Health care

Colorado Public News: Disputed insurance exchange meant to boost competition, deliver subsidies

What will be the face of health care reform, to you? For more than 1 million Coloradans, it may be the proposed health insurance exchange. The exchange is to be a staffed website where people can find simplified comparisons between policies, government subsidies and competition that may lower prices.

Also: The Denver Post: Duking it out over health-care exchanges   

Colorado Statesman: Health care bills face uncertain future

Two bills dealing with Colorado health care rules and policy are likely to hit the House at nearly the same time, and possibly when the House Republicans have temporarily lost a member that gives them their one-seat majority.

Fiscal policy

Denver Post commentary: Targeting the right defense savings

Last August, Adm. Michael Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said, "The single biggest threat to our national security is our debt." When the admiral said that, our national debt was $13.3 trillion. Today it is $14.3 trillion. The threat keeps growing.

Also: Durango Herald commentary: A simpler tax code a good start to reduce deficit

Also: Fort Collins Coloradoan commentary: I'm willing to go back to tax rates of Clinton years

Also: KCFR-radio: Rep. Diana DeGette on Federal Budget Woes   

The Denver Post: Aurora may ask voters to extend property tax set to end next year

By extending the tax, the city would issue bonds to renovate police headquarters. New medians in the southern part of the city would be built, and there would be upgrades to libraries, parks and recreation. "People will pay no more than they are paying now," Councilman Bob FitzGerald said.

Also: Aurora Sentinel: Council eyes asking voters to extend tax levy

Colorado News Agency: Lawmakers eye easier credit for energy-efficient upgrades

Energy-efficient home improvements, often costly for consumers of modest means, could be financed through easy-term credit under a proposal that debuted Thursday in the Senate Agriculture and Energy Committee.

The Durango Herald: Who should pay for schools?

One thing has become apparent to both Republicans and Democrats in the state Legislature this year: Public schools can no longer count on the state to pay the bills.

Longmont Times-Call: Taxes may go toward fighting wildfires

Should Boulder County ask voters to support creating a sales-tax-supported Forest Improvement District to fund efforts to reduce the risk of wildfires?