Reflections on My First Session: A Sobering View from the Capitol

As my first legislative session in the Colorado House of Representatives draws to a close, I’ve taken time to reflect on what this experience has revealed - both about the process of governance and the state of leadership in our Capitol.

I came here with resolve, determined to serve the people of House District 45 with integrity, to bring forward thoughtful legislation, and to defend the values we hold dear. While I remain committed to that mission, this first session has been a sobering introduction to the dysfunction and deep partisanship that now pervade the People's House.

There have been moments of genuine collaboration - instances where members across the aisle worked together to pass good legislation that will serve Colorado well. But those moments have been tragically few. More often, I’ve witnessed partisanship strangle commonsense bills, smothering solutions that could have eased burdens on families, safeguarded constitutional rights, and addressed real problems. 

I’ve also seen ill-conceived legislation rushed through, driven by ideological motives rather than practical necessity or long-term vision.

Hyper-Partisanship has Robbed Colorado of What Could Have Been

In this chamber, I’ve watched serious policy proposals dismissed out of hand because of the party behind them, not the merit they carried. I’ve seen my Democratic colleagues press forward on bills with glaring flaws, while reasonable alternatives were ignored. The impacts of these shortsighted decisions will not fall on legislators, but on the people we are elected to serve.

I’ve fought hard this session, offering bills that would have enhanced transparency, protected constitutional freedoms, and delivered relief to Colorado's working families. One of those, HB25-1143 - Open-Source Software in Voting Systems - would have strengthened trust in our elections by ensuring transparency and security.

Despite its merit, it was killed in committee by the majority party. Not because it was flawed in any way, but because it didn’t fit their political agenda.

The Process Itself is Broken

Perhaps the most disheartening realization of this session is how far the Capitol has drifted from its intended purpose. This building was meant to be a place where great minds gather to tackle the most pressing issues of the day. Instead, I’ve observed a body where shortsightedness and impulsivity reign, where the majority does not have to be diligent, and where attention to detail is often absent.

I’ve watched committee members attend remotely from salons, miss critical votes because they’ve seemingly fallen asleep in Zoom meetings, and be rescued by recesses called mid-vote to allow them to catch up. This is not the standard of governance Coloradans deserve.

This isn’t a partisan frustration - it’s a bipartisan disappointment. No matter your political affiliation, this level of disengagement from the process hurts every Coloradan.

Coloradans are hurting this year because of the careless policies pushed through last year. I’ve seen firsthand how poorly vetted laws, rushed by a disengaged majority, have real consequences for families, businesses, and communities across this state.

And if this year’s legislative session is any indication - if this level of inattention and ideological policymaking continues - imagine the damage next year will bring. When leadership fails and accountability is cast aside, it’s always the people outside the Capitol who carry the burden.

Healthy Opposition is Healthy Government

Despite these frustrations, I remain committed to the work ahead. I believe opposition - real, meaningful opposition - is not only necessary but healthy. The majority may not like to be challenged, but they must be. For too long, single-party control has allowed complacency and arrogance to take root.

Democrats do not have to be good at their jobs to advance their agenda, but the consequences of that are borne by those struggling to make ends meet, those watching their rights eroded, and those trying to build a better life for their families.

I will continue to stand firm, to offer not just criticism but solutions, and to fight for a Colorado that listens to its people, not one that bulldozes over them.

As I close this session, I am more determined than ever to be the voice for those who feel unheard in the shadow of the golden dome. The work is far from over. In the interim, I will be preparing the next set of bills, engaging with my constituents, and holding this government accountable.

Thank you for the trust you’ve placed in me. Together, we can still bring the Capitol back to what it was meant to be - a place where great minds gather to do great things.

Most Respectfully,

Representative Max Brooks
House District 45
Colorado General Assembly


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