Author: Marianne Goodland
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Under fire from legislators and critics, Colorado’s top Medicaid official resigns
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Kim Bimestefer resigned Monday as Colorado’s top Medicaid official, stepping down just as a bipartisan bloc of state senators prepared to formally urge Gov. Jared Polis to remove her over what they called years of mismanagement, waste and costly errors inside the state’s largest agency. In her resignation statement released by the governor’s office, Bimestefer…
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Pinnacol separation bill delayed as Colorado budget remains in flux due to $1.5B deficit
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A bill that would allow Pinnacol Assurance to formally sever its remaining ties with the state appears unlikely to emerge anytime soon, as House leaders juggle a massive budget shortfall, unresolved negotiations with key stakeholders, and growing doubts about whether the insurer’s proposed $400 million payment could be counted on to help balance next year’s…
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Colorado legislators consider $500 million in general fund cuts amid $1.5 billion deficit
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The legislature’s Joint Budget Committee is working through a list Wednesday of about 150 suggestions to cut as much as $1.5 billion in general fund dollars out of next year’s budget. The largest on the list prepared by JBC staff is $198 million in cuts to the funding for the annual senior and disabled veterans…
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Colorado farmers begin spring planting season with soaring fertilizer costs and price-gouging fears
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As Colorado farmers prepare their fields for spring planting, many are sounding the alarm over fertilizer prices that have surged far beyond what they say global supply disruptions can explain. With nitrogen costs up 30% in a matter of days, growers and lawmakers are questioning whether the industry is using geopolitical conflict as cover for…
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Colorado Democrats want large corporations to pay fee if employees are on Medicaid
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Democrats are seeking to require Colorado’s largest corporations to pay thousands of dollars for each employee that relies on the Medicaid program for health insurance. They don’t have to pay the fee if they can demonstrate offering an “affordable health coverage” to workers, defined as the minimum required by federal law. It’s the latest effort…
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Farmworker overtime bill advances after lengthy debate in Colorado Senate
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The Colorado Senate on Tuesday narrowly advanced a bill to raise the overtime threshold for agricultural workers, defeating more than a dozen amendments from its leading opponent aimed at rewriting the measure. As introduced, Senate Bill 121 would raise the threshold for overtime pay from its current 48 to 56 hours during production season to 60 hours.…
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Colorado Agriculture Day: A feast for the ears, eyes and stomachs
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Gov. Jared Polis, legislators and friends of agriculture gathered at the state Capitol on Tuesday to celebrate Colorado Agriculture Day. The annual recognition of the contributions of Colorado farmers, ranchers and agribusiness drew hundreds to the Capitol’s west foyer, where a luncheon of lamb, brisket and pulled pork, along with baked beans and potato salad,…
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Wildlife agency asks for $450,000 to bring more wolves to Colorado
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The panel of legislators charged with crafting the budget on Monday rejected a proposal that proponents said would increase transparency around how much Colorado Parks and Wildlife spends to bring additional wolves into the state. At the same time, the wildlife agency is seeking $450,000 in general funds for fiscal year 2026–27 — twice what…
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Colorado lawmakers mull renaming César Chávez Day to Farm Workers Day
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A Colorado House committee has voted to rename the March 31 state holiday from César Chávez Day to Farm Workers Day, following a national shift prompted by sexual abuse allegations against the labor leader. The State, Civic, Veterans, and Military Affairs Committee on Monday heard and passed House Bill 1339, sponsored by House Majority Leader…
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Colorado Sen. Mike Weissman calls for cold water on heated hate speech
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Likening the recent record-setting warm temperatures to hot political rhetoric, Colorado Sen. Mike Weissman, D-Aurora, pleaded for an end to death threats and other hate speech directed at lawmakers of both parties. “The increasingly tragic reality of our politics, however, like the increasingly tragic reality of our climate, is one of combustibility,” Weissman said from the well…
