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Nov. 7, 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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Companies said they were owed $75M in tax credits, but created only 564 jobs    

 

Fiscal policy  
The Denver Post: Under Colorado program, companies said they were owed $75M in tax credits, but created only 564 jobs
A Denver Post review of the state's Enterprise Zone Program found that in 2010, companies filed documents stating they were owed more than $75 million in tax credits, chiefly for making a capital investment or hiring or training workers inside an enterprise zone. Those companies created a net 564 jobs, a cost of nearly $133,000 per job - a cost that has risen as the economy soured.
Also: The Denver Post: Governors have futilely tried to rein in Colorado's enterprise zones

The Denver Post: Six Colorado communities compete for sales-tax subsidies but only two will win this year
While the proposed new Gaylord hotel complex in Aurora has been hogging the spotlight in the competition for tourism-related state sales-tax subsidies, five other Colorado communities are vying for those funds. And backers say each of their projects will draw more visitors than the 1,500-room hotel and conference center in Aurora.

Denver Post commentary: Colorado needs concrete ideas, not blue-ribbon panels
We have a real problem, and when the feds actually balance their budget (and they will one way or the other), our problem will only get worse. We don't need another blue-ribbon panel or death-by-a-thousand-cuts budget; we need real leadership that uses the budget shortfall as an opportunity to advance bold reform. Leadership is offering real solutions.

Colorado Statesman: Tax hike proves to be a losing proposition
When it came to increasing state taxes to stem years of cuts to education spending, Colorado voters just couldn't stomach it. Voters roundly rejected Proposition 103, the only question on the statewide ballot, by a 2-to-1 margin on Tuesday. Editor's note: The story includes comment from Colorado Fiscal Policy Institute Director Carol Hedges.
Also: Longmont Times-Call editorial: Prop 103 vote reflected taxpayer mood


Health care
Summit Daily News: Exploring a health care cooperative
State Sen. Irene Aguilar stopped by the Summit County Community and Senior Center Friday night to discuss the problems she sees with the nation's current health care system, and her vision for a Colorado health care cooperative. Aguilar, a primary care physician for over 20 years, became a senator because as a doctor, "no one would listen to me." She's looking to "change the game" regarding health care in Colorado, and with a member-owned cooperative, Aguilar says all residents would have access to affordable, quality health care, with fair reimbursements to providers.


Family economic security
Aspen Daily News: Nonprofit agencies ask governments for more money
Dozens of nonprofit agencies have submitted their requests, which total nearly $2 million. An increase of 16.5 percent has been requested of Pitkin County and the city of Aspen is faced with a 27.1 percent spike over last year.

Loveland Reporter-Herald: Advocates call for businesses to take greater interest in child care
Local study says productivity could be improved if employers addressed parental needs. 
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