Recent News
Budget Surprise: Republican Amendments Make a Splash
DENVER - Today, Republicans in the Colorado State Senate offered constructive, bipartisan amendments in an effort to refocus state dollars on the priorities of everyday Coloradans. Below is a summary of the most impactful amendments, alongside commentary from...
Holbert & Rankin: Jobs, students and roads are top stimulus priorities
By Senators Chris Holbert and Bob Rankin In the coming weeks and months, legislators in the State Capitol will dole out $800 million in state stimulus spending (not to be confused with federal stimulus dollars). While economic projections and data show a quick...
Democrats Close the Curtains on Transparency
DENVER - This afternoon, Senate Democrats voted to postpone Senate Bill 21-023 indefinitely in the Senate Judiciary Committee. The bill - sponsored by State Senator Barbara Kirkmeyer (R-Weld County) - was inspired by recent revelations in the media of the use of...
Gardner: Rein in the power of health bureaucrats
By Senator Bob Gardner On March 11, 2020, Gov. Jared Polis declared a state of emergency in response to the coronavirus pandemic. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) then stepped in and has since issued over 45 public health orders and...
Kirkmeyer: Conservative women led the way
By Senator Barbara Kirkmeyer In 1920, the champions of the Women’s Suffrage Movement made history with the ratification of the 19th Amendment. Since then, women across our state and country continue to change the world. In fact, a record number of women were elected...
Democrats Move to Free Criminals, Simultaneously Create More of Them
DENVER – In a double-header, marathon hearing, Democrats on the Colorado Senate Judiciary Committee decided that logic and reason were no longer in fashion, prompting them to move both Senate Bills 21-062 and 21-078 further along in the legislative process. SB21-062 –...
Minority Leaders Holbert and McKean Address Republican Priorities for Stimulus Funds
DENVER – Tomorrow, March 5th, Senate Minority Leader Holbert and House Minority Leader McKean will hold a joint press availability to address Republican priorities for Colorado’s stimulus funds. WHO: Senator Chris Holbert (R-Douglas County) & Representative...
Civics Bill Passes First Hurdle
DENVER – Senate Bill 21-067 moved forward in the legislative process after passing the Colorado Senate Education Committee in a near-unanimous vote this afternoon. The bill, sponsored by Senator Don Coram (R-Montrose), would establish curriculum standards for Colorado...
Kirkmeyer: Colorado students suffered the “COVID slide,” we must measure how bad it is
By Senator Barbara Kirkmeyer With schools being closed for much of the last year (even though they may have offered remote learning), we all know a lot of students have fallen behind academically. However, what is not clear is exactly how far behind our kids have...
Leader Holbert’s Opening Day Speech
DENVER - Below is a transcript of the speech that Minority Leader Chris Holbert gave on the opening day of the 1st Regular Session of the 73rd General Assembly: "Mr. President, Mr. Majority Leader, members of the Colorado Senate, families and guests: With the start of...
Colorado Senate Republicans Respond to Events in Washington D.C.
DENVER - In response to the eruption of violence in Washington D.C. - and specifically at the United States Capitol - members of the Colorado Senate Republicans have released the following statements: Minority Leader Chris Holbert: "As we prepare for the 2021 Colorado...