Legislature opens/ Talk of bipartisanship won't last long, veterans

DENVER - Leaders called for cooperation across party lines as the General Assembly began its 63rd session Wednesday, but veteran lawmakers said the bipartisan rhetoric won't last long.

"The bipartisanship honeymoon falls away when we begin meeting in committees," said Rep. Keith King, R-Colorado Springs. "Bills will be scrutinized more this year than any other year."

Some legislative committees started meeting Wednesday afternoon, a few short hours after the pomp and ceremony of the swearing-in process. The first of roughly 100 bills were introduced at the same time lawmakers were taking the oath.

House Speaker Doug Dean, R-Colorado Springs, called on members to address problems related to growth, school funding, a growing prison population and transportation. The last Springs-area lawmaker to lead the House was Republican Chuck Berry, who became speaker in 1991 and kept the position until 1998, when term limits forced him to retire.

"We must set partisanship aside if, having come this far, we are to continue to protect all the citizens of Colorado," said Dean, who will be limited to two sessions as speaker. Term limits will force him to step down in 2002.

"Where we can find areas of agreement across the aisle, let us do so readily," Dean said. "When we cannot agree, let us do so graciously."

Republicans enjoy a 38-27 majority in the House.

"According to an old Yiddish proverb, if we all pulled in the same direction, the world would keel over," said House Minority Leader Dan Grossman, D-Denver. "Sometimes our job will be to make sure that the world doesn't keel over - to the right."

In the Senate, a new era officially dawned as Democrats took control for the first time in almost four decades. Democrats have an 18-17 majority in the Senate. Outgoing Senate President Ray Powers, R- Colorado Springs, had to hand over the gavel to Sen. Stan Matsunaka, D-Loveland.

The split legislative houses are sure to test the calls for bipartisanship.

"We may differ in emphasis and philosophy, but those differences are not as great as our similarities," Matsunaka said. When rifts are exposed, Matsunaka said he would try not to escalate the conflicts.

In his opening speech, Matsunaka also highlighted growth, education funding and transportation needs as top priorities for Senate Democrats.

Even with lawmakers' well-established positions, many believe they will find common ground.

"I'm very optimistic about solving some of the state's problems in a bipartisan fashion, even the difficult ones," said Rep. Bill Sinclair, R-Colorado Springs. The 2001 state budget is expected to be more than $13 billion.

Sen. Mary Ellen Epps, R-Colorado Springs, said the key is not to let arguments over policy get personal.

"We can argue at the microphone and in committees, but if you saw us today ... it's like homecoming," Epps said.

But for other lawmakers, Wednesday was about breathing a sigh of relief before they get down to the business of passing laws.

"It was sort of like Dorothy must have felt when she landed in Oz, sort of in awe," said freshman Rep. Mark Cloer, R-Colorado Springs. "Now we are starting down the Yellow Brick Road."

Cloer, one of 36 freshman lawmakers in the House and Senate, had an entourage of about 25 friends and family members who showed up to watch him take the oath.

But Cloer's group was half the size of the gang fellow freshman Rep. Dave Schultheis, R-Colorado Springs, brought to Denver.

"I was very emotional during that time because of the responsibility I feel I have now," Schultheis said. "It is a big responsibility and one that I don't take lightly at all."

Two of Dean's three children participated in the House ceremony. Dean's 13-year-old daughter Katy sang the national anthem, and 11- year-old son Nick helped lead the Pledge of Allegiance.

Sen. Ron May, R-Colorado Springs, was sworn into the Senate after four terms in the House. He sat with his grandson, Stephen Rogers, 5, while the oath of office was administered.

"I think he was more interested in granddaddy's candy than anything else," said Marisa Rogers, May's daughter and Stephen's mom.

- Kyle Henley covers state government and politics and may be reached at (303)837-0613 or khenley@gazette.com. Staff writer Erin Gartner contributed to this story.

New kids

There are 36 freshman lawmakers in the House and Senate.

Summary of bills

A summary of more than 100 bills introduced Wednesday on the first day of the 2001 General Assembly session:

Requiring county commissioners to give permission for developers to dump prairie dogs on farms and ranches within a county.

Increasing the fine from $500 to $1,000 for someone convicted of third-degree assault when the victim is a sports official and the assault is related to officiating.

Cracking down on aggressive drivers. It would apply to drivers who commit two or more offenses at the same time, such as speeding 10 miles over the limit, running a stop signal or making an unsafe lane change. First-time violators could face 12 months in jail and a $1,000 fine. The fine could rise to $5,000 for a second violation.

Expanding the Older Coloradans Act to include dental, prescription and home repair services.

Eliminating the requirement for a front license plate on vehicles.

Increasing the number of district judges in 10 districts.

Providing financial incentives for commercial fish hatcheries to eliminate whirling disease.

Increasing the maximum age of compulsory school attendance from 16 to 17 years old.

Requiring a written report of abuse of a child in foster care within 48 hours.

Requiring county social services departments to create a position for family advocates.

- Associated Press

At the Capitol

Gov. Bill Owens' State of the State address will be at 11 a.m. today.

The Capitol, 200 E. Colfax Ave., Denver, is open 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. weekdays during the legislative session.

Visitors can watch floor debate of bills. Floor sessions begin at 10 a.m. Mondays and 9 a.m. Tuesdays through Fridays.

The public can testify only at committee hearings. Call (303) 866- 3521 for a hearing schedule.

Copyright 2001
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