michael fields
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Q&A: AFP’s Michael Fields on funding transportation and enraging Capitol dealmakers
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State lawmakers have made boosting transportation funding a top priority this year. Negotiations have been underway for months and they are ongoing. Democrats and Republicans involved in the talks seem as committed to making a deal happen as they are anxious about keeping all the moving parts turning in the right direction. Major roadways need…
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Fields: A 2017 reform agenda to improve all Coloradans’ wellbeing
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Now that Colorado lawmakers have convened in Denver, the push for increased government spending has already begun. But before we go down the road to more state spending – and higher taxes – lawmakers would be wise to consider real solutions that will improve lives without placing an additional financial burden on Colorado families. Here are…
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Getting ready for battle
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The battle lines will likely soon become clear – if they aren’t already – at the state Capitol, as the Colorado Legislature gets its feet underneath itself and moves through the hundreds of bills already introduced since the session began Jan. 11. The main issues will be familiar in most cases: transportation, education and health care will…
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Fields: Bridging the political divide
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Coming off a contentious election, and with the next legislative session just around the corner, it’s easy to get caught in the negative side of politics. It’s easy to build up political divides and play into an “us versus them” mentality – which then only breeds more anger, disconnection and gridlock. These barriers aren’t just in…
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Fields: Many Coloradans don’t know they can leave their union
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Summer is winding down, and the race for the White House is heating up. But for voters, who should be the next president isn’t the only question to answer. Many have another important choice to make – whether or not to leave their labor union. With the addition of West Virginia this year, a total…
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Backers kill ballot measure to lift TABOR revenue caps
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Supporters of a state ballot measure to set a 10-year time-out on TABOR revenue restrictions called it quits Tuesday, blaming what could be a crowded fall ballot, the high cost of getting across a complicated argument to voters and an “uncertain political climate.” “In November, Colorado voters are going to be asked to decide on up…
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Fields: The ‘Frightening Four’ Colorado ballot issues
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In 2015, Susan Ricks hit the jackpot – literally. After winning $250,000 from the Illinois Lottery, Susan planned on cutting back on her seven-day-a-week work schedule, fixing up her house, and visiting her daughter in Minnesota. That was until the state of Illinois sent her an IOU instead of her winnings. Why? Because the state…
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Fields: Say ‘no’ to a special session for special interests
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Not even 48 hours after the legislative session ended, the governor floated the idea of convening a special session to address the hotly debated hospital provider fee. This drum beat has continued in the press, with pressure from countless special interest groups who didn’t get their way during the normal 120-day session. And this all…
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Fields: Senator Bennet’s support of crony capitalism
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Even though it’s been almost a decade, our economy still hasn’t fully recovered. Too many people are still unemployed or underemployed, many small businesses have shut their doors, and a growing number of college graduates face mounting student debt along with bleak job prospects. One critical reason for this is an often misunderstood or overlooked…
