Denver rent assistance program gears up for big year as evictions surge

On a December morning, dozens of people cycled through the benches outside Room 163 of the Denver City and County Building. A few cradled children, and some looked at the floor. Deja Balles held a document from her landlord. It demanded just shy of $2,700 in back rent for October, November and December. Like the … Read more

Colorado legislature begins session with priority bills unveiled

From the moment the Colorado General Assembly’s leaders gaveled their chambers into session Wednesday, they acknowledged the undercurrent of acrimony that’s seeped ever more deeply into state politics. The Capitol’s two top Democrats touted past achievements and pledged to do more this year, but they also made repeated references to social media eroding civility. They … Read more

Colorado TABOR refunds won’t be taxed in 2023 by the IRS, agency says

Colorado taxpayers won’t have to pay federal income taxes on their state refunds this filing season, according to two elected officials, after the IRS resolved uncertainty surrounding that issue — at least for now. U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet and Gov. Jared Polis confirmed the Internal Revenue Service’s decision during a Tuesday meeting with IRS representatives, … Read more

Gun-rights groups sue to block Colorado’s new ban on “ghost guns”

A pair of gun-rights groups have filed a lawsuit against Colorado Gov. Jared Polis to block enforcement of a new state law banning so-called “ghost guns,” in the latest legal challenge of a slew of new firearms reform measures. The suit was filed in federal court Monday, when some provisions of the law took effect, … Read more

Colorado Republican sues Polis, House speaker over special session

A Colorado Republican lawmaker is asking a state judge to block a new tax credit increase from taking effect because, he alleges, the state House’s speaker violated constitutional procedure during last month’s special session on property taxes and other relief. Rep. Scott Bottoms, of Colorado Springs, filed the suit in Denver District Court Thursday against … Read more

Colorado Gov. Jared Polis issues 21 pardons, reduces 7 prison sentences

A man sentenced to life in prison for a 30-year-old Pueblo gang killing will be released next month after receiving clemency from Gov. Jared Polis, who on Thursday granted 21 pardons and commuted seven sentences for people in Colorado’s criminal justice system. Polis issued pardons and commutations to people convicted of drug charges, theft, burglary, … Read more

Colorado Black lawmakers propose study of racial equity, solutions

Several state lawmakers want to zero in on deep-rooted disparities that are holding back Black Coloradans economically, from low homeownership to disproportionately high incarceration rates, and expand the search for solutions. That’s the aim of legislation unveiled Wednesday that would charge History Colorado, the state’s historical society, with undertaking a comprehensive study into the reverberations … Read more

Colorado poll finds housing affordability, crime are top concerns

A majority of Colorado voters say home ownership is only going to become less attainable, voicing broad concerns about the cost of living and the state’s broader affordability, according to results from a bipartisan poll released Tuesday. The poll, conducted for the Colorado Polling Institute Nov. 26-27 by a team of pollsters, also found a … Read more