Jobs and the economy are the top concern, poll finds

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, June 21, 2010. Listing does not imply endorsement of the content.

GENERAL
The Denver Post: Poll: Coloradans say jobs a No. 1 concern in U.S.
No matter their political leanings, a majority of Coloradans believe the most pressing issue facing the country today is "jobs and the economy."

The Denver Post: Tea Party activism hasn't boosted GOP voter rolls; numbers slipped for them and Dems
Tea Party activists have stormed the GOP state assembly, scrutinized candidates at forums across Colorado and regularly protested policies and politicians they dislike since first splashing into the political pool about 15 months ago. What they haven't done is deliver more voters to the GOP ranks, which have instead dwindled a bit and left the much-hyped movement's impact on the general election even less clear.


FISCAL POLICY
Denver Post editorial: CSU tuition plan is family-friendly
We applaud the university for making higher education costs more transparent, especially for lower-income families.
Also: Colorado News Agency: Guv, CSU unveil effort to slash costs for some students

Colorado Springs Gazette commentary: Bruce's Amendment 61 just plain wacky
Amendment 61 is the latest insane, mean-spirited attack on Coloradans. It would effectively end large publicly financed projects, from schools and highways to light rail and airports.

Denver Daily News: Would ‘crash tax’ be fair
City Council expected to introduce bill creating fees for non-residents in accidents.

Pueblo Chieftain: Voters may get say on pot tax
Pueblo voters may get to voice their opinions on medical marijuana in November, including whether to levy a 4.3 percent sales tax on the drug and its related paraphernalia.

Pueblo Chieftain: Council to discuss far-reaching state ballot measures
City Council is scheduled to have a two-hour briefing and discussion Monday evening on three far-reaching state ballot initiatives that would require sharp cuts in the property taxes that support public schools while also curtailing the ability of state and local governments to issue bonds for capital construction projects.

Durango Herald editorial: 9-R's ballot
It is heartening news that a survey found broad support for the idea that Durango School District 9-R might ask voters to approve a mill-levy override to make up, in part at least, for dwindling state funds. But before actually taking such a measure to the polls, the district needs to provide clear and specific plans as to why it needs the money and what it will do with it.

Fort Collins Coloradoan commentary: Proposition would hurt tax revenues
You might not be surprised to learn that the "guiding force" behind an extreme but landmark proposition is the instigator of the notorious 1992 TABOR Amendment, Douglas Bruce.

Grand Junction Sentinel: State plans to restore impact funds
The Colorado Department of Local Affairs is tentatively planning to offer about $76 million in energy and mineral impact grants and loans over the next state fiscal year. The distribution would be the first in more than a year because funds instead have been diverted to help balance the state’s budget. It’s still contingent on the state’s future budget situation, but department officials are hoping none of the $76 million will have to be diverted.


ECONOMIC SELF SUFFICIENCY
Colorado Springs Gazette: Summer food programs lack participation despite growing needy population
Katarina Lowe estimates she’s feeding only about 60 to 65 people per day in a cafeteria equipped to serve as many as 300. Asked what happens to the leftover food, she simply pointed to the trash can.


ECONOMY
Denver Business Journal: Colorado personal income up for 3rd straight quarter
Personal income in Colorado rose 0.43 percent in this year's first quarter from the final quarter of 2009 -- the third straight quarterly increase for the state, the U.S. Department of Commerce reports.
Also: Denver Business Journal: Colorado unemployment rate stays at 8% in May; 1,100 more working


HEALTH CARE POLICY
Loveland Reporter-Herald: Doctors discuss the ‘good, bad and ugly’
There will be winners and losers. There will be the good, the bad and the ugly. And there will be lots and lots of paperwork. This is how three health care experts described reformed health care Thursday afternoon during a panel discussion sponsored by the McKee Medical Center Foundation as part of its seminar series.

Summit Daily News: Summit medical providers may collaborate and share electronic medical records
Roundtable of stakeholders brainstorm ideas on working together in Summit County.