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HB 1131 is free-market solution to increase access to veterinarians, bill sponsor says
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Rocky Mountain Voice, State

HB 1131 is free-market solution to increase access to veterinarians, bill sponsor says

By BRIAN PORTER | Rocky Mountain Voice House Bill 1131, described by a bill sponsor as a free-market solution to the state's growing veterinary shortage, appears to be fast-tracked to the Senate. On second reading Tuesday in the House, the bill by Democrat Rep. Andrew Boesenecker and Republican Rep. Dusty Johnson passed on an overwhelming voice vote. It was introduced Jan. 28. "We have seen a real need for veterinarians across the state, for both small [animals] and livestock," Johnson said. "[HB 1131] really does eliminate government overreach by removing caps for free-market students." The bill eliminates the cap on the number of students who may enroll in the Colorado State veterinary program and, as the bill's fiscal note points out, removes other financial limitations on t...
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Motorists are paying the price — $11.4B annually, to be exact — for state’s crumbling roads
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Rocky Mountain Voice, State

Motorists are paying the price — $11.4B annually, to be exact — for state’s crumbling roads

By Jen Schumann | Contributing Writer, Rocky Mountain Voice Colorado’s deteriorating roads are hitting residents — and their vehicles — hard, in Grand Junction costing drivers an average of $1,704 annually in extra repairs, fuel costs, congestion delays and crash-related expenses.  Statewide, the cost is estimated to be $11.4 billion a year, according to a January 2025 report by TRIP, a national transportation research nonprofit. Meanwhile, inflation and rising construction costs are chipping away at recent funding increases. Rocky Moretti, TRIP’s director of policy and research, highlighted the challenge: “Colorado, in 2021 — both through legislation in Colorado, but also through the federal bipartisan infrastructure legislation — was able to significantly increase investment in ...
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General Assembly recognizes active-duty military, veterans in 10 resolutions
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Rocky Mountain Voice, State

General Assembly recognizes active-duty military, veterans in 10 resolutions

By Brian Porter | Rocky Mountain Voice Active duty military, veterans and those prisoners of war or missing in action who never made it home were all honored Friday with bipartisan measures in the Colorado House and Senate. House Joint Resolution 25-1010, by Republican Rep. Jarvis Caldwell and Sen. Janice Rich and with Democrat Rep. Sean Camacho and Dafna Michaelson Jenet, commemorated Military Appreciation Day. The resolution notes more than 47,000 Coloradans serve in a branch of the armed forces in active or reserved duty, and another 340,000 military veterans call the state home.That is roughly about 8% of the state's population. HJR 25-1011, by Republican Rep. Ryan Armagost and Sen. Barbara Kirkmeyer and by Democrat Rep. Matthew Martinez and Sen. Matt Ball, recognized Gold ...
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In a shifting of chairs, Republican parties have new leadership in many Colorado counties
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Rocky Mountain Voice, State

In a shifting of chairs, Republican parties have new leadership in many Colorado counties

By BRIAN PORTER | Rocky Mountain Voice The only constant in life is said to be change. That certainly is the way it may feel for those in a number of county Republican parties around Colorado. From El Paso to Weld to Washington counties and other places dotting the map, new party leadership has been put in place during biennial reorganization, and more could be. In Adams County, both U.S. Reps. Lauren Boebert and Gabe Evans spoke before Laura Garcia-Pascoe was elected as the new county Republican chairwoman. "Let’s win big together this cycle," wrote Boebert in a Facebook post and photo with Garcia-Pascoe, after her election. On Monday, during his weekly grassroots call, former Sen. Kevin Lundberg noted Sandra Aste had been named the Larimer County chair. "I am really exc...
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HB 1131, lifting cap on CSU veterinary students, among three bills in each chamber getting second readings Tuesday
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Rocky Mountain Voice, State

HB 1131, lifting cap on CSU veterinary students, among three bills in each chamber getting second readings Tuesday

By Brian Porter | Rocky Mountain Voice A bipartisan bill aimed at lifting the artificial cap on students who may enroll in Colorado State's veterinary program will get a second reading and potentially a preliminary vote on Tuesday, Feb. 11, in the Colorado House. House Bill 25-1131, by Republican Rep. Dusty Johnson and Sen. Byron Pelton and joined by Democrat Rep. Andrew Boesenecker and Sen. Cathy Kipp, lifts the enrollment cap at a time when both small and large animal veterinarians are at a shortage throughout the state, especially in Eastern Colorado where two of the legislators represent. The bill passed the House Education Committee on Feb. 6 with a rare 13-0 vote. The House convenes at 9 a.m. The House will also hear second readings on two Democrat-led bills — HB 25-1010,...
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Tina Peters’ filing argues her actions were protected by the Supremacy Clause
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Local, Rocky Mountain Voice

Tina Peters’ filing argues her actions were protected by the Supremacy Clause

"She [Peters] is pale, has lost weight, and has difficulties with memory and word-finding," filing reads By Jen Schumann | Contributing Writer, Rocky Mountain Voice Mesa County Clerk Tina Peters has taken her fight to the U.S. District Court in Colorado, claiming her prosecution violated the U.S. Constitution. On Feb. 7, Peters filed a habeas corpus petition to challenge her incarceration, claiming she was simply doing her duty to preserve election data, as required by federal rules. The petition, filed under 28 U.S.C. § 2254, contests Peters’ denial of bond pending appeal and claims multiple constitutional violations in her trial.  It asserts that her prosecution is invalid because 52 U.S.C. § 20701 requires election officials to preserve election records for 22 months...
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Williams: Weld County GOP’s young gun vaults to victory as new party chair
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Commentary, Rocky Mountain Voice

Williams: Weld County GOP’s young gun vaults to victory as new party chair

By Laci Williams | Commentary, Rocky Mountain Voice The Weld County Republicans have been a driving force in flipping multiple statewide seats andeven one national seat. But political victories don’t happen by chance—they require strongleadership, strategy, and a committed team. One of the key figures behind this success is YoungRepublican Hunter Rivera, a lifelong Weld County native whose deep roots in the communityand unwavering commitment to conservative principles have propelled him into leadership. Rivera was rewarded for his dedication on Saturday, Feb. 8, winning a sweeping and well-deserved victory in the Weld County GOP chair race, securing 111 out of 148 votes from the voting members. “We need leadership that is Weld First and America First, not leadership focused on pol...
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In Grand Junction meeting, those from industries most impacted by wolves look for solutions
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Rocky Mountain Voice, State

In Grand Junction meeting, those from industries most impacted by wolves look for solutions

By Lindy Browning | Contributing Writer, Rocky Mountain Voice Those who represent multiple industries and who are seeking solutions to the challenges they face because of the growing populations of wolves on the landscape recently met. There were livestock growers; hunters and outfitters; big game agencies that have spent decades preserving and growing healthy and robust numbers of big game species; local, state and federal elected officials; and some that were not so obvious, such as oil and gas developers. They met seeking common solutions for all involved parties. One of the glaring takeaways from the meeting is this — one solution does not seem to fit all.  Discussions around repealing Prop. 114 had some support in the group, but others in the group were concerned that if Prop...
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Devotional: You, too, are equipped with a superpower – gratitude
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Commentary, Rocky Mountain Voice

Devotional: You, too, are equipped with a superpower – gratitude

By DRAKE HUNTER | Commentary, Rocky Mountain Voice Today, superheroes are a huge part of our culture — found in movies, video games, comic books and costumes. Many people are eager to discover heroes to admire, captivated by their astonishing powers and inspiring courage. What sets superheroes apart is their unique abilities. For example, Iron Man utilizes his genius-level intellect and cutting-edge technology, while Black Panther draws enhanced senses and strength from the mystical Heart-Shaped Herb. Wonder Woman wields her Lasso of Truth and a magical sword, the Flash captivates with super speed, and Captain America embodies justice with his iconic shield. Collectively, they represent the superpower of courage, driven by deep appreciation and gratitude. Like the legendary charac...
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Williams: Young Republicans Caucus launches to shape Colorado’s conservative future
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Commentary, Rocky Mountain Voice

Williams: Young Republicans Caucus launches to shape Colorado’s conservative future

By Laci Williams | Commentary, Rocky Mountain Voice The next generation of conservative leadership is making its mark in the Colorado General Assembly, with the formation of the Young Republicans Caucus. Officially launched last Friday, this new caucus is dedicated to amplifying the voices of young conservatives and addressing issues that matter to the next generation of Republican leaders. Chaired by state Rep. Ryan Gonzalez, the caucus is led by a team of dynamic young legislators, including Rep. Carlos Barron, vice-chair; Secretary Rep. Jarvis Caldwell, secretary; and Rep. Matt Soper, treasurer. Rounding out the group is Rep. Ron Weinberg. The formation of the Young Republicans Caucus marks a significant milestone for the conservative movement in Colorado. As the political land...
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