Posts by Bell Policy Center Staff

colorado budget

Perils, Pitfalls, & Processes of Prioritizing a Limited Colorado Budget

The Colorado budgeting process is less a tale of collective ability to invest in keeping Colorado competitive, and more a continued lesson in the limits of prioritization.

A group of diverse, happy children standing in front of a whiteboard in an affordable child care setting in Colorado.

Making Child Care More Affordable in Colorado

Colorado's average cost of child care for a 4-year-old is about $11,000 per year, while infant care is closer to $15,000.

2018 legislative session

The Predatory Lending Landscape

As more states prohibit egregious interest rates, consumers are saving money and avoiding long-term financial pitfalls like bankruptcy. While Colorado has made significant progress, it’s imperative we don’t let our guard down in this new environment.

Graduates wearing caps and gowns with a statistic about student debt in Colorado displayed overhead.

Understanding the Student Debt Crisis & How We Got Here

In Colorado, student loan debt has grown by 176 percent since 2007, reaching $26.4 billion. Our new brief explores the numerous factors to consider as we look for solutions.

long-term care state scan

Healthy Aging & Promising Practices: A State Scan of Long-Term Care Policies

To truly see the benefits of our older population, we must address gaps preventing healthy aging. This report highlights specific state programs across the country Colorado can learn from.

ECE policy colorado

Early Childhood Policies in Colorado

Several early childhood bills have been introduced in recent sessions, and five early childhood bills have been introduced so far in the 2019 session.

Safety helmets hanging on a rope at a middle-class entry construction site.

Is Middle Class Entry Possible Without a College Degree?

Construction and extraction jobs are commonly mentioned as alternatives to the professional and managerial jobs that commonly require (increasingly costly) degrees.

proposition 109 college tuition student debt

Student Debt Solutions: Sizing Up Colorado’s Approach

Legislation introduced on the first day of session could help Colorado’s students and their families don’t borrow for higher education at their own financial peril.

retirement security

Retirement Security: Learning from Oregon & Washington

A lack of retirement security poses serious problems for Coloradans and their families, but the larger economy will also be in trouble if something doesn't change.

A glass "what are vendor fees" sign hanging on a shop window with reflections of interior lights.

What Are Vendor Fees?

Due to a high percentage and no cap, businesses in Colorado keep more money from vendor fees than all but a few other states. What does this mean for you?