Colorado Republicans Friday reacted to Gov. Jared Polis’ final State of the State, disputing the Democrat’s comments that “real progress” is being made on the cost of living, crime, road infrastructure and state regulations.
Sen. Cleave Simpson, R-Alamosa, is the minority leader in the state Senate. He critiqued Polis’ focus on choice.
“During the State of the State, there were so many pinch points moments. The governor lives in a different world,” Simpson said. “He said people should have a lot of choices. However, in the energy space we are closing the door to people to choose what energy they want to heat their homes.”
In his speech Thursday before a joint session of the Democratic-controlled Legislature, Polis had his fair share of shots at Republicans, as reported by The Center Square.
“We are fighting hard to protect every federal dollar owed to Colorado,” the governor said. “In partnership with Attorney General [Phil] Weiser, our state has successfully defended nearly $900 million. There remains over a billion dollars or more that’s at risk or lost from cuts. Sadly, Washington Republicans — once the self-proclaimed party of states’ rights and small government — today are too often the party of socialism, overreach and intrusion.”
Colorado House Republicans pointed out many issues they had with the speech.
“Polis wrapped his final State of the State with a victory lap. Coloradans are still living the reality of higher costs, unattainable housing, and communities that are not safe,” they said in their response. “A speech cannot hide what families see every day at the grocery store, in their energy costs, and in their neighborhoods. Colorado needs results, not rhetoric. House Republicans are ready to deliver real results.”
Rep. Brandi Bradley, R-Douglas, dug in a little more on the issues facing Colorado’s ranchers and farmers, who Polis mentioned only twice. Bradley highlighted the reintroduction of gray wolves back into the state, which has been very controversial.
“While Denver applauds,” Bradley said, “ranchers are paying the price:
“• Millions in taxpayer dollars spent on wolf reintroduction and management.
“• Hundreds of thousands paid out in livestock losses.
“• Ranching families losing animals, livelihoods, and peace of mind.”
“This administration still cannot read the room,” Bradley said. “Urban virtue signaling doesn’t feed families, protect livestock, or respect the people who actually steward Colorado’s land.”
Looking forward, Polis promised in his speech to bring Republicans and Democrats together to address rising homeowner insurance costs, lower the state income tax, continue prioritizing transportation improvements and focus on implementing additional wildfire preparedness measures.
This year, Colorado will celebrate its 150th anniversary of statehood as the Centennial State. Polis called on Republicans and Democrats to unite in that celebration.
“This year we’ll celebrate our state’s 150th birthday party and our country’s 250th birthday party,” Polis said. “What a great opportunity to come together and honor these historic milestones, not as Democrats, or Republicans, or liberals, or moderates, or conservatives, but as the happy birthday party.”
The Colorado Republican minority leaders in the House and Senate did not respond to requests for comment by publication.
