Republicans' sweeping Medicaid overhaul is forcing states to cut care for low-income people, raise taxes and scramble to close an unprecedented budget gap.

Why it matters: Colorado, already facing a $1.5 billion Medicaid-driven shortfall, is weighing controversial benefit cuts and lower payments to providers.

Driving the news: The latest state budget draft presented this week slashes Medicaid, with the legislature's Joint Budget Committee opting to cut reimbursement rates to health care providers who see Medicaid patients by 2% to save $95 million.

• Exemptions were made for maternal health, neonatal intensive care, and pediatric autism care providers, per the Colorado Sun and CPR News.

State of play: State budgets nationwide are due to shrink by $664 billion over the next decade because of the cuts in last year's GOP budget law, while medical costs are rising and state tax collections are lagging.

• That's creating a perfect storm for a program that typically accounts for about 30% of a state's budget each year.

What they're saying: "Everyone is pissed and everyone is stressed," said state Rep. Lisa Feret (D-Arvada), the lead sponsor of Colorado's new tax proposal.

• But as her bill advances, she says, "there's a growing number of people that are starting to rally and say, 'Let's do this. You're trying. We appreciate it.'"

Zoom out: Congress delayed the biggest changes until 2027, but Medicaid programs are "like massive ocean liners," said Kathryn Costanza, a fellow at the National Conference of State Legislatures.

States with more of a budget cushion are making investments in hopes of easing possible coverage losses. Some are also repurposing state revenue to fill gaps.

• Oregon passed a bill allowing state funds to pay nonprofit reproductive care providers like Planned Parenthood, which federal Medicaid dollars no longer cover.

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⚖️ The state appeals court threw out former Mesa County clerk Tina Peters' nine-year sentence yesterday for her role in a breach of election equipment. The ruling ordered that her case be sent back to the trial court for resentencing. (9News)

A federal judge ruled a former dean shot by an East High School student in 2023 can sue Denver Public Schools, with the judge chastising the district's "shocking disregard" of the threat posed by the student. (BusinessDen 🔑)

🚨 The state transportation department will start issuing $75 speeding tickets along the I-25 north expressway after a one-month warning period. Tickets will be mailed to drivers. (Denver7)

🥡 After more than 40 years in business, Imperial Chinese abruptly closed on South Broadway, citing rising operating costs and other economic challenges. (Westword)

There's no way to sugarcoat it: The Colorado Rockies were baseball's worst club last season. But hitting rock bottom means there's nowhere to go but up, right?

Why it matters: The Rox (2-4) return to the finely manicured green at Coors Field today seeking a signature home debut victory over the Philadelphia Phillies, a playoff contender last season.

State of play: Expectations are understandably low this season after last year's calamity, with at least one baseball insider suggesting the team's biggest goal is simply avoiding losing 100 games.

• The Rockies have lost 100+ games every year since the 2023 season.

Players to watch: Venezuelan shortstop Ezequiel Tovar returns to Denver a world champion after helping his country secure its first World Baseball Classic title last month.

• Pitcher Chase Dollander is known for his fastball and could see more playing time this year, though he needs to work on putting hitters away.
• Center fielder Brenton Doyle is hoping to rebound after a rocky season to earn his third career Gold Glove.
• Catcher Hunter Goodman led the team in home runs last year, blasting 31 and earning his first All-Star selection.

If you go: The game airs on MLB TV starting at 2:10pm.

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The glizzy craze is reaching new gastronomical heights at Coors Field.

Zoom in: The ballpark debuts a shareable, two-foot hot dog dubbed the Glizzilla.

• Yes, but: If you dare to go solo with this one-pound hot dog, please enjoy responsibly.

Four other fresh dishes are sure to catch your eye, courtesy of Aramark Sports and Entertainment.

• The boozy ice cream is exactly what it sounds like, served inside a mini helmet.
• The decadent Dubai cinnamon roll is topped with a chocolate drizzle, vanilla ice cream, pistachios, caramel puff cereal and katafi.

• Taco Momalona is a brisket taco with Chihuahua cheese, shredded cabbage and Flamin' Hot Cheetos.
• The stadium's pizza donuts are topped with cheese and pepperoni.

💭 My thought bubble: I plan on devouring the boozy ice cream on top of the cinnamon roll at some point this season, though I might need a few brews before taste testing the donut pizza.

• But it's a no for me dawg on the two-foot monstrosity.

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