Republicans were thrilled when Democratic Gov. John Hickenlooper in his first State of the State address talked about cutting red tape and burdensome regulations for business.
Sen. Shawn Mitchell, R-Broomfield, said he was so impressed at the governor’s idea about having some sort of regulatory-impact statement on legislation that he offered to carry the bill.
But Mitchell’s measure was assigned for a hearing today in what is known as a “kill” committee.
So Mitchell on Monday did two things. He wrote a letter to the governor asking him to support Senate Bill 116. And he went to the media asking why the governor wouldn’t weigh in on a bill with a Democratic House sponsor.
“I haven’t been lighting fires under their seats until now because I thought they’d be interested in their own proposal,” Mitchell said.
Within an hour of The Denver Post’s inquiry, Mitchell heard from the governor’s office.
“They said they were sorry they didn’t get back to me earlier, but they were busy with the budget. And they said they were going to convene a group to work on shaping the bill,” Mitchell said.
Senate Bill 116 requires the Legislative Council staff to prepare business-fiscal-impact statements on all proposed legislation and all proposed rules of the executive branch. Colorado businesses may submit comments within a designated five-day period following the introduction of legislation or notification of a proposed rule and such comments must be summarized by the staff.
Mitchell said his bill likely won’t be heard today, but he will be given a later deadline so he can work with the House sponsor, Rep. Andy Kerr, D-Lakewood, and Rep. Don Coram, R-Montrose, who has his own proposal.
“We’re encouraging legislation that has broad bipartisan support and have indicated our interest in working with Sen. Mitchell on the idea,” said Megan Castle, Hickenlooper’s spokeswoman. “His bill is only one of several.”
Mitchell said he’s pleased — and surprised — by the turn of events.
“I still think the governor’s proposal is a great idea, and I look forward to making that happen,” Mitchell said.
Lynn Bartels: 303-954-5327 or lbartels@denverpost.com
