Colorado state legislature will swear in some new faces to both chambers of the lawmaking body on January 9, 2013. Democrats have a 37-28 majority in the State House while gaining an additional 5 State Senate seats to their previously held majority.
Outgoing State House Speaker, Frank McNulty, (R-Highlands Ranch) will be replaced by first ever nominated gay Speaker , Mark Ferrandino, (D-Denver). Other nominations include Dickey Lee Hullinghorst, (D-Boulder) as leader.
Ongoing State Senate democrat majority will usher in a new leader, John Morse, (D- Colorado Springs)
The opportunity for the democrats in Colorado to move progressive legislation is balanced with the need for resolution of existing issues. Topping the "to do" lists for this new chamber are: recreational pot regulations, the Governor's state medicaid expansion proposal, expanded gun laws, tax cuts and budget reform, Affordable Health Care insurance co operatives, gay marriage (previously refused a House vote by the outgoing speaker, McNulty), gerrymandering redistricting and "fracking" on the Western Slope and Colorado Springs.
The new lawmakers and incumbents of both parties will be sworn in to office in ceremonies planned for January 9, 2013 at the State Capital in Denver.
For additional information please see the following links:
Colorado Political Parties
Political Party Caucus Information
Blacks and gays make big gains in Colorado Legislature
Follow this Examiner on twitter: @turan_o
Comments