El Paso County commissioners will get their first look at the county’s 2011 budget today. Budget Director Nicola Sapp will present the county’s preliminary 2011 budget and also five-year budget projections. She also will discuss projected impacts of three November ballot measures: Amendments 60 and 61 and Proposition 101.

Amendment 60 would cut school-related property taxes, among other things. Amendment 61 would restrict state and local borrowing. Proposition 101 would cut car license fees and the state income tax, among others.

The commission meets at 9 a.m. today at the County Office Building,27 E. Vermijo Ave. The meeting is open to the public. Click here for the agenda.

Bennet to introduce plan for veterans

U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet will unveil his plan to “strengthen America’s commitment to our returning war fighters” today during a conference call with reporters.

Bennet is campaigning for the seat against Ken Buck.

Click here to see The Gazette’s online voter guide.

Recording artist Lady Gaga speaks at a rally in support of repealing the so-called “don’t ask, don’t tell” law, in Portland, Maine, on Monday, September 20, 2010. The current law bars gays and lesbians from openly serving in the military, and a spokesperson said that Lady Gaga wants Maine’s Republican senators to cast votes this week to help repeal the military’s “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy on gays in the military. Photo by THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Pat Wellenbach