The Denver Post’s special‑session digest is exactly what it says on the tin. Day One at the Gold Dome delivered a script everyone could see from space. Democrats moved five bills to gnaw at a $783 million to $1 billion shortfall they pin on the new federal tax law. Republicans’ bills either died or were queued for execution. Bonus drama. GOP Rep. Ryan Armagost resigned mid‑show as a censure loomed.
The majority also advanced SB25B-002 to let Medicaid pay for services at Planned Parenthood (abortions), and they floated a tweak so surplus cash from the universal meals tax can help fund SNAP. Meanwhile, the Capitol dueling banjos on AI revved up. Senate Bill 25B-004 wants disclosures and data explanations. House Bill 25B-1008, backed by Gov. Polis and business, moved with a carve‑out removed so people can sue. The wolf pause got watered down to a token reallocation, while CPW can still release new wolves using other money. Same circus. New juggling pins.
The Bullet Point Brief
- Budget theater, Episode I. Dems blame the federal tax bill (TRUMP!!!) and Colorado’s mirror‑code for the revenue face‑plant. They push write‑off limits, end some biz breaks, and sell tax credits.
- Coleman says the quiet part loud. He pins the hole on Trump and congressional Republicans. Subtext. Spend now, blame later.
- Planned Parenthood gets a lane. SB25B-002 lets Medicaid pay for services (abortions) that the feds have walled off. Universal school meals cash could spill to SNAP if voters agree.
- AI Hunger Games. SB 25B-004 forces notices and lets applicants ask what traits drove an AI decision. HB 25B-1008 also requires notices and, after backlash, allows private suits again.
- Wolves on layaway. Lawmakers yank $264,000 from wolf capture and release. CPW still gets to dump more toothy houseguests using other funds this winter. Ranchers, enjoy.
My Bottom Line
From the Weld County Commissioner seat, this looks like the same Colorado two‑step. Break the budget, print a villain, toss a few “fixes,” then shower counties with unfunded homework. Medicaid policy via immoral grandstanding. AI regulation that reads like a compliance scavenger hunt. Weld hires people, paves roads, and keeps the lights on. We do not need Denver’s hall‑monitor brigade. Keep the state in its lane, cut real spending, stop inventing hoops, and for the love of sanity, quit treating rural Colorado like your experimental lab.
