Budget cuts to continue for another week

Good day, readers of The Colorado Sun.

Witnessing the fresh, spring-green daffodil blades emerge from the aged mulch in my front yard over the weekend is always a delightful indication that warmer days are on the horizon. It took us almost a decade to remember to plant daffodil bulbs, so for a long period, the sight of tulips and daffodils blooming around the neighborhood would spark a sense of regret in me for overlooking it once again. However, that is a thing of the past now as I watch my little green shoots evolve into vibrant yellow blooms that encapsulate the essence of spring for me.

I encourage you to take a moment today to appreciate the signs of rejuvenation and renewal that come with the arrival of spring. Following that, delve into the latest happenings in Colorado.

Reporter Jennifer Brown

##THE NEWS

###POLITICS AND GOVERNMENT

Colorado lawmakers have opted to postpone the budget presentation whilst they deliberate over final cost reductions. Joint Budget Committee Chair Jeff Bridges, a Greenwood Village Democrat, has come to terms with the overwhelming workload and the scarcity of time to address it. Brian Eason delves into the details of the bipartisan six-member committee’s efforts to bridge the $1.2 billion budget gap and the reasons behind the budget’s delay until next week.

###WATER

Communities in Northern Colorado have expressed contentment with the $100M reservoir settlement bill they are obligated to pay, as it signifies a step towards water independence. Fort Morgan, for the first time, will have direct ownership of its water supply instead of relying on leasing arrangements. This pivotal settlement will establish the Northern Integrated Supply Project and revolutionize water management in the Cache la Poudre River basin, as reported by Jerd Smith.

Rural businesses in Colorado have successfully tapped into an underappreciated state resource, reaping substantial financial benefits. This week’s “What’s Working” segment highlights a Fort Morgan-based economic achievement boosted in part by the East Colorado Small Business Development Center.

###POLITICS AND GOVERNMENT

Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez addressed substantial crowds during their visits to Colorado. Drawing in around 10,000 attendees in Greeley and over 30,000 in Denver, their “Fight the Oligarchy” tour struck a chord with Coloradans disenchanted with budget cuts and disorder arising from the Trump administration. Insights from both stops are covered by the Colorado Capitol News Alliance.

Colorado Republicans are strategizing on how to navigate the intricacies of town hall gatherings this time around. Jesse Paul investigates how Democrats are mirroring tactics used to thwart the reelection campaigns of U.S. Rep. Mike Coffman in 2018 and U.S. Sen. Cory Gardner in 2020 with the aim of unseating Republican Gabe Evans in 2026.

Representative Ocasio-Cortez is endeavoring to broaden her appeal within a Democratic base eager for a fight, both in Colorado and across the United States. Amidst a Democratic Party lacking leadership in Washington, Ocasio-Cortez has a compelling message and resonance with segments of a politically disillusioned liberal populace.

###CULTURE

The decision by Telluride to introduce an additional major concert series has stirred dissent among residents of the bustling small town. Gavin McGough reports on the backlash following the town’s approval of a second Planet Bluegrass concert series, expected to draw crowds of 8,000 each night, coinciding with the Telluride Mountain Run.

##MORE NEWS

A federal judge has interdicted ICE from deporting immigrant activist Jeanette Vizguerra, underscoring the importance of due process. Vizguerra, detained recently, has been granted a hearing in federal court prior to any potential deportation to Mexico.

Notably, firearms are proscribed on hiking trails in Boulder County, alongside paintball guns, bows, and slingshots, within parks and open spaces in unincorporated zones.

Col. James H. Harvey III, one of the last surviving Tuskegee Airmen, reflects on his struggles for acknowledgment amidst a DEI purge under the Trump administration. Col. Harvey is part of the diminished group of airmen and support personnel who validated the capabilities of the 332nd Fighter Group of the Tuskegee Airmen, a Black unit that showcased their combat prowess in World War II and beyond.