New Year’s Resolutions

As I sat down to write my resolutions for 2007, I realized I am hoping for the same things I wanted last year. Better, more affordable health care for Colorado, and solutions to our energy problems.

And this year, I’m expecting some good results. Here at CoPIRG, your public interest advocate both in the halls of the Statehouse and in Congress, we’ve got high hopes for 2007.

Why is that? Because our elected leaders heard from a frustrated public last November, and I think they’ll be ready to make some changes (the ones who still have their jobs, that is).

Over the last year, we’ve seen some great legislation blocked. For example, the Colorado Legislature passed a bill that would have saved Coloradans $525 million in energy costs through efficiency by 2030, but the bill was vetoed.

And we also helped pass a bill that would help uninsured Coloradans buy their prescription drugs, only to see it die at the governor’s desk.

But as 2007 begins we have a new governor, and many new members of our Legislature. They all seem anxious to show Coloradans they can help solve our state’s most pressing issues.

That certainly doesn’t mean we are going to take it easy, and let the victories come to us. We know how it feels to get these important bills within inches of being new laws, only to have them blocked.

The special interests, like the utilities and the pharmaceutical giants, don’t give in. They keep fighting any bill that would cost their bottom line, and have enough money to hire lobbyists and try to buy favors from politicians.

I know for a fact that these powerful companies have already contacted many of our new leaders, even before the results were in.

That’s why I am making a resolution to bring Colorado new savings on health care and energy.