The first regular session of the 75th Colorado General Assembly concluded on May 7 after our constitutionally limited 120 days. We actually completed our legislative work several hours before midnight this year, unlike previous years.
The Assembly introduced and acted on 733 bills, resolutions and memorials. The budget continued to take center stage until the final hours.
Of the bills introduced, 153 of them were “postponed Indefinitely” or just not acted upon, many times because of fiscal impacts. Many that passed both chambers still need to be created into an act for leadership and the governor’s signature (or veto!). Stay tuned. I am hoping we don’t get called back in for a special session, but it’s not out of the question.
I did prime sponsor a number of bills that positively impacted our communities and all Coloradans. Some of the more notable ones included policies associated with:
Ute Mountain Ute and Southern Ute tribes:
Natural resources:
Health care:
Government and insurance:
Looking ahead to next year, the budget will again play a big part in our debates. We did submit a balanced budget for next year in spite of the “structural deficit” created over the last several years. We did that largely by transferring cash fund balances departments had accumulated over the years back to the general fund for day-to-day operations.
That can be characterized as a one-time opportunity for the 2025-26 budget year. We must review and prioritize the hundreds of new programs and offices created in the last six years to resolve the structural deficit, where we spend more revenue than we generate.
Was there a real need, for example, to create the offices of Rail Safety, New Americans, Sustainability, Saving People Money on Healthcare, Climate Preparedness and Disaster Recovery, and Cannabis Business, just to name a few.
I look forward to the interim and the opportunity to engage with constituents across Senate District 6. Please reach out if there are scheduled events I can attend and connect with folks. I have always taken the approach if I have an opening on my calendar, I will make every effort to be there.
I will also enjoy spending time at the Rio Grande Water Conservation District along with my family on our farm, both are good for the soul and to revitalize the spirit.
It is such an honor serving you all at the Capitol.
Cleave Simpson (R-Alamosa) is the Colorado state senator representing District 6 that includes Alamosa, Archuleta, Conejos, Costilla, Dolores, La Plata, Mineral, Montezuma, Montrose, Ouray, Rio Grande, Saguache, San Juan and San Miguel counties.