An expansion of Medicaid eligibility that's expected to add 160,000 adults to public health care assistance in Colorado has been signed into law.

Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper's budget proposal released Thursday includes more funding for education, more Medicaid spending, and pay increases for state employees for the first time in five years.

Colorado lawmakers moved forward Thursday with an $18 million federal grant application to set up an insurance marketplace required under the new health care law.

Republicans who control the Colorado House have the chance to put their stamp on the state budget next year and it's looking like they'll force a standoff with Democrats and Gov. John Hickenlooper over a tax break for seniors and Medicaid spending.

Gov. John Hickenlooper on Thursday dismissed a Republican idea to explore waivers from Medicaid spending to alleviate budget pressures, saying it's a requirement Colorado can't get out of.

Nearly half of audited Colorado employers are not complying with a state law to verify the legal status of newly hired workers, according to a report released Monday.