Latest news with #YolandaAvila
Yahoo
20-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Protesters rally outside Social Security Admin building
(COLORADO SPRINGS) — A large crowd gathered outside the Social Security Administration building in Colorado Springs on Friday, April 18, to protest recent decisions by the Trump administration. The demonstration was organized by 'Indivisible Colorado Springs,' a grassroots political group focused on educating and empowering the community to push for progressive change at the local, state, and national levels. Protestors rallied in support of critical government programs like social security, Medicare, and Medicaid, which they say are under threat. Among those in attendance was former Colorado Springs City Council member Yolanda Avila, who came out to make her voice heard. 'It's so important that we all speak up,' said Avila. 'Now it's already getting too late. People's benefits, Social Security benefits, which they earn, which they paid into, which they trusted, and the government to deliver once they need it. Social Security is being threatened and taken away.' According to the Associated Press, the Trump administration has eliminated about 7,000 Social Security Administration positions since taking office as part of a broader effort to reduce government size, streamline bureaucracy, and align federal agencies with America-first policies. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
11-02-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Judge finds repeal of marijuana question unconstitutional
(COLORADO SPRINGS) — After Colorado Springs City Council voted in January to place a question on the April 2025 municipal ballot repealing Ballot Question 300, a district court judge has ruled the move violates Colorado's constitution. On Tuesday, Jan. 28, City Council voted 7-2 to place the question on the April ballot, with Councilmembers Nancy Henjum and Yolanda Avila dissenting. Ballot Question 300 was approved in November by voters, allowing recreational marijuana to be sold by existing medical dispensaries after an application process and directing the tax dollars toward public safety programs and PTSD treatment for veterans. Councilmember Dave Donelson said the wording of the original ballot question may have been confusing, and argued that City Council should approve a second question on the April ballot to ensure the will of the people is accurately reflected, though many argued the results would not be an accurate reflection of the people's choice, as the turnouts for municipal elections are statistically lower than presidential elections. PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Lawsuit: City Council marijuana decision 'unconstitutional' A lawsuit filed at the end of January against City Council argued just that. According to the Citizens for Responsible Marijuana Regulation group, Amendment 64 of the Colorado Constitution – which legalized recreational marijuana – allows local governments to prohibit sales within their borders but any ballot measure that does so must 'appear on a general election ballot during an even-numbered year.' The April 1, 2025, municipal election does not fit that definition, the group said. On Monday, Feb. 10, the Citizens for Responsible Marijuana Regulation said a district court judge ruled City Council's vote to place the question on the municipal ballot did in fact violate the Colorado Constitution. 'The city council was in such a rush to overturn the will of Colorado Springs' voters that it just ignored state law. Now, the court has held the council accountable for its outrageous and unconstitutional actions,' said Adam Gillard, a plaintiff in the case and a military veteran who served 20 years with the U.S. Air Force. 'We hope city council members received the judge's message that they do not have absolute authority over their residents. We also hope they won't disregard the law again.' In its decision, the court determined that the repeal of Ballot Question 300 qualified as a prohibition as it would immediately restrict recreational marijuana. 'The Court finds that the Referred Ballot Question is an election to prohibit the operation of retail marijuana stores in the City of Colorado Springs,' the decision reads. 'Therefore, referral of the prohibition measure to the April 1, 2025, general municipal election violates the Colorado Constitution. Such question must appear on a general election ballot during an even numbered year.' The City of Colorado Springs said it will not comment on pending litigation as the 'legal process has not yet been exhausted.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
28-01-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
City Council may give recreational marijuana measure 'final opportunity'
(COLORADO SPRINGS) — The City Council may be giving voters one more opportunity to vote on recreational marijuana this upcoming April. On Tuesday, Jan. 28, the City Council will vote on a new measure that could be added to the April 2025 ballot and would repeal Ballot Question 300, which voters approved in November. The approval of Question 300 allowed current medical marijuana dispensaries to apply for a license to sell recreational marijuana. However, any new recreational dispensaries must be 1,000 feet away from schools, treatments, or care facilities. Springs City Council votes on retail marijuana Question 300 appeared with Ballot Question 2D in the November election, which asked to amend the Charter of the City to prohibit retail marijuana establishments within City limits. Some councilmembers said the conflicting ballot measures during the previous election were too confusing. Councilmember Dave Donelson said the opportunity would 'give voters a final opportunity to make it clear what they want,' while Councilmember Yolanda Avila said that 'it would be a travesty to subvert' the majority of the people. The City Council will vote on the measure on Tuesday. This article will be updated as more information becomes available. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
