Lawmakers consider cutting higher-ed budget in half

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, April 26, 2010.

GENERAL
Denver Post commentary: A reason to trust the government
When I answered the phone, I thought it was just another survey because I was asked about trusting the federal government. But then I recognized the voice: Lt. Col. Ananias Ziegler, ret., media relations director of the Committee That Really Runs America.

Craig Daily Press: Coffee party may be winding down
The Craig chapter of the coffee party political movement has lost some momentum.


FISCAL POLICY
The Denver Post: Republican lawmaker wants to sweep GOCO funds and use money for schools
A GOP lawmaker wants to tap lottery funds that now go to help buy land for public parks and instead use the money for public schools.

Colorado Independent: Colorado proposes slashing higher ed budget by half
Lawmakers are proposing that half of the money allotted to education will be cut in the 2011-2012 state budget. The new reality will force tuition increases and program eliminations in what the Senate Majority and Minority leaders characterize as a last-ditch effort to save Colorado higher education.
Also: Colorado Statesman: Tuition flexibility bill for higher ed is on its way

Colorado Statesman: Legislation to incentivize businesses to rehire laid-off workers faces opposition
Senate Bill 133, which would provide an income tax incentive to companies that rehire their own laid-off workers, was heard Wednesday by the House Business Affairs and Labor Committee.

Colorado Statesman: DECIDE initiative passes House education committee but its fate may be sealed
A referred legislative measure to the November 2011 ballot that would exempt a portion of K-12 and postsecondary education funding from TABOR restrictions passed the House Education Committee on Monday. But its success likely ended with the education committee vote as it is unlikely to gain the half-dozen Republican votes it needs to get out of the House.

Longmont Times-Call editorial: Tax increases not the way to balance budget
Not to put too fine a point on it, but asking for residents and businesses to pay more taxes, after a grueling recession and during a slow economic recovery, is not good governance.


HEALTH POLICY
Colorado News Agency: Dems want health policy surcharge; Republicans say it’s a tax
It may only be a couple of dollars, but House lawmakers today debated whether a surcharge on health insurance premiums and dental plans was an unconstitutional new tax or a benign step toward helping the families whose developmentally disabled children have catastrophic illnesses.

Huffington Post Denver: Health Care Battle Rages on in Colorado as Campaign Season Heats Up
Once upon a time, there was a Colorado politician that vowed to push for health care reform even if it would cost a Democratic seat. Sen. Michael Bennet famously affirmed that he would rather lose his job than vote against health care on CNN's State of the Union in November 2009.

Colorado Springs Business Journal: Memorial sale proceeds might not be city’s to spend
Anyone hoping that a sale of Memorial Health System will replenish the city’s coffers will want to think again.


ECONOMIC SELF-SUFFICIENCY
Durango Herald editorial: Payday lending
A bill to rein in the most egregious practices of so-called payday lenders has passed the state House and the state Senate's Finance Committee. It is expected to be heard Tuesday by the full Senate. The Senate should pass it.
Also: Colorado Statesman: Interest rates on payday loans capped in House bill


CONSUMER PROTECTION
Grand Junction Sentinel editorial: GOP is on hot seat with financial reform
Republicans in the U.S. Senate face a political dilemma this week: Whether to support the efforts of President Barack Obama and Democrats for new regulatory oversight of the nation’s financial system or whether to try to block the effort through filibuster.


ECONOMY
KDVR-TV: Homebuyers scramble as tax-credit deadline looms
The $8,000 tax credit for new home buyers expires on April 30th. It made this weekend a mad dash of sorts for people hoping to cash in on the free money.