House approves measure to limit tax credit for state's largest companies

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 28, 2010.

FISCAL POLICY
The Denver Post: Shift in approvals of college tuition hikes on table
Colorado could find itself permanently recast as a state where universities charge higher tuition while providing extra aid to low- and middle-income students if a bipartisan team of state senators gets its way.
Also: Associated Press via Boulder Daily Camera: Colorado lawmakers consider major tuition overhaul

The Denver Post: House narrowly passes change to enterprise zone tax credit
A bill that would limit an enterprise zone tax credit for the state's largest companies narrowly cleared the House by a 33-32 vote on Tuesday after a debate over whether the Democratic-led legislature was attacking business.
Also: Pueblo Chieftain: Enterprise zone bill passes by one vote
Also: Denver Business Journal: Colorado House OK’s business tax-break cut, enterprise-zone bill
Also: Durango Herald: Lawmakers vote to delay tax credits

Denver Post commentary: Don't cry for state's farmers
Colorado farmers and ranchers have successfully played the romance of the West card to fill their pockets. Millions of tax dollars remain in their bank accounts because of conservation easements securing their land from development.

Colorado Independent: Lamborn: Tax-starved Colorado Springs not all ‘gloom and doom’
U.S. Rep Doug Lamborn represents Colorado Springs, where most residents support his anti-government views. Indeed, Lamborn has worked for the government on their behalf for the last fifteen years.
Also: Colorado Springs Business Journal: Springs businessman blames city cuts for crime

Craig Daily Press editorial: Tax as a catalyst
It seems many agree that a proposed 6.9-percent lodging tax is a worthy question and one best left to voters to decide on in November.

Grand Junction Sentinel editorial: Entrepreneurial approach could benefit government
It’s heartening that the leaders of Grand Junction, Mesa County and School District 51 are willing to accept salary freezes and even pay reductions for themselves.

Longmont Times-Call: SVVSD won’t cut teachers
Though it’s losing some state funding, the St. Vrain Valley School District won’t cut teaching positions for the 2010-11 school year, superintendent Don Haddad said Tuesday.

EdNews via KUSA: Historic budget cuts hammer districts
School districts in Colorado are shedding hundreds of jobs, pulling millions of dollars from reserves and piling on student fees as they face the biggest budget cuts in memory.


HEALTH POLICY
Associated Press via Colorado Springs Business Journal: Health lawsuit supporters defend Colo. AG
People upset with the new health care law are rallying to support Colorado’s attorney general, who has angered some by joining a national lawsuit challenging the overhaul.


CONSUMER PROTECTION
Aurora Sentinel editorial: A simple solution to Wall Street's complex gambles
Tuesday’s Senate banking committee hearings on just how corrupt Wall Street has become made it obvious that Congress is on the right track in bringing down the hammer on appalling trading practices.


ECONOMY
KOAA-TV: Tax credit deadline extended for some in military
The deadline for the federal home buyers tax credit is Friday, unless you're an active member of the military.  For any member of the military who has served 90 consecutive days overseas since January 1, 2009, that person may be eligible to wait another year to take advantage of the home buyers tax credit.