chris holbert
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Colo. legislative leaders size up accomplishments, stress
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The morning after the four-month Colorado legislative session adjourned, Democratic and Republican leaders lauded their achievements Thursday, noting the stress brought on by controversy and conflict. The General Assembly put billions into transportation, shored up the public employees’ pension plan, reauthorized the state’s civil rights watchdog agency and tweaked how and where beer is sold.…
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Senate Dems cry foul over latest sexual harassment report on Baumgardner
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“We’ve been fooled!” Senate Democrats are reacting angrily to the latest report on allegations of sexual harassment against Colorado state Sen. Randy Baumgardner. They vented their anger both at the Hot Sulphur Springs Republican, demanding he resign, and at Senate leadership, who they claim refuse to take action regarding the allegations. An independent investigation into…
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Grantham: Latest harassment report on Baumgardner ‘much more professional’
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Colorado state Senate President Kevin Grantham of Cañon City told reporters this morning he believes the latest investigation into allegations of sexual harassment against Sen. Randy Baumgardner “was done in a much more professional manner.” That statement is in marked contrast to his views of an earlier investigation into a separate allegation against the Hot Sulphur…
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Sen. Randy Baumgardner prevails in Senate vote on expulsion
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DENVER – The Colorado Senate tied 17-17 over whether to expel Sen. Randy Baumgardner Monday night, falling seven votes short of the two-thirds needed to remove him. The Republican from Hot Sulphur Springs is accused by a former legislative aide who said he “grabbed and slapped her buttocks on four separate occasions” during the legislative session…
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Colorado transportation funding bill delayed another day
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DENVER – A vote on a bill to put at least $300 million into transportation each year was delayed for another day in the Colorado Senate Tuesday. A vote could occur on Wednesday. A revenue forecast that indicated the state is flush with money from its booming economy and more proposed amendments from Democrats prompted the…
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Colorado’s Civil Rights Commission on shoals of bitter political divide
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It was founded nearly 70 years ago, before the federal Civil Rights Act of 1964, and has its roots in an early state anti-discrimination law that dates back to 1895. But now the state’s Civil Rights Commission is facing major changes to its mandate and authority – thanks in large part to the Lakewood baker…
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Colorado Senate Republicans: Still a ‘NO’ on banning bump stocks, but yes to RMGO money
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The Trump administration is OK with a ban on bump stocks. The Florida Legislature, despite opposition from the National Rifle Association, last week approved a package of gun control measures, including a ban on bump stocks that increase the firing capacity of normal rifles. Colorado’s state Senate is a week away from hearing a bill that…
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Business booster Thea Chase launches unaffiliated bid for open House District 54 seat
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Palisade Town Trustee Thea Chase announced Monday she’s running as an unaffiliated candidate for the House District 54 seat represented by Mesa County Republican Yeulin Willett, who isn’t seeking reelection. She’ll have the backing of Unite Colorado, formerly known as the Centrist Project, an organization that’s working to elect independent lawmakers. Chase, the director of the…
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Colorado state Sen. Randy Baumgardner steps down as chair of Senate Transportation
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UPDATED to include a statement from Senate President Grantham on the Democrats’ efforts to expel Baumgardner. Sen. Randy Baumgardner Tuesday announced he would step down as chair of the Senate Transportation Committee in the wake of an investigation into sexual harassment that was reportedly found credible. Senate Democrats responded to the announcement with one of their…
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Trooper Cody Donahue honored, ahead of bill to extend insurance to families of fallen officers
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The Colorado Senate honored the family of the late Trooper Cody Donahue Monday after passing the Move Over for Cody Law last session. This year, lawmakers will consider a bill to help sustain insurance for the families of fallen officers. While law enforcement officers are in mind, Senate Bill 148 also would extend insurance coverage for…
