September 2nd 2026
Coloradans on medicaid will need to meet new requirements beginning January.
Coloradans who are on medicaid will need to meet new requirements in order to keep
their health care coverage beginning in January of next year. Adults aged 19-64 will
need to prove that they are working or have a valid reason not to work. They will also
need to renew their coverage every six months, instead of every year. These
requirements apply to adults who earn up to 133% of the federal poverty level, which is
up to $20,815 per year for a single individual or $42,760 per year for a family of four.
Covered adults must complete 80 hours per month of work, school or volunteering, or
earn at least $580 a month from a job (or a mix of all of it). The Colorado Department of
Health Care Policy and Financing is sending texts, emails and letters to make sure those
affected don't lose their coverage.
Initiative 195 implement income tax tiers qualifies for November Ballot.
Initiative 195, which would replace Colorado's flat rate income tax, and would instead
implement income tax tiers, has been certified for the general election ballot in
November, which has now set the stage for a showdown between competing ballot
initiatives. Initiatve 195 would raise the tax obligations on higher-income earners, while
low-income earners would actually see a tax decrease. Those making an average wage
would see little change. The measure's proponents argue that higher income earners
should pay more in taxes. Critics say it will hurt, not help, the state. The competing
initiative is Initiative 252, a statutory proposal that would cap the state's tax rate at 4.4%,
so basically where it is now. Whichever measure receives more votes will determine the
rate that Coloradans will pay in the future.
Alamosa County PH announces rabies positive bat found in Alamosa County.
Alamosa County Public Health is notifying residents that a bat found in Alamosa County
has tested positive for rabies. Health officials urge residents to stay away from wild and
stray animals and to make sure that pets are current on their vaccinations. Rabies is a
deadly viral disease that attacks the central nervous system. The disease is regularly
found in colorado wildlife, especially in skunks, and can spread to people and pets
through contact with infected animals. Residents who see wildlife acting unusually
should contact Colorado Parks and Wildlife immediately at 719-587-6900.
Archway communities in Pueblo to receive funds from state as part of Prop 123.
Archway communities in Pueblo will receive $2.5 million from the State of Colorado as
part of Proposition 123 land banking funds. The governor's office says that the funds are
going to support communities as they acquire land for rental and ownership affordable
housing. Archway communities in Pueblo received $2.5 million to support the riverly,
which is estimated to bring just under 100 units to the area. The City of Pueblo provided
a letter of support for the development earlier this year. The developers expect to break
ground on the project in the next few years.
CPW inviting public to join their team.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife invites you to join their team if you enjoy working with the
public and protecting Colorado's landscapes and wildlife. Applications are being taken
for CPW District Wildlife Manager trainee and CPW Park Ranger trainee. CPW staff
will send links to the written exam, a writing prompt and background check materials to
applicants shortly after the application period closes. For more information, go to
cpw.state.co.us/careers.
September 1st 2026
Initiative to prohibit out of cycle redistricting qualifies for the November ballot.
Initiative 256, a proposed constitutional amendment that would prohibit Colorado's
Congressional maps from being withdrawn outside of election cycles, has qualified for
the November ballot, according to The Colorado Secretary of State's Office.
Congressional districts are typically redrawn every decade based on census data. Under
Initiative 256, redistricting changes for the 2028 election and beyond would be prohibited
unless approved by the congressional redistricting commission and the supreme court.
Backed by the group "Advance Colorado", Initiative 265 was introduced in response to
proposed ballot measures that would have redrawn Colorado's congressional districts for
the 2028 election. The Colorado State Supreme Court blocked those proposed measures,
ruling they violated the single-subject requirement. Because Initiative 256 is a
constitutional amendment, it requires a 55% vote to pass.
Proposition 137 to ask CO voters to redirect sporting goods sales tax.
Proposition 137 will ask Colorado voters in November whether or not to redirect sporting
goods sales tax for conservation efforts. Supporters say that Proposition 137 will put a
significant dent in the reported $100 to $200 million shortfall when it comes to
conservation, wildfire and recreation efforts. Voters are being asked if they want to
redirect already existing sales tax revenue. However, the proposition is not directing
actual dollars received by tax on sporting goods and equipment, but instead identifies the
amount of money the state receives from the existing sales tax, then would exempt that
same amount of money from the taxpayer bill of rights budget cap. So, when revenue
exceeds the tabor budget cap, the state can keep and spend the additional money
identified by Proposition 137, exempting it from tabor refunds, an amount that is
expected to be around $175 Million each year.
CDPHE released Arkansas River test results following sewage leak.
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment yesterday released test
results following the release of 4.25 million gallons of raw sewage into The Arkansas
River last week. The release took place near Confluence Park. On Thursday, upstream
samples showed 64.4 colony-forming units (or cfu) per 100 ml, which is normal.
However, downstream at Baxter Road, the reading was greater than 2,419 cfu/100ml. On
Friday, upstream samples showed 28.8 cfu/100ml, which is normal. Downstream at
Baxter road, the sample showed 1,119.9 cfu/100ml. Further downstream at Nyberg
Road, the sample showed greater than 2,419 cfu/100ml. The state standard for a safe
swim beach is 235 cfu/100ml. The Department of Agriculture has alerted farms in
communities downstream of the spill. Whether or not they use the water for crops is the
responsibility of the individual farmer. It is not known when the water will be safe again.
Pike and San Isabel National Forests to reduce some closure areas.
The Pike and San Isabel National Forests will reduce previously established closure areas
associated with The Aspen Acres Fire today. The reductions reopen several popular
destinations while still restricting access where fire activity and firefighter operations
require additional space. Areas reopened include The Mingus Ranch Cabin, Ophir Creek
Campground, Lake Isabel, La Vista Campground, South Side Campground, and The
Lake Isabel Cabin. Other areas that were previously closed remain closed at this time.
Alamosa Farmers Market taking place this Saturday in Alamosa.
The Alamosa Farmers' Market welcomes locals and visitors to downtown Alamosa this
Saturday at the corner of Ross Avenue and 6th Street. Vendors will be selling regional
farm fresh food products, various foodstuffs and hand crafted goods. For more
information, go to www.alamosafarmersmarket.org.
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