DENVER (AP) -- Colorado Democratic Gov. John Hickenlooper urged lawmakers to debate gun control in the aftermath of mass shootings in Aurora and Connecticut, saying "our democracy demands this type of debate."
Hickenlooper also renewed a call for the passage of civil unions in his State of the State speech to lawmakers Thursday, and implored them to pass legislation lowering tuition for illegal immigrants who graduate from Colorado high schools. The students currently pay out-of-state rates much higher than legal state residents.
This is Hickenlooper's third such annual address and the first time his party controls both chambers.
Hickenlooper wants more background checks on gun purchases, and an expansion of services for the mentally ill.
He also highlighted economic accomplishments of the last year and urged lawmakers to work on expanding Medicaid.
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