RSS Feed List of Recent Postings: Capitol Coverage Project

Governor Candidates First Debate

Bente Birkeland — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 00:24:21 GMT

Republican gubernatorial nominee Dan Maes says he�s not dropping out of the race, despite calls from top Republicans for him to do so. Maes debated Democrat John Hickenlooper and former congressman Tom Tancredo who are also running for Governor, at the studios of Colorado Public Television in Denver on Thursday. It was their first debate and the candidates discussed everything from immigration to transportation to what books they�re currently reading. Bente (BEN tuh) Birkeland has more from the state capitol. [SOQ includes underwriting]

Wilderness Proposals Divide Community

Bente Birkeland — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 20:01:33 GMT

Members of congress are proposing to designate nearly 1 million acres of land in Colorado as wilderness. Proponents say it�s a no-brainer, and crucial to protect some of the state�s most beautiful mountain landscapes for future generations. But the wilderness plans have divided many in the environmental community. The latest proposal is from U.S. Representative Jared Polis. It would cover areas in Summit and Eagle counties near Vail. And as Bente (BEN tuh) Birkeland reports, the measure has brought up a much broader discussion about land use, conservation and recreation. [SOQ includes underwriting]

Ballot Language Reviewed

Bente Birkeland — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 22:56:07 GMT

Lawmakers are finalizing the wording for the November election ballot. Voters will see nine questions this fall. As Bente (BEN tuh) Birkeland reports, much of the discussion on Wednesday centered on three amendments that cut taxes, fees and ban the state government from borrowing money.

Personhood Rally

Bente Birkeland — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 22:35:20 GMT

The so-called Personhood Amendment is back, albeit in a slightly different form. Anti-abortion groups this fall are pushing the ballot measure that asks voters to amend the state constitution to define a person as �from the moment of biological development.� KUNC�s Kirk Siegler reports on a rally in front of the state capitol today/yesterday staged by abortion RIGHTS groups and opponents of the measure.

Hickenlooper's Education Policy

Bente Birkeland — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 01:07:12 GMT

Democratic candidate for Governor John Hickenlooper outlined his goals and ideas to help turn around the state�s education system on Monday. He acknowledges the need for more money to improve student testing, and reward the best teachers and principals, but says now is not the time to ask voters for a tax increase. Bente (BEN tuh) Birkeland has more from the state capitol. [SOQ includes underwriting]

Hickenlooper's Education Policy (SPOT)

Bente Birkeland — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 20:49:17 GMT

Revamping student assessments, rewarding the most effective teachers and principals, and bringing broadband to rural schools. These are just a few of the education policy goals Democrat John Hickenlooper unveiled on Monday. The candidate for Governor talked to reporters and students at Arapahoe Community College. Bente (BEN tuh) Birkeland has more from the state capitol.

Hickenlooper Addresses Water Congress (spot2)

Bente Birkeland — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 20:48:03 GMT

Democratic Gubernatorial candidate John Hickenlooper talked to water experts from across the state on Friday. The group discussed Colorado�s future water needs. Hickenlooper pledged to help communities work together to conserve water and help meet increased demand. Bente (BEN tuh) Birkeland has more from Vail.

Hickenlooper Addresses Water Congress (spot1)

Bente Birkeland — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 20:44:57 GMT

Water experts from across the state gathered in Vail this week to discuss how to meet Colorado�s future water needs. Democratic Gubernatorial candidate John Hickenlooper was one of several politicians to address the group. He spoke on Friday about the need to work collaboratively to meet the higher demand for water. Bente (BEN tuh) Birkeland has more from Vail.

Mixed Reactions on Federal Immigration Program

Bente Birkeland — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 00:30:31 GMT

Governor Bill Ritter is weighing whether Colorado will become part of a new federal program aimed at deporting illegal immigrants who commit serious crimes. Ritter says he's still talking to federal immigration officials and trying to address some concerns. As Bente (BEN tuh) Birkeland reports, Law enforcement agencies in the state have mixed feelings about moving forward... [SOQ includes underwriting]

Colorado Leaders Upset By Race to Top Judging

Bente Birkeland — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 00:28:24 GMT

State education leaders and Governor Bill Ritter are disappointed and angry that the state failed to win millions of dollars in the second round of the federal race to the top funding. The grants are meant to reward states for passing bold education reforms and Colorado felt it was doing everything right. Bente (BEN tuh) Birkeland has more from the state capitol. [SOQ includes underwriting]