2 days Ago
Let the housing market be free The Colorado House just passed House Bill 1004 which would ban the use of rental algorithms in determining rental rates in the state. The bill is now headed to the Senate where it will likely pass given that Colorado has transformed into a one-party system that is quickly heading toward over-regulation and the problems that come with that. California comes to mind.
The bill’s sponsors say the measure is intended to ensure housing providers compete with each other to lower prices, rather than collude to keep rents higher. The problem with this logic is that the housing is being provided by the private sector. Like it or not, the private sector provides housing in return for profit.
Is the rental algorithm some nefarious tool evilly devised to gouge renters or is it simply a tool used by housing providers to determine market rate rents? One of the philosophies behind House Bill 1004 is that housing is a human right and that the housing industry should prioritize people over profit. Again, the problem with this way of thinking is that most housing is provided by the profit-driven private sector. Under the current system, if you take away the profit, you take away the housing.
The other problem with the philosophy behind the bill is that housing is a human need, not a human right. It seems delusional to think that private-sector housing providers will compete with each other to lower prices. Therefore, if the government is serious about promoting affordable housing, and prioritizing people over profit, then the government needs to provide the housing or at least subsidize it.
Until then, let the free market be free. Brook Phillips, Boulder Healthy School Meals For All boosts local economies Healthy meals shouldn’t be a privilege reserved for some schools and some families. They should be a guarantee for every child in Colorado.
It’s easy to think of school meals as a simple budget item. When you look closer, they’re part of a bigger system — one that connects children, educators, farmers, food workers and families. Part of the Healthy School Meals for All program included a pilot to help schools purchase and prepare meals with food from Colorado farmers and ranchers.
Since this program began, over $2 million has been directed to local food, resulting in a $3.4 million boost to local economies. More than $750,000 has also been invested in training and technical assistance to connect producers and schools and provide culinary skills to create consistent and sustainable market channels for our producers.
Lawmakers are currently considering House Bill 25-1274, a bill to ensure long-term stability for the program. This bill isn’t just about students; it’s about the hardworking people behind every meal. I hope you will join me in urging support for this legislation for stronger local economies, healthier kids, and a food system that serves us all.
Roberto Meza, Denver Trump’s Kennedy Center programming I hear now that Trump has taken control of the Kennedy Center in Washington. I assume he’s scheduling Tractor Pulls and WWE Cage fights managed by Kid Rock! Carl Heck, Aspen I’ve never seen an attack on our democracy like this As an elder, I’ve lived through many political crises in this country — but I have never seen an attack on our democracy like this. In the past, there was bipartisan opposition to lawlessness.
Today, the guardrails are being dismantled before our eyes, and we must sound the alarm and RESPOND! Come out on April 5 to one of the many gatherings in CO: https://www.mobilize.us/handsoff/map/ currently shows 18 events; with more likely to pop up by April 5 .
PLEASE come join us! Tim Remple, Longmont.
