Colorado lawmakers reconvene, will address $3.3B shortfall

DENVER (AP) - Colorado lawmakers have resumed their legislative session after a two-month coronavirus hiatus.

Legislators returned to the Capitol on Tuesday to dust off a full slate of bills and address a pandemic-related $3.3 billion budget shortfall.

Newly installed glass separated clerks from legislators and legislators from each other. Social-distancing guidelines meant some lawmakers sat high up in the gallery where visitors normally sit.

The Democrats who control the House and Senate say they plan to meet for about three weeks to limit people’s time inside the Capitol.

The top priority will be to pass a balanced budget for the financial year that begins July 1.