Identify of famous, anonymous fiscal rapper to be revealed at news conference tomorrow

If you've been following the Colorado General Assembly this year, you've probably heard about the Twitter feed called @Yo_JBC_Raps. There are rumors aplenty about who the identify of this fiscal rapper, and tomorrow his or her identity will be revealed. Don't miss it:

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Colorado news roundup: Hearing set for Colorado health insurance exchange bill

Read background about the health insurance exchange and the role it plays in health reform on our website. For the latest news about Colorado's exchange, plus links to all the day's public-policy news, check out the weekday Colorado news roundup.

Colorado news roundup: New state revenue forecast $75 million higher

Good news, to be sure, but the additional money will only slightly alleviate the pain Coloradans will feel as vital public services are reduced. Read about it along with links to all the day's public-policy news at the weekday Colorado news roundup.

Colorado news roundup: Sides harden positions in state budget debate

Just a friendly reminder here: We're not just talking about money or services or bureaucracy in the debate over the state's budget. We're talking about real people, many of whom need help. Read about the budget debate, along with links to all the day's public-policy news, at the weekday Colorado news roundup.

Wendell Potter discusses how health reform is helping Americans

Political reporter Eli Stokols at Denver's KDVR-TV talked this week with former CIGNA executive Wendell Potter about health reform and how it's benefiting Americans. Potter was in town to help celebrate the first anniversary of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.

 

Colorado news roundup: Colorado added few jobs in past decade even as labor force grew

Our research showed the same thing, in our recently released State of Working Colorado 2010 report. Check out news coverage of the similar research at Colorado State University, plus find links to all the day's public-policy news, at the weekday Colorado news roundup.

Colorado news roundup: Public and private sectors team up to promote economic security

Some good examples in today's news of how the government and business can work together to reach positive outcomes for Colorado families. Check it out, along with links to all the day's public-policy news, at the weekday Colorado news roundup.

Colorado news roundup: More jobs at risk as public sector considers additional cuts

The Denver Police Department must cut $24 million from its operations next year. It's hard to imagine public safety will not be affected. Meanwhile, the Glenwood Springs Post-Independent editorial board says a tax increase should be considered along with additional cuts to save public education. Find the details, along with links to all the day's public-policy news, at the weekday Colorado news roundup.

Colorado news roundup: Schools struggle to adjust to shrinking resources

It's not going to get any better, either, until Colorado finds a way to add more revenue to invest in our public services. Read about it, along with links to all the day's public-policy news, at the weekday Colorado news roundup.

Colorado news roundup: State cannot cut its way to a better life or a better economy

All we can do is say "amen" to this editorial from the Aurora Sentinel. Find it, along with links to all the day's public-policy news, at the weekday Colorado news roundup.

Colorado news roundup: Rally calls attention to damage from education cuts

Participants asked legislators: Are you OK with the effect the cuts will have on children? Read about it, along with links to all the day's public-policy news, at the weekday Colorado news roundup.

And remember the damage isn't confined to education. For a rundown of the effects of the governor's 2011-12 budget proposal, check out our issue brief.

Colorado news roundup: Insurers' cash surpluses prompt calls for rebates or community spending

Good article in The Denver Post about the finances of health insurance companies. It apparently relies in part on the Annual Health Cost Report the Colorado Division of Insurance released recently. Check it out, along with links to all the day's public-policy news, at the weekday Colorado news roundup.

Colorado news roundup: Lawmakers reject measure to restrict ATM withdrawals

That's a relief. The last thing public benefits recipients need is another hoop to jump through. Read about it along with links to all the day's public-policy news at the weekday Colorado news roundup.

Budget decisions have Coloradans thinking revenue

When a group of Coloradans got an inside tour of the state's budget (and its problems), a big majority agreed it's time to start thinking about revenue.  More than 100 people attended a budget event hosted by the Denver Post on Wednesday.  When asked about taxes, 68 percent said they support the graduated income tax structure proposed by the Colorado Fiscal Policy Institute.

The Denver Post reports the question came after the group got an opportunity to see how proposed budget cuts translate to a loss of services. With members of the state's Joint Budget Committee in attendance, the audience used the Backseat Budgeter web tool to take on the lawmakers' job of deciding where to cut the state's budget to save $1.1 billion.

Audience members were asked real-life budget questions. Cut $258 million general fund dollars for education like Gov. John Hickenlooper's plan suggests, or support look elsewhere for savings?  Close five community colleges, or privatize one of Colorado's major public universities?

It's not difficult to see how after making those difficult choices, the Colorado Fiscal Policy Institute's idea of a graduated income tax, and additional revenue, appeared very sensible.

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Colorado news roundup: More Colorado kids slipping into poverty, report says

Our pals at the Colorado Children's Campaign do a great job every year with the Kids Count! report. Check out The Denver Post's take on the findings, along with links to all the day's public-policy news, at the weekday Colorado news roundup.

Colorado news roundup: Governor proposes department merger to save money

It's a good thought, but our state needs a lot more than minor administrative shifts to create long-term fiscal health. What we need is more revenue. Read about the governor's plan, along with links to all the day's public-policy news, at the weekday Colorado news roundup.

Colorado news roundup: Money owed to victims of foreclosure rarely gets to them

It's a busy day for the Colorado news roundup. Check out links to all the day's public-policy news, and remember you can sign up to receive the roundup by e-mail each weekday, almost always before 9 a.m.

Colorado news roundup: Post editorial sees tough environment for a tax increase

Yeah, we know it will be tough. Is it ever easy? Voters are right to be careful about what's on the ballot. Friends and neighbors like you will have to be careful about making honest, persuasive arguments for approving a tax increase. Difficult? Yes. But it can be done because Colorado is worth it.

The Post editorial concerns a proposal by state Sen. Rollie Heath, but it could just as easily apply to the measure we're pursuing. Read the editorial, plus find links to all the day's public policy news at the weekday Colorado news roundup.

Colorado news roundup: Private school tax credit bill passes House committee

Just by the way, we oppose the private school tax credit bill, HB 11-1048. Read about it, along with links to all the day's public-policy news, at the weekday Colorado news roundup.

Colorado news roundup: Tax amnesty bill aims to limit service cuts

The Colorado news roundup has been on vacation for a few days, but it's back today with lots to report. First off, a new bill would provide a measure of amnesty for folks who owe state taxes. The additional revenue would help the state avoid some of the service cuts that are expected this year. Read about it along with links to the rest of the day's public-policy news at the weekday Colorado news roundup.