Pelton, Sonnenberg not impressed with governor’s State of the State address

The Colorado General Assembly began its 2020 session on Wednesday, Jan. 8, and followed it on Thursday, Jan. 9, with Gov. Jared Polis and his second State of the State address.

Wednesday was the opportunity for legislative leaders to outline their agendas for 2020. Based on the remarks, 2020 is not likely to be much different from 2019, at least in terms of an aggressive progressive agenda, by Democrats; and efforts to fight back, from Republicans.

The session’s biggest issues are likely to include a “public option” bill for health insurance, one in which hospitals would face price controls; a paid family and medical leave program that would mandate employers to participate in a state-run program; gun control measures; and repeal of the death penalty.

Polis, in a 57-minute address on Jan. 9, touted the accomplishments of the 2019 legislature, including taxpayer-funded full-day kindergarten, a reinsurance program that resulted in an average of 20% lower health insurance premiums statewide, and expansion of the state’s preschool program by 5,100 slots. He also noted the state made its largest-ever investment in transportation funding, roughly $500 million.

Polis’ agenda for 2020 includes expanding the state’s preschool program by adding 6,000 slots, which he said would make preschool available to half of all eligible children in Colorado.

“We need to keep our economy strong, but more importantly — we need to make sure our economy works for everyone.,” Polis said. That includes investing in rural economic development and rural broadband, “helping our rural hospitals thrive,” and supporting the next generation of farmers and ranchers.

However, only the rural economic development program is mentioned in Polis’ 2020-21 budget proposal. Polis’ Nov. 1 budget suggests an expansion of rural economic development grant programs. It does not set aside any funding for rural broadband, assistance for rural hospitals or for finding ways to help beginning farmers and ranchers, although that’s part of the agenda of Polis’ agriculture commissioner, Kate Greenberg.

One statement that raised a lot of eyebrows among Republicans was when Polis appeared to take credit for a reduction in the state’s income tax rate.

“This year, due to our strong economy and a bipartisan deal from 2005, every Coloradan will receive real tax relief as our state income taxes go down to a historic low of 4.5%,” Polis said.  That reduction is tied to the Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights, which voters approved in 1992.

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