Hickenlooper To Deliver State Of The State Address
DENVER (AP) — Gov. John Hickenlooper's annual State of the State address Thursday is likely to highlight Colorado's economic prosperity during the past four years, and focus on looming budgetary challenges because of constitutional spending limits.
The Democrat's annual addresses to lawmakers have also previously featured a shout-out to the Broncos — and that's not likely to change even if they're no longer in the playoffs.
Lawmakers will also be anxious to hear what Hickenlooper has to say about the state's taxing-and-spending restrictions, which will soon require refunds to taxpayers because the economy is growing. The Taxpayer's Bill of Rights, or TABOR, mandates refunds when revenue collected exceeds the combined rate of population and inflation growth.
To keep the budget surplus, lawmakers have to ask voters for permission.
This will be Hickenlooper's fifth State of the State address. On Tuesday, he was sworn in to a second term after fending off a challenge from Republican Bob Beauprez.
The speech Hickenlooper gave after taking the oath of office provided a glimpse of what he's likely to say when he outlines his priorities to lawmakers. During that speech, he briefly referenced the debate over TABOR, and said the state was heading toward "a financial thicket" because of it, combines with constitutionally required spending increases to education.
Ongoing economic development initiatives will also be part of his speech. Hickenlooper unveiled an initiative last week aimed at helping people who have been out of work for more than six months find jobs by providing training and urging companies to give them a chance.
He also wants to improve the state's transportation infrastructure by widening Interstate 70 from Denver International Airport to the mountains and Interstate 25 from Wyoming to New Mexico.
Hickenlooper also plans to talk about improving the state's mental health services.
A commission assembled by Hickenlooper is also due to give lawmakers recommendations in late February over how to handle disputes over hydraulic fracturing between energy companies and homeowners. That topic is also likely to be featured in his speech.
By IVAN MORENO, Associated Press
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