Tagged: Capitol Conversation

The state budget has now cleared both legislative chambers with bi-partisan support. As part of our capitol conversation series KUNC’s state capitol reporter Bente Birkeland takes a deeper look at the process and how this year’s budget fight compares to previous debates.

Legislative leaders from both parties and Governor John Hickenlooper have reached what’s been called an historic agreement on how to balance the state’s budget. All sides say they had to make some sacrifices.

A bi-partisan compromise to create a healthcare exchange is in jeopardy. Republican house majority leader Amy Stephens says she'll introduce an amendment that will drastically change the bill. Just days earlier Stephens stressed the importance of an exchange saying it would help small businesses and individuals purchase affordable health insurance, and make the market more competitive.

Lawmakers on the joint budget committee have reached a gridlock and on writing the budget for next fiscal year. This has forced the Colorado senate to delay the budget debate by a week.