Colorado seeks $1.2M to keep Space Command

Attorney General Phil Weiser of Colorado is asking for $1.2 million to handle legal challenges involving the Trump administration and to protect the future of Space Command in the state. This request comes as Colorado faces a tight budget for the upcoming year. Weiser’s plan includes hiring up to six more attorneys. He wants to prepare for a potential fight against moving Space Command from Colorado Springs to Huntsville, Alabama. He believes that the state needs more legal resources to manage various lawsuits related to changes from the federal government. While the Joint Budget Committee (JBC) struggled to approve this request due to a $1.2 billion deficit, they eventually agreed to the funding. An alternative funding option from an existing cash fund aimed at unexpected legal needs was rejected. The Department of Law reported a significant increase in legal actions since the start of the Trump administration, with around 20-25% more lawsuits than before. Morrison, a liaison from Weiser's department, explained that the legal landscape is changing almost daily, and various federal executive orders are affecting state agencies. Some federal programs could lose funding if they do not comply with these orders, particularly those focused on diversity and inclusion. Senator Judy Amabile expressed concern over the investment's return. Morrison pointed out that a potential freeze on programs could have a substantial economic impact, possibly worth hundreds of millions of dollars. As for Space Command, its future in Colorado is uncertain. Supporters in Alabama are confident that the headquarters will move there, a move that could have a $1 billion impact on Colorado Springs. The ongoing legal disputes reflect the tensions surrounding this issue and the broader changes under the Trump administration.