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March 30, 2011

The weekday Colorado news roundup is a collection of links to news reports from around the state on issues of interest to the Colorado Center on Law and Policy. Listing does not imply endorsement of the content.

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New state revenue forecast
$75 million higher

Fiscal policy

Education News Colorado: State finds another $75 million

The Joint Budget Committee went back to work Tuesday trying to finish a balanced 2011-12 state budget bill, a process that's been delayed by partisan differences over fiscal policy. Those differences that loom large this year because party control of the houses is split, and the JBC has three Democrats and three Republicans.

 

The Denver Post: Budget cuts force Denver Police Academy to suspend recruit training

Denver's Police Academy is unlikely to train recruits for the next two years, and the Civil Service Commission has suspended testing for applicants who hope to become officers.

 

The Denver Post: Yo! JBC Raps revealing identity?

Will Yo! JBC Raps, the state fiscal hip-hopper, finally reveal himself (or herself)?

 

Colorado Springs Gazette editorial: State should close at least one prison

The Legislature's Joint Budget Committee has granted a six-month stay of execution for the Fort Lyon Correctional Facility near Las Animas, in southeast Colorado.

Also: Pueblo Chieftain editorial: Bloat

 

The Durango Herald: Bill targets 'farm' taxes

"Gentlemen farmers" could face higher property tax rates under a bill the House passed Tuesday.

 

Longmont Times-Call: Lawmakers, constituents discuss state budget options

Area state lawmakers fielded local constituents' questions Tuesday night on topics ranging from the costs of state-issued cellphones to a proposed merger of the state's wildlife and parks agencies.

 

Loveland Reporter-Herald: Thompson schools to study budget cuts

Loveland and Berthoud residents can have their say in just how the district should slice $9 million to $11 million from the 2011-12 budget.

 

 

Health care

Colorado News Agency via Denver Daily News: Dust-up over health-benefit exchanges: 'good policy, toxic politics'?

A recently introduced health-care reform measure that has stirred up passions among some Capitol watchers is poised for its first hearing on Thursday in the Senate Health and Human Services Committee. Its Democratic Senate sponsor, President Pro Tem Betty Boyd, of Lakewood, said the bill has been misunderstood.

Also: The Durango Herald: GOP leader: Health bill isn't Obamacare

 

 

Jobs and economic security

Craig Daily Press: Moffat County unemployment hits 10.6 percent

Regional economist Scott Ford said despite the alarmingly high unemployment percentage, Moffat County's economy is headed in the right direction. Ford said unemployment percentages calculated by the state don't take into account seasonal changes or give a "long-term, stable picture of what is happening."

 

KCFR-radio: Colorado's 'Lost' Economic Decade

An economic recovery in Colorado doesn't just mean gaining ground lost in this most recent recession - it means making up a decade of disappointing numbers.

 

 

Family economic security

Glenwood Springs Post-Independent: Homelessness expected to continue to increase

The number of homeless people is expected to grow over the coming months and perhaps years, depending on how soon the recession eases up, according to experts in Garfield County.

 

Aurora Sentinel: Balmer bill to ease payday lending rules set for hearing

A bill that would repeal some of the provisions of a law limiting the fees that payday lenders can charge will be heard in a House committee Tuesday.

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