Democrats in the Colorado Senate accused Republicans of taking marching orders from big corporations and a conservative nonprofit so far this session, reflected in both the bills the GOP members have introduced and bills that have been killed.

“In February we saw the Senate Republicans standing with a Koch brothers-backed group called Americans for Prosperity here in our own capitol,” Sen. Jessie Ulibarri, D-Westminster, said at a new conference Tuesday. “For those of you who don’t know Americans for Prosperity is not Colorado-based … They started handing out these booklets which I dubbed the hand guide for the wealthy and well-connected, and by God they have been using that handbook to advance a very narrow agenda that benefits a few at the expense of the many.”

Ulibarri was referencing the fourth annual AFP legislative day at the Capitol where leaders from the Colorado-branch of the PAC called for lawmakers to “only pass legislation that protects and supports our individual liberties.”

Senate President Bill Cadman, R-Colorado Springs, spoke at the event and was criticized for his endorsement of the group, specifically thanking them for the work they do knocking on doors, talking about the issues, and mobilizing thegrass roots. “I can tell you this. I don’t think I would be president of the Senate if it wasn’t for the efforts that you and yours did in previous elections and we look forward to continuing our partnership with you,” according to an audio recording of the event provided by The Durango Herald.

Cadman responded to the attack on the motives of his caucus in an email.

Conservatives share stances on key issues facing the state, he said.

“Twisting that into some kind of conspiracy, conveniently centered around the left’s usual bogeymen, the Koch brothers, suggests a little paranoia, mixed with a lot of partisan posturing,” Cadman said. “We really don’t have time to follow Democrats down that rabbit hole, with less than half the session left. Our plan, in the time we have, is to continue constructively working with the other party, wherever we can, to address the issues average Coloradans really care about.”

Democrats have demonized the Koch brothers (giant Koch brother puppets made an appearance in Boulder for the GOP presidential debate) for the millions they pour into an organization that operates outside campaign finance restrictions by not cooperating or endorsing candidates but standing on attack campaigns and issue campaigns.

The group has become the poster-child for big money in elections.

AFP categorizes itself very differently.

“With over 127,000 Colorado activists, we are the largest non-partisan, free-market grass-roots organization in Colorado,” said Tamra Farah, spokesperson for AFP-Colorado. “We welcome the support and collaboration of any members of the state legislature who agree with our 6 for ’16 Public Policy Priorities.”

Those six public policy priorities that the AFP called for were defending the Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights, holding the implementation of the Affordable Care Act accountable, blocking President Barack Obama’s energy mandates; opposing fracking bans and other responsible energy resources, better-funding charter schools, and repealing the business personal property tax.

Ulibarri pointed to bills brought by Republicans specifically and their opposition to a proposal by Democrats to reduce tax refunds under TABOR.

– Senate Bill 2 would require voter approval of a fee being charged to insurance companies offering plans on the Colorado Health Benefit Exchange (the Connect for Health Colorado system put in place for the ACA compliance). A 3.5 percent administrative fee is being charged now and if the bill became law voters could decide to end that fee.

– Senate Bill 6 would require Connect for Health to refer consumers to licensed insurance brokers.

– Senate Bill 61 would create a “Ratepayer Protection” program within the Public Utilities Commission to guard against any increased costs associated with compliance with the EPA’s Clean Power Plan.

– Senate Bill 157 would require state agencies to suspend implementation of the Clean Power Plan.

“They are following the AFP guide for supporting the wealthy and well-connected in the introduction of the bills that they have moved forward,” Ulibarri said.

Tension between Republicans who have a majority in the Senate and Democrats who hold a majority in the House will continue to grow as lawmakers craft a budget in the final months of the legislative session and try to reach a compromise on partisan issues.

Colorado Rockies’ Nolan Arenado, center, is congratulated after hitting a 2-run home run against the Milwaukee Brewers during the third inning of a spring training baseball game in Scottsdale, Ariz., Tuesday, March 22, 2016. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)

Jeff Chiu