Colorado $1.2B Gap, Chicago $771M Transit Shortfall Spur $74M Transfer Plan, Colorado AI Act Review

Several U.S. states and cities are grappling with substantial budget shortfalls affecting public services and transit systems. Colorado Governor Jared Polis has called a special legislative session starting Thursday at 10 a.m. to address a $1.2 billion state budget gap and consider amendments to the Colorado AI Act. In Miami-Dade, local officials are debating proposed budget cuts that could include eliminating free ride services amid a budget crisis, prompting protests from riders. Meanwhile, Chicago's Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) is confronting a $771 million public transit deficit. To mitigate service cuts, RTA officials are considering transferring $74 million from Metra and Pace to the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA). This transfer aims to delay major service reductions and potential layoffs in the city's transit system, with the RTA board scheduled to vote on the plan soon.