DENVER – At noon today, Senate and House Republicans in the Colorado General Assembly came together to introduce their Commitment to Colorado legislative package, containing 44 pieces of legislation.
The core tenants of the Republican Commitment to Colorado were unveiled at a press conference with the Republican Party of Colorado last year. Today’s event focused on translating those principles into actionable legislation.
“We are excited,” said Senate Minority Leader Chris Holbert (R-Douglas County). “This legislative package establishes our priorities for this session – the same priorities of most Coloradans. Our state has become unaffordable, crime is spiking, and our government schools are in absolute disarray. It’s time to think outside the box, get creative, and find real solutions for the people of Colorado who are struggling.”
Legislation that was introduced today regarding affordability included:
A House Bill from Representative McKean and Senator Hisey that will exempt ALL food from the sales tax in Colorado. The cost of groceries has grown noticeably over the last year (10.5% by some estimates). Additionally, our local restaurants have suffered due to COVID-19 restrictions and shutdowns. This bill will extend the sales tax exemption to all food–both prepared and fresh.
A Senate Bill from Senator Liston and Representative Carver that will expand the Senior & Veteran Property Tax Exemptions. Currently, qualifying seniors and veterans with a disability may exempt up to $200,000 of their home value from property taxes. This bill expands the exemption up to $400,000.
“Coloradans are no longer able to ignore the stark realities of skyrocketing crime and the drastic increase in the cost of living that Democrat policies have put on the state,” said House Minority Leader Hugh McKean (R-Loveland). “We need to actually address the issues. When we take a look at what we can do to make Colorado more affordable, it is not just delaying fees and taxes, it is about getting the government out of the way and allowing the people of Colorado to prosper without excessive restrictions and regulations.”
“Our priorities have not changed. What has changed are Coloradans’ daily lives due to the policies of the majority party in this building,” said House Assistance Minority Leader Tim Geitner (R-El Paso County). “As Republicans, we are united and ready to continue our fight for the people of Colorado. The last two years have been challenging enough, what we don’t need is more democrat-led political games that have placed criminals over victims, unions over students, and abandoned our agricultural industry.”
Legislation that was introduced today regarding public safety included:
A Senate Bill from Senator Cooke that will create a fund that will allow law enforcement agencies to hire officers that reflect the diversity of the communities they serve. It is known as the S.M.A.R.T. Policing Act.
A Senate Bill from Senator Woodward that will prohibit an individual accused of repeat or violent offenses from receiving an unsecured personal recognizance (PR) bond.
“Under Democratic control, it has become tougher for families to imagine their futures in this state,” said Senator Barbara Kirkmeyer (R-Weld County). “Republicans are bringing forth legislation that will bring down the cost of living, keep violent criminals off our streets, and fix our broken education system. We hope that Democrats will join us in fighting for a better Colorado.”
“I hear anxiety in the voices of my constituents on a daily basis. I see it in their emails, texts, and social media messages. Everything costs more! More of their money goes to government and the money they do get to keep is worth less,” said Senator Rob Woodward (R-Loveland). “These issues matter. This isn’t political – it’s real – people are struggling. Republicans are committed to providing relief this legislative session.”
Legislation that was introduced today regarding education included:
A Senate Bill from Senators Lundeen and Kirkmeyer that will fully “buy-down” and eliminate the negative/budget stabilization factor and create a scholarship in the Department of Education to enhance school choice.
A House Bill from Representative Bradfield and Senator Rankin that will help teachers pay for school supplies that they purchase with their own money by creating a tax credit for those expenses.
“Over the last few years, restrictions and regulations have consumed our state and the way that Coloradans are able to conduct their lives and businesses,” said Representative Dan Woog (R-Weld County). “They have reached a breaking point. Republicans are united in working for the people of Colorado so that we can actually deliver a state that families can afford, feel safe in, and raise their families in.”
Additional legislation that was introduced today included:
A Senate Bill from Senator Rankin and Representative McKean that will study the plausibility of bringing small modular nuclear to Colorado. It will also expand the megawatt threshold for hydroelectricity.
A House Bill from Representative Lynch and Senator Rankin that will focus on the management of our neglected forests. The bill will generate revenue through timber sales to fund prescribed burns and other wildfire prevention measures.
You can view the entire list of all 44 bills on our website.
Video of today’s Press Conference is available. Please reach out to Sage Naumann (contact information above) if interested. Fox31 also recorded and streamed the entire event.