What To Expect From Colorado's Divided Legislature
DENVER (AP) - After two years of Democratic dominance, Colorado's Legislature next year returns to divided control, with Democrats in charge of the House and Republicans ruling the Senate.
Lawmakers from both parties insist they'll work together and avoid gridlock. But with big decisions looming, lawmakers may struggle.
Here's what to expect from the divided Legislature:
FRACKING FIGHT
The top item on the 2015 agenda is Colorado's long-delayed debate on new restrictions for the oil and gas industry. Democratic Gov. John Hickenlooper recently set up a task force to suggest ways to give cities and counties more control over drilling in their communities. The 18-member task force was a compromise after critics of hydraulic fracturing vowed to seek ballot measures putting new limits on the industry after years of only modest changes coming from the Capitol. It was uncertain from the beginning whether the oil and gas industry would find common ground with those who oppose drilling in populated areas. Split control of the Legislature makes it even more unclear whether the task force's recommendations to lawmakers make any difference.
MARIJUANA
Another task force will send legislative recommendations on marijuana. Lawmakers last year ordered edible-marijuana manufacturers to come up with a way to make sure their products can't be confused with regular foods when out of the package. So far, a panel of state regulators, industry representatives and law enforcement has struggled to come up with a solution. The group has a final meeting next week, after which they'll have to come up with a proposal for lawmakers.
MARIJUANA PART 2
Lawmakers will also be looking at pot taxes. Colorado's complicated state finances may require some of the voter-approved recreational pot taxes to be returned to taxpayers. That's because the improving state economy has boosted state tax collections, triggering mandatory refunds under the 1992 Taxpayers' Bill of Rights. Lawmakers can keep the pot money - if they ask voters first, a maneuver that would require passage of referred ballot measure. Taxing pot seems to have bipartisan support, but any discussion of pot taxes could renew debate about whether Colorado is overtaxing the newly legal drug, and whether the proceeds are being spent appropriately.
MORE MONEY PROBLEMS
Colorado's flush economic times could mean more partisan wrangling - money brings sniping over how it should be spent. Hickenlooper has proposed a budget that includes $136.6 million in refunds through credits or sales taxes when people file taxes in 2016. But the Democrat also wants to spend more on K-12 schools ($480 million), state colleges ($107 million), and state employees (raises and health insurance assistance worth $73 million). Now that the governor's proposal has to win approval through a chamber controlled by the GOP, expect some intense wrangling over whether taxpayer refunds should go up and those spending items should go down.
GUNS
Republicans in the Senate tried and failed last year to repeal some divisive gun-control enhancements passed in 2013. Expect the GOP to try again when they control the Senate. They may send Democrats in the House a repeal of expanded background checks or a limit on ammunition magazines. Hickenlooper has conceded the gun package roiled some voters, and Democrats could have another set of tough decisions to make on whether to curb gun rights in the wake of mass shootings. The looming trial of accused Aurora theater shooting suspect James Holmes, now set to begin while lawmakers are in session, could complicate the debate.
BY KRISTEN WYATT, ASSOCIATED PRESS
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