‘It’s crucial that we work together’: House Republican leaders call for bipartisan cooperation in special session

By / / Approved, Rocky Mountain Voice, State

By BRIAN PORTER | Rocky Mountain Voice

When Gov. Jared Polis called on Thursday for a special session of the 74th State Legislature, he specifically noted the need for bipartisan efforts toward property tax solutions for Coloradans.

It is crucial those words are reflected in actions of the majority party, leaders of the House Republicans said in a joint media statement. Republicans face a superminority in the Colorado House — only 19 of the 65 members are Republican — which often meant during regular session their bills are killed in committee and their voices muted.

“The majority party has had multiple opportunities to work with us on a solution,” said Assistant Minority Leader Ty Winter. “Instead, their delays and dysfunction have led to a rushed process that could have been avoided with proper planning and bipartisan cooperation.”

The single-item call on property tax will convene at 10 a.m. Monday, Aug. 26, Polis’ order reads.

The special session appears to be the product of more cooperative work between the parties for property tax solutions, or at least to avoid two citizen-led initiatives from reaching the ballot.

“The cost of inaction is too high,” Polis said in a statement announcing the special call.

In order for a special session of the legislature to be called, it must be deemed to be an emergency, or as his order calls it, an “extraordinary occasion”. The special session may only include those items in the call, in this case specifically property tax.

“This Special Session is an opportunity to address the property tax burden that has been challenging Colorado families,” said Minority Leader Rose Pugliese. “Our goal is to provide effective solutions for property tax relief while ensuring that local governments can balance their budgets and continue providing essential services. It’s crucial that we work together to get this right.”

The priority for Republicans, the statement reads, is delivering bipartisan solutions which would provide relief for homeowners, small businesses and governments dependent on the resources in communities throughout the state.

Polis indicates he will not sign any legislation passed during the special session until the proponents of Prop. 108 and Initiative 50 pull the measures from the ballot.

“We should not be in this position,” Winter said. “Last Special Session devolved into theatrics; let’s hope that does not happen again.”