coloradopeakpolitics--2020-02-04--WHEN IT’S TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE: Polis Punts on Free Preschool Promise

WHEN IT ’ S TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE : Polis Punts on Free Preschool Promise Gov .
Polis has brought Colorado full circle from his free preschool promise , to a bizarre new pledge of “ universal access.
” Chalkbeat reminds us Polis committed to free , full-day preschool and kindergarten in a candidate questionnaire .
But that ’ s not what Polis said during his State of the State address last month , when he promised “ universal access to quality preschool for 4-year-olds by the end of my first term.
” Asked recently what “ universal access @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ It means 4-year-olds can go to preschool.
” But not necessarily for free .
“ It ’ s not like kindergarten , ” he said .
“ It takes many forms.
” After a lengthy consultation and interview , this is what Chalkbeat learned from W. Steven Barnett , senior co-director of the National Institute for Early Education Research at Rutgers University : It ’ s promise that can ’ t actually be delivered .
Polis refused to be interviewed by Chalkbeat , Colorado ’ s all-education news source , to explain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lamely assured that just because the promise hasn ’ t been delivered , doesn ’ t mean Polis doesn ’ t support eventually offering free preschool .
The next time Polis talks about his accomplishment of free , full-day kindergarten — a brag that regularly occurs every other sentence — remind him that promise also included preschool .

WHEN IT’S TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE: Polis Punts on Free Preschool Promise
Gov. Polis has brought Colorado full circle from his free preschool promise, to a bizarre new pledge of “universal access.”
Chalkbeat reminds us Polis committed to free, full-day preschool and kindergarten in a candidate questionnaire.
But that’s not what Polis said during his State of the State address last month, when he promised “universal access to quality preschool for 4-year-olds by the end of my first term.”
Asked recently what “universal access” means, he said simply: “It means 4-year-olds can go to preschool.” But not necessarily for free. “It’s not like kindergarten,” he said. “It takes many forms.”
After a lengthy consultation and interview, this is what Chalkbeat learned from W. Steven Barnett, senior co-director of the National Institute for Early Education Research at Rutgers University: It’s promise that can’t actually be delivered.
“They‘ve promised it to everybody, and then they figure out a way to back off,” he said.
Polis refused to be interviewed by Chalkbeat, Colorado’s all-education news source, to explain his reversal.
Instead, a spokesperson lamely assured that just because the promise hasn’t been delivered, doesn’t mean Polis doesn’t support eventually offering free preschool.
The next time Polis talks about his accomplishment of free, full-day kindergarten — a brag that regularly occurs every other sentence — remind him that promise also included preschool.


coloradopeakpolitics--2020-02-04--IOWA BUST: With Zero Expectations and 8 Votes, Bennet’s Expectations Rise

IOWA BUST : With Zero Expectations and 8 Votes , Bennet ’ s Expectations Rise The Denver Post reports something remarkably accurate in their latest puff piece on Colorado U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet ’ s vainglorious run for the White House .
Because Bennet has consistently placed at the rear of the pack in polls , and no one seems at all interested in actually voting for him , his campaign has no where to go but up .
This is the theory that sprung forth in the paper ’ s article about the Iowa Caucus , which as of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because no one in the entire state can figure out how to download the ballot results from the app they got for that .
Bennet ’ s campaign had a small team on the ground in Iowa , and his supporters worked precincts Monday .
As of 10 p.m. , with the release of caucus results still stalled in the early stages amid technical problems , he ’ d received support from just eight voters spread across 34 precincts .
So if Bennet quits the race after capturing 0.5 % of the vote @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is more than 8 votes , will he have left on a high note with a participation trophy in hand ?

IOWA BUST: With Zero Expectations and 8 Votes, Bennet’s Expectations Rise
The Denver Post reports something remarkably accurate in their latest puff piece on Colorado U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet’s vainglorious run for the White House.
Because Bennet has consistently placed at the rear of the pack in polls, and no one seems at all interested in actually voting for him, his campaign has no where to go but up.
This is the theory that sprung forth in the paper’s article about the Iowa Caucus, which as of this writing has still not been called because no one in the entire state can figure out how to download the ballot results from the app they got for that.
Bennet’s campaign had a small team on the ground in Iowa, and his supporters worked precincts Monday. As of 10 p.m., with the release of caucus results still stalled in the early stages amid technical problems, he’d received support from just eight voters spread across 34 precincts.
So if Bennet quits the race after capturing 0.5% of the vote in New Hampshire, which we presume is more than 8 votes, will he have left on a high note with a participation trophy in hand?


coloradopeakpolitics--2020-03-30--UNNECESSARY WORKERS: Knowing it’s Worth, Legislature Reconvenes Just to Adjourn, Again

UNNECESSARY WORKERS : Knowing it ’ s Worth , Legislature Reconvenes Just to Adjourn , Again There ’ s no need to panic .
The state legislature only reconvened Monday long enough to find a way to adjourn , again , until the threat has passed one of them might catch the COVID-19 .
Long before Gov .
Polis warned Coloradans to distance or die and issued a stay-home order on March 26 , state lawmakers made themselves as scarce as toilet paper and adjourned on March 14 .
Their break ended today , so now they are maneuvering into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ decides whether the constitutionally mandated 120-day session must be conducted on consecutive days .
If not , lawmakers can take a break for as long as desired and still get all their days back to spend our taxpayer dollars .
As it stands , the legislature is scheduled to adjourn sine die on May 6 .
While the Supreme Court is studying the question of legislative calendar days , judges might want to go ahead and determine whether the General Assembly is a critical industry and state lawmakers are actually essential services .

UNNECESSARY WORKERS: Knowing it’s Worth, Legislature Reconvenes Just to Adjourn, Again
There’s no need to panic.
The state legislature only reconvened Monday long enough to find a way to adjourn, again, until the threat has passed one of them might catch the COVID-19.
Long before Gov. Polis warned Coloradans to distance or die and issued a stay-home order on March 26, state lawmakers made themselves as scarce as toilet paper and adjourned on March 14.
Their break ended today, so now they are maneuvering into three-day adjournments until the state Supreme Court decides whether the constitutionally mandated 120-day session must be conducted on consecutive days.
If not, lawmakers can take a break for as long as desired and still get all their days back to spend our taxpayer dollars.
As it stands, the legislature is scheduled to adjourn sine die on May 6.
While the Supreme Court is studying the question of legislative calendar days, judges might want to go ahead and determine whether the General Assembly is a critical industry and state lawmakers are actually essential services.


coloradopeakpolitics--2020-03-27--GOVERNOR SOWS DISCORD, FEAR: Lawmakers Take Polis to Task for Stay-at-Home Order

GOVERNOR SOWS DISCORD , FEAR : Lawmakers Take Polis to Task for Stay-at-Home Order Rural lawmakers took Gov .
Polis to task for failing to communicate his intention to issue a statewide stay-at-home order and questioned the need for such a drastic step when 44 out of 64 counties have fewer than five cases .
The letter from 14 state senators was signed Friday by Paul Lundeen , Republican minority whip , Chris Holbert , Republican minority leader , and Sens .
John Cook , Bob Rankin , Larry Crowder , Owen Hill , Ray Scott , Jim Smallwood , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Gardner , Dennis Hisey , Jerry Sonnenberg , and Rob Woodward .
According to the letter , Polis told lawmakers he would consult with leadership before such any such order was given .
By consulting , it appears Polis meant they could all read about it in news reports after the fact .
“ Wednesday evening , our emails and phones were lit up with an unrelenting torrent of questions regarding whether or not our constituents could go to work , visit their loved ones , feed their cattle , go to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ grocery store .
Sadly , we were unable to quickly ease their minds or quell their fears as the facts , context and details of your executive order were not presented to our caucus , ” the letter said .
The lawmakers say the order has “ sown discord and fear in Coloradans that are seeking clarity from their elected officials at this time of despair.
” “ Elements of the order , especially those directing individuals to report on their neighbors , may have the unintended effect of breaking the bonds of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Polis ’ s failure to engage with the General Assembly has indeed been unfortunate .
The number of Coloradans filing for unemployment was already climbing steadily before Polis issued the statewide order .
The consequences of the governor ’ s actions will certainly reverberate swiftly and send those numbers through the roof .
And for rural counties where jobs are as scarce as the virus itself , it may have all been for naught .

GOVERNOR SOWS DISCORD, FEAR: Lawmakers Take Polis to Task for Stay-at-Home Order
Rural lawmakers took Gov. Polis to task for failing to communicate his intention to issue a statewide stay-at-home order and questioned the need for such a drastic step when 44 out of 64 counties have fewer than five cases.
Members of both parties are focused on keeping Coloradans safe during this crisis. As @GovofCO has said, “we are all in this together.” Therefore it is a reasonable request for the General Assembly to be briefed and consulted before drastic measures are taken. #DoingMyPartCO pic.twitter.com/x6FSySgHSO — The Colorado GOP (@cologop) March 27, 2020
The letter from 14 state senators was signed Friday by Paul Lundeen, Republican minority whip, Chris Holbert, Republican minority leader, and Sens. John Cook, Bob Rankin, Larry Crowder, Owen Hill, Ray Scott, Jim Smallwood, Nicki Marble, Don Coram, Bob Gardner, Dennis Hisey, Jerry Sonnenberg, and Rob Woodward.
According to the letter, Polis told lawmakers he would consult with leadership before such any such order was given.
By consulting, it appears Polis meant they could all read about it in news reports after the fact.
“Wednesday evening, our emails and phones were lit up with an unrelenting torrent of questions regarding whether or not our constituents could go to work, visit their loved ones, feed their cattle, go to the park, or quickly rush to the grocery store. Sadly, we were unable to quickly ease their minds or quell their fears as the facts, context and details of your executive order were not presented to our caucus,” the letter said.
The lawmakers say the order has “sown discord and fear in Coloradans that are seeking clarity from their elected officials at this time of despair.”
“Elements of the order, especially those directing individuals to report on their neighbors, may have the unintended effect of breaking the bonds of community unity,” the letter said.
Polis’s failure to engage with the General Assembly has indeed been unfortunate.
The number of Coloradans filing for unemployment was already climbing steadily before Polis issued the statewide order.
The consequences of the governor’s actions will certainly reverberate swiftly and send those numbers through the roof.
And for rural counties where jobs are as scarce as the virus itself, it may have all been for naught.


coloradopeakpolitics--2020-03-27--QUARANTINE CONTROL: Control of Congress Should Not Shift with Sickness

QUARANTINE CONTROL : Control of Congress Should Not Shift with Sickness Debates are taking place from city hall to Congress on how elected officials can conduct official business as some have to self-quarantine after being exposed to COVID-19 .
Not surprising , yet to our continued disappointment in them , some Democrats see a political advantage and new ways to gain power including our own U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet .
The first holdup in passing the stimulus package and aid for American workers came in the U.S. Senate , where several senators of the Republican persuasion had to miss votes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Congress , including U.S. Sen. Rand Paul , have tested positive for the virus .
That gave Democrats tremendous negotiating power for a plethora of pandemic pork with our taxpayer dollars before the $ 2 trillion package was allowed to pass .
The House of Representatives will gavel back into session today to debate the bill , and now they ’ re asking themselves if they should be allowed to vote remotely .
Not surprising , Democrats control the House so many think remote voting is a good idea .
But asked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ whether they should vote remotely , Bennet ’ s spokeswoman said that ’ s “ not ideal.
” Of course it ’ s not ideal , but the government needs to function as elected .
Control of either chamber should not depend on which party has the most members in COVID-19 quarantine .
What would happen if Denver City Councilwoman Candi CdeBaca ’ s Twitter buddy , who fantasizes about spreading COVID-19 among Republicans , should go waltzing through a GOP caucus luncheon coughing on everyone ’ s plate ?
Sure that ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more and more in Congress forced to self-quarantine after being in contact with those infected by the virus , they need to approve remote voting until COVID-19 stops its rapid spread .

QUARANTINE CONTROL: Control of Congress Should Not Shift with Sickness
Debates are taking place from city hall to Congress on how elected officials can conduct official business as some have to self-quarantine after being exposed to COVID-19.
Not surprising, yet to our continued disappointment in them, some Democrats see a political advantage and new ways to gain power including our own U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet.
The first holdup in passing the stimulus package and aid for American workers came in the U.S. Senate, where several senators of the Republican persuasion had to miss votes because they were in self-quarantine.
Some in Congress, including U.S. Sen. Rand Paul, have tested positive for the virus.
That gave Democrats tremendous negotiating power for a plethora of pandemic pork with our taxpayer dollars before the $2 trillion package was allowed to pass.
The House of Representatives will gavel back into session today to debate the bill, and now they’re asking themselves if they should be allowed to vote remotely.
Not surprising, Democrats control the House so many think remote voting is a good idea.
Rep. Joe Neguse, who is a part of the House leadership team, believes there are “legitimate arguments” for remote voting. “I suspect we’re going to have some robust debates and discussions about remote voting,” he said.
But asked about future votes in the Senate and whether they should vote remotely, Bennet’s spokeswoman said that’s “not ideal.”
Of course it’s not ideal, but the government needs to function as elected. Control of either chamber should not depend on which party has the most members in COVID-19 quarantine.
What would happen if Denver City Councilwoman Candi CdeBaca’s Twitter buddy, who fantasizes about spreading COVID-19 among Republicans, should go waltzing through a GOP caucus luncheon coughing on everyone’s plate?
Sure that’s extreme and unlikely, but with more and more in Congress forced to self-quarantine after being in contact with those infected by the virus, they need to approve remote voting until COVID-19 stops its rapid spread.


coloradopeakpolitics--2020-03-26--PANDEMIC PORK: Hickenlooper Sides with Pelosi over Real Relief for Workers

PANDEMIC PORK : Hickenlooper Sides with Pelosi over Real Relief for Workers John Hickenlooper has already signaled his support for House Speaker Nancy Pelosi ’ s plan to block the bipartisan Coronavirus relief package finally passed by the Senate on Wednesday .
The bill supported by Hickenlooper and Washington Democrats , deceptively titled as Coronavirus Aid , Relief , and Economic Security ( CARES ) Act , includes bailing out the U.S .
Postal Service ’ s existing debt , setting new emissions standards for airlines , a climate change study on the airline industry , required same-day voter registration @ @ @ @ @ @ @ corporate board diversity requirements , and the list goes on and on .
In a time when millions of Americans are quarantined inside their homes , out of work , and uncertain of their family ’ s livelihood , junk like this has no business in this bill and does nothing to provide aid , relief , or economic security .
Hickenlooper ’ s blind fealty to Pelosi ’ s irresponsible liberal agenda tells Coloradans he cares more about woke corporate boardrooms than addressing the most glaring crisis of the 21st century .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ for unemployment and struggle to feed their families , our former governor has made it his priority to promote the back-door partisan tricks that create distrust in Washington politics .
Hickenlooper ’ s support of these actions shows us he ’ s not interested in working for the American people ; Hicknelooper just wants to make sure funding from liberal Washington advocacy groups continues to flow into his second lackluster campaign of the 2020 cycle .

PANDEMIC PORK: Hickenlooper Sides with Pelosi over Real Relief for Workers
John Hickenlooper has already signaled his support for House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s plan to block the bipartisan Coronavirus relief package finally passed by the Senate on Wednesday.
This bill helps workers, families & hospitals. But we have much more to do to fight this public health & economic emergency: We need housing assistance, resources for rural communities & to make sure that money is going to people and small businesses in need—not the rich guys. https://t.co/h8rofnpz31 — John Hickenlooper (@Hickenlooper) March 26, 2020
The bill supported by Hickenlooper and Washington Democrats, deceptively titled as Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, includes bailing out the U.S. Postal Service’s existing debt, setting new emissions standards for airlines, a climate change study on the airline industry, required same-day voter registration, government-funded retirement plans for newspapers, corporate board diversity requirements, and the list goes on and on.
In a time when millions of Americans are quarantined inside their homes, out of work, and uncertain of their family’s livelihood, junk like this has no business in this bill and does nothing to provide aid, relief, or economic security.
Hickenlooper’s blind fealty to Pelosi’s irresponsible liberal agenda tells Coloradans he cares more about woke corporate boardrooms than addressing the most glaring crisis of the 21st century.
As hundreds of thousands of Coloradans file for unemployment and struggle to feed their families, our former governor has made it his priority to promote the back-door partisan tricks that create distrust in Washington politics.
Hickenlooper’s support of these actions shows us he’s not interested in working for the American people; Hicknelooper just wants to make sure funding from liberal Washington advocacy groups continues to flow into his second lackluster campaign of the 2020 cycle.


coloradopeakpolitics--2020-03-26--KARMA: No Laughing Emojis Now For CdeBaca

KARMA : No Laughing Emojis Now For CdeBaca Denver City Councilwoman Candi CdeBaca has had to attend council meetings where she risks being exposed to coronavirus .
That ’ s a mighty dose of karma for the socialist Democrat , who just recently thought so little of the dangers associated with the virus she found it befitting of laughing emojis .
Bless her heart .
CdeBaca is now showing her solidarity by wearing a trendy cloth face mask to protect her own self from contracting the highly contagious virus .
It ’ s a nice thought , sewing all those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is still out on whether it provides any protection from coronavirus .
Meanwhile , the Denver City Council passed a new rule allowing members to tip out of public contact altogether until May 11 and participate in meetings virtually .
They don ’ t apply to public hearings , however , many of which have been postponed until mid-May due to public gathering restrictions .
Several members have been missing meetings .
It will be interesting to watch whether CdeBaca makes future appearances to conduct the people ’ s business , or if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ terminal .

KARMA: No Laughing Emojis Now For CdeBaca
Denver City Councilwoman Candi CdeBaca has had to attend council meetings where she risks being exposed to coronavirus.
That’s a mighty dose of karma for the socialist Democrat, who just recently thought so little of the dangers associated with the virus she found it befitting of laughing emojis.
25 days since @CandiCdeBacaD9 ‘s tweet and still no formal apology from her or the Denver County Democrats or censure by the Denver City Council. Not so funny now over 600 are infected and 9 citizens are dead in Colorado is it @suepersists and @dcherring? #COVID19 #copolitics pic.twitter.com/SB2JE7NsWL — Denver Republican 🇺🇸 (@DenRepublican) March 24, 2020
Bless her heart. CdeBaca is now showing her solidarity by wearing a trendy cloth face mask to protect her own self from contracting the highly contagious virus.
It’s a nice thought, sewing all those cloth mouth covers, but the jury is still out on whether it provides any protection from coronavirus.
Meanwhile, the Denver City Council passed a new rule allowing members to tip out of public contact altogether until May 11 and participate in meetings virtually.
The rule will apply to weekly council meetings, council committee meetings, and city boards and commissions meetings. The rule continues to allow community members to access meetings on TV and online, as well as attend them in person.
They don’t apply to public hearings, however, many of which have been postponed until mid-May due to public gathering restrictions.
Several members have been missing meetings.
It will be interesting to watch whether CdeBaca makes future appearances to conduct the people’s business, or if she takes cover from behind her computer terminal.


coloradopeakpolitics--2020-03-31--PORK V. PANDEMIC: Denver Post Compares Obama and Trump Stimulus, Gets it Wrong

PORK V. PANDEMIC : Denver Post Compares Obama and Trump Stimulus , Gets it Wrong The Denver Post took an ill-fired shot at U.S. Sen. Cory Gardner for voting in favor of the Coronavirus Aid , Relief , and Economic Security Act .
They likened it to Gardner ’ s opposition to Obama ’ s 2009 stimulus spending wasteland — the so-called shovel-ready projects and other pork-barrel spending that poured $ 831 billion down the drain .
As we correctly recall , the recession was not caused by a government shutdown of private businesses to stop the spread of a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there ’ s no pork in the coronavirus package ( we ’ re looking at you , Democrats ) , but Obama ’ s 2009 package contained nine different appropriation bills the second most earmarks in history , and more than 9,000 pork projects for a grand total of $ 831 billion .
Coronavirus aid is also outrageously expensive , yet it contains hundreds of billions in stimulus checks , emergency unemployment benefits and small business loans to cover payrolls .
To compare pork to a pandemic is beyond cynical , even for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has forgotten former Gov .
John Hickenlooper ’ s alleged ethics violations and his continued misuse of the September 11 stimulus funds to cover his legal bill that has already totaled more than $ 80,000 .

PORK V. PANDEMIC: Denver Post Compares Obama and Trump Stimulus, Gets it Wrong
The Denver Post took an ill-fired shot at U.S. Sen. Cory Gardner for voting in favor of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act.
They likened it to Gardner’s opposition to Obama’s 2009 stimulus spending wasteland — the so-called shovel-ready projects and other pork-barrel spending that poured $831 billion down the drain.
As we correctly recall, the recession was not caused by a government shutdown of private businesses to stop the spread of a pandemic.
We’re not saying there’s no pork in the coronavirus package (we’re looking at you, Democrats), but Obama’s 2009 package contained nine different appropriation bills the second most earmarks in history, and more than 9,000 pork projects for a grand total of $831 billion.
Coronavirus aid is also outrageously expensive, yet it contains hundreds of billions in stimulus checks, emergency unemployment benefits and small business loans to cover payrolls.
To compare pork to a pandemic is beyond cynical, even for the Denver Post.
And no one has forgotten former Gov. John Hickenlooper’s alleged ethics violations and his continued misuse of the September 11 stimulus funds to cover his legal bill that has already totaled more than $80,000.


coloradopeakpolitics--2020-03-31--WASH YOUR HANDS: Stay-at-Home Orders are a Democrat Thing

If you think issuing drastic stay-at-home orders is more of a Democrat than a Republican thing , you ’ re right — all but two of all Democrat governors have moved forward with the drastic edicts , yet only a handful of Republicans have dropped the hammer .
CNN has a running list of those states , although they missed Pennsylvania ’ s Democrat governor issuing the order .
A total of 31 states have told residents to stay at home and not go to work unless it ’ s of vital importance to the state — doctor , policeman @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the country ’ s 24 Democrat governors , 22 are on the list .
It ’ s interesting Democrats are quicker with the trigger to kill jobs and put people on unemployment lines , cripple the economy , and infringe on people ’ s liberties .
Granted , some of the hardest-hit states are governed by Democrats , and those orders are necessary in places like New York , Louisiana , California , Washington .
We hope they ’ ve learned to wash their hands properly .
Yet other states like Kentucky declared @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was reported .
Meanwhile , Republicans seem more intent on surgical targeting to change behavior and encourage social distancing like closing beaches , restaurants , and of course schools , instead of ordering complete lockdowns .
Gov .
Polis now says the spread of coronavirus has slowed down in Colorado , but it has nothing to do with his stay-at-home order issued just a few days ago .
It came naturally for Democrat governors including Polis to shut down their economies and put their people on social welfare rolls .
The trick will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reopen while explaining to unemployed workers why the government can ’ t keep extending their benefits indefinitely .

WASH YOUR HANDS: Stay-at-Home Orders are a Democrat Thing
If you think issuing drastic stay-at-home orders is more of a Democrat than a Republican thing, you’re right — all but two of all Democrat governors have moved forward with the drastic edicts, yet only a handful of Republicans have dropped the hammer.
CNN has a running list of those states, although they missed Pennsylvania’s Democrat governor issuing the order.
A total of 31 states have told residents to stay at home and not go to work unless it’s of vital importance to the state — doctor, policeman, liquor store clerk.
And of the country’s 24 Democrat governors, 22 are on the list.
It’s interesting Democrats are quicker with the trigger to kill jobs and put people on unemployment lines, cripple the economy, and infringe on people’s liberties.
Granted, some of the hardest-hit states are governed by Democrats, and those orders are necessary in places like New York, Louisiana, California, Washington.
We hope they’ve learned to wash their hands properly.
Yet other states like Kentucky declared a state of emergency after one case was reported.
Meanwhile, Republicans seem more intent on surgical targeting to change behavior and encourage social distancing like closing beaches, restaurants, and of course schools, instead of ordering complete lockdowns.
Gov. Polis now says the spread of coronavirus has slowed down in Colorado, but it has nothing to do with his stay-at-home order issued just a few days ago.
He believes that slowdown is a result of the March 16 order closing the state’s restaurants and bars to dine-in service and shuttering other large-scale gathering spaces like theaters and gyms.
It came naturally for Democrat governors including Polis to shut down their economies and put their people on social welfare rolls.
The trick will be to encourage all those businesses to reopen while explaining to unemployed workers why the government can’t keep extending their benefits indefinitely.


coloradopeakpolitics--2020-04-01--HICKENLOOPER: Pot Dispensaries are Not Essential and Should Close

HICKENLOOPER : Pot Dispensaries are Not Essential and Should Close Following guidance from the National Institute on Drug Abuse , @ @ @ @ @ wants marijuana dispensaries closed because they are not essential businesses and could increase the risk @ @ @ @ @ Everyone should know that smoking marijuana is bad , m ’ kay , ” Hickenlooper @ @ @ @ @ because April Fools .
When we announced last month our perennial gag was canceled , @ @ @ @ @ status and we didn ’ t think readers would be in the mood for a @ @ @ @ @ memes have proven us wrong .

HICKENLOOPER: Pot Dispensaries are Not Essential and Should Close
Following guidance from the National Institute on Drug Abuse, U.S. Senate candidate John Hickenlooper wants marijuana dispensaries closed because they are not essential businesses and could increase the risk of contracting COVID-19.
“Everyone should know that smoking marijuana is bad, m’kay,” Hickenlooper totally did not say, because April Fools.
When we announced last month our perennial gag was canceled, COVID-19 had just reached pandemic status and we didn’t think readers would be in the mood for a laugh.
Three million Facebook memes have proven us wrong.


coloradopeakpolitics--2020-04-01--PAY THE RENT: Don’t Be Using Stimulus Checks for Stupid Stuff

PAY THE RENT : Don ’ t Be Using Stimulus Checks for Stupid Stuff The feds haven ’ t even cut the first coronavirus check and already U.S. Rep. Diana DeGette is scribbling out her wish list for more trillions of taxpayer dollars to collect and redistribute .
She can ’ t even wait a hot minute to see how the first $ 2.2 trillion helps out before suggesting to her constituents the government might start paying their rent checks as well .
By “ quick payment ” we assume she means “ on time.
” Granted , it ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ raising rents right now but it ’ s not the federal government ’ s responsibility to start forking over taxpayer dollars for rent checks .
That ’ s the whole freaking purpose of those stimulus checks that can total up to $ 3,400 for a family of four — to pay for expenses like rent .
Don ’ t be using those stimulus checks to be buying new cars or skis , or gas money to do stupid stuff like this : Coloradans are even more prepared than we realized to become a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out .

PAY THE RENT: Don’t Be Using Stimulus Checks for Stupid Stuff
The feds haven’t even cut the first coronavirus check and already U.S. Rep. Diana DeGette is scribbling out her wish list for more trillions of taxpayer dollars to collect and redistribute.
She can’t even wait a hot minute to see how the first $2.2 trillion helps out before suggesting to her constituents the government might start paying their rent checks as well.
She said that the future bill could provide rent relief also, having heard from many constituents whose landlords were demanding quick payment or instituting rent increases.
By “quick payment” we assume she means “on time.”
Granted, it’s really crappy for anyone to be raising rents right now but it’s not the federal government’s responsibility to start forking over taxpayer dollars for rent checks.
That’s the whole freaking purpose of those stimulus checks that can total up to $3,400 for a family of four — to pay for expenses like rent.
Don’t be using those stimulus checks to be buying new cars or skis, or gas money to do stupid stuff like this:
Do you recognize the cars of any of your friends? https://t.co/tfNJUPzEpD — Phil Powers (@jhmgphil) March 28, 2020
Coloradans are even more prepared than we realized to become a socialist/communist state and they will rat you out.


coloradopeakpolitics--2020-04-02--REGULATE TO FAIL: Distillery Exemplifies the Best, and What’s Broken

REGULATE TO FAIL : Distillery Exemplifies the Best , and What ’ s Broken Peach Street Distillers in Palisade is the perfect example of what makes our country so great , and yet so frustrating .
The company rose to the challenge of the coronavirus crisis and switched its efforts to producing hand sanitizer .
But it was a short-lived effort because they soon ran low on key supplies and government regulations and standards got in the way , “ especially for packaging , ” the Daily Sentinel reported .
Adding insult to injury was the obnoxious Google ad that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ article , purporting to sell hand sanitizer from a company in China .
A quick check of the Better Business Bureau showed dozens of complaints the “ company ” called Best Dang Stuff never delivered on their orders of face masks and other supplies they hoped would protect them from COVID-19 .
Best Dang Stuff just kept the money .
What ’ s fascinating and so telling is that American consumers know they can ’ t get these simple products in their own community , but believe it would still be available in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ freaking pandemic .
And why would they think that ?
Because they know China is not as heavily regulated as U.S. companies and most of these products probably came from there in the first place .
There ’ s an important lesson here for government leaders to see the results of their heavy regulatory hands .
While some government agencies are tending to the medical side of the crisis , others tasked with the economic reboot would do well to start reviewing regulations that can be eased to quickly kickstart local businesses after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lifted .
We ’ re not advocating to completely deregulate or govern like China .
But if American consumers are looking to China to provide basic necessities in a crisis of China ’ s making , then our regulatory regime has utterly failed .

REGULATE TO FAIL: Distillery Exemplifies the Best, and What’s Broken
Peach Street Distillers in Palisade is the perfect example of what makes our country so great, and yet so frustrating.
The company rose to the challenge of the coronavirus crisis and switched its efforts to producing hand sanitizer.
But it was a short-lived effort because they soon ran low on key supplies and government regulations and standards got in the way, “especially for packaging,” the Daily Sentinel reported.
Adding insult to injury was the obnoxious Google ad that proliferated throughout the Daily Sentinel’s article, purporting to sell hand sanitizer from a company in China.
A quick check of the Better Business Bureau showed dozens of complaints the “company” called Best Dang Stuff never delivered on their orders of face masks and other supplies they hoped would protect them from COVID-19.
Best Dang Stuff just kept the money.
What’s fascinating and so telling is that American consumers know they can’t get these simple products in their own community, but believe it would still be available in China, the epicenter of the whole freaking pandemic.
And why would they think that? Because they know China is not as heavily regulated as U.S. companies and most of these products probably came from there in the first place.
There’s an important lesson here for government leaders to see the results of their heavy regulatory hands.
While some government agencies are tending to the medical side of the crisis, others tasked with the economic reboot would do well to start reviewing regulations that can be eased to quickly kickstart local businesses after all the shutdown and stay-home orders are lifted.
We’re not advocating to completely deregulate or govern like China. But if American consumers are looking to China to provide basic necessities in a crisis of China’s making, then our regulatory regime has utterly failed.


coloradopeakpolitics--2020-04-02--MAKE-UP DAYS: Supreme Court Ruling Gives Lawmakers More Time to Spend Money

MAKE-UP DAYS : Supreme Court Ruling Gives Lawmakers More Time to Spend Money We ’ re not surprised , just @ @ @ @ @ on Wednesday ruled 4-3 the legislature does not have to serve its session of 120 @ @ @ @ @ says calendar days does not mean the same thing as consecutive days .
A moot @ @ @ @ @ days do fall in consecutive order .
So forget holding onto your wallet , taxpayers @ @ @ @ @ chain it to their jeans .
Now that lawmakers get to make up all those @ @ @ @ @ due to the coronavirus crisis , we ’ ve no doubt the Democrats in control @ @ @ @ @ through a wildly liberal and very expensive agenda .

MAKE-UP DAYS: Supreme Court Ruling Gives Lawmakers More Time to Spend Money
We’re not surprised, just disappointed the state Supreme Court on Wednesday ruled 4-3 the legislature does not have to serve its session of 120 days consecutively.
The court says calendar days does not mean the same thing as consecutive days.
A moot point now, but calendar days do fall in consecutive order.
So forget holding onto your wallet, taxpayers are going to need to chain it to their jeans.
Now that lawmakers get to make up all those days they’ve missed due to the coronavirus crisis, we’ve no doubt the Democrats in control will use it to push through a wildly liberal and very expensive agenda.


coloradopeakpolitics--2020-04-03--PETTY PANDEMIC POLITICS: Gardner Works While Others Whine

U.S. Sen. Cory Gardner is working around the clock to help Colorado get the medical supplies we need to keep people healthy .
Like many elected officials , Gardner put aside politics to make sure his Colorado constituents and health care workers are getting so many needed supplies and assistance .
And not just from our own government — Taiwan just announced that because of their relationship with Gardner , they want to help Colorado and are sending us 100,000 new N95 face masks .
But that ’ s not good enough for Kerry Donovan , the partisan state senator @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Twitter and downplayed the impact those scarce masks will have in protecting Colorado ’ s health workers .
It ’ s a despicable tweet , and after receiving backlash from her own constituents , she ’ s now trying to backtrack .
The federal government ’ s response to forced business shutdowns and stay-home orders implemented by Gov .
Polis includes billions in stimulus checks and small business loans to keep folks from losing their homes , help feed families , and to make sure there are jobs to go back to when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ d like to remind Sen. Donovan that she too is a lawmaker , and instead of whining on social media , she should be working to get us more supplies .
Meanwhile , failed presidential candidate John Hickenlooper and Gardner ’ s presumed opponent this fall is using the coronavirus crisis as a fundraiser for campaign dollars .
That is beyond despicable and quite the contrast — Gardner is worried about the virus killing people , Hickenlooper is worried it will impact his fundraising .
It ’ s sad to see that while @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are being nonpartisan and working day and night with anyone who can help Colorado , others like Donovan and Hickenlooper are following Chuck Schumer ’ s lead and playing politics .
Leaders are supposed to step up when times are tough , it ’ s clear Gardner is stepping up in a way that neither Donovan nor Hickenlooper ever could .

PETTY PANDEMIC POLITICS: Gardner Works While Others Whine
U.S. Sen. Cory Gardner is working around the clock to help Colorado get the medical supplies we need to keep people healthy.
Like many elected officials, Gardner put aside politics to make sure his Colorado constituents and health care workers are getting so many needed supplies and assistance.
And not just from our own government — Taiwan just announced that because of their relationship with Gardner, they want to help Colorado and are sending us 100,000 new N95 face masks.
But that’s not good enough for Kerry Donovan, the partisan state senator from Vail, who criticized Gardner on Twitter and downplayed the impact those scarce masks will have in protecting Colorado’s health workers.
Colorado uses 70000 masks a day. @SenCoryGardner secured a day and half of masks a month after COVID-19 hit his home state. A week ago @jaredpolis secured 2M masks. Bold leadership matters right now. #copolitics https://t.co/BV6MKNFsrV — Kerry Donovan (@KerryDonovanSD5) April 3, 2020
It’s a despicable tweet, and after receiving backlash from her own constituents, she’s now trying to backtrack.
Ok twitter. My tweet was poorly written. I was trying to show the differences between state and federal responses a month in-but you’re right, shouldn’t of used individuals – it created division when we don’t need it. I do hope the federal government can step up its response. — Kerry Donovan (@KerryDonovanSD5) April 3, 2020
The federal government’s response to forced business shutdowns and stay-home orders implemented by Gov. Polis includes billions in stimulus checks and small business loans to keep folks from losing their homes, help feed families, and to make sure there are jobs to go back to when this is all over.
We’d like to remind Sen. Donovan that she too is a lawmaker, and instead of whining on social media, she should be working to get us more supplies.
Meanwhile, failed presidential candidate John Hickenlooper and Gardner’s presumed opponent this fall is using the coronavirus crisis as a fundraiser for campaign dollars.
That is beyond despicable and quite the contrast — Gardner is worried about the virus killing people, Hickenlooper is worried it will impact his fundraising.
It’s sad to see that while some of our elected officials like Gardner are being nonpartisan and working day and night with anyone who can help Colorado, others like Donovan and Hickenlooper are following Chuck Schumer’s lead and playing politics.
Leaders are supposed to step up when times are tough, it’s clear Gardner is stepping up in a way that neither Donovan nor Hickenlooper ever could.