Tag: Debbie Benefield

DENVER-- An official snow day at the capitol Wednesday didn't stop education advocates from filing into the West Foyer where lawmakers unveiled a desperate plan to raise taxes to shore up the state's struggling education system. The upbeat note struck by the speakers, though, mostly succeeded at conjuring images of the wide stormy seas they are setting out to sail. Captained by state Rep. Debbie Benefield, D-Arvada, the group is asking voters in a recession to amend the constitution to lift tax limits set by Colorado's revered Taxpayers Bill of Rights.

DENVER-- The war to regulate payday loans in Colorado continues behind the scenes at the capitol here. Lobbyists and lawmakers are working hard to shore up votes for and against legislation introduced by Denver Democrats Rep. Mark Ferrandino and Sen. Chris Romer weeks ago. The bill is stalled for now as negotiations over proposed amendments continue. "We are working the bill hard," Ferrandino told the Colorado Independent. "And, as you know, the other side is definitely working it hard, too."

The payday loan industry gouges Coloradans like it does Americans across the country, targeting mostly low-income single women, including military spouses. Denver Democratic state Rep. Mark Ferrandino tried and failed to introduce legislation in 2008 that would have curbed the worst of the abuses, where desperate borrowers take loans at hundreds of percent interest and enter a debt cycle they rarely are able to exit. Ferrandino may try it again this year.

It's time for another bowl of "Kernels of Truth."  Here's what's popping this week: Betsy Markey Nears CD-4 Decision Benefield Stays Put Handicapping the '08 House Potential Republican...

If you're a Democratic incumbent who won your last race by a thin margin you'd better strap yourself in for a negative advertising binge....