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Colorado lawmakers return to the golden dome today in a somber mood as they kick off a 2009 legislative session dominated by a bleak budget. But they're holding out hope they can pass a plan to fix the state's roads and craft a proposal that could boost health care coverage for the uninsured poor. Some see that hope coming by way of appeals to bipartisanship from leaders on both sides.

"I'm a firm believer that when you have great challenges," new House Speaker Terrance Carroll, D-Denver, said, "you also have great opportunities."

Here are previews of six areas expected to provide the most action this legislative session.