Colorado moving to implement federal health reform

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, July 1, 2010. Listing does not imply endorsement of the content.

HEALTH POLICY
The Denver Post: New Colorado health plan to cover those with pre-existing conditions
Coloradans denied health insurance because they are deemed too sick will soon have access to coverage through a new state program.
Also: Denver Daily News: Making insurance for some more affordable?


FISCAL POLICY
The Denver Post: Nationwide trade group sues over online-sales-tax statute
A nationwide trade group has filed a lawsuit in federal court in Denver challenging reporting requirements in Colorado's new online-sales-tax law.
Also: Denver Daily News: ‘Internet tax’ challenged
Also: Denver Business Journal: Marketing group sues over Colorado's 'Amazon tax'

Colorado Springs Gazette editorial: Mayor's proposals merit city support
Rivera suggested placing a measure on the November ballot that would ask voters to allow the city to retain TABOR surpluses, should there be any, for 2010-2012.

Colorado News Agency: New law lightens load for tardy trailers in tow
Beginning today, trailers tagging along behind the family vehicle or farm truck will carry a slightly lighter load. That’s because people who register their non-motorized vehicles—primarily trailers– past their registration deadlines will pay lower penalties under two new laws that just took effect.

Fort Collins Coloradoan: County departments face more budget cuts
In anticipation of having 6 percent to 8 percent less property tax revenue to work with in 2012, county departments will be asked to come up with reduced operating budgets in 2011 and expect to do it again the following year, officials say.

Grand Junction Sentinel: Change in lease law cuts county budgets
Millions of dollars in federal mineral-lease distributions for Mesa and Garfield counties last year are cutting sharply into the payments in lieu of taxes they are receiving from the U.S. government this year.

Longmont Times-Call: Benefits ax is about to fall
The U.S. Senate left Washington, D.C., for its weeklong Independence Day break Thursday without passing an extension of unemployment benefits for more than 1 million Americans.

Steamboat Today: Steamboat sales tax collections down 7.6 percent in May
Collections are down nearly 5 percent year to date, from about $7.6 million in 2009 to about $7.2 million in 2010, according to the figures. The city budgeted for a 10 percent decrease in collections, sales-and-use tax auditor Rachelle Summers said.