Some districts in, others out of lawsuit over school funding from 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 Thursday, May 20, 2010. Listing does not imply endorsement of the content.

FISCAL POLICY
The Denver Post: Union presses Ritter on pay-raise bill
The largest union representing state employees has launched a campaign urging Gov. Bill Ritter to sign legislation revamping the pay-raise system for state workers.

Face the State: Douglas County School Board says 'No thanks' to statewide lawsuit
The Douglas County School Board - which presides over Colorado's third-largest school district--recently declined to join 17 other districts that are suing the state for more funding. The districts, which include Jefferson County Schools and Colorado Springs District 11, argue that the state Legislature is shorting Colorado schools and therefore isn't living up to its constitutional obligations to provide Colorado students with a quality education.
Also: Loveland Reporter-Herald: District addresses lawsuit

Grand Junction Sentinel: Colorado’s part-timers getting full job benefits
The state of Colorado pays out at least $10 million annually in full-time benefits to part-time employees, some of whom work as few as 10 hours a week, according to state Rep. Laura Bradford, R-Collbran.

Steamboat Today: Economic leader warns of drastic budget cuts at Steamboat Economic Summit
Preserving millions of dollars in state tourism funds that fuel Steamboat’s resort economy will require a very tough battle in 2011 as Colorado’s next governor will be forced to make severe budget cuts immediately upon taking office, a state economic leader said Wednesday.

Salida Mountain Mail: Council fixes city budget
Facing a budget shortfall of $339,800 and continuous sales tax revenue decline, Salida City Council members unanimously amended the 2010 budget Tuesday during their regular meeting.


HEALTH POLICY
Denver Daily News: Health care reform riding away?
The Revere America campaign stopped in Denver yesterday with its spokesman, former Republican New York Gov. George Pataki, encouraging Coloradans to sign a petition asking Congress to repeal and replace “ObamaCare” with “responsible reforms” to the nation’s health care system.


ECONOMIC SELF SUFFICIENCY
KDVR: Help Colorado's Hidden Homeless
Kids with no place to sleep at night; it's a growing problem for school districts across Colorado.