Two local legislators’ reactions to Gov. Bill Owens’ State of the State message fell along party lines.
The main theme of the speech was how to jump-start the economy. Owens proposed $19 million to promote tourism ($10 million of which would come from state unemployment benefits) and to promote the state’s agricultural products. Owens also promised no tax increase to help balance an $850 million budget shortfall, and he asked lawmakers to draw up ideas on how to save water and pay for storage projects.
Rep. Ramey Johnson, R-Lake-wood, said the speech was strong.
“What he gave was thoughtful and pointed things in a certain direction,” Johnson said. “I was comfortable with what he had to say. He named specifics in some areas regarding water issues.”
Sen. Maryanne “Moe” Keller, D-Wheat Ridge, said Owens didn’t address the serious budget problems the state is facing.
“I was surprised. He didn’t mention the $850 million shortfall on top of the previous cuts we’ve already made,” Keller said. “It’s a crisis. We’re letting people out of the Fort Logan Mental Health Center. We’re cutting Medicaid services. We’re cutting mental health funding, which could be a public safety issue. It’s not a challenge. It’s a crisis.”
Owens offered no specifics on how to fund the economic package, and Johnson didn’t offer any ideas either.
“When he was talking about water issues, he talked about the possibility of bonding,” Johnson said. “It’s going to have to run its course and look at it on all levels.”
Keller said she wasn’t sure whether taking money from unemployment funds was a good idea.
Johnson said if given the chance, she would not have added anything to the talk.
“The role, to me, of the governor when he gives the State of the State is to point out those issues that are of statewide concern,” she said. “He’s not to make legislation, but he certainly gives direction for what he’s seeing in his position, and I felt he did that really well.”
“I’m not optimistic,” Keller said. “The Local Government Committee (of which she’s a member) met this morning (Jan. 17) with the Joint Budget Committee. When the next numbers come in in March, they told us the revenues will be worse. Even if the economy rebounds, TABOR (Colorado’s Taxpayers’ Bill Of Rights) allows us to spend 6 percent over the previous year. Our analysts are telling us it will take 18 to 20 years at that 6 percent level to get back to the local revenue spending authority we had in 2000.”
Keller and Johnson are hosting a town meeting from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 25, at the Golden Public Library, 1019 10th St. Topics of discussion will include the state budget and economy, the ongoing drought and proposed water legislation, and health and auto insurance.
For more information, call 303-866-4856.