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February 29, 2008
Capitol Conversation
February 29, 2008 7:57 PM
On Monday Colorado lawmakers will hear a bill that would require the state to run a primarily all paper ballot election. That means most people would no longer be using electronic voting machines at the polls this fall. Colorado came up with this alternative after the state decertified thousands of electronic voting machines for failing to pass security tests. The bill has drawn criticism from county clerks who want to use an all mail ballot election instead. Bente Birkeland talks with reporters about the voting situation as part of our ongoing capitol conversation series.
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February 28, 2008
Child Sex Abuse Bill
February 28, 2008 7:46 PM
The house judiciary committee is expected to vote on Wednesday (March 5th) on a bill that would give people who were sexually abused as children more time to sue their perpetrators. Lawmakers heard hours of testimony from nearly 40 survivors earlier this month (or last month) but the bill has been delayed for weeks. Bente Birkeland reports from Denver.
Posted by Delaney Utterback at 7:46 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0) | Posted to Capitol Coverage , Children & Youth , Colorado
Rural Doctor Shortage
February 28, 2008 1:29 PM
Finding a good doctor isn't always easy, and if you live in rural Colorado, it can be a challenge to find a doctor at all. About a third of the counties in this state can count the number of physicians practicing in them on one hand.
In Crowley County, there's only one doctor, who's in his 70s, and he only works there a day and a half a week. KCFR Health Reporter Eric Whitney has this story on efforts to help other health care providers in these medically underserved counties pick up the slack.
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Black History Month
February 28, 2008 1:02 PM
Posted by Delaney Utterback at 1:02 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0) | Posted to Capitol Coverage
February 27, 2008
Economic Stimulus Package
February 27, 2008 2:03 PM
The old adage about the check being in the mail is almost a reality with the recent passage of an economic stimulus package. The President and members of Congress moved quickly on the relief measure-- but as KUNC's Brian Larson reports-- it's anyone's guess if the 168-billion dollar plan will have people spending the nation out of its current economic downturn...
Posted by Delaney Utterback at 2:03 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0) | Posted to Business/Labor
AIDS Orphans Skills Centers
February 27, 2008 12:17 PM
News headlines that tell us there are more than 11 million AIDS orphans in Africa are almost too much to comprehend. A few years ago Woodland Park resident Amy Gillespie saw one of those headlines and decided she had to do something, and not just write a check.
Six weeks later she'd quit her job, packed up her belongings and was on her way to Mozambique, one of the poorest countries on earth. Now, after several false starts, and lots of long hours and hard work, she's on the cusp of making a real difference. KCFR Health Reporter Eric Whitney has her story.
Click here for photos and more information.
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February 26, 2008
Health Care Update
February 26, 2008 10:28 PM
Colorado Governor Bill Ritter has backed away from earlier pledges to expand health care coverage to all Coloradans by 2010. Ritter says it's not realistic, given the state's financial situation. But that hasn't stopped some democrats from continuing to push for universal health care. Kirk Siegler of KUNC has an update on health care reform efforts at the state capitol.
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Paper Ballot Bill
February 26, 2008 6:32 PM
A bi-partisan group of state lawmakers unveiled a long awaited bill that will determine how Colorado holds the presidential election in November. They want to use paper ballots after earlier tests revealed security problems with electronic voting machines. Bente Birkeland reports from Denver.
Posted by Delaney Utterback at 6:32 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0) | Posted to Capitol Coverage
February 25, 2008
Baca Drilling
February 25, 2008 3:10 PM
Aurielle AndharaThe Canadian corporation Lexam plans to drill natural gas test wells on the Baca National Wildlife Refuge just outside the quiet town of Crestone--and near Colorado College's Baca campus. In response, San Luis Valley Citizens Alliance Executive Director Aurielle Andhara has made a documentary, Rural Impact, which addresses the impacts of oil and gas drilling on rural communities. Another recent documentary on drilling, Last Hat in Town, deals more specifically with its effect on residents of the Western Slope. KRCC's Michelle Mercer spoke with the two documentary directors and brings us this report.
A public comment period is open between now and March 2nd to voice concerns regarding the drilling and to call for a full Environmental Impact Statement.
The draft EA is available at: www.fws.gov/Alamosa/BacaNWR.html
Email comments on the draft EA should be submitted to Baca_EA@fws.gov.
Hard copies should be mailed to:
Mike Blenden
USFWS
9383 El Rancho Lane
Alamosa, CO 81101
Questions about the commenting process should be directed to mike_blenden@fws.gov, 719-589-4021.
Baca Refuge
Michelle Mercer interviews Aurielle Andhara
CC's Baca Campus
Aurielle Andhara
Posted by Delaney Utterback at 3:10 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0) | Posted to Environment
Lobbyist Gift Ban in Effect
February 25, 2008 2:23 PM
Colorado's controversial ethics in government law is now back in play. On Monday the state supreme court overturned an earlier decision from the Denver District Court that temporarily blocked amendment 41 from taking effect. Bente Birkeland reports from Denver.
Posted by Delaney Utterback at 2:23 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0) | Posted to Capitol Coverage
Capitol Conversation
February 25, 2008 7:18 AM
Key education proposals from legislative leaders have recently started gaining traction at the statehouse. Bente Birkeland talks about some of these measures with other political reporters.
Posted by Delaney Utterback at 7:18 AM| Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0) | Posted to Capitol Coverage
February 21, 2008
School Innovations
February 21, 2008 2:25 PM
A bill to allow public schools the flexibility to be more innovative passed unanimously out of the senate education committee on Thursday despite earlier concerns from the teacher's union. Senate President Peter Groff says the landmark legislation is his top priority for the session. Bente Birkeland reports from Denver.
Posted by Delaney Utterback at 2:25 PM| Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0) | Posted to Capitol Coverage
Healthy Beverages
February 21, 2008 9:40 AM
Colorado students would no longer be able to buy sugary sodas from high school vending machines, under a bill that passed out of a senate education committee on Wednesday. The sponsor says the state needs the bill to help stop the trend of childhood obesity. Bente Birkeland reports from Denver.
Posted by Delaney Utterback at 9:40 AM| Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0) | Posted to Capitol Coverage , Education , Health
Sustainable Developments
February 21, 2008 9:30 AM
A bill that would require developers to show they can provide enough water for the homes they build cleared a house committee on Tuesday with bi-partisan support. Lawmakers say it sets a standard for cities to plan for their future water needs. Bente Birkeland reports from Denver.
Posted by Delaney Utterback at 9:30 AM| Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0) | Posted to Capitol Coverage , Environment
February 19, 2008
Youth Council
February 19, 2008 1:18 PM
The days when kids were told to be seen and not heard may be long gone, but lawmakers at the capitol say that's still somewhat the case when it comes to the legislative process. A measure to create a state youth advisory council passed unanimously out of the house education committee on Monday. Students from southwest Colorado helped come up with the idea that's modeled after several other states. Bente Birkeland reports from Denver.
Posted by Delaney Utterback at 1:18 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0) | Posted to Capitol Coverage
McElhany Profile
February 19, 2008 12:58 PM
Term limits are forcing out some of the state's top leaders from both parties. The highest ranking Democrat in the house will be gone next year. The Republican leader in the senate is also leaving office... and politics. The sixty-seven year old Colorado Springs lawmaker says his days of running for office and serving on boards and commissions are over. Bente Birkeland reports from Denver.
Posted by Delaney Utterback at 12:58 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0) | Posted to Capitol Coverage
February 17, 2008
Capitol Conversation
February 17, 2008 11:45 AM
The state's legislative session is about a third of the way through and we're only now just starting to see some of the big initiatives lawmakers have been talking about. Bente Birkeland discusses the current climate with her fellow reporters.
Posted by Delaney Utterback at 11:45 AM| Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0) | Posted to Capitol Coverage
February 14, 2008
Unsafe Schools
February 14, 2008 11:31 PM
Lunch room tent that's used at Indian Peaks Charter School in Granby
Educators from around Colorado were at the Capitol on Thursday testifying in favor of a bill to fix unsafe schools. Speaker of the House Andrew Romanoff is sponsoring the measure and says school buildings are literally falling apart. Bente Birkeland reports from Denver.
Posted by Delaney Utterback at 11:31 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0) | Posted to Capitol Coverage
Lower Gas Prices?
February 14, 2008 3:11 PM
Conservation, carpooling, economic recession or simply the time of the year. Take your pick. As KUNC's Brian Larson reports they're all factors that could possibly lead to lower gasoline prices, as we get closer to transitioning from winter to spring...
Posted by Delaney Utterback at 3:11 PM| Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0) | Posted to Energy
February 13, 2008
Governor's New Health Proposal
February 13, 2008 9:19 PM
Governor Bill Ritter announced plans to reform the state's health care system on Wednesday. The plan focuses on improving quality, cutting waste and expanding care for more of the states uninsured children, but it still falls short of his long term vision of covering every child by 2010. Bente Birkeland reports from Denver.
Posted by Delaney Utterback at 9:19 PM| Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0) | Posted to Capitol Coverage
Romanoff Profile
February 13, 2008 3:17 PM
Dedicated, intelligent -- and fair. That's how friends and colleagues describe outgoing Democratic Speaker of the House Andrew Romanoff. After eight years in the House, term limits will force the lawmaker to step down. But it's likely far from the end of his political career in Colorado. Bente Birkeland has more from the capitol. Next week we'll profile outgoing senate minority leader Republican Andy McElhany who is also term limited.
Posted by Delaney Utterback at 3:17 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0) | Posted to Capitol Coverage
Forest Health
February 13, 2008 2:51 PM
Governor Bill Ritter signed an executive order on Tuesday creating the Colorado Forest Health Advisory Council, which aims to better coordinate efforts to tackle the bark beetle outbreak and other threats to Colorado's forests. KUNC's Kirk Siegler reports.
Posted by Delaney Utterback at 2:51 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0) | Posted to Capitol Coverage
February 12, 2008
Cover All Kids Week
February 12, 2008 4:35 PM
An estimated 160 thousand children in Colorado don't have health insurance and the Governor has pledged to cover all of them within the next two years, even though he admits it might not be possible. Bente Birkeland reports from the capitol.
Posted by Delaney Utterback at 4:35 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0) | Posted to Capitol Coverage , Health
February 11, 2008
Mental Health Bills
February 11, 2008 4:27 PM
State lawmakers are considering at least 15 bills this session related to mental health. Many are written with an eye toward keeping mentally ill people out of emergency rooms, jails and prisons. KCFR Health Reporter Eric Whitney has more.
Posted by Delaney Utterback at 4:27 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0) | Posted to Colorado , Health , Politics
February 10, 2008
Capitol Conversation
February 10, 2008 8:02 PM
It's Bente!Colorado lawmakers have scored a hat trick this legislative session when it comes to scandals. Republican Douglas Bruce got the first censure in house history after he kicked a photographer during the morning prayer. Democrat Michael Garcia resigned after a lobbyist accused him of exposing himself and making lewd comments. And a third house member recently apologized for calling young unwed parents "sluts." As part of our ongoing Capitol Conversation series, Bente Birkeland discusses the impact of these events.
Posted by Delaney Utterback at 8:02 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0) | Posted to Capitol Coverage
February 8, 2008
Affordable College Textbooks
February 8, 2008 11:16 AM
A bill aimed at making college textbooks more affordable cleared a senate committee on Thursday. After receiving unanimous support - Senate bill 73 now heads to the senate floor for debate. Bente Birkeland reports from Denver.
Posted by Delaney Utterback at 11:16 AM| Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0) | Posted to Capitol Coverage , Education
February 6, 2008
Net Metering
February 6, 2008 6:05 PM
State lawmakers have taken up a bill that would provide more incentives for people to use solar panels and small windmills to generate electricity. A similar bill failed last year because rural electric associations weren't on board. Bente Birkeland reports from Denver.
Posted by Delaney Utterback at 6:05 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0) | Posted to Capitol Coverage
February 5, 2008
Sandra Bernhard at CC
February 5, 2008 5:52 PM
One of the most innovative artists working today, comedienne, writer, actress and singer Sandra Bernhard has spent her career breaking down perceived boundaries between entertainment, social commentary and performance art. Featuring music, comedy and monologue, Sandra Bernhard's one-woman show will stop at Armstrong Hall on the Colorado College campus on Wednesday evening to answer to the question "Is the Media at War with the Arts?" Arts reporter Noel Black has more.
Posted by Delaney Utterback at 2:57 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0) | Posted to Capitol Coverage
February 1, 2008
Capitol Conversation
February 1, 2008 4:36 PM
Bente BirkelandRepublican lawmakers and two Democrats told Governor Bill Ritter in a letter that new rules for issuing oil and gas drilling permits would cripple the energy industry in Colorado. The Oil and Gas Conservation Commission's new mandate goes beyond promoting oil and gas development to include protecting wildlife and the environment. Bente Birkeland talks about what's happening as part of our Capitol Conversation series with fellow statehouse reporters.
[LISTEN]
Posted by Delaney Utterback at 4:36 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0) | Posted to Capitol Coverage
Health Care Reform Report
February 1, 2008 3:32 PM
Colorado lawmakers got their first look at a long awaited report from the state's 208 healthcare commission. The commission was charged with finding ways to make health care more affordable and to get more people covered, but it's now up to the legislature to take action on the thirty or more proposals. Bente Birkeland reports from Denver.
[LISTEN]
Posted by Delaney Utterback at 3:32 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0) | Posted to Capitol Coverage , Health
