Questions Mount Over Avian Influenza Response as Egg Prices Soar

On February 12, 2025, Steve Dorman (Colorado Union of Taxpayers), Susan Kochevar (88 Drive-In Theater), Lorne Levy (Mortgage Expert), and Trent Loos (Loos Tales) joined the show. The CUT board member reviewed key legislation under consideration, including disease control statutes that fail to address pandemic overreach and ammunition sales restrictions targeting young adults The entrepreneur analyzed how the new administration’s nominees are already making an impact, with DOGE uncovering concerning connections between USAID and federal agencies The.

Start listening at 17:14 – Hour 1

Steve Dorman of the Colorado Union of Taxpayers reviewed key legislation under consideration at the State House. The organization voted against HB 25-1027 on disease control statutes for failing to address pandemic-era government overreach. CUT also strongly opposed HB 25-1133, which would prohibit ammunition sales to those under 21 despite allowing firearm purchases at that age. Dorman noted that sponsors included Representatives Monica Duran and Lindsey Gilchrist along with Senator Kyle Mullica.

The organization supported HB 25-1140 concerning disclosure of information to immigration authorities, sponsored by Republican Representative Jarvis Caldwell and Senator Rod Pelton. Dorman encouraged listeners to join CUT to stay informed about legislative developments.

Every special interest in the state has a lobbyist down there, and we are yours.

Steve Dorman

Start listening at 35:21 – Hour 1

Entrepreneur Susan Kochevar discussed the pace of change in the new administration, noting that cabinet nominees are hitting the ground running with unprecedented transparency. She highlighted DOGE’s discoveries about USAID funding and expressed optimism that cutting off these funding streams could impact Colorado elections.

Kochevar pointed to connections between USAID and various NGOs that she believes have influenced Colorado’s political landscape. She expressed confidence that with proper election integrity measures and reduced external funding, Colorado could shift politically.

I think we have in the first few weeks of the new administration been launched into a completely new era.

Susan Kochevar

Start listening at 63:24 – Hour 2

Mortgage specialist Lorne Levy reported that the Consumer Price Index jumped to 3.3% annually, higher than the Fed’s 2.0% target and above expectations. The 10-year note jumped about 10 basis points following the report, temporarily pushing mortgage rates higher. Levy explained that CPI readings have significant market impact because they provide the broadest measure of inflation across the economy.

Levy noted that government waste reduction efforts through DOGE could help address inflation by reducing unnecessary spending. He emphasized that putting money back in the Treasury rather than wasteful programs would benefit the overall economy.

Start listening at 71:49 – Hour 2

Trent Loos provided detailed analysis of the avian influenza situation, noting that four positive chicken flocks were identified in Nebraska in the past 30 days. He questioned the logic of killing 100% of flocks when 30% of birds show natural immunity. Loos pointed out that despite claims of wild bird transmission, geese and other migratory fowl populations show no decline in numbers.

How does saliva or feces from a goose flying over your place get inside your chicken barn?

Trent Loos

Loos traced the history of poultry confinement back to USDA recommendations in the 1950s, when the agency suggested farmers build barns to protect birds from wild populations. He noted that confined commercial flocks testing positive raises questions about transmission vectors that do not align with wild bird exposure explanations.

Caller Jim May from Lavaca Meat Company reinforced the theme of consumer choice, noting that cage-free egg mandates drive up costs and reduce options for families seeking affordable protein sources.

Loos also addressed the National Interest Electric Transmission Corridor proposals affecting Baca, Kiowa, and Prowers counties in southeast Colorado. Congresswoman Lauren Boebert sent a letter to Energy Secretary Chris Wright raising concerns about proposed easements up to 18 miles wide that could strip landowners of decision-making authority while requiring them to continue paying property taxes.

Don’t be fooled into thinking this is just about the chicken and the egg.

Trent Loos