Denver, CO

As the morning radio said this past Wednesday, January 9th, “Colorado Lawmakers are at it again,” referring to the Colorado House of Representatives and Colorado Senate being back in session for the next 120 days to develop and (hopefully) pass some new laws.
About-DenverCo was at the first day of the 2008 session, as well as day #2. The first day, this blog site was privileged to hear some encouraging words from House Speaker Democrat Andrew Romanoff and from the House Minority leader Republican Mike May.

The message of Speaker Romanoff was refreshing for this author and can be summarized with a few great quotes:

“Dozens of factors should affect [kids] education but [their] zip code shouldn’t be one of them.”

“In our country, where you come from shouldn’t determine where you end up.”

“Simplify tax code so businesses don’t need an army of accountants.”

Create incentives for people to stay healthy. (paraphrased)

Protect our environment. Replenish forests. (paraphrased)

“We don’t have to savage the economy to salvage the environment. We can sustain both.”

The House Minority Leader Republican Mike May also had some good things to say that were fairly well aligned with the Speaker’s message:

“[we] cannot solve every problem with taxes.”

Use auto-related taxes to pay for a healthy transportation system. (paraphrased)

Dedicate money to higher ed, but first tie money to performance. (paraphrased)

“Real solutions for the environment. Preserve state parks and forest.”

“Every bill should empower, not hinder, people, business, and the economy.”

From what About-DenverCo heard this week at the Capitol, Colorado Lawmakers are definitely at it again but with the intention of working together and reducing partisan warfare. Let’s hope this message proves true.

Tomorrow’s blog: Notes and quotes from Bill Ritter’s State of the State Address.