Rocky Mountain Voice

The COvid Chronicles April 16–30: From tattletales to tyranny in just 14 days

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If the first two weeks of April 2020 made it clear to Coloradans their state was forever changed and would not be going back to the way it was any time soon, the later part of the month crystalized just how difficult earning back any God-given constitutional rights and freedoms would prove to be.

Much of that had to do with the heavy-handedness of Gov. Jared Polis, elected officials and unelected bureaucrats who weren’t keen on relinquishing their newfound regal powers over the people. 

More concerning was the increasing dogma from Coloradan to Coloradan, neighbor to neighbor, family member to family member. As Colorado’s COVID reopening quandary deepened, our sense of community was crushed.

The COvid Chronicles April 16–30: From tattletales to tyranny in just 14 days Read More »

O’Donnell: It’s costly to live in Colorado—and now we top the charts in personal debt

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Since 2021, inflation has been higher in Colorado than in any other state, mostly because of the cost of owning or renting a home. But this is also because the state legislature enjoys imposing new fees (you aren’t allowed to call them taxes) on seemingly anything they can think of.

Colorado residents may not, however, realize that because it is now so expensive to live in the state, Coloradans owe more money in mortgages, auto loans, credit cards, student loans and other consumer obligations than residents of ANY other state.

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Cooper: The biggest identity theft in Colorado history? Victims may have no idea

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Up to 4,000 Coloradans may have had their identities stolen – and none of them know it. That’s because the theft may be part of a massive political money laundering scheme involving groups like ActBlue.

ActBlue, a political fundraising platform that has facilitated $3.7 billion in contributions to Democrat campaigns, is under federal investigation. Multiple directors have resigned in recent months, according to reporting from the New York Times.

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Doctors, parents, pastors say HB25-1312 “crosses line” as Senate advances bill after midnight

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Colorado’s controversial “Kelly Loving Act” moved one step closer to becoming law after an emotionally charged hearing that drew hundreds to the Capitol. HB25-1312, which proposes sweeping changes to how gender identity is treated under Colorado law, passed out of the Senate Judiciary Committee on a 5–2 party-line vote following more than eight hours of testimony that stretched past 1:00 a.m.

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“Drawing the line”: School boards warn HB25-1312 oversteps on parental rights, brings policy chaos

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More than 70 school board members and education leaders have signed a letter urging lawmakers to reject HB25-1312, also known as the Kelly Loving Act.

Andrea Haitz, president of the District 51 Board of Education, warned that the bill “risks placing schools in an even more precarious legal position, especially when parents disagree on matters like gender identity or preferred names.”

Jason Jorgenson, secretary of the District 11 Board of Education and a lead organizer of the opposition letter, said HB25-1312 “risks encouraging youth to pursue a path of gender transition without appropriate parental involvement.”

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Walcher: We built it, and they still won’t come

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Building a new subdivision is complicated. Almost every city and county in America have master plans dictating “conforming uses” of land. Most specify lot and home sizes, rules for vehicle access, water supply, sewage disposal, flood control, affordable housing, and park space. Those are addressed in lengthy application processes and public hearings, all preceding building the infrastructure, and then the homes.

The National Association of Home Builders says government regulations account for 24 percent of the final price of new homes. Sixty percent of that comes during planning and development, only 40 percent during actual construction.

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Was it the people’s town hall — or a political playbook in action?

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As constituents speak out in Greeley, political operatives sharpen their sights on Colorado’s 8th District.

On April 26, more than 100 residents gathered at the Moxi Theater in downtown Greeley for a two-hour town hall organized by progressive groups, including Vote Save America PAC. Billed as “The People’s Town Hall: Where is Gabe?” – the event gave attendees from across the political spectrum a chance to speak up about representation, leadership, and what they want to see from elected officials.

Was it the people’s town hall — or a political playbook in action? Read More »

Clock runs out on social media bill: lawmakers shield themselves and Polis from historic override

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Without casting a single “no” vote, Colorado lawmakers on April 28 killed a bipartisan attempt to override Governor Jared Polis’ veto of a social media regulation bill. Just days earlier, the Senate had voted 29–6 to override the veto of Senate Bill 25-086, marking the state’s first successful chamber override of a policy bill in more than a decade. 

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Tristan: Trump’s first 100 days prove America’s home improvement is not about reality show illusions

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There are many home improvement reality shows on television today. Every episode, following completion of the project, culminates in the highly anticipated “reveal.” 

Eyes will light up, and tears are shed as homeowners overcome with joy, marvel at the new cabinetry that beautifully adorns the kitchen, an ultra-modern range that now offers a double oven, a smart refrigerator that automatically adds dairy products to the grocery list, and the old laminate countertops that were stained and riddled with chips and knife marks, have been replaced with breathtaking pristine granite. 

The homeowners beam with pride and are thrilled with the anticipation of cooking in this new culinary paradise.

In an immensely larger way, as we consider the actions of the first 100 days of President Trump’s second term, I suggest that a home improvement project is currently underway here in America, which I dub as “The United States of America Renovation Project.”

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HB25-1312 Scheduled for Senate Judiciary Hearing Wednesday: How to Participate

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The Colorado Senate Judiciary Committee will hold a hearing on House Bill 25-1312, titled “Legal Protections for Gender Expression and Identity,” this Wednesday, April 30 at the Colorado State Capitol.

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