Fiscal policy The Denver Post: Federal government shutdown would have broad effect in Colorado More than 53,000 federal employees in Colorado could be furloughed, the state's national parks would close and tens of thousands of military service members would be forced to work with delayed paychecks if Republicans and Democrats can't work out a deal to keep the government funded after Friday. Also: Denver Post editorial: GOP budget is a starting point Also: Denver Post commentary: Paul Ryan's yellow brick road Also: Pueblo Chieftain: Document center workers would face furloughs Also: Pueblo Chieftain editorial: Our future The Denver Post: Senate Gives Nod to Udall's Amendment to End Unemployment Benefits for Millionaires Sen. Mark Udall's legislation to end unemployment payments to jobless millionaires cleared its first Senate hurdle with unanimous, all 100 senators, approving it as an amendment. The Denver Post: House gives initial OK to tax timeout for businesses' equipment purchases After a ferocious debate, the state House on Wednesday gave initial approval to a bill that would give a two-year tax timeout to businesses on equipment purchases. Also: Denver Daily News: Cries over cancer cuts Also: Pueblo Chieftain: It's balanced Also: The Colorado Independent: Joint Budget Committee compromises, introduces budget Also: Huffington Post Denver commentary: Ethics Commission Staff Wrong Place for Cuts Also: Associated Press via Colorado Springs Business Journal: Colo. Senate starts delayed budget work Also: KCFR-radio: Budget Breakdown: Collaborative Cuts Also: KCFR-radio: Looking Inside the CO Budget Deal Boulder Daily Camera editorial: State compromises, National stalemate A tale of two legislative bodies, burdened and privileged with the unsavory but necessary obligation to compromise and cooperate. Also: Durango Herald editorial: Budget shenanigans Colorado News Agency: Panel agrees to incentives for alt-energy parks A measure designed to make Colorado a magnet for the alternative energy industry-creating virtual hubs for the industry to proliferate-was approved today by the House Finance Committee. Lamar Ledger: Board hears proposed budget, state funding undetermined State funding has not yet been released and the budget situation is still unsure, Lamar School District Superintendent Charles Soper told the board. Jobs and economic security Denver Business Journal: Denver ranks 30th for 1-year job growth The Denver metro area ranked 30th in the nation for job growth over the year ending in February out of the 100 largest metros, according to an analysis of new federal data. Family economic security Fort Collins Coloradoan: Forum to explore homelessness Is it possible to end homelessness? A panel of experts will discuss this idea from 7 to 9 p.m. Monday at the Coloradoan Community Room, 1300 Riverside in Fort Collins. | 
