A Mountain Metro Transit bus heads north on South Academy Boulevard in Colorado Springs Monday, December 3, 2018. Photo by Mark Reis
Republican leader Patrick Neville says the state needs to focus on roads, “not extra pogo stick lanes or bike lanes” as Democrats push back
The Colorado General Assembly convenes Wednesday at a familiar impasse about how to improve the state’s roads and reduce traffic congestion – one that appears headed for more political theatrics this session.
The Democratic majority is reiterating their position that new revenue through taxes or fees is required to meet the state’s roughly $9 billion in needs for road construction and transit. The Republicans in the minority want to tap existing tax dollars, not new ones.
On the eve of the 120-day lawmaking term, the entrenched positions led to a testy exchange between leaders in the two parties Tuesday at the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce’s annual legislative preview event.
“We need to focus on real solutions, which, quite frankly, that’s pavement, that’s not extra pogo stick lanes or bike lanes that are just adding to the gridlock of the state,” said House Republican leader Patrick Neville of Castle Rock.
The barb – directed at Democrats who are focused on transit options beyond cars – made it clear that Republicans plan to draw a firm line once again on transportation. A year ago, Republicans in the Senate used procedural delay tactics to force the Democratic majority into putting more money from discretionary spending toward transportation, part of an effort that brought lawmaking to a temporary halt.
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