Colorado Political News Brief – 3.22.2011

Bail Bond bill bombs

Democrats and one Republican voted against passing a law that would have caused bond agents to forfeit the bail of an individual if they are found to be an illegal immigrant and removed from the court’s jurisdiction….. Read More

Denver City Council votes to raise its pay
"The amount of money has virtually no impact on the budget," said council president Chris Nevitt, who voted along with seven other council members for the pay raise for the next sitting council, mayor, auditor, and clerk and recorder….. Read More

Lobbying 101
“The legislature formally meets for 120 days each year, but the process is year-round,” said Jep Seman, a longtime Colorado lobbyist. “If you don’t take the opportunity to get to know the legislators during the interim, you’re going to be on your heels when you go to ask for help when the session comes around.” …. Read More

Hydroelectric bill heads to Hickenlooper’s desk
Southern Colorado lawmakers pitched a perfect game on their bill to spur hydroelectric projects in the state. The Colorado House, by a 65-0 vote, passed an amended version of HB1083, which now moves to Gov. John Hickenlooper’s desk awaiting his signature to become law….. Read More

Funny money backs Ritter's job at CSU
The highly touted Center for the New Energy Economy at CSU comes with a web of connections between Director Bill Ritter, a key billionaire player in the Colorado political powerhouse “Gang of Four” and CSU System Board of Governors member Joe Zimlich that could pull CSU into the political debate over clean energy policy and create a welcoming environment for Democratic politics….. Read More

Sen. Harvey’s financial acumen questioned
Obscure court records documenting a $49,000 note that state Sen. Ted Harvey paid to J.P. Morgan Chase are being shopped to reporters by an operative with past ties to the Republican National Committee….. Read More