Colorado is facing a $1.2 billion budget shortfall this year that has Democrats looking to make cuts in programs precious to taxpayers and low-income residents.
But what the Democrat-controlled legislature is not willing to sacrifice is the $10 million they’ve set aside to renovate and redecorate their own personal offices on the Capitol grounds.
That’s $4 million just for their new furniture, and $6 million for the office renovations.
Surely “Extreme Makeover: Greedy Democrats Edition” could do it for a lot less?
Republican State Sen. Barbara Kirkmeyer spoke out against the Democrats’ budgetary largesse at a hearing Friday, chiding them for putting their own comfort and interior design needs ahead of funding for children with severe disabilities.
“Where are your values? Where are your priorities? Is it with these kids that are neglected and abused? Is it with these low-income families that we’re trying to get child care for. Is it for children with severe disabilities? Or is it for furniture?” Kirkmeyer said.
Kirkmeyer proposed a measure to throw water on their plans. Long story short, Democrats voted to keep their own luxuries and to Hell with the budget shortfall and developmentally disabled children.
Shaun Boyd over at Denver’s CBS News reported on the state’s excesses, including this statement from Democrat Senate President James Coleman:
“These updates were approved through the normal legislative process, planned well in advance and part of responsible long-term stewardship of government facilities,” Coleman said.
That’s the Democrats’ idea of financial stewardship, putting their needs ahead of the people who keep electing that party to power over, and over again.
For those keeping track, Kirkmeyer is expected to run for governor to replace Gov. Polis in the 2026 election.