The state senate passed a controversial education bill today that changes teacher tenure rules and evaluations for principals and teachers. Seven Democrats joined with Republicans to pass the bill which now heads to the house, where strong opposition is mounting. Bente Birkeland has more from the state capitol.

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The Department of Defense and the Colorado health department have reached an agreement on monitoring chemical weapons at the Pueblo Chemical Depot…and, as the immigration debate gains traction in Congress, an advocacy group says Latino voters could make a big difference this November in tight Colorado races.

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The Colorado Springs Business Journal reports on issues with the state’s new system for processing tax returns. KOAA takes a look at Colorado storm chasers based in Boulder.

The Pueblo Chieftain reports on a literacy program that aims to help families with English, and that the state-owned nursing home in Trinidad will likely become a ballot question in regional elections. The Trinidad Times Independent also reports on the nursing home.

Disclaimer: KRCC and KRCC News make no guarantees regarding the content within these reports, however consider them part of the news and media outlets reporting on issues affecting our coverage area. The Index is not exhaustive, and is not an endorsement of any kind.

Governor Bill Ritter signed the state’s 18.2 billion dollar budget into law today. It goes into effect this July and fills a more than 1 billion dollar shortfall…State lawmakers are divided on whether teachers should be held accountable for the poor performance of students whose parents aren’t involved in their education…and, city employees in Trinidad are seeking a compromise on furlough days aimed at helping fill the city’s budget gap.

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In Colorado Springs, a group pushing for a ‘strong mayor’ style of government has released its proposed charter (CSBJ). D-11 has approved changes at Wasson High School (KRDO). And, King’s Chef Diner gets national attention (KOAA).

Cotter uranium mines and mills face cleanup after lawmakers pass HB1348 (Chieftain). Victor votes on medical marijuana (CS Independent). The Independent also reports on toxic waste in ponds south of Ellicot.

Officials with Pueblo City Schools cut credit requirements (Chieftain). Officials with the Colorado State Fair testify at the statehouse on proposals for a racing operation in Pueblo (Chieftain). The state prepares to release water from Lake Pueblo (Chieftain).

The East Otero School Board begins refining next year’s budget (LaJunta Tribune-Democrat).The Tribune-Democrat highlights agricultural research at the Arkansas Valley Research Center.

Disclaimer: KRCC and KRCC News make no guarantees regarding the content within these reports, however consider them part of the news and media outlets reporting on issues affecting our coverage area. The Index is not exhaustive, and is not an endorsement of any kind.

State lawmakers are scheduled to vote on a bill today aimed at helping colleges and universities weather the financial storm. Senate leaders unveiled the bi-partisan measure last week, only to have it go through a major re-write that’s more in line with what the Governor wants. Bente Birkeland has more from the state capitol.

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With just a few weeks remaining in the session, Colorado lawmakers are hoping to wind down what’s been a lengthy and contentious debate over how to regulate the booming medical marijuana industry. Yesterday the public got what could be one of the last chances to weigh in on House Bill 1284. It would require dispensary owners to pay hefty licensing fees, undergo criminal background checks and grow most of the pot they sell. That could lead to the closure of many dispensaries, and medical marijuana patients worry that will make it harder to get the drugs they need. Statehouse reporter Bente Birkeland and KUNC’s Kirk Siegler have more.

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College presidents and educators are telling Colorado lawmakers they need flexibility to set tuition rates if the state wants them to give up $300 million in state funding…The state Senate officially approved a bill today that would require all uranium mines and mills in Colorado to clean up nuclear waste…Democratic Senator Michael Bennet of Colorado is repeating his call to limit lobbying in Washington…and, Colorado Springs Deputy Chief heads to Washington state.

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In Colorado Springs, Utilities seeks to raise water rates in order to help fund construction of the SDS Pipeline (Gazette). City Attorney Patricia Kelly has recommended council to “drop” the matter of former City Manager Penelope Culbreth-Graft’s request for severance (Gazette). Two D-49 principals retire (Gazette).

In Pueblo, officials held a public meeting last night to talk about the destruction of chemical weapons (KRDO). The Pueblo West Metropolitan District Manager is resigning (Chieftain).

Disclaimer: KRCC and KRCC News make no guarantees regarding the content within these reports, however consider them part of the news and media outlets reporting on issues affecting our coverage area. The Index is not exhaustive, and is not an endorsement of any kind.

The state Senate has given initial backing to a bill that would require uranium mines and mills to clean up nuclear waste before accepting more radioactive material…and, Colorado Democrat Michael Bennet says it is a shame his colleagues would not begin debate on financial regulatory reform yesterday.

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