Speaker McNulty Highlights House Accomplishments at End of Session

DENVER—Speaker of the House Frank McNulty gave an end of session wrap-up today, highlighting the House’s many accomplishments.   

“Republicans came into the majority with one mission in mind—to get our economy back on track,” said McNulty, R-Highlands Ranch.  “I’m proud to say today, that we took significant steps toward accomplishing this goal.” 

The Speaker highlighted Republican legislation to make Colorado a more business-friendly state, including measures to repeal several of the “Dirty Dozen” tax increases, including taxes on agricultural production, the software tax and reinstating the vendor reimbursement for Colorado businesses that collect sales tax for the state.     

Each of these measures were part of a budget agreement.     

“This session marked the first time in years that Republicans had a seat at the table,” McNulty said.  “When it came to the budget, Republicans offered a voice of reason.  Our goal was clear—to end the reliance on budget gimmicks, reduce the governor’s proposed cuts to education and responsibly decrease the size and scope of the state government.”   

While Republicans were fighting for jobs, Senate Democrats let several measures that would have helped Colorado’s economy die on the calendar, including the repeal of the Amazon Tax.   

McNulty stated that the biggest disappointment was Senate Pres. Brandon Shaffer’s, D-Longmont, unwillingness to draw a redistricting map that was fair for Colorado. 

“Republicans on the Joint Committee on Redistricting repeatedly called on Democrats to work with us and draw a map in public,” said McNulty.   “Despite our best efforts to draw a map that is fair for Colorado, it is now clear that Democrats never wanted to work with us, but were preparing for a court battle that will cost millions of dollars. 

“Despite this, it is my hope that when we convene in 2012, Senate Democrats will drop their political posturing, so we can continue to get Colorado back to work.”   

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