In preparation for the 2017 legislative session, Capitol Coverage reporter Bente Birkeland spoke with this year's leadership. Senators and representatives, as well as Gov. John Hickenlooper, shared their thoughts and plans for the upcoming session.
Sen. Grantham To Tackle Budget, Transportation In 2017 Session
Republican Kevin Grantham will lead the state Senate in 2017, where his party held onto its one-seat majority. He represents District 2, located in north-central Colorado and includes northwestern Denver suburbs, and says he’s the first rural Senate president in over four decades.
Senate Minority Leader Guzman Talks Election Losses And 2017 Goals
Democratic Sen. Lucia Guzman, representing District 34 (Denver), is the only legislative leader returning to her role, but it’s something she didn’t expect. Guzman said Democrats fully anticipated winning the majority in the Senate, but after the November election they are still one seat shy. The GOP holds an 18-17 seat advantage.
Colorado's New Speaker Of The House Talks Priorities For The 2017 Session
Democrat Crisanta Duran will serve as the top lawmaker in the state House of Representatives next session, leading the 65-member chamber as speaker of the house. She will also be the first Latina to serve in that role in state history.
Colorado's House Minority Leader Previews 2017 Session
Republican Rep. Patrick Neville is only serving his second term in office, but he recently rose to the highest position in his caucus -- house minority leader. Rep. Neville’s appointment comes as a surprise; Rep. Polly Lawrence, who has served in the legislature since 2012, was considered the heir apparent.
Gov. Hickenlooper Discusses Goals For One Of His Last Sessions
Gov. John Hickenlooper is entering his second to last legislative session as governor. He said he’s very aware of his time in office being limited, and that colored his discussion of his goals for the upcoming legislative session.
Capitol Coverage is a collaborative public policy reporting project, providing news and analysis to communities across Colorado for more than a decade. Fifteen public radio stations participate in Capitol Coverage from throughout Colorado.
