Politics

In April, the Republican River Water Conservation District Board put out notice of possible changes to water use fees for irrigating crops. At the board’s quarterly meeting Tuesday, however, members did not decide on whether a fee-structure change process will occur. Board members also voted on how to handle formerly inactive wells coming back on in the basin.

Colorado's Republican primary for its top elections official pits a candidate who was indicted in a voting system breach against a candidate who says she can restore professionalism to the office.

Many officials proudly talk up the unique decision-making powers Colorado gives the smallest levels of government. Some bills this session would shift more county and municipal powers to the state, leading to concerns about Colorado’s emphasis on “local control” going away.

The Mountain West is as divided on abortion as the nation, itself. States like Colorado have passed legislation to preserve access to abortion, but several others intend to outlaw the practice as soon as possible. That may be sooner than later, given a leaked Supreme Court draft opinion that calls for Roe v. Wade to be overturned.

Democratic lawmakers in more than a dozen states are following California’s lead in seeking to offer legal refuge to displaced transgender youth and their families.

Colorado lawmakers voted to advance a bill Wednesday that would shift emergency medical service licensing power away from counties to the state, starting in July 2024.

The bill signing ceremony in the governor’s mansion Monday evening marked a major turning point for the state. Less than two years ago, Polis was signing what he called the most difficult budget in state history. It included more than $3 billion in cuts, with public schools losing more than $500 million.

Across the Mountain West and beyond, right-wing politicians are pushing a wave of discriminatory laws. But that’s only one of the issues motivating a record number of LGBTQ candidates.

One initiative will spend $25 million to help factories and other big polluters buy the equipment they need to capture methane and reduce other emissions. Another will invest $65 million to help school districts purchase school buses.

The bill is Democrats' response to Texas and Florida passing laws to restrict abortion access.