Author: Marianne Goodland
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Colorado title board rejects government transparency measure, backers plan appeal
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A broad coalition’s push for stronger government transparency hit a major setback last week when Colorado’s title board rejected a proposed ballot measure that would allow more public access to most legislative deliberations. The three‑member title board on April 15 voted 2–1 to reject Measure No. 286, ruling that it violated the state constitution’s single‑subject…
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Colorado body reviews redistricting proposals as battle heats up nationwide
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With 60 proposals on the April 15 agenda, Colorado’s title board wrapped up its final initial hearing for the 2026 election cycle, sending forward a slate of measures that could reshape workers’ compensation and reignite partisan battles over congressional redistricting. After the title board approves the wording of a proposed initiative, supporters must collect 124,000…
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Colorado lawmakers advance bill to tackle Colorado’s prison capacity issues
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As lawmakers work to complete the next state budget, they are intensifying efforts to address overcrowding and capacity challenges within the Department of Corrections and related agencies — issues that have contributed to increased spending in the budget. The state Senate on Friday gave preliminary approval to Senate Bill 159, specifically designed to work on…
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A happier budget week | Capitol M | Week of April 18, 2026
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It’s budget time at the state Capitol, and generally, it’s a humorless situation. It certainly was that way in the House last week, with a 15-hour reading of the long bill at 661 pages that resulted in lawmakers having to work on Saturday, and that meant Republicans – except for two who were marked as…
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Governor’s wildlife commission picks face pushback ahead of Colorado Senate hearing
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Colorado’s largest coalition of hunters, anglers, and wildlife conservation groups is urging state lawmakers to reject two of Gov. Jared Polis’ latest nominees to the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission, setting up a contentious confirmation hearing before the Senate Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee next week. Gaspar Perricone, speaking for the Colorado Wildlife Conservation Project,…
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Colorado House passed a bill raising threshold for agriculture overtime by one vote
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The bill that would raise the overtime threshold for overtime pay for certain agricultural workers won the narrowest of votes Thursday in the Colorado House. Senate Bill 121 won a 33-32 vote, a dramatic difference from votes cast Wednesday on nearly three dozen amendments offered by progressive Democrats. Most of those recorded votes, taken late…
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Colorado’s $46.8 billion budget nears finish line
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The Colorado Senate on Thursday voted largely along party lines to approve $46.8 billion in spending for the next state budget. The spending plan is bigger than what legislators originally approved for the current fiscal year’s budget, driven by increases in Medicaid costs. The proposal saw changes from a dozen amendments during debate Wednesday, but…
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Colorado Senate reworks key programs, gives preliminary nod to $46B budget
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With the Senate’s traditional Budget Day barbecue setting a lighter tone, lawmakers worked through the $46.8 billion state budget Wednesday, navigating a long list of amendments but avoiding the partisan clashes that defined the House debate last week. The Senate first moved through 44 of the 64 “orbitals,” which are bills that adjust state law…
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Colorado budget plan seeks to keep $306 million by canceling TABOR refunds
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Tucked deep within the hundreds of pages of the proposed $46.8 billion 2026–27 state budget is a line item showing $306.1 million in savings — achieved by canceling Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights refunds. Gov. Jared Polis has recommended withholding TABOR refunds in both 2026–27 and 2027–28. His budget proposal says the state accidentally overpaid $306.1…
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After internal strategy sessions, Colorado Senate to take up $46B budget debate
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Tax Day carries added weight at the state Capitol this year, as the Senate prepares to take up the 2026‑27 budget on Wednesday following a day of preparations by both Republican and Democratic caucuses. Senators are expected to raise some of the House amendments from last week’s debate, as well as their own ideas. On…