March is coming to a close and that means the introduction of the state’s annual budget bill - known around the Capitol as the Long Bill - is on on its way. This year, however, it will come at least a week later than expected.
COLORADO'S FRONTPAGE
Face the State
Content Index: Brandon Shaffer
Follow this topic by RSSFTS Humor: Can you hack it?
Face The State Humor
August 10, 2009The Denver Post reported recently that resumes had poured in for the vacant assistant press secretary position for Colorado Senate Democrat caucus. A highly-placed mole at the state capitol has relayed to us a transcript of one of the interviews.
The scene: A lazy Tuesday afternoon, where State Senate President Brandon Shaffer reads through some resumes, feet on his desk.
FTS Humor: Dome On the Range
Face The State Humor
June 29, 2009By Andrew Ripemoff
When I said back in January that Colorado Democrats would cause a lot of damage at the state house, I was speaking rhetorically.
But it turns out they ARE causing damage. Real, physical, neglect-induced harm. I’m talking about the golden dome. A dome built in 1894 with gold added in 1908. A tall beaming source of pride for all Coloradans. A unique, functional symbol of Colorado history that has made it through 115 years, but may not make it through the Ritter administration.
'The Buzz' on 1310 KFKA, 6/22/09
FTS managing editor Brad Jones and 1310 KFKA talk show host Amy Oliver discuss statehouse Democrats' recent "team-building" retreat, the topic of a recent Andrew Ripemoff humor column. Also, with just-released news the state is $250 million in the hole for the budget year ending next week, will lawmakers be back to work this summer to patch the hole?
Play audio - 14:29 minutes
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Inside the Democrats $4,300 Retreat
Face The State Humor
June 19, 2009Statehouse Democrats recently repaid $4,300 to the state for a "team building" retreat paid for with public money after it was revealed Republicans weren't invited. FTS humor columnist Andrew Ripemoff takes a look inside the exclusive event.
SENATE PRESIDENT BRANDON SHAFFER: Good morning everyone, and welcome to the retreat. Before we get started, are there any questions?
REP. JOEL JUDD: Yeah, are they going to bring out anymore glazed donuts? Someone took the last one.
Vets get boost from new laws
A Face the State Staff Report
June 3, 2009Veterans got a boost Tuesday as Gov. Bill Ritter signed five GOP bills that will improve services for current and retired members of the armed forces and their families.
Segment 2 - Lawmakers abandon Pinnacol raid
FTS staff writer Rachel Boxer has the latest from the Colorado state capitol, where lawmakers this week abandoned a plan to raid $500 million from Pinnacol, a state-chartered workers compensation insurance company. But the general assembly must now find $300 million in cost savings to save institutions of higher education from a cut in state aid.
Play audio - 9:45 minutes
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Dems shoot down 22 GOP spending amendments
A Face the State Staff Report
April 14, 2009Colorado's Democrat-led state Senate passed this year’s contentious $18.9 billion budget bill Monday afternoon, seizing $500 million from Pinnacol Assurance, the state’s largest provider of workers compensation insurance. While Democrats defended the move, saying it was necessary to fund higher education, they also declined to pass at least 22 alternative cuts introduced by Republicans.
Senate delays Long Bill introduction
March 24, 2009Statehouse travel freeze apparently excludes in-state helicopter rides for legislators
February 2, 2009Thursday's freeze on out-of-state travel expenses for legislators came just one day before nearly a third of Colorado's lawmakers headed to Fort Carson military base by helicopter Friday afternoon in honor of Military Appreciation Day. We realize that Fort Carson isn't out of state, but a commitment to saving money should ring true nonetheless.
GOP Bus Tour Takes Nothern Colorado, Fast Food Joint By Storm
A Face the State Staff Report
October 17, 2008
Leading Republican lawmakers kicked off a statewide “Save, Don’t Spend!” themed road trip Thursday morning, spreading a message of fiscal responsibility and transparency.
Capitol Hill rumor mill
September 18, 2008As Election Day approaches the Capitol rumor mill is churning at twice its normal rate, and we are working overtime just to keep up.
The biggest topics of speculation: Who will be Colorado’s next Secretary of State? Who will take over for term-limited leadership in the General Assembly? And most exciting, of course, the secret political dealings behind this year’s ballot initiatives.
Slideshow: North Metro Senate candidates debate
A Face the State Staff Report
September 16, 2008
An older crowd filled the stadium seats of the Thornton City Council Chambers Monday night to hear candidates for four contested state Senate seats outline how they would each best serve their constituents' needs.
"The Buzz" on Newstalk 1310 KFKA, 5/19 - Sen. Shaffer and CU, races to watch
May 20, 2008Face The State managing editor Brad Jones talks with Newstalk 1310 KFKA's Amy Oliver about Sen. Brandon Shaffer statement he and his Democrat Senate colleagues believe a conservative professor "doesn't belong at CU." Also, a discussion of state legislative races to watch this fall.
Sen. Shaffer: Conservative prof. "doesn't belong at CU"
A Face the State Staff Report
May 19, 2008State Sen. Brandon Shaffer, D-Longmont, is less than thrilled about the University of Colorado’s plan to raise $9 million for an endowed chair of conservative thought and policy.
Election Preview: Top State Senate races to watch
A Face the State Staff Report
May 13, 2008With the 2008 state legislative session now heading for its place in the history books, Colorado heads full force toward election season. At Face The State, we will be providing an up-to-the minute analysis of the hottest races you'll want to be watching. You'll get the chance to know the players, how much cash they have on hand, and how they stack up against their opposition.
State backs off plan to offer bail bonds after visit from "Dog"
April 9, 2008Rep. Terrance Carroll, D-Denver, backed off a plan to enable the state to offer bail bonds at a hearing Wednesday highlighted by a visit from bounty hunter Duane "Dog" Chapman.