Democratic lawmaker accused of workplace misconduct
Plus: Budgeting shortfall ahead for Colorado Medicaid, water projects could be shielded from deficit worries, a “crazy” plan for power and more news
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Good morning, Colorado.
Here’s a shoutout to The Sun’s resident Elf on the Shelf, Parker Yamasaki, who every Thursday bookends this space with a list of some of Colorado’s notable events and goings-on. It’s especially useful to me this week, as I was just wondering when and where this year’s holiday markets were.
This week’s unseasonably warm weather had me itching for something extra to get me in the holiday mood, and a pepperminty drink and döner kebab at the Christkindlmarket is just what I need.
Check out that and the rest of What’s Happening below today’s news at the bottom of this newsletter.
Product Team
THE NEWS
POLITICS & GOVERNMENT
Colorado senator barred from having state-paid aides after repeated complaints from staffers
Sen. Sonya Jaquez Lewis of Longmont has been accused of workplace misconduct after two of her staffers filed complaints claiming she used one of them to do chores such as yard work and bartend at a party at her home. And on Tuesday, Senate leaders barred the Democratic lawmaker from having state-paid aides. Jesse Paul has more.
HEALTH
Colorado might not meet Medicaid provider pay targets “for the long-term future”
Colorado budget writers fear the state’s Medicaid program is on a negative financial path “for the long-term future,” similar to the budgeting shortfall K-12 education has seen for the past several years. Brian Eason breaks down the potentially hard times ahead for health care funding in the state.
WATER
Colorado governor proposes shielding funding for major water programs as state’s $1B deficit looms
The Colorado Water Conservation Board would see a $6.9 million increase in the next fiscal year, rising from $98.1 million in revenue this year to $105.1 million, according to the governor’s office. But in 2026, funding would drop to $97.6 million due to a decline in severance tax revenue. Jerd Smith of Fresh Water News has the details on how water projects will be affected by a looming state deficit.
ENERGY
Charge train-size batteries with clean energy, roll them to power Denver: SunTrain says it’s the “crazy” future
A plan I would have come up with as a kid in science class seems close to fruition, at least according to the company SunTrain, which along with Gov. Jared Polis on Wednesday announced an intriguing plan to provide lower-cost power to areas hungry for energy. What’s “trainsmission”? Michael Booth explains.
Section by Kevin Jeffers | Product Team
COLORADO REPORT
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Section by Danika Worthington | Presentation Editor
THE OPINION PAGE
COMMUNITY
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What’s Happening
Dec. 5-11
Holiday Markets. Now that Thanksgiving is a distant memory and December has descended, it’s safe to say we’re in the thick of the holiday season. Everyone’s entitled to their opinions about the lights, the music, the peppermint-flavored everything —and personally, I love it. Well, most of it. The one thing I find hard to swallow this time of year is the unending ads and insistence that I buy one more thing for one more cousin’s cousin who may or may not show up to the holiday party.
My antidote to stress shopping is stockpiling. Throughout the year, I try to acquire little knickknacks that are cute, stylish or functional and keep them in a cupboard until I need that last-minute birthday gift or cousin’s cousin’s Christmas present. And one of the best places to find these small, meaningful items is at the holiday markets.
This weekend in Denver, there are no fewer than six holiday markets popping up around town — some of them, like the Civic Center Christkindlmarket and the Cherry Creek Holiday Market are decidedly Christmas themed, with sweets and socks and ornaments galore. The Holiday Mercado at Museo de las Americas highlights works by local Latino creators, the Art Students League of Denver’s annual market features faculty and staff from the school. To get in on the action, both the Art Gym Holiday Market on the east side of town and the RiNo Holiday Market will have free opportunities to create your own crafty gifts. ‘Tis the season.
Free-$10; Dec. 6-8; various locations in Denver
Section by Parker Yamasaki | Reporter
See you at the markets.
— Kevin & the whole staff of The Sun
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