⚡️ Why your Xcel bill could go up again

📜 Polis Vetoes More Bills; Sets New Record as Term Winds Down

Colorado’s Governor Jared Polis vetoed three more bills this week, breaking his own veto record set in 2025. Consumer protection agencies, credit card companies, and business owners were just a few parties interested in a senate bill that would’ve eliminated card swipe fees imposed on sales tax. Among the bills was a measure that would’ve allowed people to sue immigration officials for violating their constitutional rights. There was also a bill that widened the list of cancer types that can be considered job-related to firefighting. [The Colorado Sun]

• Veto on swipe fees ban draws applause from some: Major opposition to the bill came from the industry group the Electronic Payments Coalition, which poured $2.5 million into its advertising against the bill. Representatives say the veto was a “prudent and responsible” move by Polis.
• …And opposition from others. Groups that supported the bill, like the Colorado Restaurant Association, say they were “devastated” that the Governor gave into financial lobbyists and that “being forced to pay swipe fees on the sales tax dollars restaurants collect and remit to the state,” is a core reason why so many Colorado restaurants are closing. [Colorado Public Radio]
• In other gubernatorial news: New data from Public Policy Polling, a PAC supporting Phil Weiser’s campaign shows that the Democrat race for Polis’ successor continues to tighten. In a poll of Democratic voters earlier this week, 36% planned to vote for Bennet, 30% planned to vote for Weiser, and 34% remained unsure. This shows a decrease in support for Bennett and an increase in support for Weiser, compared to polls conducted earlier this year and shared by Bennett’s campaign. [Public Policy Polling, Twitter]

💊 Aurora Program Under Investigation for Exploiting Unhoused

An organization claiming to help the homeless with housing, healthcare, and living stipends is allegedly exploiting the people it’s claiming to help. On Going Home Health Care has received millions in medicaid funding for its participants, who say they were prescribed medication they may not have needed and persuaded to recruit others to the in-home health program in exchange for cash bonuses. State and federal authorities are currently investigating. [Denver Gazette 🔒]

🔋 Xcel Could Increase Household Energy Bills by 6%

The utilities provider is working toward a proposal that would raise the average energy bill of Colorado households by $6.13. Small businesses would see an increase of $8.90. Xcel says it needs the rate hike, which would bring its increases over the past three years to 28%, to keep up with factors like keeping up with wildfire prevention, modernizing the grid amid greater demand, and dealing with increasing construction costs. [Colorado Sun]

🐻 Wildlife Officials Raise Penalties for Bear-Related Infractions

In response to a spike in bear encounters, Colorado Parks and Wildlife officials announced new fines for violating bear safety laws. Failing to dispose of food around a campsite and use a bear box, for instance, could result in a $1,000 ticket. In addition to preventing conflicts between bears and humans, the move also aims to reduce the number of bear euthanizations in the state. [Gear Junkie]

🚲 Why Biking Could Now Earn You Big Bucks in Denver

This new city-wide program has big rewards in store for people who decide to get around Denver more sustainably. Learn more about the initiative and what we have to say about it in this Neighbors-only bonus podcast segment! (Not a Neighbor yet? Become one today!) [City Cast Denver 🔒]