By BRIAN PORTER | Rocky Mountain Voice
The 75th session of the Colorado General Assembly opens Wednesday, Jan. 8, with sine die — adjournment on the final day of the session — slated for May 7.
Between, Republicans will be faced with minorities in both chambers and the Democratic trifecta, with Gov. Jared Polis heading up the executive branch.
Voters, though, did hand Republicans one advantage. House Republicans are no longer in a super minority and, like Senate Republicans, face a simple minority. That is not to say it will be any easier to pass Republican bills or defeat Democratic bills. Republicans face a 23-12 minority in the Senate and a 43-22 minority in the House.
Heading up the Republican House will again be Minority Leader Rose Pugliese of El Paso County. She has gained three seats from the prior session, when the Republican members were nicknamed the Mighty 19. Ty Winter of Las Animas County is the assistant minority leader. Ryan Armagost of Weld County will be in his first session as minority whip, a position previously held by Richard Holtorf of Washington County.
“Together, we will ensure that the concerns of our communities are heard and addressed effectively,” Pugliese said upon the selection of leadership in December.
Sen. Paul Lundeen of Monument will again serve as minority leader for Senate Republicans. Cleave Simpson of Alamosa is the assistant minority leader and Janice Rich of Grand Junction will serve as the minority whip.
“Our caucus is uniquely diverse in representing a wide array of perspectives, expertise and experience from every corner of state,” Lundeen said, upon the selection of leadership in December. “This caucus now carries the heavy mantle of applying this expertise into service, not just to our own constituents, but to the entire state. I am grateful for this team and I am eager to get back to work to bring relief for the people of Colorado.”
With a considerable Senate minority, it will not be an easy task to pass through conservative legislation.
“The people of Colorado in all corners of our state are still crying for relief – our caucus of 12 will once again be the driving force that delivers it to them,” Rich said. “I am proud to be part of this leadership team and I am grateful to be part of this caucus.”
Additionally, Byron Pelton of Sterling, who claims to hail from ‘Peltonia’, will serve as Senate Republican caucus chair and Barb Kirkmeyer of Weld County will serve as the caucus’ Joint Budget Committee member.
In the House, Anthony Hartsook of Douglas County will serve as the minority caucus chair, while Rick Taggart of Mesa County will serve as the caucus’ Joint Budget Committee member.
“We are ready to stand strong, challenge the status quo, and deliver real solutions that make life more affordable and opportunities more accessible for every Coloradan,” Winter said.
Access legislators, bills, daily schedules and more at the Colorado General Assembly’s website.