It's time to consider whether
state's tax structure makes sense
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Fiscal policy
Durango Herald editorial: State taxes
The Colorado Fiscal Policy Institute's ballot measure does not officially exist at this point, and what may be in its fine print is unknown. It is far too soon to argue its merits. What is interesting, though, is the idea of using this political moment - and fiscal crisis - to look, not just at where to cut spending or what fees can be raised to make ends meet, but whether the state's overall tax structure makes sense.
The Denver Post: Short on specifics, Hick looks to balance Colorado's 2011-12 budget
Gov.-elect John Hickenlooper and legislative leaders said Thursday there were no easy answers in trying to balance the state budget.
Pueblo Chieftain editorial: Funding colleges
Time was when higher education got the largest portion of state general funds. But as welfare rolls and crime rates rose, and particularly when the state government started to increase state aid to K-12 public education, higher ed's portion of the state budget has steadily eroded.
Colorado News Agency: Lawmaker aims to roll back controversial hike in vehicle late fees
After a couple of years and hundreds of phone calls from upset constituents, one Republican state lawmaker says he has already set the wheels in motion to reverse a recent increase in late fees for tardy vehicle registration. Meanwhile, Democratic Gov.-elect John Hickenlooper says if it passes, the lost revenue would have to be offset elsewhere in the budget.
Colorado Independent: Colorado delegation split 4-3 as House approves Obama tax cut compromise bill
Colorado's congressional delegation late last night split in approving President Obama's compromise bill to extend the Bush tax cuts in full for two years and federal unemployment benefits for one year.
Also: Colorado Pols: Congressman Jared Polis - the story behind the story on the tax compromise bill
Fort Collins Coloradoan commentary: 'Lazy jobless' myth destroying us
The idea is that unemployment has nothing to do with structural economic forces or rigged public policies and everything to do with individual motivation. Yes, we're asked to believe that the 15 million jobless Americans are all George Costanzas - parasitic loafers occasionally pretending to seek work as latex salesmen, but really just aiming to decompress on a refrigerator-equipped recliner during a lifelong Summer of George. Of course, this storyline makes no sense.
Health care
Colorado Statesman: Unconstitutionality of heath care bill in other states could affect Colorado
Colorado Attorney General John Suthers hopes that a Florida federal judge this week will decide that the federal health care reform act is unconstitutional, the same conclusion reached earlier this week by a federal judge in Virginia.
Jobs and economic security
Steamboat Today: Sales taxes could boost Steamboat budget
Steamboat Springs' sales tax revenues were well above the year's projections through October, offering hope of a potential boost to a beleaguered city budget after 2010 collections are finalized early next year. |
