Republican Gov. Bill Owens on Thursday used his last State of the State speech to strike a collaborative tone with members of the Democratic legislative majority while warning them against trying to undo the progress he says he has made over the past seven years.
Owens’ firm yet collegial address was a departure from last year, when he sternly warned the newly empowered Democrats that he would not hesitate to wield his veto pen. And he didn’t; he used it 47 times.
The governor’s speech was also in sharp contrast to House Republican Leader Joe Stengel’s stingingly partisan remarks to the opening session of the legislature Wednesday.
“This year, I know that in most cases we’re going to work out our differences and I’m going to be signing most of your proposals,” Owens said.
Still, Owens reminded lawmakers that he will veto bills that, in his opinion, reverse the gains the state has made under his tenure.
“I don’t want to, I don’t think we’ll need to. But, in fact, if I need to, I will,” Owens said. “Understand?”
Democrats welcomed much of what the governor had to say. Democratic House Speaker Andrew Romanoff said there was “a lot less saber rattling” than last year.
“The governor is more interested, it seems to me, in making progress than in pointing fingers or picking fights. So am I,” he said. “That attitude, the tone that he set today, ought to guide us throughout the session.”
Owens and Democrats worked together last year to pass Referendum C, which allows the state to keep almost $4 billion in extra revenue over the next five years, about $760 million of that in the next fiscal year.
“The voters gave us the revenue we need so that Colorado can recover from recession. But it’s now our duty to use these funds wisely,” Owens said. “That’s going to be the biggest challenge of this legislative session.”
Higher education and transportation topped Owens’ list for new money. The transportation department saw cuts of almost 40 percent over the past four years, which is why, Owens said, he proposed an additional $80 million for transportation.
But Democratic leaders have said they don’t like that idea.
“Clearly, the governor has a desire to give a superiority to transportation. I don’t think what the governor is proposing is consistent (with Referendum C),” said Democratic Rep. Bernie Buescher of Grand Junction, who sits on the budget committee.
But on higher education, both Owens and Democratic leaders agree that colleges and universities need more funding. Owens reiterated his request to raise the annual student stipend from $2,400 to $2,580. The total higher- education appropriation would be $658 million, making it “the largest total budget for higher education in our state’s history.”
Owens also offered an olive branch to those in his party that opposed Referendum C.
“I have a message today for my many friends who could not support Referendum C: I want to benefit from your views as this legislature shapes this budget,” he said. “I know that the budget will be stronger and better for Colorado with everyone’s participation.”
There were also moments of levity in Owens’ address. Owens and Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney have made a bet on the playoff game between the Denver Broncos and the New England Patriots. The loser must wear the other team’s jersey in the winner’s state.
Owens held up a Broncos jersey and told the House chamber: “Let me show you the exact jersey that Gov. Mitt Romney is going to wear in Colorado.”
The line got a big laugh from the crowd that included Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper, Democratic U.S. Sen. Ken Salazar, other dignitaries and special guests.
And Owens remembered Tommy Thompson, a House staffer who died of a heart attack Wednesday at age 82.
But mostly, his speech outlined policy. Owens called for the termination of the vehicle- emissions program, “which has clearly outlived its usefulness.”
Democratic Senate Majority Leader Ken Gordon said, “I’m not inclined to throw that out until I see strong evidence that we are solving the problem in some other way. That’s one thing Democrats and Republicans do share, is that we all breathe.”
On health care, Owens said the state should pass a law to require an expert in medical malpractice to sign off on claims before they could go to court.
Democrats criticized the idea, saying malpractice claims aren’t driving the cost of health care.
“A person should not be impeded by some artificial gatekeeper. That’s contrary to the understanding that everybody is entitled to their day in court,” said Democratic Senate President Joan Fitz-Gerald.
Owens also proposed creating a prescription-drug clearinghouse. But Democrats have proposed a far more sweeping multistate drug-purchasing pool.
The governor sided with Democratic leaders on the politically volatile issue of illegal immigration, saying reform should be primarily handled by the federal government. However, Owens said he would work with lawmakers on the legislation expected here.
About 80 percent of the speech was written by Owens, said spokesman Dan Hopkins. But they did fly in a hired gun to help, former deputy press secretary Sarah Bramwell.
The administration was hobbled by the absence of former deputy chief of staff Sean Duffy, who usually spearheaded the speech, Hopkins said.
Asked how much Bramwell was paid, Hopkins replied, “It’s cheaper than Sean Duffy.”
Staff writer Mark P. Couch contributed to this report.
Staff writer Chris Frates can be reached at 303-820-1633 or cfrates@denverpost.com.
