This is inauguration week for Bill Ritter, Colorado’s 41st governor and the state’s 66th General Assembly, and it promises to be a busy and exciting time at the statehouse. Ceremonies Tuesday and Wednesday launch a new era in state politics as Democrats exercise control of the governor’s office and both chambers of the legislature for the first time since 1961.
Ritter, a native son and longtime Denver district attorney, will be sworn in tomorrow at 11 a.m. on the west steps of the Capitol, followed by a reception in the west wing.
On Wednesday, the legislature convenes with lawmakers introducing bills designed to move the state forward at a time of budgets so tight there isn’t much give. Thursday, Ritter will outline his agenda in a State of the State address, embellishing campaign pledges to invest in education, promote renewable energy and provide affordable health coverage to the uninsured. We’re as anxious as anyone to hear his specifics. Republican leaders say they support some of his key goals but will keep a close eye out to see how Democrats plan to “get there.”
The session will run about 120 days, enough time for Colorado’s citizen lawmakers to craft creative solutions to bolster state economic and social programs.
Ritter’s inaugural will involve thousands of Coloradans in events that span the state.
Ritter is not having an inaugural ball, but rather will host two dinners Friday evening – open to the public at $60 a plate. Nearly 3,000 people will be accommodated at the Colorado Convention Center and the Hyatt across the street. Festivities continue Saturday with a spaghetti dinner and fireworks in Pueblo at the end of a whistle-stop train tour that starts in Greeley and stops in Brighton, Denver and Colorado Springs. The following weekend, Ritter and Lt. Gov. Barbara O’Brien hopscotch by plane to greet Coloradans in person across the state.
The two-week celebration is designed to “let as many people as possible touch the new governor,” spokesman Evan Dreyer said. “The festivities are a mix of formal celebration and populist, grassroots events.”
Senate President Joan Fitz-Gerald has promised to move quickly to confirm Ritter’s Cabinet nominees in an effort to get the administration off to work. More than 100 bills will be introduced on the legislature’s opening day on issues ranging from education, transportation, mental health and more. House Speaker Andrew Romanoff expects a dozen or more bills on renewable energy during the session.
Legislative leaders realize that budget realities will limit what they can accomplish. Still, government leaders bring a full agenda to Denver this week, and there’s no reason not to indulge in a moment of pride and optimism.
