Legislative Health Care Reform
With the end of this year’s legislative session just over a week away, lawmakers are scrambling to pass a bill many say is crucial to moving health care reform forward. It could open the door to requiring all Coloradoans to buy health insurance. But KCFR Health Reporter Eric Whitney says that the bill is being attacked on multiple fronts.
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It’s nearing the end of the state’s 120 day legislative session. There’s still a lot of work to do and patience at the capitol is wearing thin. Bente Birkeland talks about the mood there as part of our capitol conversation series.
Being independent isn’t always easy. Eric Shively, a first time independent filmmaker, captured the subtle joys and deep lonliness that comes with trying to fulfill your dreams on your own. Shively’s film “Everyone but You,” is the opening night feature for the first Annual Indie Spirit Film Festival here is Colorado Spring. KRCC’s Kate Dawson met up with Shiveley and the costars of his documentary.
Forestry officials believe the mountain pine beetle will kill virtually all of Colorado’s mature lodge pole pine trees within the next 3 to 5 years. That will leave millions of acres of forestland vulnerable to wildfire. As 
Lawmakers in the senate agriculture committee unanimously passed a bill that would make it easier for seasonal workers to come to Colorado. The measure now heads to the senate appropriations committee. It already cleared the House. Bente Birkeland reports from Denver.
Mary Cheney and Elizabeth Cheney, daughters of U.S. Vice President Dick Cheney and both graduates of Colorado College, worked in the Bush-Cheney campaigns of 2000 and 2004. Mary was special assistant in the campaign in 2000 and director of vice presidential operations in 2004. Liz managed vice presidential debate preparation and was a national Bush-Cheney surrogate in 2000 and 2004. They’ll be on campus to deliver a lecture about their experience in politics on Wednesday night. Noel Black spoke with Mary Cheney.
Governor Bill Ritter signed a package of climate change executive orders on Tuesday to mark the celebration of Earth Day. He says it’s part of a larger state effort to address climate change. Bente Birkeland reports from Denver.
Colorado is beefing up efforts to target communities with high foreclosure rates. The Governor has designated it Foreclosure Prevention Awareness Week. Bente Birkeland reports from Denver.
The final weeks of the legislative session could bring one of the biggest battles we’ve seen all year. The measure is the brainchild of Democratic Speaker of the House Andrew Romanoff, who is term limited. It attempts to untangle conflicts in the state constitution. And while some Republicans have spoken up in support of it. It’s not clear whether he has enough votes to pass it. Bente Birkeland discusses his proposal as part of our capitol conversation series.