Crime, Jared Polis, Labor Shortage: Why Colorado’s Senate May Go Red

The state has been under total Democratic control for four years, but a tumultuous two years with law enforcement, workforce development and the pandemic has some predicting that Republicans could regain control in November....

Wednesday, May 11, marked the 120th and final day of Colorado’s 2022 legislative session, and the fourth straight year of total Democratic control of state government. It may also have marked an end of an era: polling suggests Republicans have a real chance to flip the state Senate in November, even as their odds are much longer for a flipped House or governor’s office.

With that election looming over everything this year, it turned out to be a fascinating session in Colorado. Here are some of the major takeaways from the past 120 days:...

Polis as Legislator-in-Chief

It’s old news at this point, but it bears repeating because it was, as ever, a defining theme of this year’s session: Gov. Jared Polis is the shadow ruler of the legislature. There is little separation between the branches of government at the Capitol, and that’s because Polis is extremely hands-on....

Public Access To The Capitol Expands

Like other workplaces, the Colorado legislature is transitioning to accommodate remote participation, both for officials and the public. It’s meant that people who want to address their elected representatives can do so without having to drive to Denver – and the people clearly appreciate the flexibility. According to nonpartisan staff, close to 60 percent of all public testimony this session was delivered remotely.