Gov. Polis’ State of the State Address interrupted by fracking protestors
DENVER (KRDO) - Governor Jared Polis gave the State of the State Address at the Capitol on Thursday - but it was delayed by people who were protesting against fracking when they stormed the chamber.
Protesters who were speaking out against fracking near a middle school in Greeley took over the gallery and dropped a banner just before the start of the session. But the demonstration was quickly shut down as security escorted some people out, and others left in handcuffs.
The legislators brushed it off and then headed straight to the agenda.
“It’s the 2020s, it’s the future,” Polis joked.
Polis celebrated the victories of 2019 - enhanced transportation and free kindergarten to name a couple - but focused on just that… the future.
“What do we want our legacy to be? When our great-grandchildren open their history books, what do we want them to read about?” Polis asked.
The big issues looking to be solved in 2020? There are high healthcare costs and the high cost of living in general, which both parties want to find a fix.
Then the roads diverge.
With the Democrats in charge of all three branches again, Republicans say they’re in for an uphill battle.
“I think there’s quite a few negative things coming up, like the repeal of the death penalty, I’m opposed to that,” said Rep. Lois Landgraf.
But they are willing to do as Governor Polis asked, and work together.
For example, Sen. Dennis Hisey says he’s willing to negotiate gun laws involving extra safety precautions.
“As long as you’re not restricting the right to own and carry guns, absolutely I think there’s room to talk about it,” he said.
Lastly - in a one on one interview - we asked Governor Polis about one big issue that hits home for Southern Colorado after the De’von Bailey shooting in Colorado Springs got so much attention. Bailey was shot by CSPD officers while fleeing an investigation into an alleged armed robbery last fall.
Are lawmakers working toward new a new investigation process for officer-involved shootings?
The governor tells us it’s a top priority for the sake of the officers.
“I think it’s important that the men and women in blue who put themselves at public risk are really heroes, and we don’t want that reputation tarnished by not having an investigative system that the general public has a great degree of confidence in,” Polis said.
Polis didn't get into specifics about what that legislation might entail.
The new legislative started Wednesday, and ends in May.
