In the November general election, Colorado voters gave Republicans control of the state Senate, while keeping Democrats in charge of the state House of Representatives. In the legislative session that begins Wednesday, and with Democratic John Hickenlooper still governor, bipartisan cooperation will be necessary for anything to get done.
Having each party in control of one house could foster that. For one thing, the margins are razor-thin. House Democrats have only a three-vote edge over their GOP colleagues, 34 to 31. In the state Senate the Republicans’ lead is even slimmer, 18 to 17.
Divided control could lead to gridlock, but with such tight margins, divided government could also serve as a brake on grandstanding and ideological posturing. Nothing either party pulls out of its more extreme wing will go anywhere.
House Minority Leader Brian DelGrosso of Loveland has said, “What it is going to bring is middle-of-the-road legislation that is basically supported by both sides of the aisle.”
The House Republicans said agenda largely bears that out. It focuses on education, the economy, transportation and public safety. Some of their ideas, such as repealing a ban on high-capacity ammunition magazines, could run into trouble with the governor, but not all Democrats liked the ban, so ending it may well pass.
With the economy improving, more funding for education could also get bipartisan support. So, too, could a continuation of last year’s move that gave a tax break to small-business owners on equipment purchased.
Transportation is another area encumbered by little controversy. While there is always a question as to how to pay for them and what else may be cut in exchange, there is no arguing that Colorado’s roads and bridges need work. Democrats and Republicans drive cars.
House Democrats’ agenda differs, of course, but it hardly sounds radically at odds with the GOP’s. Incoming House Speaker Dickey Lee Hullinghorst of Boulder said, “One of our major focuses will be on jobs and the economy. ... We’ll be looking at bills that go to that economic security and economic fairness issue.”
That is Democratic language, but it could also be a reason to agree with Republicans on a transportation bill or better funding for education.
For their part, Senate Republicans are touting pro-business proposals. State Sen. Ellen Roberts, R-Durango, would roll back the excessive regulations she says came about when the Democrats ran the Legislature.
Across the aisle, Sen. Morgan Carroll, D-Aurora, said she would focus more on rural areas that have not experienced the same strong economic rebound as Denver.
Where all this could most critically come together is in how the Legislature handles regulating the gas industry. The task force formed by Hickenlooper to fend off a series of ballot issues – co-chaired by La Plata County Commissioner Gwen Lachelt – is expected to present the Legislature with its recommendations in February. Assuming members of the task force can come to an agreement, a bipartisan response from Colorado lawmakers could go a long way to resolving some contentious issues.
Democrats and Republicans naturally differ in their interests, approaches, thinking and beliefs. But with Colorado government so closely divided, there is a chance this year for our legislators to put aside partisan posturing and do good for the state.
