The Colorado Division of Insurance (DOI) is holding another stakeholder meeting this week to discuss health insurance plans and premiums in the state for 2025 — specifically, the small and individual group markets or health insurance plans not purchased through an employer. It’s no secret he… Continue Reading Colorado Division of Insurance dodges Colorado Option dialogue | OPINION
My decision to work at a public county hospital was driven by my desire to serve the most vulnerable. As such, I have witnessed firsthand the financial strain and negative health consequences caused by unexpected medical debt — the leading cause of bankruptcy in the United States. For too lo… Continue Reading Coloradans breathe easier with limits on hospital facility fees | OPINION
More than a century ago, Rocky Mountain Farmers Union (RMFU) was created to give collective voice to farmers and ranchers and rural communities across Colorado, New Mexico and Wyoming. These people were left behind by rapid changes brought on by the industrial revolution. RMFU became a champ… Continue Reading RMFU supports transition of rural electrification system | OPINION
Colorado is quickly becoming one of the least affordable states in the country, particularly for housing. Property tax initiatives 50 and 108 claim to be the solution — but they could threaten access to resources property taxes help pay for like public K-12 school funding; public libraries; … Continue Reading Colorado can't afford property-tax cuts | OPINION
Colorado’s soaring property taxes dominated discussions during this year’s legislative session. We worked hard and made significant progress on this issue, and voters can complete the job in November by cutting and capping property taxes statewide. Continue Reading Voters can complete the property tax cutting job in November | OPINION
Just when you think a politician can’t stoop any lower, someone ratchets down the limbo pole. In the waning days of the legislative session, a cadre of political insiders slipped an amendment that attempts to undermine our constitutional right to vote on a ballot measure to reform our electi… Continue Reading Pols protect inconsequential elections in noncompetitive Colorado | OPINION
We are two brothers who, despite the many impediments, own a successful cleaning, recovery and construction services business in Summit County. Continue Reading Congress tries to rein in credit card companies for small biz sake | OPINION
Last Tuesday marked a ground shift in Colorado Democratic politics. Continue Reading Democratic primary voters rebuke antisemitism — from the left | OPINION
No matter how worthy the cause, policy initiatives go nowhere without the help of legislator champions to fight for them. When it comes to addressing Colorado’s obesity and diabetes crises, we Diabetes Advocates are grateful to have state Sen. Dafna Michaelson Jenet in our corner. Continue Reading Legislation needed to better treat Coloradans' obesity, prediabetes | OPINION
The health and welfare of Colorado’s animals and pets are non-negotiable priorities for our state’s veterinarians. Colorado Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) is an association of Colorado veterinarians dedicated to preventing and relieving animal illness and suffering. CVMA is vigorously… Continue Reading Vets agree initiatives put Colorado pets, other animals in danger | OPINION
Colorado lawmakers backed down from a bill that would have prevented the Colorado Department of Transportation from charging annual fees to broadband providers for access to state rights of way. Continue Reading Colorado chooses to hit broadband providers with annual rights-of-way fees | OPINION
It’s the people, the places and the can-do culture that have always made Colorado special. Looking back on my time in business and civic life, there is one other key ingredient in our state’s collective success through all these years — the ability of our civic and political leaders to find … Continue Reading Ballot measures common-sense, reasonable way to cap tax policy | PODIUM
Hardworking families across the state are impacted by the rising cost of housing and the shortage of available properties. Having the freedom to afford a home near where you work, go to school and make your life is at the heart of every Coloradan’s economic security, opportunity and well-bei… Continue Reading Polis, state and local pols make housing more attainable for generations | OPINION
One of the greatest threats to our freedom today comes in the form of the fine-print terms imposed on contractors, consumers and workers by Big Tech and the powerful monopolists that have seized control of our marketplace. For these actors, contracts aren’t about a free and fair bargain, but… Continue Reading Update antitrust laws, regs to cultivate competition, tame Big Tech | OPINION
Ask any Colorado small business owner and they’ll likely agree Colorado has one of the most complicated sales tax systems in the nation. Just a few short years ago, Colorado received a “D” rating from the Council on State Taxation, ranking Colorado’s sales tax system as one of the worst in t… Continue Reading Colorado must simplify sales & use tax system for state small biz | OPINION
I signed up to testify at the Jan. 10 meeting of the Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) commissioners because I felt strongly CPW mishandled the release of wolves into Grand County. I wasn't there to argue against releasing wolves. I was there to call out what I saw as basic unfairness by CPW… Continue Reading CPW cut my mic, silenced and ignored me — so I threatened to sue | OPINION
Now that proponents of a proposed measure to allow ranked-choice voting in Colorado have reached a fever pitch in their accusations, ("Legislature’s underhanded effort to undermine citizen initiatives, June 11") I felt I had to weigh in on behalf of Colorado’s 64 county clerks as well as the… Continue Reading Colorado's clerks advocate for ballot access for all | OPINION
Colorado’s congressional delegation has a duty to represent our commitment to human rights in U.S. Congress and reject any legislation that compromises our fundamental values. Consequently, U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet must reconsider his position on the Americas Act. Continue Reading Bennet urged to uphold Haitians' human rights, reject Americas Act | OPINION
This week, the Colorado Division of Insurance is hosting a meeting with stakeholders from across the health care landscape to discuss health insurance affordability in Colorado. Specifically, the group will discuss affordability in the individual market, or in other words, health insurance a… Continue Reading Stakeholders must acknowledge 'Colorado Option' harms affordability | OPINION
In the closing hours of the 2024 legislative session, Rep. Emily Sirota introduced an amendment to a routine elections bill that should make anyone who supports voting rights cringe. Continue Reading Legislature’s underhanded effort to undermine citizen initiatives | OPINION
Bob Dylan said it best: the times they are a-changin. And Adams County is changing with the times. Clean-energy jobs are growing in our region, thanks to innovative businesses that have gotten a necessary boost from new, federal funding opportunities that make starting or growing a business … Continue Reading Federal funding helps green jobs in Adams County | OPINION
For most of us, hospitals are places of help and healing. Continue Reading Hospitals are a crucial community resource | OPINION
Creating change in the huge and bureaucratic health care industry is like setting a new fitness goal — it’s difficult to get started, and though people may cheer you on in theory, many skeptics, even ourselves sometimes, say, "Yeah, you’re not really gonna do it. It won’t stick. See ya back … Continue Reading Moving the needle with the Colorado Option | OPINION
To paraphrase Mark Twain, history doesn’t repeat itself — but it often rhymes. For proof, look no further than the debate regarding energy policy in the Colorado state legislature. Continue Reading Colorado’s leadership on methane emissions survives another challenge | OPINION
Health care affordability and accessibility are issues that have been at the top of Colorado patients’, families’ and lawmakers’ minds for decades. In recent years, more specifically the importance of health equity has emerged — the idea all people deserve access to the same quality of health care. Continue Reading Ensure all Coloradans receive same quality critical medical care | OPINION
Climate change hits Colorado harder every year. Between increasingly severe wildfires and more extreme and destructive storms, unpredictable growing seasons for farmers and a devastating drought endangering our water supply, the impact climate change is having on our landscapes and communiti… Continue Reading Reasons for hope about the climate change crisis | OPINION
In the U.S., nearly 30 million people will have an eating disorder in their lifetime. These conditions have one of the highest mortality rates of any mental illness. Yet, despite being one of the most common and deadly mental illnesses, until recently there has been shockingly little regulat… Continue Reading State regulation of eating disorder treatments will save lives | OPINION
As yet another legislative session ends in Colorado with questions surrounding the prescription drug board created to help alleviate high out-of-pocket costs for patients, it bares reflecting how similar questions revolved around a recent visit by U.S. Department of Health and Human Services… Continue Reading Becerra, state board gloss over insurers' role in Rx affordability | OPINION
The three years of the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in a terrible loss of life and exacerbated health inequalities. The global economy slumped, and people’s lives were affected worldwide. This experience demonstrated the present global health governance framework is not effective in responding… Continue Reading Taiwan's indispensability in preparing for future pandemics | OPINION
As artificial intelligence's influence grows, it’s no surprise to see lawmakers at every level jump to respond. That’s understandable. AI is one of the most transformative technologies of our time. Thousands of businesses across the U.S. are leveraging AI to transform sectors like education,… Continue Reading Hasty AI regulation hurts Colorado small biz | OPINION
Like most of my colleagues, I view this year’s state legislative session as an important opportunity to advocate for common-sense policies to solve problems and make life better for Coloradans. But as we continue toward our constitutionally appointed May 8 adjournment, some legislators have … Continue Reading Reject reckless push for single-payer health insurance | OPINION
Sneaky add-on fees are everywhere. Want to check a bag on a plane? Pay up. Buying a concert ticket online? Better watch the bottom line. And let’s not even get started on cable TV bills. Continue Reading Lending legislation protects consumers from deceptive add-ons | OPINION
In today’s complex digital landscape, and after the fall of Roe, well-intentioned bills can create troubling unintended consequences in terms of their impact on digital privacy and reproductive rights. This is the case with SB-158, "Social Media Protect Juveniles Disclosures Reports." Bluntl… Continue Reading Amend juvenile social media bill to protect privacy, reproductive rights | OPINION
Anti-abortion advocates get it. We love choice too. We believe in personal autonomy. We don’t like being buffeted by circumstances beyond our control. We believe shared values should unite us and be the basis for sound public policy. Continue Reading Pro-abortion ballot proposal goes way too far | OPINION
As pastor of United Methodist Church in Lakewood, I have the honor and privilege of working deeply within the community I call home. Our church has become a community hub and hosted things ranging from a COVID-19 vaccine clinic to an emergency cold-weather homelessness shelter. In my time he… Continue Reading Tax credit a win-win for working-class families, Colorado economy | OPINION
Six years ago, I made a truly consequential decision to follow my dreams and start my own small business. I knew this decision was not without risk and the failure rate for small businesses was high. But I also knew I had the determination to support my family and pursue my passion in creati… Continue Reading Small biz relies on digital advertising to build community | OPINION
The math for our state is simple. On one side of the equation, communities need increasing amounts of support for the mental health challenges their residents face, particularly crisis interventions and other high-intensity services. On the other, Colorado has no additional resources to inve… Continue Reading Colorado must invest more in its mental health safety net | OPINION
Unfortunately, both sides of the political divide are using guns as a political weapon to frighten and divide Coloradans and all Americans. Continue Reading Culture battles block meaningful dialogue on rights and safety | OPINION
Providing affordable housing options to Colorado families remains a high priority among our government and business leaders, especially as the cost to own an average-sized home continues to rise. Being able to provide affordable housing options to people boils down to planning, design and co… Continue Reading What makes housing affordable in Colorado | OPINION
In Colorado, we know the importance of supporting our community. Shopping at a small business is more than just a transaction, it's bolstering a local economy and helping your neighbors’ businesses grow. We need smart regulatory decisions in Washington, D.C. that reflect our values here at h… Continue Reading Capital One-Discover merger good for consumers | OPINION
Running an independent physician practice, once the norm for doctors, has become increasingly difficult.The problem isn't medical. It's the growing operational and financial burden independent practices face. Continue Reading How to ensure independent medical practices thrive in Colorado | OPINION
The rocky path to Gov. Jared Polis's desk of a bill I was honored to co-sponsor, "SB24-035: Strengthening Enforcement of Human Trafficking," not only exhibits the divide between the House and the Senate but also highlights the factions within the Democrat caucus. Continue Reading Complexities of criminal justice reform unveil legislative divide | OPINION
While families across Colorado are tightening their budgets due to rising costs and inflation, the state legislature has been on a spending spree using your taxpayer dollars. Continue Reading More spending, fewer solutions in 2024 legislative session | OPINION
One of the most, if not the most, reprehensible anti-charter bills ever introduced in Colorado, House Bill 24-1363, was soundly killed in the House Education Committee last week. Five Democrats and all three Republicans voted against the bill, while three Democrats voted in support. Continue Reading ‘Charter school supporters must remain on guard’ | OPINION
Last year the General Assembly missed a chance to correct an error made several years ago when the legislature, as part of a broader modification of sentencing and penalties for various offenses, included a reduction in the penalty for driving a large truck without a Commercial Driver’s Lice… Continue Reading Ensure proper training, credentials for truck drivers | OPINION
The early weeks of calving season in the Colorado high country brought with them the first two livestock-wolf conflicts of the state’s wolf reintroduction. The rhetoric heats up in North Park and Grand County, and the livestock industry statewide has lashed out at Colorado Parks and Wildlife… Continue Reading CPW’s duty is to the public, not ranchers | OPINION
As an organization that works directly with families and individuals who span a broad spectrum of backgrounds and circumstances — including those who work hard and still struggle to make ends meet — the African Leadership Group (ALG) is in an excellent position to evaluate programs and propo… Continue Reading Colorado families need expanded tax credit to combat cost of living | OPINION
Growing up in Colorado as a queer person was challenging and I often relied on access to communities online where I could safely be myself. Colorado's Senate Bill 158 (SB-158) aims to protect Colorado’s youth, but in practice will prevent LGBTQ+ youth from accessing essential and often lifes… Continue Reading Bill's broad definitions potentially harm LGBTQ+ youth | OPINION
University of Colorado Regent Wanda James’s recent op-ed claims Senate Bill 24-158 — Colorado’s proposed social-media legislation to protect kids from purchasing illegal drugs and curb sex trafficking of minors — infringes on the rights of marijuana businesses and inhibits technological innovation. Continue Reading CU regent soft-pedals social media’s threat to kids | IN RESPONSE
On Monday, April 1, a bill entitled the Native Carnivore Nonlethal Coexistence Act, HB24-1375, was heard in Colorado’s House Agriculture, Water and Natural Resources Committee. A majority of the legislators (9 of 13) who serve on this committee voted against the bill. It failed. On Tuesday, … Continue Reading Colorado legislators cry wolf | OPINION
