Tea partiers rally across the state

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 16, 2010.

SELF SUFFICIENCY
Denver Post commentary: Slow creep of poverty to the door
It is the number — 2,400 — that floors me, still. It is the number of schoolkids in Jefferson County who are homeless. It was in the paper the other day. You say that isn't a crime? It should be.

The Denver Post: Revamped payday loan bill narrowly survives vote on House floor
A reworked version of bill putting new limitations on payday lending narrowly won initial approval in the House today, only slipping by with the help of the legislature’s lone unaffiliated lawmaker, Rep. Kathleen Curry of Gunnison.
Also: Colorado Independent: Ferrandino wins key battle in payday loan war
Also: Grand Junction Sentinel: Limit on payday loans receives an initial OK
Also: Durango Herald: Loan bill clears House hurdle
Also: Denver Business Journal: Payday-lending limits narrowly survive


GENERAL
The Denver Post: Anti-tax rally suits crowds to a Tea
Hundreds of Tea Party activists rallied at the state Capitol on Thursday, some wearing tri-cornered hats and many waving freshly purchased, yellow "Don't Tread on Me" flags as speakers blasted Democrats, the president, taxes in particular and big government in general.
Also: Colorado News Agency via Denver Daily News: Nearly 2K turn out for Tax Day rally
Also: Denver Post commentary: 24-hour party people
Also: Colorado Springs Gazette: Tea Party rally draws 2,000
Also: Pueblo Chieftain: Tea Party hears from GOP contenders
Also: KCNC-TV: Tea Party Members Rally Along The Front Range
Also: Steamboat Today: Taking America back
Also: Grand Junction Sentinel: Tea partiers rally on tax day
Also: Fort Collins Coloradoan: Tea Party marks Tax Day with downtown rally


FISCAL POLICY
Denver Post commentary: A tax for suburban recreation
People living within the boundaries of the South Suburban Parks and Recreation District are facing a controversial election next month. At issue is whether voters will approve the extension of a 1 mill property tax levy that has been in place for 10 years. The levy will sunset if not re-authorized in the May 4 election.

Colorado Springs Gazette editorial: Wall Street Journal does the Springs
Finally, a fair story about our city.

Colorado News Agency: If a rainy day fund is created, will future lawmakers use restraint?
A panel of lawmakers today approved saving for a rainy day by setting aside $25 million annually from a tax that has fared well over the years.  If the measure is ultimately approved by a super-majority of the full legislature, it will go to a vote of the people for final approval.

Longmont Times-Call: Tax credit leaves some families owing more
Thursday closed out a tax season of home breaks, car breaks, energy breaks ... and a few breaks that left some taxpayers a little broken.

Grand Junction Sentinel editorial: Taxing thoughts
Taxes are too high. We all know that. Or maybe we don’t. But a good many of us believe they are too high for us. And taxes for those other folks are clearly too low.


CONSUMER PROTECTION
Denver Business Journal: Perlmutter joins effort to boost protection for Ponzi-scheme victims
Six members of Congress — including U.S. Rep. Ed Perlmutter of Colorado — have introduced a bill that they say will enhance protections and public-insurance coverage for victims of Ponzi schemes.