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Feb. 7, 2011
The weekday Colorado news roundup is a collection of links to news reports from around the state on issues of interest to the Colorado Center on Law and Policy. Listing does not imply endorsement of the content. 

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Ballot measures would increase investment in communities  

Fiscal policy
The Denver Post: Group resubmits ballot initiative aiming to raise taxes and state revenue
A liberal group that pushed a tax-increase initiative thrown out on a technicality is back with new proposals that would ask Colorado voters to increase taxes by up to $1.5 billion a year. Including comment from Colorado Fiscal Policy Institute Director Carol Hedges.
Also: Huffington Post Denver commentary: Hickenlooper Wants Red-Tape Legislation This Session

The Denver Post: Colorado has more ailing dams, less money to fix them
A review of state dam safety records ... shows that a breach at any of 21 "high hazard" dams today likely would kill people living or working nearby. Failures at another 33 deficient "significant hazard" dams would cause major property damage. But dam repairs can cost millions of dollars, and Colorado Department of Natural Resources officials say they lack funds to help owners make repairs.

Denver Post commentary: Our inequitable sales tax
As taxes go, the sales tax is among the worst. It is regressive because it doesn't cover items that rich folks buy, like stocks, bonds, water rights and legislation.

Colorado News Agency: Funding equity proposed for students at private, public colleges
A measure introduced last week in the General Assembly would require the state to treat private colleges and universities in Colorado the same as public ones when subsidizing students' tuition through the Colorado Opportunity Fund.

Durango Herald: Roberts: Hands off tax money
Local governments are rallying behind state Sen. Ellen Roberts' bill to keep gas and oil taxes close to home.

Glenwood Springs Post-Independent: State again won't offer senior exemption
For the second year in a row, the Colorado Legislature will not be offering its property tax exemption for senior citizens, and it is not known if Garfield County will once again step in to make up the difference.

Aurora Sentinel editorial: Lights, camera, tax hike mean 'action' in Colorado
More than ever, it's all about the money when it comes to landing lucrative film and audio projects in Colorado. Two Republican lawmakers get that and have proposed a measure that would raise the price of movie theater tickets 10 cents in an effort to bring more movie, TV and video work to the state.

Greeley Tribune: Aims president to forum: Higher education needs a dedicated funding source
College leaders look to solve budget shortfalls, shrinking aid from state.


Health care
Colorado Statesman: Colorado Republicans praise latest Florida court ruling on health care reform
Republicans in the state were unanimous in their praises for Vinson's ruling. State Sen. Shawn Mitchell, R-Broomfield, said, "The simple point of the ruling is that Congress has a limited power to regulate interstate commerce, not an unlimited power to make Americans buy whatever Congress says. Judge Vinson's ruling blocks an overreaching federal takeover of healthcare. But even more importantly, it upholds the vital principle that our national government has limited, specified powers. The rest is up to states and the choices of free citizens."

Summit Daily News: Medicaid demand spikes in Summit County
In Summit County, just as in the rest of the country, the demand for Medicaid is higher than ever. In 2010 there were 800 program enrollees in Summit County, compared to 550 in 2007, according to Summit County's Public Health Department Director Deb Crook.
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