State

Gaines: A Colorado for all, as long as you agree with Democrats

8Feb

By nadiaNo Comments

Gaines: A Colorado for all, as long as you agree with Democrats

By Cory Gaines | Complete Colorado Is Colorado, as Governor Polis has said he wants, a Colorado for all, or is it just a Colorado for those that agree with Democrat policy? That’s not a rhetorical question, but rather one I recently sent to all the Democrats in the House of Representatives, and our esteemed governor, after reading about how they recently voted to limit debate on the House floor. Again. You see, as they did last legislative session, and as they did during the special session on property taxes, the House Democrats voted on the Feb. 2 to allow special rules (normally reserved until the last 3 days of the session) to start as early as 10 days prior to the end of the session. It makes a few other rule changes that, in essence and like the ...

House bill making toddler items tax-free in Colorado could save families $980 annually, cost the state $8M

7Feb

By nadiaNo Comments

coloradopolitics.com, State

House bill making toddler items tax-free in Colorado could save families $980 annually, cost the state $8M

By Marissa Ventrelli | Colorado Politics A proposal that seeks to exempt toddler and baby products from the state sales tax narrowly passed its committee first hurdle on Monday. House Bill 1027 proposes to exempt toddler and baby products, such as cribs, swings, clothes, and strollers, from the state sales tax of 2.9%. It would also create two two-week tax holidays for back to school products, including backpacks, school supplies, and computers, under a certain amount. Supporters said the measure would provide relief to parents, while opponents expressed skepticism it would materially offer relief. A fiscal note said parents could save $980 each year from the tax exemption, which would decrease state revenue by $8 million annually. Meanwhile, the tax ho...

As re-introduced gray wolves cross state lines protection ends

7Feb

By nadiaNo Comments

State, thelobby-co.com

As re-introduced gray wolves cross state lines protection ends

By The Lobby Wyoming ranchers are expressing their concern as gray wolves reintroduced into Colorado have been spotted near the state line. The proximity of these wolves to Wyoming raises fears about potential conflicts with livestock and poses a threat to the livelihoods of ranchers. While wolves in Colorado are federally protected and cannot be hunted or killed by the general public, once they cross into Wyoming's vast "predator zone," they lose their protected status and can be shot on sight. There have already been reports of conflicts. In September, at least one wolf was killed after crossing into Wyoming, according to reports by ranchers and stakeholders. However, Wyoming officials declined to confirm the incident, citing an 11-year-old state policy that keeps the identity o...

Colorado House unanimously supports bill recognizing emergency phone operators as first responders

7Feb

By nadiaNo Comments

State, thelobby-co.com

Colorado House unanimously supports bill recognizing emergency phone operators as first responders

By The Lobby In a rare display of unity, a bill at the Colorado Capitol received the approval of every representative present on Monday. The measure, which seeks to recognize emergency phone operators as first responders, is now headed to the Senate for further consideration and approval. These unsung heroes are often the first people you speak to in times of crisis, yet they have not been classified as first responders. Lawmakers at the Capitol have come to a bipartisan agreement that it is time to rectify this oversight and give credit where credit is due. PRIME SPONSORS Rep. Sheila Lieder Rep. Ryan Armagost Sen. Chris Kolker Sen. Kevin Van Winkle 9-1-1 dispatchers work tirelessly around the clock to ensure that people across the state receive the help they need...

Wolf captured on camera near road in Colorado

6Feb

By nadiaNo Comments

denvergazette.com, State

Wolf captured on camera near road in Colorado

By Spencer McKee | Out There Colorado Another wolf sighting has been captured on camera in Colorado, about a month and a half after the species was formally reintroduced to the state. An article from 9News reports that the wolf was spotted last Thursday near Kremmling, with a rancher capturing footage from the road. This is at least the second time a wolf sighting has been publicized since reintroduction, with at least 10 wolves known to be roaming the state. READ THE FULL STORY AT OUT THERE COLORADO

Democrat turns tail on proposed pet tax after voter backlash

6Feb

By nadiaNo Comments

coloradopeakpolitics.com, Commentary, State

Democrat turns tail on proposed pet tax after voter backlash

By Colorado Peak Politics A lawmaker who ruffled the fur of Colorado pet lovers with her bill mandating state registration of our four-legged children plus a mandated pet tax has turned tail and now plans to withdraw her measure. State Rep. Reginal English, a tax-and-spend Democrat from El Paso County, quickly came under fire on social media for her bill. It imposed fees of $8.50 on every pet with a designated caregiver, $25 for pets without designated caregivers, and $16 for pets that were permitted to breed. Channel 7 first reported English’s “decision to pull the bill was not because she felt pressured by the backlash.” Yet reported a few sentences later: English said the decision to pull the bill was not because she felt pressured by the backlash, but came ...

Telehealth bill aims to increase rural access to vet care

6Feb

By nadiaNo Comments

Rocky Mountain Voice, Rural Colorado, State

Telehealth bill aims to increase rural access to vet care

When Rep. Matthew Martinez, D-Monte Vista, needed critical care for a dog which developed spine issues, it resulted in a six-hour round trip drive to a veterinarian in Colorado Springs. “We have been known as a home for wayward Pomeranians,” said Martinez, presenting a telehealth veterinarian care bill Monday to the Colorado House Agriculture, Water & Natural Resources Committee. He recalled every two to three weeks transporting the dog from the San Luis Valley to Colorado Springs for treatment. “I was able to make the drive, but a lot of people can’t,” Martinez said. House Bill 24-1048, which Martinez sponsored with Rep. Karen McCormick, D-Longmont, would aim to make veterinary care more accessible to those living in similar outlying areas of the state, with limited veteri...

George Brauchler, once term-limited in 18th District, announces he will run for DA in new 23rd Judicial District

6Feb

By nadiaNo Comments

coloradopolitics.com, State

George Brauchler, once term-limited in 18th District, announces he will run for DA in new 23rd Judicial District

By Ernest Luning | Colorado Politics Parker Republican George Brauchler, the former district attorney for Colorado's 18th Judicial District, announced on Monday he wants his old job back, kind of. After facing term limits three years ago as the top prosecutor in the state's largest judicial district — covering Arapahoe, Douglas, Elbert and Lincoln counties — Brauchler is vying to become the inaugural district attorney from the new judicial district that will be created at the beginning of next year, when the old 18th district splits in two. Brauchler is running for the 23rd Judicial District, the state's first new judicial district in 60 years, which will encompass Douglas, Elbert and Lincoln counties, while Arapahoe County will have the old 18th district to itself. The seasone...

Colorado’s growing fentanyl crisis calls for stronger laws and border security

6Feb

By nadiaNo Comments

State, thelobby-co.com

Colorado’s growing fentanyl crisis calls for stronger laws and border security

By The Lobby The Drug Enforcement Administration's (DEA) Rocky Mountain Field Division has reported an explosion in the seizure of fentanyl pills in 2023, surpassing previous years. This alarming trend demands immediate action to protect Coloradans from the dangers of this deadly drug. The DEA's Rocky Mountain Field Division provided the following breakdown of fentanyl seizures in their region: Colorado: 425.60 kilograms of fentanyl seized, equivalent to approximately 2.61 million pills. Utah: 119.30 kilograms of fentanyl seized, equivalent to approximately 664,200 pills. "Fentanyl continues to be the deadliest drug threat facing our nation," stated David Olesky, Acting Special Agent in Charge for DEA's Rocky Mountain Field Division. Olesky emphasized the collabora...

Colorado lawmakers seek to boost condo development by reducing lawsuits over construction errors

6Feb

By nadiaNo Comments

State, The Colorado Sun

Colorado lawmakers seek to boost condo development by reducing lawsuits over construction errors

Condos are seen as a key way to ease Colorado’s housing affordability crisis, but changing the state’s so-called construction defects laws has been a political third rail By Jesse Paul | Colorado Sun In a bid to spur condominium construction in Colorado, a group of state lawmakers introduced a bill Monday aimed at reducing lawsuits over construction errors by narrowing when they can be filed and by giving builders and homeowners an avenue to make repairs faster and without going to court. Senate Bill 106, the so-called construction defects measure, is a major part of the affordable housing debate at the Colorado Capitol this year. Proponents of easing Colorado’s construction defects laws, including Gov. Jared Polis, see the change as a way to persuade...