RSS Feed List of Recent Postings: Capitol Coverage Project

Capitol Conversation

Bente Birkeland — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 19:07:51 GMT

The drama surrounding Republican representative Laura Bradford’s suspected drunk driving incident has dominated life under the state capitol’s gold dome for about a week. Bradford is now threatening to leave the Republican party, which would put the GOP's control of the statehouse in the balance. As part of our capitol conversation series Bente (BEN tuh) Birkeland talks to reporters who have been covering the saga, and looks at what makes this situation so unique. [SOQ includes underwriting]

Dome Project

Bente Birkeland — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 22:21:00 GMT

A white banner is now covering part of Colorado’s state capitol dome, and it’ll be there for the next two years. It’s part of the ongoing project to repair the crumbling structure. Bente (BEN tuh) Birkeland has more from the state capitol.

Pinnacol Deal Off

Bente Birkeland — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 21:37:04 GMT

Governor John Hickenlooper is backing off plans to privatize the state chartered worker’s compensation agency. The move comes amid a growing chorus of state lawmakers and business and labor groups who oppose the deal. Bente (BEN tuh) Birkeland has more from the state capitol.

Republican Lawmaker Considers Switiching Parties

Bente Birkeland — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 00:54:09 GMT

Embattled state Representative Laura Bradford is threatening to leave the Republican party saying a GOP leader mistreated her in the wake of a drunk driving incident. Republicans hold a one seat advantage in the house of Representatives, so any change in party affiliation could shift the balance of power at the state legislature. Bente (BEN tuh) Birkeland has more from the state capitol.

Medicaid Bill Fails

Bente Birkeland — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 21:45:15 GMT

A Republican bill aimed at cutting Medicaid costs failed along party lines in a state senate committee today/Wednesday. Republican lawmakers say containing costs for the healthcare program for the poor is a top legislative priority, but say no additional bills are in the works this session. Bente (BEN tuh) Birkeland has more from the state capitol.

House Ethics Investigation

Bente Birkeland — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 02:09:46 GMT

The Republican-led Colorado house of representatives is launching an ethics investigation into the behavior of a state representative who was pulled over last week for drunk driving. The news comes on the same day Denver Police say she didn't use her legislative seat to get a free pass. Bente (BEN tuh) Birkeland has more from the state capitol.

Push Back On Governor's Pinnacol Proposal

Bente Birkeland — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 01:50:20 GMT

Governor Hickenlooper’s plan to privatize the state chartered workers compensation agency is continuing to face obstacles from an unlikely coalition of business and labor interests. A task force charged with examining the plan held its final meeting on Tuesday. Bente (BEN tuh) Birkeland has more from the state capitol. [SOQ includes underwriting]

State Lawmakers Question Legislative Immunity

Bente Birkeland — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 00:44:55 GMT

A Republican state lawmaker who was pulled over last week of drunk driving is denying that she used her status as a lawmaker to get a free pass. But some unsatisfied Colorado lawmakers now want to take a closer look at the legislative immunity provision police say prevented them from arresting her. Bente (BEN tuh) Birkeland reports from the state capitol. [SOQ includes underwriting]

Legislature Immunity (SPOT)

Bente Birkeland — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 22:43:45 GMT

A Republican state lawmaker apologized to her colleagues today (Monday) after she was pulled over last week on suspicion drinking and driving. State capitol reporter Bente (BEN tuh) Birkeland says lawmakers are now questioning the state provision that got her off the hook.

Hickenlooper Pushing Pinnacol Proposal

Bente Birkeland — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 21:14:51 GMT

Governor John Hickenlooper wants to move forward with a plan to privatize the state chartered worker’s compensation agency Pinnacol Assurance. His task force to study the issue holds its final meeting on Tuesday/this week. Meanwhile state lawmakers inside the capitol are lukewarm about the Governor’s deal. Bente (BEN tuh) Birkeland reports from the state capitol.