Republican lawmakers, who are in the minority at the state Capitol, said they saw little success in their campaign to save residents money this year, as Democrats “shredded” that goal.

At the beginning of the session, Republicans unveiled a series of measures that, they insisted, would save the average Colorado family $4,500 each year.

“We had hopes to make life more affordable,” said Senate Minority Leader Paul Lundeen of Monument.

The agenda included measures to repeal the state’s grocery bag ban and undo a retail delivery fee, ride share fees, and regulations around cage-free eggs. They also sought reductions in energy and utility costs, and pushed to reduce and — eventually repeal — the state income tax and the state tax on Social Security income.

Still, Republicans counted as part of their victory the passage of a bill adding nuclear power to the state’s list of “clean” energy solutions, a long-time effort, and regulatory relief through Senate Bill 39, which lifted a requirement for owners of agricultural buildings to report on energy use.

The Republicans reflected on the 2025 session a day after lawmakers wrapped up their work for the year.

They looked back — and looked ahead, warning about another year of potential budget pain. This year, lawmakers had little flexibility, as they worked to plug a $1.2 billion deficit.

Republicans, in fact, had improved their numerical position following the elections in November. In the House, Republicans hold 22 seats, up from 19 the previous year.

House Minority Leader Rose Pugliese of Colorado Springs said their agenda focused on affordability, public safety, the Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights and parental rights. This was a nod to the lengthy battles over House Bill 1312, the transgender bill that won final passage on the last day of the session.

She noted HB 1312 changed substantially in the last days of the session, saying it showed “the voices of the people were heard.”

Republicans pointed to the floor debates over the transgender bill and behind-the-scenes fights over a House resolution that would have allowed the General Assembly to sue the state over the constitutionality of TABOR as among their most substantial engagements this year.

Noting the $1.2 billion budget shortfall, Pugliese said her side fought to repeal ineffective programs.

“It’s not a revenue problem, it’s a prioritization problem,” she said, echoing a frequent point Republicans have cited throughout the session.

Rep. Rick Taggart, R-Grand Junction, the caucus representative on the Joint Budget Committee, talked about the difficulties of crafting the 2025-26 budget amid the billion-dollar deficit.

He said the JBC’s work ahead “is cut out for us.”

“This wasn’t an easy year, and next year won’t be either,” he said.

Meanwhile, Sen. Barbara Kirkmeyer of Brighton, the Senate Republican’s caucus representative on the Joint Budget Committee, said the state faced an unprecedented budget crisis that lawmakers knew was coming four years ago. Instead of cutting programs, Democrats continued to spend and their quest to eliminate TABOR, she said.

Kirkmeyer pointed to the costs tied to renovation of the former Department of Revenue building and a request for $4 million on furniture, along with $6 million on office renovations — all for lawmakers.

Those projects have been ongoing for two years since being authorized in 2023. Department of Personnel and Administration spokesman Doug Platt said the construction is scheduled for fall 2025 completion, with move-ins completed by the start of the 2026 session.

Kirkmeyer also pointed out that lawmakers gave themselves a pay raise, through an increase in the per diem rate that came out of a 2024 bill that goes into effect with the 2025-26 budget. That will cost an additional $300,000 in general funds, money that will primarily go to lawmakers who live less than 50 miles from the state Capitol.

She noted that even with a $1.2 billion general fund shortfall, general fund spending in the 2025-26 budget increased by 3.4%. That includes increased Medicaid provider rates that the Joint Budget Committee also have supported for several years. All told, Colorado’s budget added $3 billion more compared to the current spending plan.

Kirkmeyer also criticized the budget committee saving the biggest spending decisions — on Medicaid, K-12, and higher education — for last.

Additionally, Assistant Minority Leader Ty Winter of Trinidad noted what he described as the continued assault on the Second Amendment, with bills such as Senate Bill 3, which the governor signed on April 10 but only after substantial policy changes.

“People want leadership that will listen to them,” Winter said.

Last week, Republican lawmakers sent a letter to the Department of Justice, asking for an investigation into gun legislation adopted by Democrats over the last four years, including SB 3, which would prohibit purchase of some guns unless a person undergoes a hunter safety training course.

When pressed what Republicans accomplished with a 21-seat disadvantage, Pugliese pushed back at the notion they held no power, saying if they’re going to “tie up” the floor for a day, that’s leverage.

“It’s short-sighted to say we have no power,” she added.