Lawmakers back at work for Colorado 72nd General Assembly

It’s a big back for state lawmakers across Colorado. They all returned for the 72nd Colorado General Assembly and were ready to get back to work.

Inside both chambers, 28 new lawmakers took an oath as either a new senator or house representative.

Also new this year is who leads the votes. Democrats hold the majority in the House, Senate, and Governor’s seat.

Several measures that have failed in a Republican-controlled Senate will be heading back for a vote including measures on public education and paid medical leave.

Senator Jessie Danielson said today, “I think the important thing to keep in mind making sure teachers have the resources that they need so they’re able to teach the kids.”

A big issue on at the forefront for both parties is what Democratic Senator Angela Williams called, “accessible, affordable healthcare.”

She said, “I think it’s going to be important we have conversations and maybe some solutions.”

A Republican state representative, Lois Landgraf echoed her concerns on healthcare in Colorado. She said, “I think this single-payer kind of thing is very bad for Colorado.”

As Republicans move into the minority spot, former President of the Senate, Kevin Grantham took the new role in stride. He said, “We all know that elections have consequences, and this year the consequence for us that have an R next to our name are not quite as good as those who have a D next to it.”

This came as new President of the Senate, a Democrat from Pueblo, Leroy Garcia asked his fellow lawmakers to come together for this session.