Nearing the Finish Line

As the session winds down, several things came together in what turned out to be a pretty productive week:

State Checkbook will be online soon! HB1288 on its way: We are one step closer to having the state’s checkbook placed online in a searchable format. The story is here.

SJM 8 on Cap and Trade: On Monday I presented legislation that urged congress to reject a cap and trade scheme for the purpose of minimizing carbon production. The impacts of cap and trade legislation will be staggering if it is adopted. Even by EPA estimates, it will result in millions of lost jobs which will be reflected in a multi-trillion dollar hit to our nation’s GDP by the time of full implementation.

While an incredible and constantly growing body of scientific evidence points away from man-caused global warming, my point of attack was not climate, but economics. And that is where most Americans want elected leaders to focus. According to a Pew survey released earlier in the year, Americans view global warming as the least important issue among 20 major issues including everything from immigration and trade policy to Social Security and crime. Not surprisingly, the economy was their number one issue, and the issue I was highlighting.

The truth is, passing policies that hurt our prosperity in such profound ways would have a nasty ripple effect throughout the whole economy. And limiting the ability of Americans to be prosperous and pursue the American Dream doesn’t just have financial consequences. It would have a chilling effect on the full enjoyment of our unalienable right to the pursuit of happiness.

Outlawing BZP, HB 1157: BZP is a dangerous drug generally considered to be a party drug. The federal government classifies it in the same category as the worst drugs available. Rep. Waller and I are creating a new felony offense for possession of BZP which is often considered as ecstasy light to party goers. The bill will be heard by the full senate Monday. Here’s more: http://www.coloradosenatenews.com/content/view/1018/26/ The Denver Daily News reported on it here.

Eliminating the Electoral College bill is dead: HB 1299
After languishing on the senate calendar for about a month, the bill to dismantle the electoral college and go to a straight popular vote in Colorado -- and to join a gaggle of other states doing the same thing -- died for lack of support. The bill sponsor went to the mic and asked for a no vote. Earlier in the week, this bill caused some real fireworks when I made a procedural motion that would have temporarily killed it. Sometimes the majority just needs to be reminded that we are not giving up ground without a fight. The story is on the Post’s website here.

In short, bills like this strike a blow against federalism and virtually guarantee that smaller states like Colorado would become less meaningful in the national system. In some ways, it could be analogous to taking away two US Senators, and being left with just a state’s house members. It’s an irresponsible move for Colorado lawmakers to make, for it weakens our electoral significance and in all reality, could dampen our ability to secure appropriations when other more influential players are after the same taxpayer funds.

G.I. Promise Act for Colorado Vets Passes the Senate: HB1039
After a very long tortured path, the bill granting in-state tuition to honorably discharged veterans finally passed its final vote in the senate today. Now, once the house agrees to senate amendments (I’m told they will) it will go to the Governor’s desk for action. There’s a great story in today’s Colorado Springs Gazette here.