By Brian Porter | Rocky Mountain Voice
Another Republican measure, which could have made everyday life more affordable for Coloradans trying to get by, has been killed by House Democrats.
House Bill 25-1144, by Rep. Dan Woog, R-Frederick, which would have repealed retail delivery fees, was postponed indefinitely Tuesday — legislative lingo for killed — along party lines. The measure failed, 9-4.
“By voting to keep this delivery fee in place, Democrats are adding to the financial strain that Colorado families and small businesses are already struggling with,” Woog said. “This fee is just another example of the hidden costs that make it more difficult for hardworking Coloradans to succeed. Instead of relieving the pressure on our citizens, this vote will only continue to hurt the very people that need help the most.”
Such was also the case, consumers might argue, when Democrats killed HB 25-1074 by two other Weld County lawmakers: Rep. Ryan Gonzalez, R-Greeley, and Sen. Barb Kirkmeyer, R-Brighton. Coloradans paying more than $6 for eggs might have received some relief in the bill by repealing HB 20-1343, which set in place more stringent cage-free egg-laying standards.
Woog’s bill would have resulted in more immediate relief.
“Now, more than ever, Coloradans need relief from the hidden fees and rising costs that continue to nickel and dime them, taking a toll on their financial well-being,” Woog said. “This was a common-sense bill that could have provided immediate relief, but, unfortunately, the majority party chose to protect an unnecessary fee instead of putting Colorado’s families first.”