Bente Birkeland

Lawmakers in the state senate are set to take a final vote on whether illegal immigrants can receive in state college tuition as early as today. The measure failed in the Democratic controlled senate two years ago, but it appears poised to pass the chamber this time around.

The state budget has now cleared both legislative chambers with bi-partisan support. As part of our capitol conversation series KUNC’s state capitol reporter Bente Birkeland takes a deeper look at the process and how this year’s budget fight compares to previous debates.

After a lengthy and at times heated debate that went late into the evening Wednesday, house lawmakers gave initial approval of the state's  $18 billion budget.  The so-called "long bill" has already cleared the state senate but it has faced opposition in the house from some Democrats still weary of deep cuts to education.

At the state capitol, house lawmakers are expected to debate Colorado's $18 billion budget into the evening with Democrats planning to offer amendments on everything from Medicaid to education funding.

The senate president has delayed a bill that would merge two of the biggest divisions in the Department of Natural Resources, wildlife and parks.  The move Tuesday comes amid mounting criticism of a plan by Governor John Hickenlooper who has said consolidating the two agencies would save money and keep state parks open in the face of budget cuts.