Starting today, all new homes built in Colorado will be required to install carbon monoxide detectors. And a 50-year-old sales tax exemption for cigarettes will be suspended, increasing the price of a pack of cigarettes by a dime. These are just a few of the new laws taking effect on July 1st. Bente Birkeland reports from Denver.
Podcast: Download
The Army’s chief psychiatrist visits Ft. Carson…two fire departments consider consolidating…Governor Bill Ritter talks state budget, and more.
Podcast: Download
A Denver District judge has put a campaign finance measure on hold, saying it’s discriminatory and violates free speech protections guaranteed under the first amendment. Colorado voters narrowly passed Amendment 54 last fall. Bente Birkeland reports from Denver.
Podcast: Download
Colorado’s latest economic forecast shows a nearly 250 million dollar revenue shortfall before the end of the state’s fiscal year next week. The Governor says a one day transfer can temporarily fill the gap, but that means deeper cuts down the road. Bente Birkeland reports from Denver.
Podcast: Download
Colorado holds the highest growth rate for children living in poverty…Gov. Bill Ritter attends the Western Governors’ Association meetings…a subcommittee approves extending a spending ban on the Pinon Canyon Maneuver Site…and, Representative Betsy Markey testifies for wildfire mitigation.
Podcast: Download
Colorado is poised to receive about 7 billion dollars from the federal stimulus package over the next three years. And for government officials the process of tracking how and where the money is spent is a tremendous administrative task. Bente Birkeland examines what the state is doing to prevent waste, fraud and abuse.
A new report released yesterday outlines how Colorado is spending money from the federal stimulus package. The state is expected to receive 7 billion dollars over the next three years and several projects are already underway. Bente Birkeland has more from Denver.
Podcast: Download
Colorado is ground zero for a new program that trains veterans across the country to work in green jobs. Earlier this month, 15 veterans completed training on how to audit homes for energy efficiency. As Bente Birkeland reports, for some vets the program marks a new beginning.
Podcast: Download
The Governor vetoed a pro labor bill yesterday that would’ve given firefighters the right to form unions and bargain collectively. It’s the fourth bill Governor Ritter has vetoed this year and the second pro-labor measure he’s vetoed in the last month. Bente Birkeland reports Ritter is facing criticism from his fellow Democrats for the vetoes as a result.
Podcast: Download
Starting in December Colorado drivers will face a fifty dollar fine if caught sending text messages behind the wheel. Governor Bill Ritter signed the texting ban Monday evening. Bente Birkeland reports from Denver.
Two new Democrats were sworn into the state senate on Friday to replace outgoing lawmakers. A total of four Democratic lawmakers have resigned from the statehouse this year. Two more are considering it. Bente Birkeland explores the trend.
Podcast: Download
Vice-President Joe Biden touted green jobs as a key to strengthening America’s middle class during a town hall meeting at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science on Tuesday. The event was the fourth official meeting of the Obama administration’s middle class task force. Bente Birkeland reports from Denver.
Podcast: Download
Governor Bill Ritter quietly signed a bill into law last Monday that will allow gay and lesbian state employees to share health benefits with their partners in the same way married couples already can. It’s one of a long list of state measures in recent years that grant additional protections and benefits to domestic partners. Bente Birkeland reports from Denver.
Anyone in Colorado arrested or charged with a felony will soon be required to give a DNA sample to law enforcement. Governor Ritter signed the bill into law on Thursday, saying it’s a tool that will help police solve more crimes. Critics argue it violates protections guaranteed in the 4th amendment against unreasonable searches and seizures. Bente Birkeland reports from Denver.
Podcast: Download
A 1.4 billion dollar budget shortfall, selling full strength beer in grocery stores, and a universal health care proposal…these are just some of the issues lawmakers had to grapple with during this year’s legislative session. Bente Birkeland discusses the highs and lows as part of the Capitol Conversation series.
Podcast: Download
