“It’s either about control, money or the control of money.”
Senate Republican leader Andy McElhany of Colorado Springs, describing the subject of most legislative debates
“It is a painful service we do for the state of Colorado.”
Rep. Anne McGihon, D-Denver, describing an eight-day meeting in Pittsburgh reviewing “uniform laws”
“I can quote Dorothy Butcher, who said she would vote for this if I would just be quiet.”
Rep. Debbie Stafford, R-Aurora, pleading with fellow lawmakers to provide funding for special interim committees to study domestic-violence offenders and regulation of mortuary science
“Just because you can’t round up all the members of Jesse James’ gang doesn’t mean you shouldn’t prosecute the ones you can get.”
Sen. Ron Teck, R-Grand Junction
THE BILL
Initial OK for underground lab funding
Talk about putting money into a hole in the ground.
On Friday, the Colorado Senate gave initial approval to Senate Bill 229, which would provide $20 million over five years to the proposed Deep Underground Science and Engineering Laboratory. The money would be used to build a visitors center and some administrative offices.
The project has been a pet issue of Senate President Joan Fitz-Gerald, D-Jefferson County, who last year introduced a resolution in support of the proposal.
Last July, the National Science Foundation announced that the Henderson Mine in Empire was one of two finalists for the lab. The Homestake Mine in South Dakota was the other.
Lawmakers tout the lab as a potential economic-development gold mine that would lure deep thinkers to Colorado.
For scientists, the lab would be a boon. Physicists could study without the interference of cosmic rays. Geoscientists would observe rocks and fluids. Engineers would be able to develop technology to efficiently and safely produce deep tunnels and caverns, to store fuels and wastes, and to possibly gather greenhouse gases. Biologists would look for new exotic life forms.
LOOKING AHEAD
Each day is a mad scramble in the closing week and a half of the legislative session. Schedules are guaranteed to change and debate is likely to drag on. Be prepared to wait if you plan to attend.
MONDAY
Insurance regulation: The House Business Affairs and Labor Committee is scheduled to discuss House Concurrent Resolution 1011, which calls for making the state insurance commissioner an elected official. At 1:30 p.m.
Illegal immigrants: The Senate State Affairs Committee reviews House Bill 1343, which would prohibit the state and local governments from hiring contractors that knowingly employ illegal aliens. At 1:30 p.m.
TUESDAY
Sex abuse: The House on Friday sent House Bill 1090, which would relax time limits for lawsuits by victims of childhood sex abuse, to conference committee. Rep. Gwyn Green, D-Golden, had hoped to get the House to concur with Senate amendments. Now, the Senate’s changes to the bill can be reconsidered. At noon.
WEDNESDAY
Rest in Peace Act: The act would make it illegal to picket within 500 feet of a funeral and one hour before and after a funeral. The Senate State Affairs Committee will consider House Bill 1382 at 1:30 p.m.
