STATE BILL COLORADO

The Senate Democratic caucus today elected Sen. Mary Hodge, D-Brighton, to succeed Sen. Abel Tapia, D-Pueblo, on the Joint Budget Committee. Tapia resigned this week because he is term-limited and will not be back for the next legislative session.

“Drafting the budget is a thorny, complex task, but I am eager to take on this challenge,” Hodge said.

Hodge leaves a vacancy as the chair of the Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee, and as a member of Local Government and Energy and Appropriations Committees.