Please feel free to post legislative alerts in this thread, for both good or bad bills that you believe may be of interest or require voter action and discuss them in this thread.

BOHICA.

The Colorado 2020 legislature convened today.

Ramping up to the beginning of the session I've caught various interviews or remarks from both minority Republican and majority Democrat representatives to get an idea of what legislative efforts were headed our way.

Republican Senator Lundeen was recently interviewed and he believes that the Democrat controlled legislature will focus on:

- Single Payer Health Care for Colorado.

- Changing Colorado from a Right to Work state to a Union state.

- Paid Family Leave.

- Continued efforts to promote "Green" energy while attacking the Oil & Gas industry.

- Improving Colorado infrastructure, roads/ bridges (a Republican focus)

- although he couldn't definitively state it, he said he wouldn't be surprised by a Democrat push for additional gun control measures. Democrat representatives Tom Sullivan and KC Becker are already on record with additional gun control measures.


During the opening session, Democrat Senate Leader Leroy Garcia gave hints as to the Democrat agenda with opening remarks.

[NOTE: although I've posted the remarks below, the linked website article has both pictures and hyperlinks, and also uses highlighting and shading when the editors comment on specific portions of the speech and I'd recommend reading it at the source for ease of reading.]


Colorado’s Senate president was unusually progressive in his opening remarks. Here they are, annotated.

Garcia, a Pueblo Democrat, delved into issues like socioeconomic class disparities and money in politics during his speech on the first day of the 2020 legislative session.

JAN 8, 2020 3:19PM MST

Jesse Paul
@jesseapaul
The Colorado Sun — jesse@coloradosun.com

New year, new Senate President Leroy Garcia.

The Pueblo Democrat struck an uncharacteristically liberal tone during his opening day remarks Wednesday as Colorado’s 2020 legislative session got underway at the Capitol.

While the address was thin on policy specifics, Garcia delved into issues like socioeconomic class disparities and money in politics. He also spent a great deal of time rebuking Republicans for the 2019 tactics and attempted recalls of Democratic lawmakers over the summer.

Many in his 19-member caucus were surprised at the progressive message sent by the second-year president typically known for being a more moderate Democrat, but grateful that he represented their broad goals well.

“To those set on continuing their commitment to gridlock, let me say: Your efforts have been, and will continue to be, a fruitless endeavor,” said Garcia, who was the target of a failed recall effort last year.


Here’s a transcript of Garcia’s speech — lightly edited for length — with annotations from The Colorado Sun highlighting what’s important and explaining what it all means.


I would like to acknowledge a remarkable woman, our friend and colleague Senator Lois Court, who sadly is not with us today due to a recent medical illness.

After 11 years of public service, we are heartbroken by her resignation and absence, but know that her work and dedication will live on. Senator Court, thank you for the years of meaningful work in our state. Your dedication and genuine passion for all of the people of Colorado serves as an inspiring example for all of us.

Court announced on Monday that she will be resigning from the legislature on Jan. 16 after being diagnosed with Guillain-Barre Syndrome, a rare autoimmune disorder. She was absent on Wednesday’s opening day and is not expected to return to the Capitol before she steps down.

Court received a standing ovation during Garcia’s remarks. Senate Minority Leader Chris Holbert, R-Parker, also addressed her in his opening speech, saying: “My family and I will continue to pray for your healing and full recovery. God Bless you, friend.”

Today marks the day we open the second regular session of the 72nd General Assembly –– continuing our work to protect Colorado’s natural beauty, improve health care and restore the economic dignity of hard-working Coloradans everywhere.

We know this work is not always easy. It takes unwavering personal commitment, a persistent reverence for the people’s will, as well as endless amounts of objectivity, diplomacy and grit. But, more than that, it requires deep compassion. Compassion for the single mother who works two jobs and can barely cover the cost of childcare.

Compassion for the union worker who has been betrayed by careless corporate greed. Compassion for our children and the climate we are giving them.

And compassion for the college student whose father was diagnosed with cancer and quits school to help their family avoid bankruptcy.

These are the experiences of people we serve. Except for them, it isn’t just words on a page. It is the reality they live with every single day.

Yet the truth is, compassion is not enough. They need results. They need us to not just talk about the problems, but present real solutions for the struggles they face.

The American Dream that once felt like a hopeful promise is becoming more and more difficult to achieve.

And Coloradans find it harder to get ahead while the super rich write their own rules and endlessly profit off the backs of the hard-working people. They sow division, buy elections and rig the system in their favor.

Garcia says he brought up money in politics because he hears it day in and day out in the community. But he said he wasn’t talking about any particular politician or powerful person. “It’s no one specific, but rather just a reference for us to be cautious,” he said.

Colorado Gov. Jared Polis, a fellow Democrat, is a wealthy politician. He spent more than $23 million on his 2018 election to lead the state, leading to accusations that he “bought” the election.

Garcia says he was not referring to Polis in this part of his opening address. “Good question, though,” he said.

And in a time of deep national division, we here in Colorado face a very important choice:

Will we continue to join together and fight for every Coloradan, putting people before profit and personal gain? Or will we fall into destructive political infighting and attempts at obstruction like that of Washington, D.C.?

This is a dig at Senate Republicans, who in 2019 used delay tactics — asking for long bills to be read at length and stopping lawmaking for hours — to force Democrats to the negotiating table. Democrats in the chamber were furious but ultimately came out on the losing end of a lawsuit from Republicans challenging Garcia’s use of multiple computers to speed-read legislation and avoid the delays.

Garcia is challenging the lawsuit’s outcome in the Colorado Court of Appeals. His legal defense has cost taxpayers more than $31,000 already.

Republicans have clearly not forgotten the turmoil either. Holbert addressed the delay tactics in his opening day remarks.

“While it is understandable that members of the majority might feel frustration toward the tenacity with which the minority approached debate last session, it was nonetheless disappointing to hear those principled efforts described as ‘children throwing temper tantrums,’” Holbert said. “No, we are all adults here. Motions are not personal, required procedure is not tantrum and votes are not attacks.”

Democrats say they are confident Republicans will ask for bills to be read at length again this session in protest of bills.

I believe we will follow in Colorado’s rich tradition of coming together to solve this state’s pressing challenges.

Holbert signaled during his speech that Republicans will work with Democrats and avoid or stop using delay tactics if Democrats hear them out.

“The opportunity for (Senate Democrats) to ask, ‘What do you want?’ That question can be the magic words that open a not-so-secret door to success. Our responsibility in the minority is to be able to answer that question if and when asked,” Holbert said.

Growing up in southern Colorado, I watched my parents and neighbors work tirelessly for a better life. They believed in the American Dream as I still do today.

But watching my community face heartache after heartache, from ballooning health care costs, to an economic recession that tore through the very foundation of our town, it has been difficult at times to remain confident.

But what always gave me hope was the way our community banded together. The way they looked out for each other. The way they never gave up.

Even after the housing market crash, record-high unemployment and other struggles, our community remains hopeful and determined, always finding a way to persevere.

But that is not just the story of Pueblo, that’s the story of Colorado. Countless communities are struggling, while wealthy insiders continue to hoard power and blatantly bend political agendas for their own benefit.

While at the same time, people refuse to give up and continue to pursue meaningful change.

This. This is what makes our country, and our state, great.

It is this spirit that makes me proud to be a Coloradan and what inspired me to serve my country as a United States Marine in Iraq in 2003. Because at our core, our common and collective purpose stands unparalleled in the world.

Garcia says he spent so much of his speech focusing on Pueblo because he thinks his hometown can be a good example for all of Colorado. “When you look at the spirit, the grit, the tenacity, the willingness to come together, diversity — that’s Colorado’s story. I just happen to live in Pueblo and have experienced it,” he said.

This section, however, sounded more like a campaign speech than an opening day address. It was short on specific policy proposals and instead focused on broad strokes and uplifting messages, some of them overtly partisan.

Garcia has long been rumored to be a potential candidate in Colorado’s 3rd Congressional District, currently held by Republican U.S. Rep. Scott Tipton. He has ruled out running for the position in 2020, but has expressed interest in the job. His statehouse term is up in 2022.

Beyond race, class or gender, we believe in justice, opportunity and the pursuit of happiness.

It is these ideals that we sought to serve last session and that we will continue to serve, no matter who or what seeks to divide us.

Let me be clear: There has been a brazen effort to not only divide this chamber, but dismantle it, from Washington-style political antics, to pointless attempts to upend the will of the voters.

Garcia was one of five Democrats state lawmakers targeted with an attempted recall after the 2018 legislative session. Four were unsuccessful, and the fifth ended when the the target, former Greeley Rep. Rochelle Galindo, resigned. Gov. Polis was also targeted with a recall effort, which fell short.

While Garcia has harped on the fact that he wants the 2020 legislative session to be as bipartisan as possible, he’s also made it clear he hasn’t forgotten the 2019 turmoil or the attempted recalls.

To those set on continuing their commitment to gridlock, let me say: Your efforts have been, and will continue to be, a fruitless endeavor.

This is a forceful message from Garcia, who is typically reserved. It’s also a clear message heading into an election year where Democrats in the Senate will be fighting to keep their two-vote majority.

We, the Colorado Senate, are called upon to find common ground. To come to the table and offer solutions. To join the conversation and debate policy based on its merits rather than party origin.

It is our duty to give Coloradans our all. Sitting on the sidelines, and using hate and fear to undermine honest efforts, is an unacceptable standard.

We are better than that. But more importantly, Colorado deserves better. We must be a part of the solution and work together for the common good.

Thankfully, despite last year’s attempt to derail progress, we did find collaborators in this body and passed significant legislation, 96% of which had bipartisan support. In 2019, we successfully put forth bills to lower the cost of prescription drugs, reduce insurance premiums and empower communities to negotiate directly with providers.

Garcia in this part of his speech was referencing The Colorado Sun’s reporting over the summer showing that the 2019 lawmaking term was, despite the partisan fighting, bipartisan in many ways.

Holbert referenced The Sun’s analysis as well on this front, but instead to point out how Democrats in the legislature maybe too often vote as a bloc.

“It showed that the most bipartisan member of the Senate minority, he who had the 16th fewest ‘no’ votes on third reading, actually demonstrated greater independence in his voting record than did all 19 members of the majority caucus combined,” Holbert said.

That member? Sen. Kevin Priola, a Henderson Republican who sides with Democrats on many issues.

We invested in the next generation by funding full-day kindergarten and worked to address the student debt crisis. We successfully fought for fairness and opportunity by passing Equal Pay for Equal Work, as well as legislation that helps Coloradans afford to live in the place that they call home.

But that’s not enough.

So many of our communities are still struggling. Far too many Coloradans still face exorbitant health care costs, often being forced to choose between financial stability and getting the health care that they desperately need.

No one should be burdened with that choice.

Colorado pays some of the highest hospital prices in the nation, while ranking second for the highest hospital profits. So while families are paying upwards of 80% more for health care, CEO salaries are at an all-time high.

That is why we must continue to find new and innovative solutions for our health care needs. Because going backwards is not an option, and remaining stagnant certainly isn’t one either.

We are committed to increasing competition and driving down insurance costs, with legislation that promotes innovation and addresses the widening affordability gap.

One of Democrats’ biggest 2020 fights in the Colorado Capitol will be over the public health insurance option they are proposing. Hospitals and insurance companies are lining up in opposition.

It’s notable here that Garcia didn’t talk specifically about the public option anywhere in his speech. Instead, he used broad-stroke language to talk about the need for changes in health care.

We are also committed to insisting on corporate transparency around prescription drugs and health care billing, protecting Coloradans from unchecked corporate price gouging and allowing communities to hold providers accountable.

But health care isn’t the only thing keeping Coloradans up at night. Our growing climate challenges weigh heavy on the minds of residents, especially our young people, who will undoubtedly bear the brunt of this burden.

From floods, to fires, to endless drought, everyone across our state has felt the effects of a changing environment.

Our recreational industry has suffered, our farmers face financial ruin and our vulnerable communities are continuously jeopardized by extreme temperatures.

We are at a critical crossroads in our planet’s history. And as Coloradans, we can take meaningful steps toward a more sustainable future.

This is a prime of example of Garcia choosing not to bring up specific policies in his opening day remarks. It’s not clear how he intends to accomplish his goal of moving “toward a more sustainable future.” Other leaders have typically used these addresses to lay out detailed goals.

We are committed to leading the charge with innovative solutions that protect Colorado’s natural resources and the people who rely on them.

Because we refuse to abandon the workers who have served our state for generations, powering our homes, supporting our businesses and driving our economy.

In this way, we must prioritize a just transition while in pursuit of environmental stewardship.

That’s why this year, we will be working toward solutions that invigorate our economy, and provide new, high-paying jobs in the community. Because sustainability and economic growth are not at odds with one another, but rather inseparable partners if we hope for a prosperous future.

In my hometown of Pueblo, we have seen an amazing example of this.

On the verge of a plant closure from rising utility costs, our local steel mill partnered with energy providers to build the largest solar array in our state’s history, supplying an unprecedented amount of renewable energy while guaranteeing hundreds of jobs remain in our community.

Garcia here is referencing an agreement reached by the steel company EVRAZ, which operates a mill in Pueblo, and Xcel Energy.

These kinds of partnerships are the keys to our state’s future.

Because, as solar and wind jobs continue to be the fastest growing in the nation, it is critical that we here in Colorado work to not only harness this economic growth, but lead in the charge.

Beyond creating new job opportunities, we will also be working on dramatically improving our air and water quality in the state, by implementing harsher penalties for negligence and irresponsibility.

It’s unclear exactly what these harsher penalties will look like, but expect this to be a centerpiece of Democrats’ environmental agenda in 2020. House Speaker KC Becker also said Democrats will seek to add more people to the state’s air quality monitoring workforce.

Because Coloradans are tired of people recklessly polluting the water we drink and the air we breathe without consequence. Coloradans are also tired of the skyrocketing cost of living, and the flat wages that we have had for years.

Forced to work multiple jobs to make ends meet, too many people are trapped in a crippling cycle of poverty with little opportunity for relief.

It is time that we attack the root of the problem and address predatory practices that keep our people in debt, limit their power as workers and take them from their families during times of need.

It’s not exactly clear what Garcia was talking about here, but Democrats are expected to tackle issues in 2020 including bail reform. They will also look to reform other criminal justice policies that keep people in poverty.

We need to defend our residents from these injustices and ensure that they are afforded the protections every Coloradan deserves.

This means an opportunity for affordable higher education, stable housing, and paid family leave. It also means access to quality teachers, job training and a seamless transportation system.

After the public health insurance option, Democrats’ efforts to pass legislation on a paid family and parental leave program is expected to be one of the biggest fights of the 2020 legislative session. The business community and Republicans will fight back against this proposal vehemently. In 2019, more than 200 lobbyists worked in opposition to this bill alone.

The real test for the legislation will be in the Senate because of Democrats’ slim majority there.

Because the American Dream shouldn’t require a VIP ticket. But rather, only be limited by a person’s willingness to work hard and persist in hope. So today, let us renew our commitment to the people of Colorado.

Garcia focused many of his opening day remarks on socioeconomic class disparities, a new subject area for him. In many ways, this follows the national conversation being propagated by Democratic presidential candidates like U.S. Sens. Elizabeth Warren, of Massachussetes, and Bernie Sanders, of Vermont.

“New session, new Leroy,” said state Sen. Dominick Moreno, a Commerce City Democrat.

Let us honor the voice they spoke with when they put us at the helm. Because, despite all of the dysfunction in Washington, despite all of the inequalities and the discrimination rampant in our society, and despite the booming economy that doesn’t seem to benefit everyone, the people of this state are remarkably hopeful and passionate.

They will not accept political gamesmanship in the place of true governing. They will not accept platitudes in the place of action. And they will not accept corruption in any way, shape, or form.

Because they chose progress over protecting the status quo, and they expect us to deliver.

That means putting self-serving agendas aside, and coming to the table in order to make meaningful change happen. So let us join together on behalf of all Coloradans. Remember what unites us.

Garcia notably didn’t bring up school safety or gun control during his opening day speech. Both are priorities for Democrats in the 2020 legislative session.

On gun control, Garcia was among just a few Democratic lawmakers in 2019 who voted against passage of the so-called red flag gun law, which allows judges to order the temporary seizure of firearms from people deemed a significant risk to themselves or others. He instead called for a Colorado solution and said recently that he thinks mental health deserves more focus.

“There’s a lot of important issues that we are going to talk about,” he said after his speech on Wednesday. “We’re going to look at every policy based on the policy’s merit.”

We are called to serve with honor and integrity, measure and resolve, vision and leadership. And we, who have had the privilege of the people’s trust, will act with nothing less.

God’s blessing be with you and this great state we call home as we embark on this journey together.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Modern Day Savage,

During the 2019 legislative session the Colorado General Assembly introduced 598 bills with 460 passed into law.

A look at the 2019 Colorado General Assembly — in numbers

The Democrat controlled legislature ran throttle wide open and rammed as many bills through as they possibly could. During one serious snow storm in which employers and state employees were sent home early before the worst of the storm hit, the state legislature stayed in session. On the very last day of the scheduled legislative session, a day normally reserved for administrative and wrap-up duties, the legislature stayed in session until 21:00 hours, while working to pass more bills. There was also serious talk that Governor Polis would convene a special legislative session after the regular one ended, but ultimately that didn't occur.

Obviously, when a legislature introduces this number of bills there is very little time to debate or vet bills and little time for the public to consider or react to the proposals.

The early indications are that the 2020 legislative session will be a repeat of last year. There are far too many bills to discuss them all, but I thought it might be helpful for those interested to at least see a listing of the bills introduced to date.

Click on these links to view a PDF listing of the introduced bill title, which should indicate what it is about. Click on the bill number (numerically listed) to view the bill description.

As usual, there are some good bills, some bills that are a wash...and several that I consider to be bad, harmful, needless, useless, expensive bills.

Colorado House Bills


Colorado Senate Bills

Thank you, as always.

Colorado Senate Democrats have, once again, introduced a bill to repeal the death penalty in Colorado.

SB20-100

While I personally support the death penalty option I realize that this is a controversial issue and respect the opinions of those who differ from my own.

There are currently three inmates on death row in Colorado and while the current bill is not retroactive Governor Polis has already stated that, if the legislature repeals the death penalty, he will commute the three to life sentences.

Whatever your personal beliefs on the death penalty are, I believe that this issue should be determined by the voters, and not legislators trying to ram as many bills through the legislature as possible.

Please consider contacting your elected reps. and urging them to vote no on this bill, and making it clear that, should the issue need to be revisited, that an issue this serious should be left to the voters to decide.

quote:

Originally posted by Modern Day Savage:
Colorado Senate Democrats have, once again, introduced a bill to repeal the death penalty in Colorado.

SB20-100

While I personally support the death penalty option I realize that this is a controversial issue and respect the opinions of those who differ from my own.

There are currently three inmates on death row in Colorado and while the current bill is not retroactive Governor Polis has already stated that, if the legislature repeals the death penalty, he will commute the three to life sentences.

Whatever your personal beliefs on the death penalty are, I believe that this issue should be determined by the voters, and not legislators trying to ram as many bills through the legislature as possible.

Please consider contacting your elected reps. and urging them to vote no on this bill, and making it clear that, should the issue need to be revisited, that an issue this serious should be left to the voters to decide.

Why is this issue so special that voters should decide? That's why we have elected representatives. Why not have voters decide gun laws? Abortion? Immigration policy?

My opinion is that the death penalty is an embarrassment. The money, process, length of time, and manner in which we do it is so fucked up. Until we can get it right, we shouldn't do it. Let the fuckers rot in jail.

I caught a radio interview with Republican rep. Patrick Neville. During the interview, when it was pointed out that the Republicans were greatly outnumbered in the legislature, he acknowledged this and said that while the Republicans were focused on a couple key areas, namely increasing pay for high performing teachers and funding road and bridge transportation projects throughout the state, that Republicans were basically engaged in a defensive strategy and simply trying to minimize the damage that Democrats were doing.

During the interview he pointed out that while they may not have the votes or persuasion to sway the legislature in the state capitol, he felt that with voters help that could still fight to be heard.

He made a plea for voters to get in touch with their elected reps. and let them know, not just what future bills may impact them, but what current laws are already having an impact on them, and he is asking for voters to speak at some of the hearings.

For example, if you, or perhaps someone you know, has been impacted by a wide range of laws implemented in recent years, say increased child care costs due to a bill from 2013, or perhaps longer commutes or expensive vehicle repair bills due to poor highway conditions, or perhaps someone who has lost their job in the oil and gas industry due to recent legislation, they would like to hear from them and hopefully have them testify to the negative impacts such bills have.

quote:

Originally posted by zipriderson:

quote:

Originally posted by Modern Day Savage:
Colorado Senate Democrats have, once again, introduced a bill to repeal the death penalty in Colorado.

SB20-100

While I personally support the death penalty option I realize that this is a controversial issue and respect the opinions of those who differ from my own.

There are currently three inmates on death row in Colorado and while the current bill is not retroactive Governor Polis has already stated that, if the legislature repeals the death penalty, he will commute the three to life sentences.

Whatever your personal beliefs on the death penalty are, I believe that this issue should be determined by the voters, and not legislators trying to ram as many bills through the legislature as possible.

Please consider contacting your elected reps. and urging them to vote no on this bill, and making it clear that, should the issue need to be revisited, that an issue this serious should be left to the voters to decide.

Why is this issue so special that voters should decide? That's why we have elected representatives. Why not have voters decide gun laws? Abortion? Immigration policy?

My opinion is that the death penalty is an embarrassment. The money, process, length of time, and manner in which we do it is so fucked up. Until we can get it right, we shouldn't do it. Let the fuckers rot in jail.

Until the later half of the twentieth century the death penalty was widely accepted and used throughout the world. Unless you are prepared to make the argument that no crime ever warrants a death sentence, then there are certainly at least some crimes that do warrant it. Keep in mind that while Democrat legislators are working to repeal the death sentence they are also working to eliminate drug crime charges. Also, it should be noted that some Colorado jails have started to release inmates before their sentences are complete, such as the recent Jefferson County jail release. Taken in totality, what we see are an array of laws becoming more lenient on crime and criminals, and, personally, I don't want to live in a state that sends the message that serious crimes aren't met with serious consequences for those who commit them.

...and yes, there are a number of issues serious enough that the issue should be put before the voters, and in my mind issues dealing with life and death are certainly within that realm.

quote:

...and yes, there are a number of issues serious enough that the issue should be put before the voters, and in my mind issues dealing with life and death are certainly within that realm.

Or, perhaps an issue of life and death is so important it shouldn't be put to the voters.

Think how dumb and uninformed the average person is. Half of the population are dumber than that!

There's an argument to be made to let the elected officials do their jobs.

Elections have consequences. Either get rid of he Dems or live with their bullshit.

quote:

Originally posted by zipriderson:

quote:

...and yes, there are a number of issues serious enough that the issue should be put before the voters, and in my mind issues dealing with life and death are certainly within that realm.

Or, perhaps an issue of life and death is so important it shouldn't be put to the voters.

Think how dumb and uninformed the average person is. Half of the population are dumber than that!

There's an argument to be made to let the elected officials do their jobs.

I'll grant you that there are many uninformed voters, and some that probably shouldn't vote because they are too intellectually lazy to bother to inform themselves...but your solution is to let elected reps. make laws for all of uninformed rubes?

While there are a number of educated and well-informed candidates elected to represent constituents, there is no shortage of examples of elected representatives who were elected, not because of their education, or experience, or even their wisdom, but because they had connections to powerful people and organizations which were convinced to open their large piggybanks and were able to fund raise better than another candidate and were either more charismatic or more outrageous or more popular than their opponent.

The mere act of being elected to represent others doesn't necessarily guarantee a wiser, more informed, more intelligent political leader.

Out of curiosity, are you also opposed to TABOR, which requires that voters approve any proposed tax increases?

quote:

Originally posted by BBMW:
Elections have consequences. Either get rid of he Dems or live with their bullshit.

...says the man who resides in a state that some forecast to turn blue in the next 10-12 years.

quote:

Originally posted by Modern Day Savage:
but your solution is to let elected reps. make laws for all of uninformed rubes?

Yes, that's what elected reps do. They are legislators.

quote:

Out of curiosity, are you also opposed to TABOR, which requires that voters approve any proposed tax increases?

No, I am in favor, and was opposed to the recent initiative to dial it back - which in effect would be a tax increase.

And yes, I see your point.

quote:

Originally posted by zipriderson:

quote:

Originally posted by Modern Day Savage:
but your solution is to let elected reps. make laws for all of uninformed rubes?

Yes, that's what elected reps do. They are legislators.

quote:

Out of curiosity, are you also opposed to TABOR, which requires that voters approve any proposed tax increases?

No, I am in favor, and was opposed to the recent initiative to dial it back - which in effect would be a tax increase.

And yes, I see your point.

So, on the one hand, when it comes to the serious issue of taxation, you support voters having a direct say on whether they should allow for yet another tax increase...and yet when it comes to an equally serious issue of how to deal with criminals who commit crimes serious enough to warrant the death penalty you are opposed to voters having any input on the punishment? how very...inconsistent.

Huh? I live in a state that's been blue since well before the term was invented. And lately it's been getting even worse. I now see the blue creeping into states that had been solidly conservative. If they don't stem the tide, they're going to end up as liberal as it is here. It may very well be to late for CO. I'm seeing the same thing in VA.

quote:

Originally posted by Modern Day Savage:

quote:

Originally posted by BBMW:
Elections have consequences. Either get rid of he Dems or live with their bullshit.

...says the man who resides in a state that some forecast to turn blue in the next 10-12 years.

quote:

Originally posted by BBMW:
Huh? I live in a state that's been blue since well before the term was invented. And lately it's been getting even worse. I now see the blue creeping into states that had been solidly conservative. If they don't stem the tide, they're going to end up as liberal as it is here. It may very well be to late for CO. I'm seeing the same thing in VA.

quote:

Originally posted by Modern Day Savage:

quote:

Originally posted by BBMW:
Elections have consequences. Either get rid of he Dems or live with their bullshit.

...says the man who resides in a state that some forecast to turn blue in the next 10-12 years.

From one of your previous posts I thought you lived in Texas. My mistake. And yes, a lot of Red states were complacent and took their status for granted, allowing Blue to creep in.

I'm angry at the complacency of some voters, but I also have to remind myself it's difficult to accept just how large a change the Progressive Left has made. It's difficult to grasp their departure from reality or pragmatism, and instead embrace a utopian order that doesn't, and can't, exist...

...but the situation is what it is, can't be denied, and it's past time that voters opposed to these changes kick into gear and start to fight back.

quote:

- Continued efforts to promote "Green" energy while attacking the Oil & Gas industry.

Isn't oil and gas a "BFD" out there? Maybe they should include job retraining for the people put out of work.

If so-called "green energy" ever becomes a reality, let it be through evolving technology and market forces. Personally, I think it violates the laws of conservation of energy, specifically, energy cannot be created from nothing. Even solar and wind have environmental costs of their own and are not a free lunch.

I've toyed with moving to TX. But I can easily see it flipping blue. The place where I originally looked to move, NV, has already flipped blue.

My sister moved down to FL, and is helping flip that blue (I'm one of the two conservatives out of four sibling.)

But if TX and FL flip, turn out the lights and leave, we're done. I'm just hoping, like what heppened from the 70s tot he 80s, people get sick of the liberal bullshit, and the pendulum swings the other way. VA may be the test for this. I can't say I'm too hopeful.

quote:

Originally posted by Modern Day Savage:

quote:

Originally posted by BBMW:
Huh? I live in a state that's been blue since well before the term was invented. And lately it's been getting even worse. I now see the blue creeping into states that had been solidly conservative. If they don't stem the tide, they're going to end up as liberal as it is here. It may very well be to late for CO. I'm seeing the same thing in VA.

quote:

Originally posted by Modern Day Savage:

quote:

Originally posted by BBMW:
Elections have consequences. Either get rid of he Dems or live with their bullshit.

...says the man who resides in a state that some forecast to turn blue in the next 10-12 years.

From one of your previous posts I thought you lived in Texas. My mistake. And yes, a lot of Red states were complacent and took their status for granted, allowing Blue to creep in.

I'm angry at the complacency of some voters, but I also have to remind myself it's difficult to accept just how large a change the Progressive Left has made. It's difficult to grasp their departure from reality or pragmatism, and instead embrace a utopian order that doesn't, and can't, exist...

...but the situation is what it is, can't be denied, and it's past time that voters opposed to these changes kick into gear and start to fight back.

quote:

Originally posted by BBMW:
I've toyed with moving to TX. But I can easily see it flipping blue. The place where I originally looked to move, NV, has already flipped blue.

My sister moved down to FL, and is helping flip that blue (I'm one of the two conservatives out of four sibling.)

But if TX and FL flip, turn out the lights and leave, we're done. I'm just hoping, like what heppened from the 70s tot he 80s, people get sick of the liberal bullshit, and the pendulum swings the other way. VA may be the test for this. I can't say I'm too hopeful.

quote:

Originally posted by Modern Day Savage:

quote:

Originally posted by BBMW:
Huh? I live in a state that's been blue since well before the term was invented. And lately it's been getting even worse. I now see the blue creeping into states that had been solidly conservative. If they don't stem the tide, they're going to end up as liberal as it is here. It may very well be to late for CO. I'm seeing the same thing in VA.

quote:

Originally posted by Modern Day Savage:

quote:

Originally posted by BBMW:
Elections have consequences. Either get rid of he Dems or live with their bullshit.

...says the man who resides in a state that some forecast to turn blue in the next 10-12 years.

From one of your previous posts I thought you lived in Texas. My mistake. And yes, a lot of Red states were complacent and took their status for granted, allowing Blue to creep in.

I'm angry at the complacency of some voters, but I also have to remind myself it's difficult to accept just how large a change the Progressive Left has made. It's difficult to grasp their departure from reality or pragmatism, and instead embrace a utopian order that doesn't, and can't, exist...

...but the situation is what it is, can't be denied, and it's past time that voters opposed to these changes kick into gear and start to fight back.

Stay far, far away from Colorado. Your kooky cashless-society notions are entirely unwelcome, anywhere.

quote:

Originally posted by egregore:

quote:

- Continued efforts to promote "Green" energy while attacking the Oil & Gas industry.

Isn't oil and gas a "BFD" out there? Maybe they should include job retraining for the people put out of work.

If so-called "green energy" ever becomes a reality, let it be through evolving technology and market forces. Personally, I think it violates the laws of conservation of energy, specifically, energy cannot be created from nothing. Even solar and wind have environmental costs of their own and are not a free lunch.

Yes, oil and gas is a BFD in Colorado...or, at least it used to be, in terms of the state economy.

In 2018 a ballot initiative was put before the voters that would have severely curtailed oil & gas operations and allowed for communities to impose local restrictions, but the voters overwhelmingly rejected this measure...so, the Democrat controlled legislature, in their elitist infinite wisdom, decided to ignore and reject the voter's decision and impose significant and severe restrictions on the oil and gas industry...and in the span of less than a year the majority of oil and gas operations have shut down and left the state. One oil and gas industry expert declared Colorado a non-investment state in a recent report, meaning that they advised investors and operations not to invest in operations within the state.

Oh, and there is no need for a government funded retraining program because many of the workers (and their dollars) have left the state to follow the jobs into other states more friendly to oil and gas operations.

Republican Senator Lundeen and Rep. Carver introduced a bill that would have required that a portion of the Sales and Use tax be used to fund transportation projects for the state's ongoing aging and deteriorating roads and bridges and infrastructure problems, without raising taxes, however the Democrat controlled legislature sent the bill to die in the "kill committee" of the State, Veterans and Military Affairs Committee.

SB20-044 Sales and Use Tax Revenue for Transportation