Last week I shared with you that it was just a matter of time before things heated up at the Capitol. What a difference a week makes. The biggest story of the 2012 session - to date - has political ramifications: With party control
of the House of Representatives hanging in the balance.
I relay the following story to you not because of a tabloid interest, but because the business community has benefited greatly from a balance of power between the legislative chambers - the House of Representatives in Republican hands, the Senate in that of the Democrats. However, the actions of one individual may change the playing field for the remaining 93 days of this legislative session, and beyond.
In late January, Rep. Laura Bradford (R-Collbran) was stopped by Denver Police for a minor traffic violation. During that time it was believed she was driving under the influence of alcohol. Although the lawmaker requested on several occasions to be treated like any private citizen, the officer deviated from standard procedures, and a cab was called to take her home.
Representative Bradford took to the floor of the House Chamber early last week to apologize for her actions in drinking and driving. Speaker of the House Frank McNulty stripped her of committee chairmanship, and an Ethics Committee was appointed to investigate any wrongdoing by the lawmaker.
Later, the Denver Police Department admitted that it - not Representative Bradford, who sought to be treated like any Colorado citizen - had erred based on an internal policy tied to an obscure Colorado Constitutional provision that forbids the arrest of legislators during the session if it would keep them from business at the Capitol. That provision has been in the Colorado Constitution since it was established in 1876.
Representative Bradford is considering a change in parties due to the lack of support she believes she has received from her Republican colleagues. As noted above, such an action would change the balance of power in the House of Representatives, where Republicans currently hold a one-vote majority. Undoubtedly, such a change could be impactful on issues of interest or concern to the business community. From strides made in school reform to construction defects modifications, much rides in the balance. Rest assured, no matter the outcome, Colorado Concern remains committed to working each day to both protect and enhance our business climate. We do this because of your support and commitment, and we thank you for both.
In other areas of interest to the business community, last Thursday, Pinnacol Assurance wrote Governor Hickenlooper stating that it would not seek to proceed with its plan to restructure the entity's relationship with the state. The insurer of last resort noted that stakeholders had raised important questions, and it would work to address those issues before proceeding. This followed a meeting earlier in the week where the Governor heard directly from members of the Task Force he had convened to review the proposal. Concerns were voiced by the majority of those appointed to the group.
As always, Colorado Concern's legislative status sheet and news clips of interest are included below.
If you have questions, concerns or feedback, please do not hesitate to contact me at 303.860-1201, or [email protected].
Warm Regards,