(The Center Square) – On Wednesday, the first regular session of the 75th General Assembly will open with Democrats in control of both Colorado’s Senate and House.
In a joint statement from House and Senate Democratic leadership, Democrats laid out their plans for the 2025 legislative session. Policy focuses will include abortion, gun control and climate issues.
“From lowering the cost of housing and health insurance to investing in public education and supporting Colorado agriculture, we’re focused on making our state a more affordable, safer place to call home,” said House Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. “As we enter another legislative session, I am excited for Democrats and Republicans to find common ground once again and move Colorado forward.”
Democrats, despite losing the supermajority in the state House, will continue to hold a trifecta in state government. That makes Colorado one of just 15 states with a Democratic trifecta going into 2025.
Yet, the party’s leadership plans to make the most of their majorities.
Incoming Senate President James Coleman said that “high-quality health care” will continue to be a priority.
“I am committed to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to deliver results for Coloradans,” Coleman said. “We’re prioritizing solutions to lower the cost of living, protect our freedoms including reproductive health care and voting rights, and ensure safe, thriving communities.”
The General Assembly already has plans to consider expansion of the state’s public healthcare system, including to residents living illegally in the country.
Democrats in the state are also preparing to protect the “Colorado Way of Life as the Trump Administration threatens to undermine our rights and freedoms”, the joint statement said.
“With a tight budget year ahead, we will be focused on protecting our most vulnerable and preserving the important investments we’ve made in health care, education and public safety,” said Monica Duran, D-Wheat Ridge. “We will fight back against attacks on abortion rights, attempts to roll back protections that support our immigrant communities as well as clean water and air, eliminate health care coverage for Coloradans or repeal life-saving gun violence prevention legislation.”
