DENVER | Colorado Democrats begin the 2014 legislative session with a tenuous grasp on the state Senate after two recalls over gun restrictions, but they still control both chambers and the direction of the lawmaking term that opens Wednesday.
“People keep saying, what do you think the session’s going to be like? That’s the Number 1 question, what’s it going to be like? The real people to ask are the ones that are still in control,” said GOP Senate leader Bill Cadman.
hat’s not to say Republicans plan on being idle. Many of the lingering questions will be driven by Republicans trying to force Democrats into difficult positions in an election year: What will Democrats do with GOP attempts to change, or repeal, limits on ammunition magazines and expanded background checks on all gun purchases? Will Democrats accept Republican suggestions to soften a tougher renewable energy standard for rural electricity providers? Will there be compromise on proposals to change Democrats’ election law overhaul, which implemented Election Day registration last year?
Party leaders will outline their priorities Wednesday morning during speeches to convene the 2014 session, which runs until May 7.
Democrats want to keep the focus on economic development.
“We’re leading the country in economic recovery, but I think most people will still tell you it’s a fragile economy,” said incoming Democratic Senate President Morgan Carroll.
Democrats have indicated they want to increase funding for higher education and put caps on tuition increases. Democrats and Republicans also want to implement education reforms — part of a failed $1 billion tax increase in November — such as boosting aid to English-language learners and increasing transparency in school spending.
The parties are also collaborating on legislation to address wildfires and September’s massive floods. Proposals include tax incentives for mitigation and a fund to help firefighters buy better equipment. Lawmakers also want to give counties budgeting flexibility for bridge and road repairs.
In addition, there’s wide support for increasing the state’s budget reserves as the economy continues to improve.
Democrats control the House 37-28. But the recall of two Democrats, including former Senate President John Morse, narrowed the party’s lead in the Senate to 18-17. The recalls were a result of outcry over gun restrictions Democrats passed last year.
Still, Carroll is hopeful her party can be successful.
“Most of the things we’re pursuing I think that we can get Republican support on,” she said.