Gov. Jared Polis and Fort Collins Sen. Joann Ginal pledged big things this legislative session, particularly via "unique opportunities" for health care and early childhood education.

Addressing a crowd of about 150 people at Blevins Middle School in Fort Collins on Friday evening, Polis and Ginal, both Democrats, alluded to their party retaking control of the Senate in the last election and, with it, trifecta control of state government.

Programs around reducing prescription drug costs, expanding the number of slots available for pre-K education throughout the state, and environmental issues took center stage. All were key parts of Polis' platform when running for governor, and Ginal has taken on two health care cost bills.

"It's not a fool's quest, where it's sent to some committee to die," Polis said, referring to the Democrats' control. "... These all have the possibility to pass this year."

Ginal's bill to allow importing of prescription medication passed unanimously in one committee and is awaiting a hearing in a second. If that bill is passed and Polis signs it, the state would need approval from the federal government.

She plans to introduce another bill aimed at price transparency for prescription drugs, her third attempt in as many years, around the beginning of March. She is working with stakeholder committees to finalize some language.

"The markups have been terrible over just the past five years alone," Ginal said. "We have to do something."

Polis noted that prescription drugs make up about one-fifth of all health care costs. Getting those under control would help control rising costs in general, he argued.

He's also pushing for a re-insurance pool for high-risk patients to further help with costs. He estimated it could save Western Slope residents, where health care premiums are some of the highest in the state, up to 30 percent on health care costs.

"We're not expecting any federal action on reducing health care costs at all, so it's going to need to come from here," Polis said.

Ginal also teased a bill from fellow Sen. Mike Foote, D-Lafayette, that would offer comprehensive reforms for how the state oversees the oil and gas industry. She couldn't specify what might be in the bill because it's not hers specifically but told the friendly audience that "it's a big bill and one I think a lot of you will support."

She also praised Polis, a former congressman whose district included Fort Collins, for jumping in "with both feet" in the legislature. Polis praised her for innovative pitches, such as a bill designed to reduce opiate prescriptions by allowing reimbursement for medical marijuana used for pain management.

"We're going to get some good things done in the next two years," Ginal said. "We've got a good Senate, a good House, where they're busy working overtime, and the best governor anyone could ask for."

A bill that would pledge Colorado's electoral votes to the presidential candidate who wins the national popular vote, if enough states to secure a majority of electoral votes sign on, also received a shout out from Polis. He said, "I'll have the pen ready" if it hits his desk. It's being championed by Fort Collins Rep. Jeni Arndt in the House.

"I know a lot of people are frustrated with the lack of action at the national level, but we have a real opportunity to make progress here," Polis said.

Arndt and Cathy Kipp, both Democrats, missed the town hall Friday evening while the House debated a bill on comprehensive sex education.