State budget debate begins - Joe Hanel, Durango Herald

The House expects to spend most of the week on the budget. The Senate gets a turn next week, and the budget should be on Gov. Bill Ritter's desk by mid-April. If past years are a guide, very few changes will be made in the next three weeks. One of the biggest local consequences will be the $1.2 million cut Fort Lewis College is facing for the 2010-11 school year. The community college system is facing an 8 percent cut. College tuition for Colorado residents could increase up to 9 percent at all state schools.