Both sides feel the pressure to deliver results. This session is about more than the already contentious issue of growth. Lawmakers also have to consider issues such as cancer treatment for low-income women, a controversial transportation proposal from the governor, and the inherently partisan business of redrawing the state's congressional districts. Their flexibility in addressing most of those issues is limited. They won't be able to consider bills favored by lawmakers who want a more aggressive and comprehensive approach to growth management.
Affordable housing is off the table.
So are impact fees, which allow cities and counties to charge developers for the costs of growth. So is any transportation proposal outside the governor's own plan to beef up highway funding. So, for the time being, is a proposal from Attorney General Ken Salazar, who wants to use a portion of the state surplus to protect open space. The governor's action riled Democrats. Privately, though, some Democrats believe the call is so specific that it violates the state constiution as interpreted by the courts.