FTS on the Air: The state's checkbook, online

As first reported by Face The State this morning, Gov. Bill Ritter is expected to announce this morning an initiative to place the state's checkbook online, in effect adopting a legislative effort championed by Sen. Mike Kopp and Rep. Don Marostica. But will Ritter's plan for transparency be as strong as they had proposed? FTS staff writer Rachel Boxer breaks the news on 1310 KFKA's Amy Oliver show.

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Ritter to run with GOP transparency agenda

A Face the State Staff Report

With the 2009 legislative session jumping into full swing, Gov. Bill Ritter is scheduled to deliver his State of the State speech today where it is expected he will introduce his plan for a more transparent government by proposing to make the state budget available online. The plan is just the latest is a string of instances where the Democrat has utilized Republican ideas to suggest changes to state law.

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State budget short $604 million

A Face the State Staff Report

Colorado lawmakers are preparing to make painful budget cuts in light of the latest revenue forecast, which as of Friday indicates a staggering $604 million budget shortfall in the state's General Fund.

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"In an editorial today that could herald the great advance of Colorado’s upcoming legislative session, the Denver Post lauds a proposal by Rep. Don Marostica (R-Loveland) and Sen. Mike Kopp (R-Littleton) that would place the state government’s check register online. Marostica made a similar legislative proposal in 2007, but was shot down with a ridiculous $2 million fiscal note from legislative staff. (Cost money? It’s much more likely to save taxpayer money.)

One line from the Post editorial jumped off the page when I read it:

"The Buzz" on Newstalk 1310 KFKA, 11/24 - Who will run for Governor?

FTS managing editor visits with 1310 KFKA's Amy Oliver to discuss some recent stories, including speculation over which Republican will challenge Gov. Bill Ritter in 2010.

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Two more names for governor dropped in the hat

Ritter's Clemency Board yet to recommend clemency

A Face the State Staff Report

Highly touted as the first of its kind in the nation, Colorado's juvenile clemency board is now being questioned by state legislators and juvenile justice advocates concerned about its lack of action.

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7/24: A four-day state work week?

Will a four-day work week make government more efficient, or just give state workers an extra day to ski in the winter?

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FTS on "Mornings with Keith & Gail": A four-day state work week?

"There are a significant number of other pseudo-governmental bodies that might benefit from the option of a four-day work week. For instance...schools. Rural and mountain school districts already have four-day weeks to limit the expense of bussing over huge distances. Forgive me if I'm wrong, but aren't large suburban districts beginning to be in a position where bussing is going to be of enormous expense?

There are many ideas that need to be discussed in regard to education, and the current party in power doesn't seem to want to take any of them up."