(Center Square) – Colorado Republicans on Friday reacted to Governor Jared Polis’ final State of the State, disputing the Democrat’s comments that “real progress” is being made on the cost of living, crime, road infrastructure and state regulations.
Sen. Cleave Simpson, R-Alamosa, is the minority leader in the state Senate. He criticized Polis’ focus on selection.
“During the State of the State, there were so many moments of pinch points. The governor lives in a different world,” said Simpson. “He said that people should have many options. However, in the energy space we are closing the door for people to choose which energy they want to heat their homes.”
In his speech Thursday before a joint session of the Democratic-controlled Legislature, Polis had his fair share of shots at Republicans, as reported by The Center Square.
“We are fighting hard to protect every federal dollar owed to Colorado,” the governor said. “In partnership with the Attorney General [Phil] Weiser, our state has successfully defended nearly $900 million. There is over a billion dollars or more left that is at risk or lost to cuts. Unfortunately, Washington Republicans — once the self-proclaimed party of states’ rights and small government — are today too often the party of socialism, excess and intrusion.”
Colorado House Republicans pointed out many issues they had with the speech.
“Polis wrapped up his final State of the State with a victory lap. The Coloradans still live the reality of higher costs, housing that cannot be reached, and communities that are not safe,” they said in their response. “Speech cannot hide what families see every day at the grocery store, in their energy costs, and in their neighborhoods. Colorado needs results, not rhetoric. House Republicans are ready to deliver real results.”
Rep. Brandi Bradley, R-Douglas, dug a little deeper into the issues facing Colorado’s ranchers and farmers, which Polis only mentioned twice. Bradley highlighted the highly controversial reintroduction of gray wolves back into the state.
“While Denver applauds,” Bradley said, “the villagers are paying the price:
“• Millions in taxpayer dollars are spent on wolf reintroduction and management.
“• Hundreds of thousands paid in livestock losses.
“• Rural families who lose animals, livelihoods, and peace of mind.”
“This administration still can’t read the room,” Bradley said. “Urban virtue signaling does not feed families, protect livestock, or respect the people who actually manage Colorado’s land.”
Looking ahead, Polis promised in his speech to bring Republicans and Democrats together to address rising homeowner insurance costs, lower state income tax, continue to prioritize transportation improvements and focus on implementing additional wildfire preparedness measures.
This year, Colorado will celebrate its 150th anniversary of statehood as the Centennial State. Polis called on Republicans and Democrats to join in that celebration.
“This year we will celebrate the 150th anniversary of our state and the 250th anniversary of our country,” said Polis. “What a great opportunity to come together and honor these historic milestones, not as Democrats, or Republicans, or liberals, or moderates, or conservatives, but as the happy birthday party.”
Colorado’s Republican House and Senate minority leaders did not respond to requests for comment by publication.