The Mountain Minute: 4/2/2025

Today’s Top Stories – Mountain Minute Podcast
Colorado News:
🔹 Colorado’s $43.9B Budget Unveiled – Lawmakers introduced the 2025–26 budget, featuring sweeping cuts and cash sweeps to cover a $1.2 billion shortfall. Key programs in transportation, education, and health are on the chopping block.
Read more: https://rockymountainvoice.com/2025/04/colorado-lawmakers-propose-budget-full-of-cuts-and-cash-sweeps/

🔹 Polis Signs Nuclear Power Bill – Gov. Jared Polis has officially designated nuclear energy as "clean" under state law. The bipartisan-backed move opens the door to advanced nuclear technologies like SMRs, signaling a major shift in Colorado’s energy future.
Read more: https://rockymountainvoice.com/2025/04/polis-greenlights-nuclear-power-as-colorado-rejects-green-new-deal/

🔹 Judges Made Political Donations in Violation of Ethics Rules – At least seven Colorado judges contributed to political campaigns while serving on the bench, despite rules prohibiting it. Critics warn this undermines trust in the judicial system.
Read more: https://rockymountainvoice.com/2025/04/colorado-judges-made-campaign-contributions-despite-rules-prohibiting-the-practice/

🔹 NRA Sues Over Gun Tax – The NRA and a local gun owner have filed suit to block Colorado’s voter-approved 6.5% tax on guns and ammo. They argue the tax infringes on Second Amendment rights.
Read more: https://rockymountainvoice.com/2025/04/nra-joins-el-paso-county-man-in-suing-to-stop-voter-approved-colorado-excise-tax-on-guns-ammo/

🔹 Rep. Gabe Evans Hosts Town Hall – Colorado’s 8th District Congressman Gabe Evans will hold a telephone town hall this Wednesday at 6:30 PM, focusing on border security, government spending, and constituent concerns.
Read more: https://rockymountainvoice.com/2025/04/rep-gabe-evans-to-host-telephone-town-hall-wednesday-evening/

🔹 Colorado Man Charged in Tesla Firebombing – A suspect has been federally charged for firebombing a Tesla dealership in Loveland. He was arrested in Texas after fleeing the state. AG Pam Bondi says “justice is coming.”
Read more: https://rockymountainvoice.com/2025/04/federal-charges-filed-in-loveland-tesla-firebombing-ag-bondi-says-justice-is-coming/

🔹 Controversial Gender Bills Advance in Legislature – Two bills mandating insurance coverage for gender-affirming care and weighing gender identity in custody decisions are drawing backlash. Critics say they erode parental rights and rush youth into life-altering decisions.
Read more: https://rockymountainvoice.com/2025/04/cole-colorados-gender-bills-sideline-parents-and-rush-kids-into-harm/

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