The battle over the badly rusting Capitol dome is set to take place this week under the dome as two competing bills to fund rehabilitation work vie for votes.
The showdown between the battling House and Senate proposals — aimed at raising nearly $12 million for repairs — may ultimately have to be settled by Democratic Gov. Bill Ritter.
A proposal from Rep. Jim Riesberg, D-Greeley, would call on private donations — perhaps even from Colorado schoolchildren — to generate the estimated $11.6 million it will take to repair the dome.
The proposal would allow lawmakers to carefully scrutinize any marketing efforts to raise money for the dome and any advertising or recognition of donors in the process.
The other proposal, from Sen. Mike Kopp, R-Littleton, would tap the State Historical Fund, a pot of money generated by taxes on casinos that is used to finance historical preservation proj ects across Colorado.
Kopp says allowing wealthy donors to finance the dome renovations could result in negative public perceptions.
Legislation to carry out both ideas moved forward out of committees in the House and Senate last week.
Under Kopp’s legislation, the state would take $4 million a year for three years from the historical fund to pay for the dome renovations.
“I think I’m going to do fine in the Senate,” Kopp said. “The question is what will happen when it goes to the House.”
In that chamber, Kopp so far has only the support of two Democrats and unaffiliated Rep. Kathleen Curry of Gunnison.
While Riesberg has only Democratic co- sponsors on his bill, there are indications the bill may enjoy wide support in the House.
The bill cleared the House State, Veterans and Military Affairs Committee by an 11-0 vote Tuesday, with four Republicans joining in support.
The bill passed the House Appropriations Committee on Friday by an 11-1 vote, with four Republicans voting in favor.
The bill now can proceed to the House floor, where Riesberg said he expects considerable GOP support.
“Many of them (Republicans) who signed on to the other (Kopp’s) bill early did not realize there was another bill,” he said. “They just wanted to see the dome fixed. I do not believe that both bills will pass.”
The governor’s office has pledged support for Kopp’s bill with the caveat that if any private money is raised, that could be deducted from whatever is taken from the historical fund.
“We’re comfortable with either one (of the bills) or a combination of the two,” said Mary Kay Hogan, Ritter’s chief lobbyist. “We don’t have the same angst about private fundraising.”
Tim Hoover: 303-954-1626 or thoover@denverpost.com
Fixing the dome
Competing measures under legislative consideration to fund restoration of the Capitol dome:
In the House
Rep. Jim Riesberg, D-Greeley, is floating a measure calling on private donations to generate the required $11.6 million.
In the Senate
Sen. Mike Kopp, R-Littleton, carries a bill that would tap the State Historical Fund for three yearly $4 million sums.
Lyn Alweis, Denver Post file photo
