Capitol Conversation: 2016 Bills Get Their First Hearings

Roughly three weeks into Colorado’s annual legislative session a lot of bills are starting to get their first hearings. Bente Birkeland talks to statehouse reporters about the upcoming week and how politics impacts the bills being heard in committees.

Capitol Conversation: 2016 Bills Get Their First Hearings kgnu

Highlights from Capitol Conversation

On End of Life Options Bill that would allow terminally ill patients to take medication to end their lives:

Peter Marcus- Durango Herald

“It’s a moral issue for some it’s a religious issue for others, and it’s just common sense for some other people.”

Kristen Wyatt- Associated Press

“Whether it’s guns whether it’s equal pay for women, or abortion rights, you’re going to see a lot of hot button issues that move votes.”

On the Political Backdrop:

Kristen Wyatt- Associated Press

“The Democratic House and the Republican Senate are talking up things that they think are winners with the public. It’s almost more important that it becomes a headline than it becomes a law,”

Peter Marcus- Durango Herald

“We still have a looming budget to address also, everything else they’re talking about for the most part requires funding.”

INTRO:

has more from the state capitol.

The change in housing costs over the previous five years also varied widely by county. In three counties – San Juan, Elbert and Delta – housing costs rose by more than 20% since 2011. In 24 counties, the costs rose by more than 10%. In 11 counties, all on the West Slope, costs declined. Nine of the 11 were small, rural counties. But Eagle County saw a 12% decline and Garfield posted a 7% decline.