A growing chorus for financial reform

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 Tuesday, April 27, 2010.

FISCAL POLICY
Colorado Springs Gazette: City kept streetlights on in Old North End
The historic Old North End, one of the most affluent neighborhoods in Colorado Springs, got a pass when the city turned off streetlights in every other residential area earlier this year to save money, officials said today.
Also: Colorado Springs Independent: Streetlight favoritism
Also: Colorado Springs Gazette commentary: The City Committee finds business ideas for an efficient city

Colorado News Agency via Denver Daily News: Dems seek slowdown on investment tax credits
During House debate yesterday, it was a bit of déjà vu with Republicans pushing back against a Democratic measure seeking more revenue for a cash-starved state.
Also: Pueblo Chieftain: Proposal would strip another tax break from mill


HEALTH POLICY
Colorado Independent: No relief yet for consumers suffering double-digit WellPoint rate hike
Consumers were shocked when insurance giant WellPoint hiked rates in Colorado this year on its Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield individual-market policies by more than 20 percent. More shocking, perhaps, is that those rates may be perfectly in line, given the way medical prices are rising, according to consumer advocates. State regulators say Coloradans won’t learn whether the rates were fair or not, much less win relief, for months or longer.


CONSUMER PROTECTION
Huffington Post Denver: Coloradans Challenging Wall Street on Main Street This Week
Everyday Coloradans sick of being taken advantage of by Wall Street banks are unleashing their fury this week, exposing the greed and recklessness that put many of us on Main Street into the unemployment lines, on the foreclosure lists and in the bankruptcy courts.
Also: Durango Herald editorial: Wall Street
Also: Longmont Times-Call editorial: Fix imbalance between Wall, Main streets


ECONOMIC SELF SUFFICIENCY
Colorado Pols: Payday Lending Vote in Senate Soon
Legislation to crack down on interest rates charged by so-called "Payday Lenders" should see a vote in the State Senate any day now.

Colorado Springs Independent: City to fund homeless program through CDBG
City Council has agreed to fund a homeless program that puts individuals in local hotels and requires them to look for a job.


ECONOMY
Fort Collins Coloradoan: Fort Collins among cities on an economic upswing
By almost any measure, the economic recovery is in full swing. More factories are humming again. The stock market is roaring. Even consumers are loosening viselike grips on their wallets.

Grand Junction Sentinel editorial: Residents still feeling pinch of recession
The grip of the recession seems to be strengthening in many respects as more Grand Valley residents are finding as they line up for food at the Salvation Army.