The 2021 legislative session saw majority Democrats push through significant legislation on transportation funding, health care and firearms safety, plus consumer protection, criminal justice, early childhood care and education, elections, environmental protection, social equity and economic security.
The Colorado Legislature, usually in session from January until May, started late and may run until June 12, the last day it can be in session this year. The Front Porch will have a wrap-up of bills passed this year in the July issue.
Just three weeks after a mass shooting at a Boulder King Soopers store left 10 people dead, Governor Jared Polis signed two bills into law designed to reduce gun violence: one mandates the safe storage of weapons, the other requires owners to report lost or stolen guns.
During the Democratic primary, Sen. Bennet ran on his American Family Act, which was subsequently endorsed by the Biden-Harris campaign and now has been included in the American Rescue Act.
Legislative leaders tried to tamp down expectations for the session, given the continuing pandemic. But the volume and variety of bills introduced after lawmakers returned indicate this will be a full and contentious session ranging over many issues.
The Capitol siege, followed by impeachment, and inauguration of a new president have provided social studies teachers and their students with plenty of history-in-the-making moments to observe, question, and assess.
While the election and presidential transition continued to dominate the news well into November, the Front Porch asked a group of NE Denver residents for their thoughts on bridging the great political divide in our country.
As Denver voters mull over six long pages of candidates and ballot initiatives and wonder “Where do I find out about all these judges?” a group of East High School students is discussing big picture questions such as the franchise itself and the strengths and weaknesses of the Constitution.
PLEASE NOTE: Information about Proposition 113, the National Popular Vote (NPV), is incorrect in the printed October issue. A “yes” vote will, in fact, keep Colorado in the NPV compact. Proposition 113 is correct in this online article and in our PDF link to a summary of the 23 state and city ballot questions. Consider printing our 5-page summary to note your decisions after researching questions in the 90-page Blue Book.
