DENVER – Gov. John Hickenlooper delivered his fifth State of the State address Thursday to a divided Legislature, pointing to difficult work ahead.
Escorted by a bipartisan group of lawmakers, Hickenlooper made his way to the floor of the House of Representatives where he delivered his remarks to a joint meeting of both the House and Senate.
He focused heavily on the economy, though his broad and meandering speech also touched on looming tax refunds as a result of budget surpluses.
Hickenlooper stopped short of outlining a way forward in addressing taxing and spending conflicts in the state constitution. But he expressed frustration with the system that simultaneously requires spending while mandating refunds.
“If we do nothing, if we pretend the future will take care of itself, and we’re back here in two years facing what was clearly an avoidable crisis, history will show that we failed future generations of Coloradans,” Hickenlooper said during his nearly 45-minute speech.
But the governor was light on calling for specific legislation. He faces a split Legislature this year in which controversial bills do not stand much of a chance.
Instead, he highlighted more general areas for the Legislature to consider, such as water policy and transportation funding.
“The Colorado Water Plan represents a paradigm shift of cooperation and collaboration and goes a long way to ensure we strategically allocate this precious resource to maximize our entire state’s ability to grow and flourish,” Hickenlooper said of a draft water plan that aims to guide innovative policy.
He pointed to Dolores County residents Tim and Peg Rossiter as examples of creative thinking. As owners of River Rim Teardrops, the Rossiters bought a cargo trailer and turned it into a camper shaped like a teardrop. That became a business making camping trailers.
The company mantra is: “We build them the old way because the old ones are still around.”
“That’s the sort of sound, sturdy motto that rings true to Coloradans,” Hickenlooper said.
But the governor said economic development has a long way to go. He announced Colorado Blueprint 2.0. The Office of Economic Development and International Trade will work to attract independent contractors to work in under-served areas of the state by providing incentives around affordable housing, health care and Internet access.
He said workforce development must be coupled with growth in the state’s education programs. Hickenlooper’s budget proposal for the upcoming fiscal year that will begin in July includes a $200 million one-time transfer for education.
“Beyond questions of funding, we need to confront the truth about whether Colorado’s kids are getting the education they need to compete and succeed in the job market,” Hickenlooper said.
He appeared supportive of a legislative effort underway to ease testing requirements for students, but remained committed to assessments in English and math through high school.
In terms of health and safety issues, Hickenlooper said a focus must be placed on child welfare and mental health. He also expressed support for a measure that would create a felony for multiple DUIs and encouraged vigilance in terms of marijuana regulation.
Also in the health and safety categories, Hickenlooper acknowledged a connection to natural-gas and oil issues, especially concerning tensions between those who want local governments to have control over hydraulic fracturing and industry executives who are fearful of a patchwork of rules and regulations.
He said his administration is committed to maintaining a safe and beautiful Colorado, including building hiking and biking trails, protecting wildlife and expanding hunting opportunities.
“Now is when we must come together to address these issues,” Hickenlooper said. “We don’t need to throw knives, just the political courage to face the facts and do some real math.”
pmarcus@durangoherald.com
