CDOT expanding Bustang™ to southeastern Colorado

People living in the Arkansas Valley will have a new way to travel to Pueblo and other areas along the Front Range. The Colorado Department of Transportation’s (CDOT) existing Bustang operation is expanding to serve the communities along U.S. 50 between Lamar and Pueblo. Outrider™ will provide the same reliable and convenient bus service that Bustang offers, with each coach equipped with restrooms, bike racks, free WiFi (where available), power outlets and USB ports, will leave the Lamar Welcome Center at 7:10 a.m. and arrive at the Pueblo Transit Center at 10:15 a.m. It will leave Pueblo at 3:45 p.m. and arrive in Lamar at 6:48 p.m. A one-way trip between the two cities will cost $21.

Recycle your Christmas tree

Participating in Denver’s Treecycle is simple, and recycling your tree after the holidays is as easy as 1, 2, 3! 1. Remove all decorations, lights, and the tree stand from your tree. 2. Set your tree out for collection at your normal trash set-out location by 7 a.m. on Friday, January 5th or by 7 a.m. on Friday, January 12th. 3. Reclaim free mulch made from your tree at the annual Mulch Giveaway & Compost Sale in May 2018. Program Reminders: Only natural, real trees are collected by Treecycle crews. No artificial or flocked trees. Trees set out by 7 a.m. on Friday, January 5th will be collected by 5 p.m. Monday, January 8th. Trees set out by 7 a.m. on Friday, January 12th will be collected by 5 p.m.

Colorado laws that begin January 1st

The minimum wage will go from $9.30 an hour to $10.20 an hour. Drivers who are proven to have left the scene of an accident, are liable to have their driver’s license suspended. Colorado law enforcement and marijuana growers will have to make some adjustments regarding marijuana growing beginning Jan. 1. The new law will for recreational users to only 12 per house or “residential property,” and will cap the number of plants for medical marijuana growers and caregivers at 24. More than 12 plants will be considered a level 1 petty drug offense punishable by a fine of up to $1,000. Other Colorado laws coming in 2018,: HB17-1231: Restructures powers for market examinations of insurance companies. HB17-1302: Creates criminal charges for juvenile sexting and specifies severity for different situations. HB17-1338: Municipal courts need to be made aware of persons detained on municipal holds within four hours. The bill also sets other requirements for handling municipal holds. HB16-1387: Most health benefits plans must provide coverage for severe protein allergic condition. SB17-065: Health care prices for direct purchase must be made available to the public.

Our Government

White House

“Congress has passed the first overhaul of the U.S. tax code in more than 30 years. The Tax Cuts Act is a powerful symbol of what Republicans can accomplish when they unite behind a positive governing agenda for the country. Returning money from Washington to the people is the clearest sign our leaders can give that they take this responsibility seriously.” President Trump said.

Colorado Governor

The Colorado Workforce Development Council released its annual Colorado Talent Pipeline Report, which assesses issues related to the supply and demand of talent in Colorado and strategies for strengthening the state’s talent pipeline. The report focuses on high-demand, high-growth jobs, that pay a good wage in two earnings tiers: one including jobs meeting a living wage for a family of three with one working adult, and a second including jobs meeting a living wage for an individual. Job openings in the higher earnings tier are largely concentrated in health care practitioners and technical roles, business/finance, IT occupations, and in management positions.

Denver Mayor

“I was recently able to meet with some of the City and County of Denver Government’s latest #brandchampions as part of the fall campaign to promote jobs within the city. You can learn more about the wide variety of careers available at denvergov.org/jobs!”. Mayor Michael Hancock said. Make a difference joining the team with more than 11,000 employees, the City and County of Denver team members are the heart of Denver. Have a hand in shaping the future of the city. Be a part of the city that you love.