Colorado: Wes Mckinley

Gov. Bill Ritter's major economic development bill received House approval Wednesday, but not before members of his own party called it a "misuse of our funds" and "economics of the absurd."

House Bill 1001 allows companies that create at least 20 new jobs in Colorado to get a 50 percent tax credit on each worker's salary. Ritter said the measure allows the state to compete for jobs, and a Joint Select Committee on Job Creation and Economic Growth endorsed it.

Democrats, however, have tried to kill the proposal, saying the $2.9 million that would be spent next year should be used to help balance the budget.

House Bill 1255, legislation intended to clarify regulations for oil and gas companies, was laid over until at least next week after nearly two days and close to ten hours of testimony from dozens of witnesses.

If the legislation passes, oil and gas companies could opt out of a process requiring review by the the state's Division of Wildlife for a drilling permit. The companies would still have to comply with existing rules and regulations, but would be able to internally evaluate potential impact to wildlife. The bill summary reads, "...an oil and gas operator is not required to consult with the division of wildlife in the department of natural resources to determine whether wildlife mitigation requirements are reasonably practicable, and requires the Colorado oil and gas conservation commission to make that determination.

A bill aimed at slowpoke drivers caused a traffic jam Wednesday at the House podium as lawmakers clamored for their chance to knock it.

Authorities could issue tickets to drivers going below the speed limit who delay five cars or more under House Bill 1042. It requires slower drivers to pull over at the first safe opportunity to let traffic pass or to drive in the right lane.

Lawmakers worried aloud Wednesday about leaving tanker trucks on the side of the road vulnerable to terrorist plots. Others, like Rep. Wes McKinley, just didn't want to give troopers another reason to stop cars.

A bill aimed at slowpoke drivers caused a traffic jam Wednesday at the House podium as lawmakers clamored for their chance to knock it.

Authorities could issue tickets to drivers going below the speed limit who delay five cars or more under House Bill 1042. It requires slower drivers to pull over at the first safe opportunity to let traffic pass or to drive in the right lane.

Lawmakers worried aloud Wednesday about leaving tanker trucks on the side of the road vulnerable to terrorist plots. Others, like Rep. Wes McKinley, just didn't want to give troopers another reason to stop cars.