When the seventieth session of the Colorado General Assembly convenes Jan. 7, 2015 there will a new speaker of the house. The previous leader in the Colorado House last session was Democrat Mark Ferrandino of Denver. He was term-limited. Dickey Lee Hullinghorst , a Democrat from Boulder, will be the next speaker of the house.
In an interview that aired on Morning Edition, Hullinghorst discussed her priorities and her party's agenda for the session.
Interview Highlights
On The Governor's Oil And Gas Task Force
"I'm very optimistic and hopeful that the task force will come up with recommendations we can act on in the state Legislature. This is a problem that isn't going away. It's still very much an issue for the constituents I represent. I'm hoping that they will make recommendations about how we can improve local control, provide the ability for people to have a say."
On Top Legislative Priorities
"One of our major focuses will be on jobs and the economy, but I think in a little bit different way. What people heard at the doors, and I did the same, is that the economic recovery doesn't necessarily seem to be hitting them. They're still a paycheck away from a crisis. We'll be looking at bills that go to that economic security and economic fairness issue."
On Democrats Losing Control Of The Senate And Seats In The House
"In the past even when we've had majorities in both houses 95-96 percent of the bills that we passed are bipartisan. So I think it's a real opportunity for us to work across the aisle and to develop consensus on important issues for the people of the state of Colorado and I'm looking forward to it."