Special Session Update:
Day 1, 8/21/25
The first day of the special session was overshadowed by political games by the Democrat majority that blocked meaningful dialogue and bipartisan solutions. Republicans were not included in any legislative discussions or planning leading up to the special session.
Back in the 2025 regular session, Republicans had proposed 28 amendments to the budget bill that would have reduced spending by $964,082,168.00 - all of which were killed by Democrats. The process continues in this special session. Click here to watch my speech on this issue:
I consulted with the Colorado Restaurant Association to see what kind of tax relief was available. My bill, HB25B-1021 would have provided some vendor fee relief and stability for small family restaurant businesses, but it was killed in committee along with every other Republican legislation. The push for unrestricted use of taxpayer dollars, paired with misleading claims, is deeply troubling - especially as Colorado families and small businesses suffer the most.
Just on Day 1, Democrats killed bills that would have:
Returned $4M in misused taxpayer dollars to the general fund
Enforced real TABOR accountability
Prioritized Medicaid for children, seniors, and people with disabilities.
Expanded rural Colorado to have more of a voice
Day 2, 8/22/25
Day two was filled with continued efforts to shift blame to the federal government, spewing blatant lies despite clear facts. The Joint Budget Committee was notified on June 18th of a $700 million deficit. HR001, was signed July 4th. Every committee hearing started with the Democrats blaming the Republicans for the budget crisis. The malfeasance and hypocrisy of the Democrats is glaring when the simple fact is the Democrats have been in complete control of the State for seven years. They have doubled the size of the government and spending.
Small businesses are being crushed under the weight of excessive regulations and fees. Colorado’s road infrastructure is rated as one of the worst in the country. We are one of the most regulated states, highest cost of living, public safety problems, and constant attacks on parental rights. This isn’t just unfair - it’s unsustainable. It is no surprise that businesses are leaving Colorado, because they are faced with choosing living here or surviving. That is not the role of government. Watch my response here:
My office is here to listen, serve, and keep you informed as we work to make Colorado stronger.
