January 11, 2018 10:45 AM UTC

Hick's Swan Song State of the State

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• by: Colorado Pols

UPDATE: Denver Post:

Hickenlooper spoke at length about the plight of rural Colorado, singling out issues such as teacher shortages, jobs and rural broadband, as well as a hidden financial force that is steadily eroding the ability of rural communities to pay for public services. Next year, the Gallagher Amendment will trigger further reductions to property tax rates across the state, providing property tax relief to the Front Range but squeezing rural governments and school districts that are already struggling financially…

On economic development, the governor called for an expansion of apprentice programs, something he has long been pushing for. And he advocated for the continued expansion of renewable energy, even as Republicans are pushing to refocus the state Energy Office on carbon-based fuels like coal and gas and cut its budget by $1 million.

“What is it the critics don’t like?” he asked. “Is it the cleaner air or the lower utility bills?”

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Watch it here, and we’ll update with coverage after: