Hickenlooper refuses to give up spending and tax idea

Colorado’s governor is insisting that he can work with skeptical Republicans on his plan to avoid having to give refunds to taxpayers and invest the money instead on transportation and schools.

Gov. John Hickenlooper discussed several priorities on the eve of the 2016 legislative session. State lawmakers return to work Wednesday.

Hickenlooper says the state needs to keep tax collections to fund highway infrastructure and to keep higher education spending on an even keel.

But Republicans oppose the plan. GOP Senate President Bill Cadman last week called the plan an illegal attempt to skirt constitutional spending restrictions.

Hickenlooper said his administration is consulting with the attorney general’s office for legal guidance on the issue and that a new proposal could come in a month.