Capitol Coverage

A plan that aims to untangle part of the state?s budget restrictions is drawing fire from Republicans at the statehouse who say it?s unconstitutional. A Democrat and a Republican are sponsoring the measure which they introduced on Thursday. So far, the sponsor of the bill appears to be the only Republican supporting it. Bente Birkeland reports from Denver.

Colorado’s forests are still facing serious threats from the mountain pine beetle epidemic according to the annual health of Colorado Forests Report, presented to state lawmakers on Wednesday. Bente Birkeland reports from Denver.

Colorado was front and center on Tuesday when President Barack Obama signed his historic 787 billion dollar economic stimulus package in Denver. About two hundred prominent Colorado leaders from government, business and non profits filled an atrium at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science for the signing ceremony, which highlighted renewable energy. Bente Birkeland reports from Denver.

Even with an infusion of cash from the Federal Government through the 789 billion dollar stimulus plan ? Colorado lawmakers are bracing for negotiations this week to cut 600 million dollars from this year?s budget. Bente Birkeland reports from Denver.

Lawmakers are about one third of the way through the state’s legislative session and they’re still dealing with cuts to the current 2008/2009 budget. Bente Birkeland talks about what’s in store in the days ahead with fellow statehouse reporters as part of our weekly capitol conversation series.

A measure that aims to make it easier for voters to turn in their mail in ballots cleared a house committee on Thursday over objections from the Country Clerks Association. Bente Birkeland reports from Denver.

A bill to ban plastic bags across the state passed It’s first hurdle on Wednesday, getting out of senate committee on a party line vote. The measure would require large grocery stores and big box retailers to stop offering customers plastic bags within the next three years or the store would pay a fine. Bente (BEN tuh) Birkeland reports from Denver.

House lawmakers at the state capitol are demanding a little more respect. Speaker of the House Terrance Carroll recently issued a memo reminding the Governor’s staff, capitol workers, lobbyists and the media to stop calling lawmakers by their first names and to use their proper titles instead. Bente Birkeland reports from Denver.

Thousands of Coloradans each year lose their homes to foreclosure. And on Monday state officials announced a six million dollar settlement that aims to help more people stay in their homes. Bente Birkeland reports from Denver.

Colorado’s ambitious transportation packaged recently passed the state senate after hours of debate. All of the senate Republicans and two Democrats voted against the measure. It would increase vehicle registration fees to raise about 250 million dollars each year for roads and bridges. Bente Birkeland discuss the issue with statehouse reporters as part of our weekly capitol conversation series.