Southern Colorado’s freshman lawmakers learn the lay of the legislative landscape

Before they can live up to their campaign promises — or even find the restrooms — freshman lawmakers must learn the lay of the legislative landscape and the catacombs of the State Capitol complex.

Southern Colorado’s newest legislators — Rep.-elect Keith Swerdfeger, R-Pueblo West, and Sens.-elect Angela Giron, D-Pueblo, and Kevin Grantham, R-Canon City — participated in their fifth day of orientation Wednesday along with the rest of the freshman class of lawmakers.

This week the freshmen have learned the basics of drafting bills and determinations of their fiscal impacts. They also have had trial runs at committee hearings.

Today, they will have mock floor sessions in the House and Senate chambers and computer lessons.

Giron said a mock hearing of the Senate Appropriations Committee was enlightening.

“It affirms what kind of recession crisis we’re in,” she said.      – More -