After emotional debate, Senate passes budget

After a fiery and sometimes personal debate this morning, a divided Senate passed the state’s $17.6 billion budget on a near party-line vote.

Following Wednesday’s lengthy tussle over the budget, the approval was expected, but the emotion the budget aroused this morning was not. In arguing against the budget, Sen. Bill Cadman, R-Colorado Springs, recalled being so broke as a young man that he sometimes subsisted on nothing more than a loaf of bread and a package of bologna. Sen. Chris Romer, D-Denver, waived his arms and shouted, his face turning red, as he argued for the budget.

Democrats said the budget is both fiscally and morally responsible.

“This is the best deal for any budget in any state in the country,” Romer roared.

Republicans said the budget is irresponsible because it does not do enough to conserve money for a likely recession.

“This budget spends like it’s high times when it should be preparing for tough times,” said Sen. Shawn Mitchell, R-Broomfield. “… This budget is a disappointment. This budget is a frustration. We are spending our children’s inheritance.”

The Senate passed the budget 21-14, with only one Republican – Joint Budget Committee member Steve Johnson, R-Fort Collins – voting in favor. Joint Budget Committee members almost always stick together on floor votes.

“No, the budget’s not perfect,” Johnson said. “But overall I think it’s a good document.”

The budget next goes back to the House to approve the Senate’s amendments. That likely will not happen, and a conference committee will probably be appointed to work out the differences.

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