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State job subsidies
get mixed results
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Fiscal policy
Associated Press via Pueblo Chieftain: State job subsidies get mixed results
A third of the companies that got state aid to create Colorado jobs between 2000 and 2007 went out of business or merged, state records show. Economic incentives arranged through the Colorado Economic Development Commission have a mixed record, according to a study by The Denver Post.
The Denver Post: Bennet: Colorado farmers OK with subsidy cuts if U.S.-backed insurance provided
Colorado farmers stand to lose millions of dollars a year in direct subsidy payments for corn, wheat and soybean crops as part of agriculture reform heading to the U.S. Senate in a couple of months. And they are OK with that.
Denver Post editorial: Another round of partisanship?
All signs point to more congressional squabbling over a payroll tax cut and unemployment benefits.
Health care
Denver Post commentary: Healthy profits over health care
Should I warn Mr. Lin that here in the U.S. we spend a whopping 16 percent of our GDP on health care? That one out of every six dollars goes to doctors, hospitals, insurance companies or drug companies? Should I tell him that our private insurance companies spend 30 percent of our premiums on administrative costs?
Family economic security
Colorado Pols: Because We Can: Drug Tests For Welfare Applicants!
In a way, this really isn't out of character for Sen. Greg Brophy, who regrettably claimed last year on talk radio that Colorado's poor families were "playing in the lottery and buying cigarettes" instead of providing health care for their children. But legislation to force applicants to the Colorado Works temporary welfare program to submit to a drug test isn't Sen. Brophy's original idea. In Florida, similar legislation was passed last year at the behest of that state's Gov. Rick Scott. And as the Tampa Tribune reported last fall, it's not going very well.
Pueblo Chieftain: Housing aid offered
A grant program that helps nonprofits that provide housing services to moderate and low-income households is accepting applications.
Jobs and economic security
The Durango Herald: State employees await potential changes
"There is a big move in this country to make people who work for government the fall guy for this economy," said Bodin, a nurse at the Department of Corrections' Denver Reception and Diagnostic Center. She makes about $37,000 a year and hasn't had a raise in four years while her health-insurance premiums and retirement contributions have risen.
The Colorado Statesman: Business leaders in sync with legislators who preach more jobs, economic development
Business leaders are focused on "three fundamental pillars" this legislative session. As outlined in a recent policy briefing hosted by the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce for legislative leaders and the Governor, the main issues include health care, education and transportation.
The national scene
Los Angeles Times: Homeless make up growing number of California welfare recipients
Number of CalWorks families without a permanent place to live has grown by 98% in the last five years.
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