Colorado: House Of Representatives

In a nearly unanimous vote Thursday, the House adopted a resolution supporting a four-day recess that also urges legislators to forgo their per diem compensation during the break. Rep. Paul Weissman, D-Longmont, sponsored the resolution and presented it as a way for legislators to go home and work with constituents. Rural legislators, meanwhile, expressed concerns about personal finances.

"I've thought about doing this for years, but I've never been in a position to do it," said Weissman. "Somewhere mid-session we need a chance to catchup and [have] time to reconnect with our districts. This will allow us the opportunity to do both."

Weissman speculated that if every representative were to give up their per diem, total cost savings could be as high as $20,000.

What is it with our local elected officials thinking they're members of congress all of a sudden? Earlier this week the Colorado legislature wasted a day debating the Israel-Palestinian conflict, as though a resolution from the Colorado legislature will solve the issue.

Now we have the Larimer County Commissioners passing a resolution condemning the stimulus package in Congress and laughably - and arrogantly - acting as though our leaders in Washington should take their advice on the financial mess. "I hope the Senate will take this warning and move forward in a different manner," said Commissioner Tom Donnelly.

But the best, or worst, part of this story comes from Commissioner Steve Johnson, the former State Senator who used to be one of the more reasonable moderates in the legislature.

The Mideast conflict has landed in the laps of Colorado's state senators.

Peace activists and Palestinians today will protest in front of the state Capitol against a resolution before the Senate to support Israel and condemn Hamas in the struggle over a Palestinian state.

"We see that it is very one-sided," said Rima Sinclair, a Palestinian-American who ran unsuccessfully for a state House seat last year.

But the resolution's author, state Sen. Joyce Foster, D-Denver, said it is co-sponsored by 30 of Colorado's 35 state senators and is similar to ones overwhelmingly approved by the U.S. Senate and U.S. House.

"It's got wonderful support from both sides of the aisle," Foster said Sunday.

UPDATE #2: Reps. Diana DeGette's and Jared Polis' statements on House passage of the stimulus bill, with a breakdown estimate of Colorado's take, below the fold.

UPDATE: House passes stimulus with no Republican crossovers:

A GOP alternative, comprised almost entirely of tax cuts, was defeated, 266-170, moments before the final vote.

On the final vote, the legislation drew the support of all but 11 Democrats while all Republicans opposed it.

The White House-backed legislation includes an estimated $544 billion in federal spending and $275 billion in tax cuts for individuals and businesses.

Following yesterday's announcement of over $800 million in devastating expected cuts to the state budget, all eyes turn today to the