English transcript:

Wage theft

Colorado lawmakers are proposing reforms to the state’s wage theft enforcement laws in an attempt to make it easier for victims of wage theft to recover stolen wages through the claims process and for the Department of Labor to punish bad actors, improve transparency and protect the rights of workers under wage and hour laws. An estimated $728 million in wages are stolen from nearly 440,000 workers each year in Colorado according to an analysis.

Budget cuts

As state lawmakers contend with a $1.2 billion budget deficit that is prompting cuts to education, health care and safety net services, Democrats say it may be time to push for changes to the Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights — or TABOR. Under the 1992 voter-approved ballot measure, the state’s budget cannot increase beyond the rate of population growth plus inflation. Democrats say it’s the main driver behind the budget crisis. Republicans have vowed to defend TABOR, which they say serves as a check on government spending.

School rally

Thousands of public school leaders, teachers and staff descended on the Colorado Capitol last month to protest Gov. Jared Polis’ proposed education budget. The legislature last year pledged bold new investments in public education to better support at-risk and special education students, English language learners and rural districts. But with a $1.2 billion budget deficit, many see lawmakers reneging on their promise to “fully fund” public schools. Colorado ranks as one of the worst states for per-pupil funding and teacher pay.

Events

• April 4: First Friday is from 4-8 p.m. at the Outlets at Silverthorne Blue Village. The night includes free roller skating, a DJ, arts and crafts and more.
• The Breckenridge Recreation Center is offering beginner swim lessons for adults on the first Thursday of each month. The cost is $14.30 for members and $16 for non-members. Scholarships are available.
• Free STI testing is available at Mile High Behavioral Health. Call 970-485-6676 to schedule. Testing for minors is available at their school-based health center.