Colorado Legislature Returns Amid Lingering Issues and Unresolved Debates

As Colorado legislators reconvene at the Capitol on January 10, 2024, the sense of déjà vu will be palpable. The regular session comes on the heels of a special session in November, where a poorly written temporary property tax relief bill was passed. Now, lawmakers are set to tackle several unresolved issues from the 2023 session, many pushed by progressives and unpopular among the majority of Coloradans.

The upcoming session's agenda is packed. The key issues expected to be addressed include:

THE BUDGET — The 2024-25 fiscal year budget is a priority, with sufficient revenue to sustain current programs. However, funds for new significant initiatives are limited, especially since federal relief money from the pandemic era has been spent or allocated. The state government is returning to a "normal" budget.

Proposals for the 2024 session would cost Colorado taxpayers nearly $2 billion.  One huge problem – according to recent forecasts, lawmakers only have about $23 million to spend for ALL new programs.

CRIME & PUNISHMENT — Law enforcement reform, prison issues, and changes in criminal law, often championed by Democratic will be front and center. The rise in prison populations and staffing shortages are forcing lawmakers to consider allocating more funds to prisons. Governor Jared Polis is also seeking more taxpayer dollars for public safety initiatives, including auto theft reduction. Republicans want stronger penalties for fentanyl trafficking and sales – especially to minors. Funding debates will undoubtedly trigger conflict between progressives and moderates in the Democratic Party.

EDUCATION FUNDING — With the elimination of the Budget Stabilization Factor, 2024 could be a landmark year for K-12 schools. However, the challenge lies in determining subsidies for the expanding universal preschool program and ensuring adequate support for state colleges and universities.

LAND USE — After a comprehensive bill to impose statewide guidelines on land use was rejected in the Senate, Polis is returning with an ambitious "housing and transportation" plan. However, the details and potential impact of this plan remain unclear. Strap-in for round two of local governments pushing back against Polis and an overreaching state bureaucracy.

PROPERTY TAXES — With the taste of the failed “extraordinary special session” still in their mouths, Colorado lawmakers return to the Capitol with property owners still dissatisfied with their tax bills.  And after voters rejected Proposition HH, a tax relief plan proposed by Polis and majority Democrats, in 2023, a stop-gap measure was passed in a special session to reduce 2024 property tax bill increases. However, a long-term solution remains elusive and will be a priority for the 2024 session.

SOCIAL SERVICES — The state's Medicaid, behavioral health, and welfare systems are facing a crisis, primarily due to inadequate reimbursements to medical professionals and mental health counselors. The legislature will have to balance efforts to increase funding for these services with the need for new legislative programs. Colorado lawmakers can’t have a comprehensive conversation about these skyrocketing costs without addressing our state’s current migrant crisis.

“RACIAL JUSTICE” — Led by Northeast Denver Democrats, a bill will be proposed to commission a task force to study the impacts of slavery and systematic racism on Black Coloradans. This study aims to identify and quantify disparities in healthcare, housing, education, the criminal justice system, and the economy.

As the legislators gear up for the session, many conservatives remain wary of the disruptions caused by Democrats during the recent “special session.” The pressure is on for lawmakers to effectively address these critical issues, while avoiding the political grandstanding that marked the November session.