Colorado legislature starts 2025 session with an eye on Trump
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The Colorado House chambers. Photo: RJ Sangosti/Denver Post via Getty Images
Between the promise and pomp of a new legislative session, the Colorado General Assembly returned to the Capitol clouded by the incoming Trump administration.
Why it matters: The Democratic-led legislature is pledging to stand as a national counterweight to Washington, D.C.'s Republican power grid, vowing to protect "our freedoms, our values and the Colorado way of life."
Driving the news: In opening day speeches and interviews, legislative leaders said they are ready to make efforts to thwart President-elect Trump's agenda to deport immigrants in the country illegally, roll back environmental protections and cut spending for government programs — three areas Colorado Democrats have bolstered since taking complete power six years ago.
What they're saying: "We know that we will stand up against hate and any efforts to scare us or divide us. Our diversity makes us stronger, and in Colorado, we can and we will get in the way of threats to our neighbors' safety," state Senate President James Coleman (D-Denver) said to applause in his welcome remarks.
- "The national spotlight is on us. This is our moment to demonstrate what good, responsive governance and leadership looks like for this country," House Speaker Julie McCluskie (D-Dillon) added in her speech.
Context: The statements track with an effort spearheaded by Gov. Jared Polis to build a blue-state resistance against Trump in his second term.
The other side: House Republican lawmakers set the tone early when six MAGA-aligned lawmakers made an unusual objection to the acceptance of the 2024 election results.
- In the Senate, GOP leader Paul Lundeen (R-Monument) called the legislative session a moment to reduce regulatory burdens and outlined a plan to reduce Colorado residents' costs by $4,500.
- "This struggling Colorado is not the Colorado we know and love; it's not the Colorado we should accept. We must restore our state to its rightful place as the land of opportunity," Lundeen said.
What to watch: Democrats offered a preview of their agenda for the 120-day term, putting affordable housing, accessible mental health care and education spending at the top of the list.
- The majority plans to make it harder to obtain firearms by raising the age to purchase ammunition and creating a list of individuals who cannot buy guns.
Yes, but: Much of the legislative session will be consumed by talk of the state's $40 billion budget, which faces a roughly $750 million shortfall.
- Coleman warned about this challenge, saying: "This is not glamorous work. Grandstanding isn't going to balance our budget."