DENVER — Earlier this month, Compass Colorado issued a Colorado Open Records Act (CORA) request for information regarding the wage and gender of each person employed in Governor Hickenlooper’s office. This request came on the heels of the opening day speeches at the legislature, where Speaker of the Colorado House, Dickey Lee Hullinghorst, made “equal pay” a large part of her speech and made it clear that it would be an issue this legislative session.

“Governor Hickenlooper could be in a position to sign or veto legislation on “equal pay.” Compass Colorado issued this CORA request to ensure that he isn’t just using this issue as political hammer, but is practicing what he preaches,” Kelly Maher, executive director of Compass Colorado, said.

Unfortunately, Coloradans will have to wait longer to know if the governor does pay women as much as men.  

In response to Compass Colorado’s CORA request, the governor’s counsel issued a letter stating that because “extenuating circumstances exist,” they will not provide any information until February 1, 2016– at which point they might still not fulfil the request.  

“It appears that the governor has decided to lawyer-up, rather than provide this important information to taxpayers,” Maher added.  “Compass Colorado will continue our work to ensure the taxpayers receive the information they need to hold our elected officials accountable.”