(The Center Square) – A Colorado state senator has proposed legislation to minimize transportation fees in an effort to lower prices for residents.
“Colorado’s transportation costs are out of control,” said newly-elected Sen. Scott Bright, R-Platteville. “I’m introducing a bill to repeal fees for real relief. Let’s make transportation affordable again!”
The bill is part of a larger 2025 legislative plan from Colorado Republicans to lower costs for Colorado families by repealing various fees.
In total, they predict their proposals could save the average Colorado family $4,500.
“By repealing costly fees and cutting burdensome regulations, we will reinvigorate Colorado’s economic prosperity for all,” the Colorado Republican Party said in a statement.
For Democrats, decreasing costs was also a priority going into the 2025 legislative session, in addition to abortion rights, gun control and climate issues. Yet, it’s unclear if the two political sides will work together on cost-saving legislation.
Currently, Democrats have the legislative upperhand in the state. Despite losing the supermajority in the state House, they continue to hold a trifecta in state government, making Colorado one of 15 states with a Democratic trifecta nationwide.
Still, Republicans in the General Assembly plan to make the most of Democrats losing the supermajority to try to push some of their own priorities.
Bright’s legislation would repeal a number of transportation-related fees, while also creating a rebate program to assist in lowering the cost of gas.
The Republican predicts his legislation could save Colorado families upwards of $450 per year if it passes.
“This legislation is about making transportation affordable again for families, commuters, and businesses across our great state,” Bright said at a news conference held by Republicans. “These fees we will be repealing may seem minute and inconsequential, but over the course of the year, they total several hundred dollars per family. Once my bill is passed, Coloradans can expect to save over $400 per year. Let’s put money back in Coloradans’ pockets where it belongs.”
Though not yet introduced, Republicans have announced that Bright’s legislation would eliminate fees Coloradans currently pay on gasoline and diesel fuel, passenger rides, short-term vehicle rentals, and new tires.
This all comes as Colorado families have seen significant inflationary increases in transportation costs over the past few years.
According to a December report from the U.S. Joint Economic Committee, the average household in Colorado is spending $326 more on transportation per month than in 2021. This, along with other inflation, makes Colorado the state with the highest increases in costs since 2021.