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Posted inOpinion, Opinion Columns

Opinion: Federal rescue funds show Colorado what an adequate budget looks like

A massive, one-time influx of federal dollars has given Coloradans a glimpse of what a robustly funded state government looks like. The federal American Rescue Plan Act, passed in the spring of 2021, brought billions of dollars to Colorado, enabling policymakers over the past two years to simultaneously fund long-recognized priorities like housing, the caring […]

Posted inNews

Here’s what’s in the $36 billion state budget proposal now being debated by Colorado lawmakers

The full Colorado legislature this week began debating a $36 billion state budget proposal that, buoyed by a strong economic recovery from the coronavirus pandemic and a flood of federal stimulus dollars, would boost funding to K-12 and higher education, give state employees a 3% raise and expand state efforts to improve public safety and […]

Posted inOpinion, Opinion Columns

Opinion: I’m a state environment-protection employee. Our workload is not sustainable.

The pandemic made clear for many Coloradans what state employees already knew: state services and infrastructure are underfunded, under-resourced, and understaffed. That’s why the recent negotiation of the first contract between state employees and the state was such an important win for both state workers and the Colorado families that depend on public services, from […]

Posted inBusiness, News, Politics and Government

8 big things you need to know about Colorado’s $34 billion state budget

Colorado lawmakers this week began debating the state’s $34.1 billion budget, which helps chart a path out of the coronavirus crisis and sets aside millions of dollars for equity-related initiatives and a historic sum for future economic downturns. The legislature was able to reverse funding cuts made as the pandemic descended upon the state last […]

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 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 […]

Posted inElection 2020, Politics and Government

Colorado governor says his $1.3 billion stimulus plan would create up to 15,000 jobs, but questions abound

Colorado Gov. Jared Polis on Thursday asked state lawmakers to spend $1.3 billion on an economic stimulus package that he said would create up to 15,000 jobs and boost the state’s economy by 11% over current projections. “Making these investments now with this one-time money will help restore economic growth faster and better, and shrink […]