As we leave a uniquely difficult year behind us and look with guarded hope toward 2021, it is reasonable to temper one’s expectations.

The rollercoaster ride is not over yet; 2021 will surely have its twists and turns as well.

Well, you thought you had seen the last edition from this author, but the governor called a special session – labeled extraordinary – for 3 days early this week.

So, here is another edition to fill you in on what happened during the last gasp of the 72nd General Assembly.

As a card carrying member of the Sierra Club, GreenPeace and NRDC to name a few, I am appalled by what the 350 Central Colorado argument is promoting with their open letter to Nestlé Waters North America.

“The Times They Are a Changin’.” So wrote Bob Dylan in the 1960s, and they seem to change even more during this tumultuous year of 2020.

A change that has been overlooked by the administrators of the Buena Vista school district is the movement to include what was formerly called Vocational Technical Training in the high school curriculum. Now called Career Technical Education (CTE), the movement has grown nationally.

“A person who vigorously supports their country and is prepared to defend it against enemies or detractors.”  Patriot. (2019) – Oxford Online Dictionary 

“One who loves and supports his or her country.”  Patriot. (2019) – Merriam-Webster.com

We are hearing a lot about patriots and patriotism as we approach the 2020 election. 

But, what does it really mean to be a true patriot? 

National Health Center Week 2020 is celebrated this year on August 9 – August 15. Across the country, the exceptional work of Community Health Centers will be recognized, work sustained while fighting on the front lines of COVID-19 to keep our communities healthy and safe. This celebration w…

The second session of the 72nd General Assembly is in the books. A little after 5 p.m., June 15, it was “Turn out the lights – the party’s over!” on the floor of the Colorado House of Representatives.

There are no words to accurately describe the events of the past several months. I am at a loss on what to say, don’t know where to begin, or I get pulled in a different direction due to so many competing priorities.

We recessed here at the state capitol in mid-March and reconvened May 26, with the commitment to only deal with bills on the calendar that were fast, free and friendly.

Wow – a lot of things have happened since the last column. Kristi and I celebrated our 39th anniversary, the Capitol got trashed (multiple times), curfews became normal and a little legislation got passed.

The Bill of Rights is the first 10 Amendments to the Constitution. It spells out Americans’ rights in relation to their government. Moses and the people of Israel were given the 10 Commandments – Americans were given the Bill of Rights…both are pretty big deals. In today’s world, Americans f…

Another Memorial Day weekend has passed with all of its modified flag ceremonies and cemetery tributes, travel, Safer At Home picnics, family get-togethers and all the other events that mark the beginning of summer.

The research is clear: Schools are essential for children’s wellbeing in times of crisis.

If you listen carefully this week in the halls of the state capitol, you might hear famed boxing announcer Michael Buffer’s catchphrase, “Let’s get ready to rumble!” echoing under the Golden Dome.

This was to be the week of eager anticipation for state legislators as we prepared for a return to the Capitol on May 18 to do the people’s business.

Alas, it was not to be – on Saturday, May 9, Democratic Leadership in the General Assembly announced that the temporary suspension of the Legislature will continue until the week of May 25.

This past weekend marked the transition from Safe at Home to Safer at Home. Well, kind of. Some areas are relaxing the rules, while others are staying locked down. It seems that we cannot even agree on whether to phase-in or to jump-in.

Over this holiday weekend, I can’t help but feel tremendous gratitude despite such uncertain and challenging times.

I am writing this column from my desk at home again – it is early morning, Easter Sunday.

I am writing this edition here at home where I can see the antique Regulator clock on the wall. The pendulum swings back and forth ticking off the seconds of another day.

Capitol Bill Watch: 564 Total – up from 537 last edition. House: 360 – Senate 204 Signed into law: 33 Postponed Indefinitely (Killed): 98

For the untold thousands of readers out there who are tired of hearing about Super Tuesday primary delegate totals and would like an update on bill totals at the Capitol, here it is.

Colorado state Senators Brittany Pettersen and Kerry Donovan introduced their bill to tackle Colorado’s growing retirement savings crisis.

Have you ever gone through a haunted house at Halloween and every so often a body would pop up out of a casket and scare the bejabbers out of you?

Each month, nearly 63 million people receive a Social Security benefit check, and almost a third stay out of poverty as a result of this monthly payment. However, since 1984, some Social Security beneficiaries have been required to pay federal income tax on their benefits, resulting in the d…

Last night I was visiting with one of my Republican friends and colleagues. We found ourselves reflecting on the national political climate, our time in the Capitol and what motivated us to serve in the Senate.

A couple of weeks ago, I explained in this column the process a bill has to go through to become law.

This past week was Supplemental Week at the Capitol. Supplementals are supposed to be the “final true-up for last year’s budget.”

The Chaffee County Times will adhere to the following guidelines concerning letters to the editor about elections including candidates and ballot issues.

Last Friday, the Senate hosted Military Appreciation Day in the Senate chambers. Active service members and retired veterans joined legislators on the floor of the Senate to remember and celebrate our military forces. 

By the time you read this, a quarter of the 120-day 2020 legislative session will be in the rear view mirror. Time does fly when you are having fun.

Last week the Agriculture & Natural Resources Committee unanimously passed two of my bills – (SB20-002 “Rural Economic Development Initiative Grant Program” and SB20-048 “Study Strengthening Water Anti-speculation Law”) and recommended them for the consent calendar in the Senate. 

Several people have asked “How is it going?” and my response has been “Really well – all of my bills are still alive!”

The first round of bill titles has been filed and special interest groups are going into helicopter mode as they hover around the Capitol searching for reasons to support or oppose bills.