FTS Weekend Edition, 6/6/09

This week on the FTS Weekend Edition: Gov. Bill Ritter rankles both sides of the aisle by signing Senate Bill 228, which eliminates a cap on government growth, and issuing a veto on Senate Bill 180, which would ease the formation of firefighters' unions. Face The State analyzes the fallout with audio from bill sponsors and special interest groups. Also: a wrap-up of stories you might have missed in Colorado news, and state Rep. Ellen Roberts announces a bid for state Senate.

• Segment 1 - The week's news: CU alums deliver; big spending at CSU; sweatin' it at work
  FTS managing editor Brad Jones and staff writer Kate Melvin wrap up the week in Colorado news. More alumni than ever are donating to the University of Colorado, but that doesn't stop the implementation of a new, mandatory fee for students. North in Fort Collins, the Coloradoan reports CSU spends $60,000 in a single month on food and entertainment. And Gov. Bill Ritter and Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper want you to sweat it out for the environment.
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• Segment 2 - Firefighters lash out at Ritter after SB 180 veto
  Lawmakers, union bosss and firefighters minced no words in their criticism of Gov. Bill Ritter, a Democrat, following his veto of Senate Bill 180. The law would have eased the process by which firefighters in cities across Colorado may organize, doing away with the requirement for a public vote before a union is certified. Face The State's Brad Jones has analysis, with audio clips from state Sen. Lois Tochtrop, state Rep. Ed Casso, firefighters' union president Randy Atkinson, and former lawmaker and Colorado AFL-CIO executive director Mike Cerbo.
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• Segment 3 - State Rep. Ellen Roberts announces for State Senate
  Face The State interviews state Rep. Ellen Roberts, R-Durango, who announced this week a bid for state Senate District 6.
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• Segments 4 and 5 - SB 228 opens pandora's box for state budget
  Staff writer Rachel Boxer helps analyze Senate Bill 228, signed into law this week, and its effect on the state budget. Rep. Don Marostica, R-Loveland, says the law would mandate spending on transportation and capitol construction projects, but those requirements may never materialize if the economy continues to sour. Also, SB 228 may lay the groundwork for accelerated growth in the size of state government, and Senate Minority Leader Josh Penry isn't sparing with his criticism.
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