Author: Peter Marcus

Hickenlooper has little faith in Republican George Brauchler becoming governor

Apr 19, 2017

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Peter Marcus

Gov. John Hickenlooper doesn’t believe high-profile Republican George Brauchler has a good chance of becoming Colorado’s next governor. Colorado Politics asked Hickenlooper, a Democrat who is term-limited, about the gubernatorial race, which is already heating up ahead of next year. The governor was asked whether he would consider clemency for convicted killer Nathan Dunlap before he…
Deal reached on construction defect litigation reform in Colorado legislature

Apr 19, 2017

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Peter Marcus

A grand compromise reached late Tuesday night on construction defect litigation reform paved the way for a measure to sail through its first hearing Wednesday. By Wednesday afternoon, legislative leaders and bill sponsors were ready to declare victory, suggesting that meaningful construction defect reform is inevitable. A bipartisan group of lawmakers and stakeholders celebrated at a…
Legislation allowing businesses to refuse service over beliefs dies in Colorado Senate

Apr 18, 2017

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Peter Marcus

An effort that would have allowed businesses to deny services to customers based on personal beliefs died in the Colorado legislature on Tuesday, with three Republicans joining Democrats. It was the second failed effort this year aimed at granting business owners and operators the “right to disagree.” Republicans who pushed the measure claimed it was…
Littleton Republican Justin Everett announces on Tax Day a run for treasurer

Apr 18, 2017

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Peter Marcus

Republican state Rep. Justin Everett timed his campaign launch for treasurer of Colorado to coincide with Tax Day. Everett announced his candidacy Tuesday with a campaign video and website launch, in which he promises to “take our state back.” “Why we’re announcing on Tax Day is because it’s the treasurer’s responsibility to protect taxpayers,”…
Colorado bill that would require presidential candidates to release tax returns advances

Apr 17, 2017

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Peter Marcus

Democrats on Monday advanced a measure that would require presidential candidates to disclose complete income tax returns in the wake of President Trump’s refusal to do so. House Bill 1328 passed the House Finance Committee on a party-line 7-5 vote. The legislation faces an uphill battle in the divided legislature. The bill would require candidates for…
Showdown over state budget raises possibility of a special session

Apr 17, 2017

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Peter Marcus

The House and Senate are on a collision course over the proposed annual state budget that has raised increasing concerns over the chance of a special session. “This puts different possibilities on the end of the session,” said Senate President Kevin Grantham, R-Canon City. Senate Republican leadership on Monday placed the blame on House Democrats…
Legislature kills efforts at addressing oil and gas setbacks and equipment tampering

Apr 12, 2017

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Peter Marcus

Oil and gas observers from both sides of the debate each received wins and losses in the legislature on Wednesday as lawmakers tackled setbacks and tampering with equipment. Both bills received partisan votes in separate committees. In the House State, Veterans and Military Affairs Committee, which is controlled by Democrats, legislation died that would have…
Colorado state Sen. Andy Kerr formally announces campaign for congressional seat

Apr 12, 2017

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Peter Marcus

State Sen. Andy Kerr, a Lakewood Democrat, formally announced his campaign on Wednesday to replace U.S. Rep. Ed Perlmutter. Kerr’s campaign was set into motion Sunday after Perlmutter said he would run for governor. Perlmutter will hold his seat in the 7th Congressional District while he runs for governor. The seat will come open next…
Colorado Hospital Provider Fee bill crosses important first hurdle

Apr 11, 2017

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Peter Marcus

A Senate committee on Tuesday advanced bipartisan legislation that would finally pump money into ailing roads, schools and hospitals by restructuring the thorny Hospital Provider Fee. A conversation years in the making, Senate Bill 267 passed the Republican-controlled Senate Finance Committee 4-1. The bill now heads to appropriations for consideration, where it continues to face…
Colorado lawmakers accuse CDPHE of ‘dismissive tone’ in oil and gas report

Apr 11, 2017

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Peter Marcus

A group of 17 lawmakers have sent a letter to state health officials taking issue with a report that found the risk of harmful health effects is low for Coloradans living near oil and gas operations. The letter – spearheaded by Sen. Matt Jones, D-Louisville – references a February Colorado Department of Public Health and…