong convergence in the past two decades. While real median union wages have fallen somewhat, nonunion wages in Colorado have risen more than 20 percent during the same period. In 2007, it appeared the convergence was complete, with union and nonunion wages within 25 cents of each other. However, the recession brought renewed separation. The recent re-polarization in wages between union and nonunion wages underscores the benefits of union coverage.
For more insights, including detailed policy recommendations for enhancing economic security for all Coloradans, check out the State of Working Colorado 2010.
For more insights, including detailed policy recommendations for enhancing economic security for all Coloradans, check out the State of Working Colorado 2010.
Colorado news roundup: State to apply in next round of 'Race to the Top' grants
It would be nice to win, but remember the money that's on offer isn't nearly enough to restore cuts to education spending in Colorado during the past several years. Check out the details, along with links to all the day's public-policy news, at the weekday Colorado news roundup.
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Colorado news roundup: Local governments struggle with declining revenue
It's not just the state facing hard times, and dealing with them by reducing vital community services. Read about conditions in local communities, plus find links to all the day's public-policy news, at the weekday Colorado news roundup.
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
The 'low-tax chorus' and its consequences for Colorado
An amusing opinion piece in The Denver Business Journal this week does a great job of pointing out the folly of pursuing lower taxes without regard to anything else. Anything else like, well, quality of life.
The piece is headlined: "Low-tax chorus: Keep fiddling while state burns." Business Journal Editor Neil Westergaard heaps faint praise on state Sen. Mike Kopp, who says a modest proposal to raise state taxes is a threat to economic recovery and would put further stress on families that are already struggling financially.
"Guys like him are making sure Colorado remains one of the lowest taxing states in the union, which we all know fuels fantastic economic development even when roads crumble, schools fall apart and poor people crowd emergency rooms seeking free medical care," Westergaard writes. "Haven’t we seen the benefits of this approach in the last 10 years?"
Westergaard intended that last bit as a rhetorical question, but we'll go ahead and answer it just so there's no doubt. No, absolutely not. We haven't seen the economic benefits of a relentless low-tax approach during the past 10 years. In fact, Colorado has seen the consequences Westergaard points out: crumbling roads and schools, and poor people left without the support they need to achieve economic self-sufficiency.
Coloradans deserve a choice of whether to continue down that road. One step in the right direction is being pursued by Sen. Rollie Heath, who's proposing to take state income and sales taxes back to 1999 levels for five years. The money would go to limit further cuts to schools. Check out the details at brightcolorado.com. It's not a permanent fix, but if it gets on the ballot and voters approve it Colorado will have a little breathing room while folks settle on a long-term solution.
The piece is headlined: "Low-tax chorus: Keep fiddling while state burns." Business Journal Editor Neil Westergaard heaps faint praise on state Sen. Mike Kopp, who says a modest proposal to raise state taxes is a threat to economic recovery and would put further stress on families that are already struggling financially.
"Guys like him are making sure Colorado remains one of the lowest taxing states in the union, which we all know fuels fantastic economic development even when roads crumble, schools fall apart and poor people crowd emergency rooms seeking free medical care," Westergaard writes. "Haven’t we seen the benefits of this approach in the last 10 years?"
Westergaard intended that last bit as a rhetorical question, but we'll go ahead and answer it just so there's no doubt. No, absolutely not. We haven't seen the economic benefits of a relentless low-tax approach during the past 10 years. In fact, Colorado has seen the consequences Westergaard points out: crumbling roads and schools, and poor people left without the support they need to achieve economic self-sufficiency.
Coloradans deserve a choice of whether to continue down that road. One step in the right direction is being pursued by Sen. Rollie Heath, who's proposing to take state income and sales taxes back to 1999 levels for five years. The money would go to limit further cuts to schools. Check out the details at brightcolorado.com. It's not a permanent fix, but if it gets on the ballot and voters approve it Colorado will have a little breathing room while folks settle on a long-term solution.
State of Working Colorado: Are workers full time? Do they want to be?
When the economy suffers, the share of workers employed part time tends to rise. Some workers choose to work part time, driven by factors such as lower wages and more competition. Those are called "voluntary part-time." Others would like to work full time, but can find only part-time work. Those are called "involuntary part-time."
The recent economic downturn has increased the share of part-time workers in Colorado. That increase has been almost exclusively driven by an expansion of Coloradans working part-time involuntarily. The rise in involuntary part-time work might delay Colorado’s recovery, since firms will be inclined to bring part-time workers back to full time before making new hires.
For more insights, including detailed policy recommendations for enhancing economic security for all Coloradans, check out the State of Working Colorado 2010.
The recent economic downturn has increased the share of part-time workers in Colorado. That increase has been almost exclusively driven by an expansion of Coloradans working part-time involuntarily. The rise in involuntary part-time work might delay Colorado’s recovery, since firms will be inclined to bring part-time workers back to full time before making new hires.
Colorado news roundup: Governor signs ag tax repeal, costing state $3.7 million
Repealing the tax on some agricultural products was part of a budget compromise lawmakers reached this year. Read about it, along with links to all the day's public-policy news, at the weekday Colorado news roundup.
Monday, May 23, 2011
Gambling with Colorado's future, the Gaming Commission reduces casino tax rates
The Colorado Gaming Commission last week voted to reduce taxes imposed on casino gambling in the state by 5 percent, a move that will slice an estimated $5 million from community investments that are supposed to come from gaming taxes.
In an interesting bit of synchronicity, it just happens Colorado's casinos last year paid an additional $5 million in taxes as a result of getting voter permission in 2008 to operate 24 hours a day and expand the types of games they offer. Amendment 50, the constitutional measure that authorizes expanded gaming in Colorado, says the extra revenue has to go to the state's community colleges.
So in other words, Colorado's casinos have basically been let off the hook for additional taxes they agreed to pay as part of Amendment 50. Now the accounting is more complicated than that -- the numbers won't stay the same from year to year, and extra money from expanded gambling will still have to go to community colleges. But other public services will suffer as a result of the tax cut.
The Denver Business Journal reports: "Gaming tax revenues — which reached $107.7 million in 2010 — go to a variety of sources, including tourism marketing, a bioscience grant fund and the communities that have casinos in them. The projected $5 million reduction in tax revenues because of the tax cut would hit all of those areas."
Given our state's increasingly severe revenue pinch, with next year's state budget projected at $658 million lower than this year's, it's a pretty bad time to be finding ways to reduce state revenue even further.
In an interesting bit of synchronicity, it just happens Colorado's casinos last year paid an additional $5 million in taxes as a result of getting voter permission in 2008 to operate 24 hours a day and expand the types of games they offer. Amendment 50, the constitutional measure that authorizes expanded gaming in Colorado, says the extra revenue has to go to the state's community colleges.
So in other words, Colorado's casinos have basically been let off the hook for additional taxes they agreed to pay as part of Amendment 50. Now the accounting is more complicated than that -- the numbers won't stay the same from year to year, and extra money from expanded gambling will still have to go to community colleges. But other public services will suffer as a result of the tax cut.
The Denver Business Journal reports: "Gaming tax revenues — which reached $107.7 million in 2010 — go to a variety of sources, including tourism marketing, a bioscience grant fund and the communities that have casinos in them. The projected $5 million reduction in tax revenues because of the tax cut would hit all of those areas."
Given our state's increasingly severe revenue pinch, with next year's state budget projected at $658 million lower than this year's, it's a pretty bad time to be finding ways to reduce state revenue even further.
State of Working Colorado: Industry income by gender – Inequality varies by industry
Gender-inequality in income fluctuates enormously by industry. However, overall the picture is clear — even within the same industries, women earn less than men in Colorado. On average, women in Colorado earn 79 percent of the salary for men in the same industry. Women working in the agricultural and legal industries face the largest income inequality, where they earn half of their male peers. Of Colorado’s industries, only in construction and related occupations do women out-earn their male colleagues.
For more insights, including detailed policy recommendations for enhancing economic security for all Coloradans, check out the State of Working Colorado 2010.
For more insights, including detailed policy recommendations for enhancing economic security for all Coloradans, check out the State of Working Colorado 2010.
A week of blogs will explore elder economic security
Our pals over at Wider Opportunities for Women today launched a "blogging event" intended to explore the components of economic security for older people. Check it out at the Elder Economic Security Initiative blog.
The Family Economic Security Program of the Colorado Center on Law and Policy is the state partner for the Elder Economic Security Initiative. The initiative is a national campaign to ensure that all older Americans are able to age in place with dignity and economic security. Read WOW's September 2010 news release.
The Family Economic Security Program of the Colorado Center on Law and Policy is the state partner for the Elder Economic Security Initiative. The initiative is a national campaign to ensure that all older Americans are able to age in place with dignity and economic security. Read WOW's September 2010 news release.
Colorado news roundup: Suit says state's TABOR amendment is unconstitutional
Read background about the TABOR amendment on our website. For the latest developments with the lawsuit challenging TABOR, plus links to all the day's public-policy news, check the weekday Colorado news roundup.
Saturday, May 21, 2011
State of Working Colorado: Industry income by gender – Inequality varies by industry
Gender-inequality in income fluctuates enormously by industry. However, overall the picture is clear — even within the same industries, women earn less than men in Colorado. On average, women in Colorado earn 79 percent of the salary for men in the same industry. Women working in the agricultural and legal industries face the largest income inequality, where they earn half of their male peers. Of Colorado’s industries, only in construction and related occupations do women out-earn their male colleagues.
For more insights, including detailed policy recommendations for enhancing economic security for all Coloradans, check out the State of Working Colorado 2010.
For more insights, including detailed policy recommendations for enhancing economic security for all Coloradans, check out the State of Working Colorado 2010.
Friday, May 20, 2011
Colorado news roundup: CHP+ premium bill waiting for governor's decision
We hope the governor rejects Senate Bill 11-213. It's a bad idea for several reasons, detailed in last week's edition of our health reform newsletter, Health Law and Policy Update. Read the latest developments on the CHP+ premium bill, plus find links to all the day's public-policy news, at the weekday Colorado news roundup.
Thursday, May 19, 2011
State of Working Colorado: Median wage by education – The value of school
Wages vary widely by education in Colorado. In 2009, Coloradans with a bachelor’s degree or higher earned more than twice what Coloradans with less than a high school diploma did. In the same year, completing high school translated into a 42 percent increase in wages, and completing college translated into a 50 to 60 percent increase in wages for those with just high school diplomas and those with some college. These figures underscore the importance of educational opportunities for all Coloradans.
For more insights, including detailed policy recommendations for enhancing economic security for all Coloradans, check out the State of Working Colorado 2010.
For more insights, including detailed policy recommendations for enhancing economic security for all Coloradans, check out the State of Working Colorado 2010.
Colorado news roundup: Heath proposal might be what the state needs, editorial says
Great endorsement of more investment in public schools from the Durango Herald editorial board. Read about it, plus find links to all the day's public-policy news, at the weekday Colorado news roundup.
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Hunger Free Hotline offers help to Coloradans navigating the state's food assistance programs
An important announcement from Hunger Free Colorado about a great resource for helping Coloradans get the food they need:
Today, Hunger Free Colorado is officially announcing that the Hunger Free Hotline is available to help Coloradans navigate the State's complicated food assistance programs. Now we are asking for your help to get the word out about this one-stop resource.
Here's what the Hunger Free Hotline offers:
Today, Hunger Free Colorado is officially announcing that the Hunger Free Hotline is available to help Coloradans navigate the State's complicated food assistance programs. Now we are asking for your help to get the word out about this one-stop resource.
Here's what the Hunger Free Hotline offers:
- Statewide, toll-free assistance 8:30 am-4:30 pm, Monday through Friday, at 855.855.4626
- Trained operators that are experts in the State's complex web of food assistance programs and can ask a few high-level screening questions to offer customized help
- Personalized guidance for accessing help from public and private programs including food stamps, food banks, soup kitchens and Meals on Wheels
Your voice makes a difference! Will you please help us spread the word by doing at least one of the following:
- Posting on your organization's blog about this great new resource
- Sending out a tweet through your Twitter account OR by re-tweeting the announcement that came through @HungerFreeCO this morning
- Posting on your Facebook fan page or profile about the hotline
- Including a paragraph or two about the hotline in your next print or electronic newsletter. (We would even be happy to write a paragraph or an article for your publication if it saves you time.)
State of Working Colorado: Union coverage -- a steady decline
In the past 20 years, union membership has experienced a steady decline in Colorado, and in the nation as a whole. In Colorado, the percentage of wage and salary workers with union benefits (not just those paying union dues) declined from 12 percent in 1990 to 8 percent in 2009. That decline leaves workers more exposed to an increasingly volatile labor market, and more subject to the demands of their employers.
For more insights, including detailed policy recommendations for enhancing economic security for all Coloradans, check out the State of Working Colorado 2010.
Colorado news roundup: Campaign starts to let voters decide on a break from school cuts
For more information about the campaign, visit brightcolorado.com. Find all the news coverage of the campaign launch, plus links to all the day's public-policy news, at the weekday Colorado news roundup.
Monday, May 16, 2011
State of Working Colorado: Median wage by education – The value of school
Wages vary widely by education in Colorado. In 2009, Coloradans with a bachelor’s degree or higher earned more than twice what Coloradans with less than a high school diploma did. In the same year, completing high school translated into a 42 percent increase in wages, and completing college translated into a 50 to 60 percent increase in wages for those with just high school diplomas and those with some college. These figures underscore the importance of educational opportunities for all Coloradans.
For more insights, including detailed policy recommendations for enhancing economic security for all Coloradans, check out the State of Working Colorado 2010.
For more insights, including detailed policy recommendations for enhancing economic security for all Coloradans, check out the State of Working Colorado 2010.
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Colorado news roundup: Payday loan amendment might lead to special session
Read about it, along with links to all the day's public-policy news, at the weekday Colorado news roundup.
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
State of Working Colorado: Who plays, and who stays on the sidelines?
Different groups participate in the labor force at different rates. In Colorado, men participate more than women, 25 to 54 year-olds participate at a much higher rate than those younger or older, and differences between races are evident. (Figure 6)
The most pronounced difference in labor force participation is by education. While four out of five Coloradans with a college degree or higher participate in the labor force, only half of people without a high school diploma are working or looking for work. (Figure 6) That means among the least-educated Coloradans, half have essentially given up hope of working — they are without a job and not looking.
For more insights, including detailed policy recommendations for enhancing economic security for all Coloradans, check out the State of Working Colorado 2010.
The most pronounced difference in labor force participation is by education. While four out of five Coloradans with a college degree or higher participate in the labor force, only half of people without a high school diploma are working or looking for work. (Figure 6) That means among the least-educated Coloradans, half have essentially given up hope of working — they are without a job and not looking.
For more insights, including detailed policy recommendations for enhancing economic security for all Coloradans, check out the State of Working Colorado 2010.
The benefits of health reform for Medicare recipients
More than 620,000 Colorado residents enrolled in Medicare will receive free preventive care, wellness visits, discounts on prescription drugs and other benefits this year thanks to the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, the White House said in a new state fact sheet.
Fact sheets for all 50 states and the District of Columbia detail how the health reform law resulted in better Medicare nationwide. A blog post on the White House website offers details.
For more news and analysis about health reform nationally and in Colorado, check the weekly Health Law and Policy Update newsletter.
Fact sheets for all 50 states and the District of Columbia detail how the health reform law resulted in better Medicare nationwide. A blog post on the White House website offers details.
For more news and analysis about health reform nationally and in Colorado, check the weekly Health Law and Policy Update newsletter.
Colorado news roundup: Group targets Udall for supporting Balanced Budget Amendment
We're definitely not fans of a federal balanced budget amendment or any arbitrary spending cap that restricts our leaders' ability to respond to changing circumstances. Check out the latest developments with Sen. Mark Udall's proposal, plus find links to all the day's public-policy news, at the weekday Colorado news roundup.
Monday, May 9, 2011
Watch 10 a.m. Tuesday on Denver's Channel 9 for a feature on Colfax Marathon charity partners
The Colorado Center on Law and Policy is one of those charity partners. Remember you can still make a donation to support our runners. The marathon is set for this weekend.
Video: Watch Policy Analyst Alec Harris discuss the state's jobs landscape on 'Colorado State of Mind'
Alec Harris is a policy analyst for the Colorado Fiscal Policy Institute, a project of the Colorado Center on Law and Policy. He is author of the State of Working Colorado, and an issue brief released recently that examines the role undocument immigrant workers play in Colorado's economy. This episode of 'Colorado State of Mind' aired statewide on Friday, May 6.
Watch the full episode. See more Colorado State of Mind.
Colorado news roundup: Governor signs 2011-12 state budget law
Find background analysis of the state budget on our website. Read the latest developments, plus find links to all the day's public-policy news, at the weekday Colorado news roundup.
Friday, May 6, 2011
Colorado news roundup: House approves repeal of online tax-reporting law
A lot of misinformation still surrounds debate of a law passed last year requiring online retailers to report the use tax owed by people who make purchases on the Internet. For background, check our website. Might be a good idea to do that before you check out the latest developments at the weekday Colorado news roundup, as some news stories are still missing some important details.
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Examining state options for administering Medicaid
A new paper from the Kaiser Family Foundation sets out the policy considerations around core federal requirements and state options in administering Medicaid. The paper is timely as many states are considering adjustments to their Medicaid programs to address budget concerns. Medicaid will expand considerably in 2014 as a provision of the national health reform kicks in that requires a minimum eligibility threshold of 133 percent of the Federal Poverty Level.
A complete restructuring of Medicaid by turning it into a block grant program is one of many highly irresponsible proposals in a federal budget proposal introduced last month. The Colorado Center on Law and Policy examined that proposal in detail in an issue brief.
A complete restructuring of Medicaid by turning it into a block grant program is one of many highly irresponsible proposals in a federal budget proposal introduced last month. The Colorado Center on Law and Policy examined that proposal in detail in an issue brief.
Colorado news roundup: Governor undecided on CHP+ premium bill
We hope Gov. John Hickenlooper vetoes Senate Bill 11-213, which would impose premiums for participants in the Child Health Plan Plus program whose families earn from 206 percent to 250 percent of the federal poverty level. Check out the latest developments on the bill, along with links to all the day's public-policy news, at the weekday Colorado news roundup.
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
New law requires child-only health policies
Health insurance companies that offer individual policies in Colorado will be required to provide at least one child-only benefit plan under a bill Gov. John Hickenlooper signed April 29. Senate Bill 11-128 came in response to several insurance companies exiting the child-only market last year. That move was an attempt to avoid compliance with a rule in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act that prohibited insurance companies from denying coverage to children with pre-existing conditions for new plans issued after Sept. 23, 2010. The new law will provide a strong incentive for insurance companies to offer child-only plans.
Coverage of the insurance companies’ abandonment of child-only policies was in the Sept. 3 edition of Health Law and Policy Update. For a complete list of the bills the Health Care Program of the Colorado Center on Law and Policy is following, visit the legislative update page on our website.
Coverage of the insurance companies’ abandonment of child-only policies was in the Sept. 3 edition of Health Law and Policy Update. For a complete list of the bills the Health Care Program of the Colorado Center on Law and Policy is following, visit the legislative update page on our website.
Colorado news roundup: State House approves health exchange bill
Read background about the state's proposed health insurance exchange on our website. For the latest developments, plus links to all the day's public-policy news, check the weekday Colorado news roundup.
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
State of Working Colorado: Working or looking for work
The labor force participation rate measures the share of the working-age population that has a job or is looking for one. It is calculated by dividing the number of people with jobs or looking for jobs by the total working-age population (age 16 and older).
Historically and in 2009, Colorado’s labor force participation rate is higher than the regional or national average. In 2009, Colorado’s labor force participation rate was 70.5 percent. (Figure 5) That ranks 16th highest in the nation.
For more insights, including detailed policy recommendations for enhancing economic security for all Coloradans, check out the State of Working Colorado 2010.
Historically and in 2009, Colorado’s labor force participation rate is higher than the regional or national average. In 2009, Colorado’s labor force participation rate was 70.5 percent. (Figure 5) That ranks 16th highest in the nation.
Colorado not the only state pursuing a compact to undermine health reform
The news website stateline.org offers a good overview of interstate compacts, a strategy some states are using in an attempt to undermine the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. Some Colorado lawmakers are following that approach, as we reported in last week's edition of Health Law and Policy Update.
The Colorado Center on Law and Policy comes down on the side of patients' groups and consumer advocates, who the Stateline story says argue that "leaving health care policy to states would perpetuate extreme differences in quality of care and eliminate any accountability for the way states spend federal health dollars."
Check out the full Stateline story: Interstate compacts offer new weapon against health care plan.
The Colorado Center on Law and Policy comes down on the side of patients' groups and consumer advocates, who the Stateline story says argue that "leaving health care policy to states would perpetuate extreme differences in quality of care and eliminate any accountability for the way states spend federal health dollars."
Check out the full Stateline story: Interstate compacts offer new weapon against health care plan.
Colorado news roundup: HUD grant benefits program that helps the homeless
Need it be said? Housing is an essential part of any family's economic security. Learn about the new resources to help homeless people, plus find links to all the day's public-policy news, at the weekday Colorado news roundup.
Monday, May 2, 2011
Colorado news roundup: Health insurance exchange meant to boost competition, deliver subsidies
We've analyzed options for establishing a health insurance exchange in Colorado as part of our Health Law and Policy Update newsletter. Read the latest developments on Colorado's health insurance exchange at the weekday Colorado news roundup.
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