Author: Marissa Ventrelli
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Audit finds major gaps in Colorado’s oil and gas reporting, enforcement
The agencies responsible for regulating Colorado’s oil and gas industry are underperforming when it comes to reporting and enforcement and they also failed to collect payments amounting to hundreds of thousands of dollars in lost revenue, according to a state audit. The Office of the State Auditor reviewed 2023 data on oil and gas production…
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After years of leading the nation, Colorado’s economy shows signs of cooling | FISCAL ROCKIES
Editor’s Note: Once among the nation’s fastest-growing economies, Colorado today confronts mounting challenges that threaten its momentum. This series reveals how a state once defined by prosperity is navigating economic cliffs and ridges. We explore the impact that increased regulations, tariffs, shifting tax policies, the high cost of living and widening urban–rural divides have on businesses,…
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Survey reveals widespread dissatisfaction with Colorado’s public education system
Most Colorado voters are dissatisfied with the state’s public education system and many lament that it’s headed in the wrong direction, citing – among other worries – “woke” ideology permeating schools, according to a recent poll. Meanwhile, the minority of respondents who view the state’s public educational system favorably praised teachers and noted improved outcomes.…
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Autism providers worry new Colorado licensing rule could limit therapy for kids on Medicaid
Autism care providers worry that up to 1,000 families might lose services under a decision by Colorado’s Department of Public Health and Environment to exclude an accreditation group for behavior technicians. The move by Department of Health Care Policy and Financing followed a new ruling that requires these professionals to be licensed in order to…
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Colorado fights federal campaign to stop SNAP from going to illegal aliens, certain noncitizens
Colorado joined 21 other states in a lawsuit seeking to undo the Trump administration’s campaign to stop taxpayer-funded food aid from going to individuals illegally staying in the U.S., arguing the move also implicated a group of noncitizens who should be eligible to get the benefits under the law. At issue is a guidance from…
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Tina Peters will remain in state custody, Colorado corrections agency says
Former Mesa County Clerk Tina Peters will remain in state custody amid a push by the federal corrections department to transfer her to its jurisdiction, the Colorado Department of Corrections said Tuesday. The Colorado agency does not have any plans to transfer Peters to federal custody at this time, a state spokesperson told 9News. Peters…
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Coalition urges Gov. Jared Polis to move forward with Northern Front Range passenger rail project
A coalition of elected officials, organizations and advocates is urging Gov. Jared Polis and the state’s transportation agencies to move forward with an initiative to create a passenger rail service connecting Denver and Fort Collins. A series of letters sent to Polis, the Regional Transportation District (RTD), the Colorado Department of Transportation, and the Front…
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Poll: Gov. Jared Polis’ favorability rating drops below 50%
Gov. Jared Polis’ favorability rating has dropped below 50%, according to a recent poll. The November poll, conducted by the Colorado Polling Institute, surveyed 622 Colorado voters about a number of issues, including affordability, the state’s economy and their opinions on elected officials. Back in March, just over half of respondents said they held a…
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Gov. Jared Polis urged to deny request for Tina Peters’ transfer to federal prison
Attorney General Phil Weiser and Mesa County District Attorney Daniel Rubinstein are urging Gov. Jared Polis not to grant the Federal Bureau of Prisons’ request to transfer Tina Peters to federal custody. On Thursday, Weiser and Rubinstein sent a letter to Polis, arguing the federal government has “no legal basis” to interfere with Peters’ sentence.…
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Colorado awards first round of grants to promote construction of ‘granny flats’
The state has awarded its first round of grants to seven recipients as part of Colorado’s broader campaign to increase the supply of affordable housing options, notably what’s called accessory dwelling units or ADUs. The grants from Colorado Department of Local Affairs would support local governments as they promote the construction of ADUs, also known…