Capitol Coverage

State representatives have passed Colorado’s 17.6 billion dollar budget… now senators will debate the bill. We’re likely see many of the same arguments for and against the budget from both parties. Bente Birkeland discusses the budget as part of our ongoing capitol conversation series.

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A senate transportation committee has backed a Republican proposal to use tolls on a portion of interstate 70, while rejecting a Democratic measure. Bente Birkeland reports from Denver.

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Passing a budget is the only thing the state constitution requires lawmakers to do during their 120 day legislative session. It funds everything from roads to preschool programs. Legislators in the house spent hours debating changes to the 616 page bill on Wednesday. Next week the senate will take up the measure. Bente Birkeland reports […]

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In western Colorado’s Garfield County, ranchers are banding together to conserve thousands of acres of prized agricultural land, as pressures for development rise. But fraud surrounding a state tax credit that’s helping protect land like this has lawmakers pushing for reforms… and many who legitimately used the tax credit, worried about the future of the […]

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Increasing the severance tax rate for Colorado’s booming energy industry gained more traction on Tuesday thanks to Governor Bill Ritter. The additional money would pay for higher education, roads, wildlife and environmental impacts. Currently Colorado’s tax rate falls well below those of neighboring states. Bente Birkeland reports from Denver.

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It was common practice in the 18th century for statehouses across the country to have people read bills out loud – because a lot of lawmakers couldn’t read themselves. The practice continued when Colorado became a state in 1876. And while the times may have changed, house and senate bill readers still play a crucial […]

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The Governor recently unveiled his proposal to change school standards. It’s an effort to smooth the academic transition from high school to college, and make kids better prepared for the workforce. Lawmakers are also looking at a measure to scale back on statewide standardized tests known as the CSAP. Bente Birkeland talks with fellow statehouse […]

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State leaders have backed off a plan to switch to paper ballots for the presidential election. The reversal comes just weeks after lawmakers and the Governor said paper was the best way to conduct a safe and secure election. Bente Birkeland reports from Denver.

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Governor Bill Ritter unveiled a long awaited proposal on Wednesday to reform school standards. The measure seeks to better prepare kids for college and the workforce, but it will likely be years before students would see real changes in the classroom. Bente Birkeland reports from Denver.

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Hollywood won’t be coming to Colorado any time soon. State lawmakers defeated a bill on Tuesday that would have given movie producers tax incentives to film their movies in the Centennial state. Bente Birkeland reports from Denver.

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