Budget Week Is Here, & it Came With Vengeance

This has been budget week at the Capitol. Debates have been intense because there was approximately a $1.5 Billion shortfall as reported from nonpartisan staff (Read Here). I ran an amendment to remove $528,964 from the Colorado Equity Office and transfer it to support small businesses and economic development across Colorado. Unfortunately, it was defeated.

I also supported and spoke on an amendment to fund Veteran’s Courts. It initially was defeated, but we were able to fight and pass it during a second vote. I created a bit of a ruckus on the House floor when I said, “I don’t give a damn about the film industry, I care about our veterans”. (Watch my speech here)

The structural fiscal deficit exists due to way too much government growth and spending. Businesses and families must operate within a budget and so should the State of Colorado. The Joint Budget Committee (JBC) has worked tirelessly to make cuts and balance the budget.

But we never should have gotten to this point. If the Majority Party would reign in their spending and reduce regulations to allow businesses and consumers better opportunities, then we could lower costs, reduce crime, and have better paying jobs. Not only is our budget crisis affecting each family in Colorado, but real solutions are being killed before being given a chance. This is a misalignment.