Weak economy, flawed computer system strain human services

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, March 29, 2010.


SELF SUFFICIENCY
The Denver Post: As demand for state aid grows, counties' human services toil
As Colorado nears 17 straight months of year-over-year job losses, county human services workers continue to cope with growing caseloads -- and the hard tales that accompany each one.

The Denver Post: Increasing need for state assistance linked to underemployment
Despite few job losses over the past four months in Colorado, the number of people seeking food and medical assistance continues to grow -- something policy experts attribute to underemployment.

The Denver Post: Developers hold up Colorado bill on affordable-housing
A bill supporters hope will preserve affordable housing, especially in pricey ski-resort towns, has stoked the ire of developers and landlords, who equate it to New York-style rent control.
Also: The Associated Press via KOAA-TV: Affordable housing bill faces opposition

HEALTH POLICY
Denver Post commentary: GOP lights matches, hopes for no fire
This won't shock you, but Republicans are dealing with a serious anger-control problem.

The Denver Post: Markey a polarizing force in 4th Congressional District
Markey has worn a bull's-eye since she unseated a congresswoman in a Republican-leaning district, but her vote for health care reform ramped up an already high-stakes race.

Denver Post commentary: Health care lawsuit on shaky ground
President Obama's signature wasn't dry on the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act last week before our own John Suthers joined about a dozen other state attorneys general in filing a constitutional challenge.
Also: Grand Junction Sentinel commentary: Government can't force people to buy insurance they don’t want
The Associated Press via KOAA-TV: Governor to sign health legislation
Gov. Bill Ritter is set to sign a bill that prohibits gender discrimination in setting health insurance rates. The bill will be signed on Monday, the annual Health Care Day of Action at the Capitol.

KUSA-TV: AG Suthers says health care law impacts personal freedom
The state's top attorney says if the health care law is allowed to stand, someday the federal government could regulate the food on your table and the car in your driveway.
Also: Grand Junction Sentinel commentary: Precedent suggests court will uphold mandate in health care legislation
Summit Daily News: How the health care bill may impact local services in Summit County
Providers weigh in on potential changes to county care options.

Aurora Sentinel: Let common sense prevail on Colorado health measures
Colorado residents could be asked, again, to lean heavily on their common sense on at least two issues when the 2010 state ballot comes out this fall.

Colorado Springs Gazette editorial: Forced to buy a house
We've all heard that President Barack Obama is smarter than the average mortal, so we should trust. Yet his solutions to problems seem too good to be true. If they work, then we've all been needlessly over-complicating some of society's most difficult dilemmas.

Colorado Springs Gazette: Health care reform, how Christian
The Republican Party wasn't the only group hit hard a week ago by the passage of U.S. health care legislation. The Christian right, led for years by Focus on the Family Founder James Dobson, is also reeling.


CONSUMER PROTECTION
Denver Post editorial: Don't overthink fiscal oversight
Rather than creating a new financial watchdog agency within the Federal Reserve, why not strengthen the existing system?


FISCAL POLICY
Denver Business Journal: Construction joins Capitol fight
Colorado's construction industry has joined the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce and other business groups in pleading with legislative leaders to kill a handful of proposed new laws they believe will hamper job growth and stifle economic development.
Also: Denver Daily News: Biz leaders oppose bills

Denver Post editorial: End run is the wrong way to take on TABOR
Rather than trying to skirt the Taxpayer's Bill of Right to raise education taxes, it would be better to take on broader reforms.
Also: Grand Junction Sentinel editorial: Lawmakers need education on TABOR
Denver Post commentary: Colorado's budget: What's left to cut?
There are five major state programs that are under constant threat. Which one will have to be targeted to balance Colorado's next budget?

KRDO-TV: Douglas Bruce Files Lawsuit Against Governor Bill Ritter
Anti-tax crusader Doug Bruce is suing Gov. Bill Ritter and state lawmakers. He claims they stole $200 million from a TABOR reserve fund.

The Associated Press via KDVR-TV: Univ. of Colo. to consider 9 percent tuition hike Monday
The University of Colorado is considering a 9 percent tuition increase for in-state students next year.
Also: Boulder Daily Camera: More CU-Boulder, other college students expect to pay their own tuition
KMGH-TV: Denver Examines Way To Help Troubled Homeowners
Denver officials are examining whether banks facing the prospect of losing city deposits might do more to help homeowners facing foreclosure.

Aurora Sentinel: Party divisions over budget and sustaining economic recovery grow at Capitol
Colorado is on the road to economic recovery, but the journey will be sluggish.

Loveland Reporter-Herald: Senator: Cuts have schools at 'the cliff'
Colorado lawmakers are very close to finalizing a 6.35 percent reduction for school funding for the 2010-11 school year, Sen. Bob Bacon told a group gathered Sunday.

Longmont Times-Call editorial: Mining bill would protect state taxpayers
Colorado taxpayers have been saddled with about a billion dollars in costs because previous operators have left the public on the hook for cleanup costs.