U.S. Sen. John Hickenlooper is finding himself in a familiar role in Washington. The Democrat is one of 16 senators in an evenly split bipartisan coalition working with President Joe Biden’s team to craft the next COVID-19 relief bill. The cohort met for the first time Sunday with the new administration, and Hickenlooper said both […]
John Frank
John Frank is a former Colorado Sun staff writer. He left the publication in January 2021.
Posted inEconomy, News, Politics and Government
Gov. Jared Polis wanted quick action on his $1.3 billion stimulus plan. Colorado lawmakers want more time.
Three months ago, Gov. Jared Polis put forward a $1.3 billion stimulus plan and asked Colorado lawmakers to fast-track the measures. On Thursday, the General Assembly said not so fast. Instead of inserting the governor’s November spending requests into a supplemental budget package being drafted now, the proposals will move ahead in separate legislation for […]
Posted inEconomy, News, Outdoors, Politics and Government
Grand Junction fights to keep Bureau of Land Management headquarters with its future under Biden unclear
President Joe Biden’s first day in office spurred to action a team of Mesa County “first responders” who are working to keep the federal Bureau of Land Management headquarters in Grand Junction amid concerns the new administration may move it back to Washington, D.C. The local business leaders on Wednesday met to discuss plans to […]
Posted inBusiness, Coloradans, COVID, News, Politics and Government
Small liquor stores in Colorado felt pinched by new alcohol laws. Now more changes are coming.
Days into the new year, the owner of Morgans Liquor in Denver sat down with his financial books. The pandemic gave him a small boost in 2020 sales, but a troubling slide continued: His customer count continued to decline. “My dollars were up, the rings (on the register) were bigger, but my customers were still […]
Posted inHealth, Politics and Government
Here’s what to expect as the Colorado legislature starts its 2021 lawmaking term with a “soft open”
The Colorado General Assembly gavels to a start Wednesday, but leaders are calling it a “soft open.” The state legislature plans to work for three days before adjourning until Feb. 16 — a move designed to limit potential exposure to COVID-19 as case counts rise. The timeout punts the bulk of the lawmaking down the […]
Posted inCOVID, News, Politics and Government
Colorado lawmakers will get access to COVID-19 vaccine ahead of thousands of others in second phase
Colorado lawmakers will have access to a COVID-19 vaccine for the 2021 lawmaking term that begins Wednesday, likely moving them ahead of hundreds of thousands of others in the state’s second inoculation phase. House Speaker Alec Garnett, D-Denver, confirmed that members of the General Assembly are being prioritized. Legislators are expected to receive two doses […]
Posted inGrowth, Politics and Government, Transportation
Colorado lawmakers considering new fee on gallon of gas to boost money for roads
Year after year, Colorado lawmakers in both parties make finding money for road and transit projects a top priority only to see a big deal get downsized — or more often, collapse entirely. “We are Charlie Brown and we are hoping we are going to get that football,” said state Rep. Matt Gray, a Broomfield […]
Posted inPolitics and Government
The top story in Colorado politics in 2020 — and what to expect in 2021
If you enjoy politics, 2020 didn’t disappoint. And if you don’t, it probably left your head spinning. The year started with talk about the impeachment of President Donald Trump, the Democratic presidential primary and the battle for a U.S. Senate seat in Colorado. Then, the pandemic quickly upended the political landscape — and the conversation. […]
Posted inNews
The best Colorado beers and breweries in 2020 and what to watch in 2021
If you ever needed a good beer, 2020 was the year. And Colorado breweries didn’t disappoint. The three-hour Denver Prohibition, shuttered taprooms and bars statewide, an aluminum can shortage, permanent closures and other pandemic hardships certainly didn’t make it easy. The industry’s ability to pivot and make the best of a bad situation — not […]
Posted inBusiness, Politics and Government
Colorado’s fiscal future looks brighter. Now lawmakers must decide how to spend the unexpected windfall.
The dark clouds shadowing Colorado’s fiscal situation are giving way to a brighter economic outlook, according to a pair of forecasts presented Friday to state lawmakers. The arrival of a COVID-19 vaccine, an increase in job creation and a higher online sales are boosting the state’s economy, but it’s not universal. The latest numbers show […]