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. […]
state budget
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 inPolitics and Government
Colorado lawmakers will return for special session to address coronavirus relief
The Colorado General Assembly is preparing for a special session that will provide more relief to those impacted by the coronavirus pandemic, The Colorado Sun has learned. “We’ve been having conversations with the governor’s office about how to best provide economic support to families right now,” said Senate Majority leader Steve Fenberg, a Boulder Democrat […]
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 […]
Posted inBusiness, Election 2020, Politics and Government
Proposition 116 explained: Colorado must decide whether an income tax cut is worth a hit to state budget
A measure on the 2020 ballot in Colorado proposes a permanent cut to the state’s income tax rate that would give the average taxpayer a $37 break annually. The limited-government conservatives and Republican lawmakers backing Proposition 116 say the tax relief comes at a crucial moment amid the economic downturn caused by the coronavirus. The […]
Posted inElection 2020, Politics and Government
Proposition 117 explained: Colorado voters would have more control over government fees
It’s the rare point of bipartisan agreement in Colorado politics where public spending is concerned: Since the Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights took effect in 1992, state lawmakers have increasingly turned to fees to fund government operations. But how you feel about that development, depends on your politics. To the left, it’s an unfortunate side effect […]
Posted inBusiness, Education, Election 2020, Health, Outdoors, Politics and Government
Colorado 2020 election: A quick guide to the ballot questions on abortion, wolves, taxes, sick leave and more
Colorado voters will decide 11 statewide policy questions on the November ballot — a list of far-reaching measures that will help set the direction for the state’s future. The 2020 ballot asks voters whether Colorado should put limits on abortion and create a state program designed to provide paid time off to workers for medical […]
Posted inCOVID
Colorado state workers ordered to take unpaid furlough amid state budget shortfall
Gov. Jared Polis announced Tuesday that he will order most of Colorado’s 30,000 government employees to take an unpaid furlough to help address the state’s budget crunch. The move — expected to be formalized in an executive order — applies to executive branch employees making more than $50,000 a year and is tiered to lessen […]
Posted inBusiness, Politics and Government
Colorado state budget could escape “worst of the worst,” latest economic estimates show
Colorado could be spared billions in additional state budget cuts under new economic forecasts released Friday with one crucial caveat: As long as new viral outbreaks don’t send the economy back into a tailspin. “I think today’s forecast is going to spare us the worst of the worst,” Lauren Larson, the governor’s budget director, told […]
Posted inElection 2020, Politics and Government
John Hickenlooper’s legal defense against ethics complaint cost taxpayers $150,000, a final tally shows
Taxpayers spent $150,000 to defend former Democratic Gov. John Hickenlooper’s against an ethics complaint that led to two violations of the state’s gift ban, records show. The final cost of the legal expenses matches the maximum allowed in a contract with Mark Grueskin. The prominent Democratic election attorney represented Hickenlooper on behalf of the state […]