New York Times

By Kirk Johnson
The New York Times

DENVER – Overturning Colorado's Taxpayer Bill of Rights, a strict constitutional budget-collar known by its acronym, Tabor, is not on either major party's official to-do list for the 2010 election cycle.

Unofficially, though, the law and its effects are being discussed just about everywhere.

"Tabor is always lurking in the shadows," said Terrance Carroll, a Democrat and the speaker of the State House of Representatives. "Right now, it's lurking near the top."

By Dan Frosch
The New York Times

DENVER – When Coloradoans voted to tie the state's minimum wage to inflation, they were trying to make sure low-wage workers did not fall too far behind the cost of living. But their vote has had an unintended consequence: Colorado plans to lower its minimum wage next year because of falling inflation rates, becoming the first state in the nation do so.

In case you missed it, we wanted to call your attention to a recent New York Times survey of all 50 states and how they handle six federal aid programs ranging from public assistance to health insurance for poor children. It is a state-by-state measure of the safety net. Where did Colorado rank? “Colorado is dead last,” Wade Buchanan said in email to the Bell's staff after reviewing the survey.

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