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.