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.