What’s next after Denver passes tax increase for mental health funding
"DENVER -- Election night was more than just about candidates and political parties. It was also about issues." "In Denver, voters approved a .25 percent tax increase to generate $45 million for mental health funding annually." "So what happens next?" "This will be the largest mental health funding stream that Denver has ever seen," State Rep. Leslie Herod (D-Denver) said. Herod helped run the campaign to get it passed." "Herod says first up will be the creation of a non prof
Safe injection sites being reconsidered to help battle opioid epidemic
"Rob Valuck, a drug addiction expert, said there are similar programs in more than 60 cities around the world with evidence that programs like this help reduce spreading diseases. He also said it could improve access to treatment." “It's not that we are sanctioning something that isn’t there,” Valuck said. “It’s already there.” “We simply don't have enough treatment facilities and programs that it's easy to walk in and get treatment,” he added. “In the interim, what do we do?
Colorado Senate Democrats, with their new majority, show early splits; statehouse Republicans search
"But the contest for assistant house majority leader split the caucus between Denver Rep. Leslie Herod, who is seen as being aligned with the more liberal wing of the party, and Lakewood Rep. Chris Kennedy, who is viewed as more of a behind-the-scenes lawmaker." "House Democrats ultimately went with Kennedy after he promised to help the large caucus better collaborate and communicate." “We need to be courageous,” he added. “This is a time when we are going to face obstruction
Colorado Makes Political Waves
"While Colorado Rep. Jared Polis is making national headlines as the first openly gay man elected governor, other Colorado candidates are making history, too." "An unprecedented number of LGBTQ candidates ran in this election and Colorado is leading the way in what is being called a nationwide rainbow wave." "Six LGBTQ candidates ran for seats in the state house, and right now two have been declared winners, two are leading as ballots continue to be counted, one is waiting fo
