Tax Break Rollbacks Advance

A trio of Democrat-sponsored bills would decouple Colorado from certain federal tax breaks, increasing corporate income tax collections by roughly 50% and costing businesses about $580 million annually.

The money would fund a new family affordability tax credit, available to low- and middle-income filers with children, to replace a revenue-dependent credit not expected to activate this year.

Sponsors argue families should take priority over corporations, noting the previous credit helped cut childhood poverty by 37%. Opponents warn the rollbacks will hinder and drive away businesses, particularly startups.

All three bills cleared the House Finance Committee largely along party lines Monday. They now head to the House Appropriations Committee.

Democrats Urge Polis Against Clemency

All 66 Democrats in the Colorado legislature signed a letter urging Gov. Jared Polis not to grant clemency to Tina Peters, the former Mesa County clerk convicted of breaching election data.

Polis has called Peters’ nine-year sentence too harsh for a nonviolent, first-time offender. Last week, he implied he may consider reducing it, saying justice “needs to be applied evenly.”

Democrats, in their letter to Polis, said clemency is “for those who have taken accountability,” which they say Peters hasn’t done, and argued her commutation would signal a lack of consequences for election crimes.

A state appeals court is expected to rule on Peters’ sentence in the coming weeks. Polis may delay his decision until after the ruling.

Advocates Back Beaver, Wolf Protections

Wildlife advocates are backing a bill that would ban the killing of beavers on Colorado public lands, a measure they say would help restore wetlands and curb wildfires.

Opponents say the bill is part of a broader effort by animal protection groups to restrict hunting in the state, pointing to several recent petitions and proposals.

One of those petitions would require ranchers to use and document nonlethal hazing measures, such as livestock guardian dogs, before wildlife officials can issue a permit to kill a chronically depredatory wolf.

Another petition by the same group would ban the sale of fur statewide. The fur petition advanced in a 6-4 vote after a tense public meeting last week.

Flying together with our sponsor

➤ Statewide: A man was arrested in Los Angeles in connection with a cattle fraud scheme that spanned multiple states, including Colorado, according to the FBI Denver Field Office. (More)

➤ Statewide: Colorado is one of nine states that experienced its warmest meteorological winter on record this season. (See Details)

➤ Thornton: City Council unanimously approved a Stage 1 drought response, not implemented locally since 2012. Outdoor watering is prohibited until May 1 (and limited thereafter to two days per week), while large water users, like commercial districts, must cut water use by 10%. (See Details)

➤ Commerce City: A possible bomb threat triggered a lockdown and heavy police response at Adams City High School Wednesday. Officers searched the campus, found no weapons, and reported no injuries. (More)

➤ Statewide: A bipartisan bill would put limits on mental healthcare professionals’ use of artificial intelligence in therapy. (See Details)

➤ Gunnison: Police say no charges will be filed in the death of a 7-year-old boy fatally attacked by a pit bull mix on Feb. 4. The dog was being fostered in the family’s home through a local pit bull advocacy nonprofit. (More)

Enjoy reading The Colorado Flyover? Click here to share with your friends and family. ✈️

➤ Colorado State women’s basketball beat Air Force 56-42 to claim its first Mountain West Conference title since 2016. The Rams also received an automatic bid to the NCAA tournament. (More)

➤ Colorado College signed hockey coach Kris Mayotte to a five-year contract extension that will keep him with the program into the 2030s. (More)

➤ The state brought in $5 million in sports betting tax revenue this January, breaking the previous monthly record of $4.76 million set last October. The money helps fund water conservation projects in the state. (More)

➤ Yesterday’s Results: NBA | NHL | NCAAM | NCAAW | NCAAB | NCAASB | Soccer | World Baseball Classic

Flying together with our sponsor

➤ Looking for relief from everyday aches and pains? Kailo offers a simple, drug-free solution designed to help reduce discomfort and support natural pain relief. This reusable patch works without pills or batteries and can be worn anywhere you feel pain—helping you stay active and comfortable throughout your day.

➤ A House bill would limit rideshare companies, like Uber and Lyft, to keeping 20% of a rider’s fare. Uber says the measure could double rider fares in the state. (More)

➤ Alterra Mountain Company CEO Jared Smith will step down at the end of this season, the ski resort operator announced Tuesday. No new CEO has been named. (More)

➤ Denver City Council approved a $4.6 million contract with ComplyAI, an artificial intelligence (AI) firm, to use CivCheck, an AI tool designed to speed up development reviews and permitting processes. (More)

Flying together with our sponsor

➤ Protect your family’s most important documents with ICE Box, the all-in-one system designed to organize and safeguard vital records in one secure place. Store passports, insurance papers, wills, financial records, and digital backups in a fire- and water-resistant organizer built for emergencies and everyday peace of mind. (SHOP NOW)

Flying together with our sponsor

One reader called The Pour Over “the only news that doesn’t leave me feeling anxious.” We agree. It’s like a sanctuary for your inbox.

Here’s what you’ll get:

• Clarity: Brief summaries of world events.

• Conviction: Never letting the headlines rob your hope.

• Community: 1.6 million Christians who traded anxiety for peace.

• Chuckles: I dare you not to laugh.

➤ The Leonardo da Vinci Museum of North America, set to open in Pueblo this spring, has already assembled and installed several inventions inspired by da Vinci’s manuscripts. (See Video)

➤ Great Wolf Lodge in Colorado Springs is selling a ranch-flavored milkshake made with vanilla ice cream and ranch dressing, topped with carrots, celery, whipped cream, and crispy chicken, plus a lime-salt rim. (See Details)

➤ A teen cancer survivor and lifelong Avalanche fan had the chance to meet the team, tour the locker room, and get a personalized, signed jersey through the Make-A-Wish Foundation. (Watch)

Flying together with our sponsor

➤ After analyzing the weight loss patterns of more than 600 patients ages 45 to 75 and conducting hundreds of tests, a doctor says he’s uncovered a simple chocolate-based hack that may help people shed extra pounds quickly—without harsh diets or yo-yo effects. Learn how this easy approach could help you reach your ideal weight from home. (LEARN MORE)

Would you try the ranch milkshake?

1. Yes
2. No
3. Maybe

Yesterday’s Results:

How do you prefer to eat ice cream?

1. Cup/bowl: 37%
2. Cone: 23%
3. Sandwich/bar: 14%
4. Other: 13%
5. I don’t like ice cream: 13%

In what season did the Colorado Avalanche win their first Stanley Cup?

Show me the answer