State

Anyone who has read a newspaper or watched the news knows that the country and the globe are seeing high levels of inflation. In fact, the statistics show that the U.S. has seen record-high levels of inflation over the last several months.

Last spring, bills hit the Colorado and U.S. legislatures to get rid of the biannual tradition of changing the clocks. In fact, the debate turned from whether or not we should get rid of the time-changing tradition to if we should stay in standard time (the time during winter) or stay in daylight saving time (the time during the summer).

Colorado voters wanted a voice in how their state revenues were being utilized, especially when it came to potential tax increases. In 1992, those voices were heard when The Taxpayer's Bill of Rights (TABOR) Amendment was approved by Colorado voters.

In Colorado, there is an electoral eclipse approaching. Not all states have these many things lined up for the voters in the same year. Numerous consequential state and state-national leadership roles are teed up for a decision on the November election day. All that, in addition to several ballot initiatives.

A thin blue booklet, heavier than a wet magazine and lighter than a Bible, began appearing in the mailboxes of Colorado voters in the last couple weeks.

Homeless encampments, and the accompanying hazards, have sprung up in Denver, Boulder, Colorado Springs, and elsewhere throughout the state in the last few years.

Water rights have been an issue impacting Colorado since before it became a state in 1876, and it continues as the demand for water grows. The Division of Water Resources (DWR), also known as the Office of the State Engineer, administers water rights, issues water well permits, represents Colorado in interstate water compact proceedings, monitors streamflow and water use, approves the construction and repair of dams and performs dam safety inspections.

Once sports betting became legal in Colorado in 2020, the industry seemed to instantly surge. Advertisements for local casinos and big national sports betting companies could be seen just about everywhere from billboards to social media to TV ads.

Colorado ranchers are facing a challenge absent since WWII: wolves. Attacks on livestock, so far mostly in Jackson County, are stirring up political discussions in the state; discussions that started with Proposition 114. This policy, passed in 2020 by a razor-thin less than 1% majority, will kick off in 2023.

Colorado House Speaker Alec Garnett says Colorado laws and regulations have failed to keep up with the evolution of cannabis products.