A new batch of misguided attacks on health reform, and some reasoned argument on TABOR

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, June 18, 2010. Listing does not imply endorsement of the content.

GENERAL
The Denver Post: Delays in state refunds taxing some Coloradans' patience
Some Coloradans have reported lengthy and mysterious delays in receiving their state income-tax refunds, although statistics show all but a fraction of the 2008 and 2009 returns were processed within the 45 days required by state law.

The Denver Post: Suthers gets OK to act against Doug Bruce
A Denver judge has approved a motion by Colorado Attorney General John Suthers that clears the way for him to try to have anti-tax activist Doug Bruce held in contempt of court.


HEALTH POLICY
Denver Post commentary: Why employers should not pay for health care
Fewer Colorado employers are providing health insurance to employees. While many are lamenting this fact, it is actually a step in the right direction.

Denver Daily News: Medicaid reform needed?
GOP calls for ‘entitlement reform’ following Medicaid payment delay.

Denver Business Journal: Court ruling could be a tonic for health-law foes
Don’t want to have to purchase health insurance? Your slim chance of avoiding that upcoming federal mandate has gotten a new breath of life.

Grand Junction Sentinel commentary: County’s health clinic won’t destroy local system
Mesa County is contracting with the private sector for the management of a health clinic for county employees. As far as “weakening” the rest of the system, Mesa County has 1,800 members (employees and dependents) on the county medical plan. This is approximately 1.2 percent of the 145,000-plus individuals in Mesa County.


ECONOMY
The Denver Post: Colorado foreclosure filings at 18-month low
New filings in metropolitan Colorado counties fell to 2,633 in May, a 17.7 percent decline from the same month last year, according to the state Division of Housing.


FISCAL POLICY
Colorado Springs Gazette: TABOR math is fatal, and it's killing us
A deep recession followed by a nice rebound brings out the worst in the Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights.

Fort Collins Coloradoan: CSU unveils plan to cut tuition for struggling students
Jim Rawlins worries about the kids he never gets to meet - the kids who think their families just can't afford to send them to college, and who never even try.


ECONOMIC SELF SUFFICIENCY
Loveland Reporter-Herald: Kids Cafe strives to feed low-income Loveland youths in summer
On-site manager Melissa Hernandez likes knowing that the children living in a low-income apartment complex in Loveland are getting their meals.