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Casino tax cut puts more
strain on public services
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Fiscal policy
The Denver Post: Colo. regulators cut taxes on casinos; recipients fear added loss of funding
Colorado gaming regulators are cutting the tax rate on casinos by 5 percent, a move that will return to the industry millions of dollars in annual revenue that otherwise would go toward community college scholarships, historic preservation and other state expenses.
The Denver Post: Governor signs bill to merge wildlife, parks agencies
(Gov. John) Hickenlooper had suggested the merger to save the state about $3 million to $4 million a year. The change is due to take effect in July.
Also: Durango Herald: Governor signs bill to merge parks, wildlife
Pueblo Chieftain editorial: Consolidation
With public school budgets being squeezed by an economy that still is struggling to recover from a major recession, it's time to reconsider a proposal that has been around Pueblo for several years: consolidation of the two school districts.
Colorado Pols: Lamborn Wants NREL Cut, Nevermind 5,500 Jobs
Republican Rep. Doug Lamborn is one of nine GOP House members who sent a letter on Thursday to the House Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development asking that all funding be cut from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) in Golden.
Durango Herald commentary: Budget questions were central to 2011 Legislature
Number-crunching and talking about state finances can put many to sleep; yet it's the budget that reflects the priorities of the state because funding drives the ability of government to operate - or not.
Steamboat Today: Steamboat Springs School Board decides against tax question
The School Board first started discussing in April whether to ask voters to consider a tax increase, or mill levy override, to generate about $900,000 additional revenue annually. The district would have used the funding to address the statewide K-12 budget cuts it expects to continue in future years.
Also: Loveland Reporter-Herald: School board considers mill levy for November ballot
Health care
Denver Business Journal: Colorado insurance regulators fine Humana units
The Colorado Division of Insurance has fined two Humana companies a cumulative total of $299,000, saying that the insurer violated multiple state laws between July 2007 and June 2009.
Colorado Springs Business Journal: Foundation provides health grants
The grants are provided to allow more access to care, medicine, nutritious food, counseling, therapy and health education.
Family economic security
Longmont Times-Call editorial: Homelessness survey makes the need clear
Longmont does much for the homeless and those at risk of homelessness, through transitional housing and numerous programs to help people get back on their feet and into permanent housing. The array of services, through the city, the county and nonprofit agencies, is amazing. And in many, many cases, those services are effective. The value of those services is as great as ever, with news that the city's homeless population is up by 35 percent over 2009.
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