Author: Marissa Ventrelli
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Mayors of Denver, Aurora and Colorado Springs send unified 2026 wish list to Capitol
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The mayors of Colorado’s three largest cities — representing a combined population of about 1.5 million — are urging state lawmakers to tackle some of their communities’ most pressing challenges during the 2026 legislative session. In a letter to Gov. Jared Polis and the General Assembly, Denver Mayor Mike Johnston, Aurora Mayor Mike Coffman, and…
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Following scandals and accusations of toxicity, Colorado House leaders seek a reset in 2026
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The 2025 legislative session saw its fair share of scandals — from accusations of misusing campaign finances, claims of online bullying, and the resignation of the House’s top Republican due to “toxicity” — and it remains to be seen whether lawmakers will behave themselves this year. Regardless, leaders said they are committed to fostering a…
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Gov. Jared Polis ‘frustrated, surprised’ at efforts to revive vetoed union bill
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Gov. Jared Polis was surprised that Democratic lawmakers and labor groups are seeking to revive a union-backed legislation less than a year after he vetoed the bill due to worries about its impact on businesses and mandatory dues on workers. Elected officials and labor unions gathered at the Capitol on Thursday to announce the return…
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As lawmakers return, federal pressure and fiscal stress poised to shape Colorado’s 2026 session
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The eight months since lawmakers wrapped up the 2025 legislative session have been anything but quiet. Federal funding cuts, a flurry of presidential executive orders, an election year fast approaching — not to mention a projected $1.2 billion budget shortfall — are all converging as policymakers prepare to return to the Capitol for the 2026…
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Senate Democrats announce committee assignments for 2026 session
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Democratic Senate Majority Leader Robert Rodriguez, D-Denver, announced committee assignments for the 2026 legislative session on Wednesday. “Committees are crucial to the legislative process – they’re where we deliberate, hear from the public, and fine-tune policies so that they can have the best impact for Coloradans,” said Rodriguez. “I’m excited to announce committee assignments for the 2026…
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Lawmakers, advocates seek reforms after cases expose gaps in Colorado’s competency system
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After a series of high-profile crimes throughout the state last spring and summer exposed gaps in Colorado’s legal system for individuals declared incompetent to stand trial, lawmakers and an advocacy organization are pushing for changes this year. Extensive media coverage of cases such as Solomon Galligan’s — a convicted sex offender arrested last year for…
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Urban vs. rural, labor vs. business: Battles are brewing ahead of the 2026 Colorado legislative session
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Grab your popcorn — it’s going to be an interesting 2026 legislative session in Colorado. There’s not much you can count on these days, but if you’ve been around the state Capitol long enough, you’ve probably seen your fair share of disagreements, both friendly and unfriendly — and you can be sure you’ll see even…
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No TABOR refunds this year, as Colorado Gov. Polis warns of tight fiscal outlook
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Gov. Jared Polis on Friday submitted revised budget requests for the next two fiscal years, calling for new public safety spending, changes to Medicaid growth, and renewed efforts to privatize Pinnacol Assurance. Notably, the governor said Colorado residents won’t get refunds from the Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights (TABOR). “We are focused on protecting the issues…
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William Lindstedt sworn in to represent Colorado Senate seat left by Faith Winter
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Broomfield Democrat William Lindstedt was officially sworn in as a state senator on Monday, following his appointment by Gov. Jared Polis to fill the seat of the late Sen. Faith Winter. A vacancy committee selected Lindstedt, who had been serving in the House since 2023, to represent Senate District 25 in late December. However, because…
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From mental health coverage to bison protection: New Colorado laws that take effect Jan. 1
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A new year means new laws in Colorado, covering everything from health insurance and gun shows to “junk fees” and protections for wild bison. Here’s a list of laws passed during the 2025 legislative session that will go into effect when the calendar flips on Wednesday. House Bill 1002: Medical necessity determination insurance coverage This…
