An article published in yesterday’s Denver Post asserts that in the Colorado public school system, disciplinary action frequently varies depending on the race of the student involved.  What might earn a slap on the wrist in some schools could mean an automatic 5-day suspension in another. The article goes on to say that out of 100 black students in Denver public schools, 18 will face “serious discipline.”  Of 100 Latinos, 11.  And out of 100 white students, only 6.5 would likely face suspension.

Joining us this morning is Marco Nuñez, organizing director at "Padres Unidos, Jovenes Unidos," an advocacy group in Colorado that studied discipline disparity in the state’s educational system.

Colorado's population has just rate hit the five million mark.  It is in the top five fastest growing states in the nation and its rate of growth has remained steady, even during the recession.  What is attracting new residents to the Rocky Mountain State and are all of those new residents a good thing for a state is dealing with a budget crisis?  Denver Post staff writer Burt Hubbard says there are certainly some growing pains that come with new residents moving in.  Rajeev Vibhakar and Chip Raches explain what attracted them to move to Denver.

We continue our series on the impact of state budget cuts, focusing today on Colorado, where there is a nearly $2 billion deficit right now. Proposed budget cuts would have an impact in many areas of the Rocky Mountain State. K-12 school funding would be cut 6% in the latest budget proposal; tax-credits would be rescinded; and there's even a "Twinkie Tax" on candy and soda sales. We're looking at one cut in particular: Medicaid funding. Even though it's not the biggest line item, it is hitting those Coloradans most in need.

Tim Everett, State House reporter for the Denver Post, is with us. Also joining us is Mitzi Moran, president and CEO of Sunrise Community Health, which is a community health center in Evans, Co. The center weathered a 14% funding decrease in the past year, most of it impacting their lower-income patients.