Capitol Coverage

Lawmakers are gearing up for the upcoming legislative session which starts in January. They’ll debate hundreds of bills between then and early May when the session ends. To get some perspective, Rocky Mountain Community Radio’s Capitol Reporter, Bente Birkeland talks with a couple of fellow political reporters about some of the key issues they expect […]

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Colorado’s new online hospital report card is now up and running. It allows people to compare different hospitals to see how well they measure up when it comes to mortality rates and patient safety. Bente Birkeland reports from Denver
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To View the Hospital Report Card CLICK HERE

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Environmental groups released a new report urging the state to adopt a clean cars program modeled after California’s, but the Governor has said that may not happen. Bente Birkeland reports from Denver
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Colorado has launched a statewide investigation into conservation easements after complaints that crooked land appraisers are over-valuing agricultural land. Government officials say Colorado could be losing millions of dollars in tax revenues. Bente Birkeland reports from Denver.
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The Governor’s Blue Ribbon Commission for Health Care Reform has voted to recommend that all Coloradoans be required to have health insurance. The bi-partisan panel’s action is non-binding, and is likely only one of several health care reform proposals to be submitted to the state legislature in January.
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Media from around the world came to Colorado Tuesday (11/13) to tour the Democratic National Convention site. And it wasn’t just traditional newspaper and TV outlets that showed up. Democrats say more bloggers will cover this convention than ever before. Bente Birkeland reports from Denver.
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New Senate President Peter Groff, D-Denver
A bi-partisan group of state lawmakers has unveiled the bills that will get top priority in the upcoming legislative session. And, Democrats unanimously elected Peter Groff Colorado’s first African-American Senate President. Bente Birkeland reports from Denver.
Legislative Priorities [LISTEN]
New Senate President [LISTEN]

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The first ever female president of the state senate announced her resignation Tuesday. She says she’s giving up her seat to focus on a run for Congress. Bente Birkeland reports from Denver.
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In Denver Tuesday Democratic Party Chairman Howard Dean said that the road to the White House leads through the West. Dean spoke to reporters gathered at the Pepsi Center Tuesday for an early glimpse of logistics and planning for the Democratic National Convention. KUNC’s Kirk Siegler reports from Denver.
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State lawmakers on the budget committee praised the Governor’s first budget but say it doesn’t do enough to address Colorado’s over stressed prison system. Currently several hundred inmates are being housed out of state because there’s no room for them in Colorado. The committee heard the Governor’s budget request Thursday. Bente Birkeland reports from Denver.
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