By Marianne Goodland | Denver Gazette
Republican lawmakers, who are in the minority at the state Capitol, said they saw little success in their campaign to save residents money this year, as Democrats “shredded” that goal.
At the beginning of the session, Republicans unveiled a series of measures that, they insisted, would save the average Colorado family $4,500 each year.
“We had hopes to make life more affordable,” said Senate Minority Leader Paul Lundeen of Monument.
The agenda included measures to repeal the state’s grocery bag ban and undo a retail delivery fee, ride share fees, and regulations around cage-free eggs. They also sought reductions in energy and utility costs, and pushed to reduce and — eventually repeal — the state income tax and the state tax on Social Security income.
Still, Republicans counted as part of their victory the passage of a bill adding nuclear power to the state’s list of “clean” energy solutions, a long-time effort, and regulatory relief through Senate Bill 39, which lifted a requirement for owners of agricultural buildings to report on energy use.
The Republicans reflected on the 2025 session a day after lawmakers wrapped up their work for the year.
They looked back — and looked ahead, warning about another year of potential budget pain. This year, lawmakers had little flexibility, as they worked to plug a $1.2 billion deficit.
Republicans, in fact, had improved their numerical position following the elections in November. In the House, Republicans hold 22 seats, up from 19 the previous year.
House Minority Leader Rose Pugliese of Colorado Springs said their agenda focused on affordability, public safety, the Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights and parental rights. This was a nod to the lengthy battles over House Bill 1312, the transgender bill that won final passage on the last day of the session.
She noted HB 1312 changed substantially in the last days of the session, saying it showed “the voices of the people were heard.”