Each fall, the Chamber’s Governmental Affairs Committee carefully reviews and revises legislative guidelines that are then recommended to the Chamber Board in December for formal action. Once approved by the board, the Governmental Affairs Committee can take action on proposed bills if they fall within those guidelines. Guidelines cover topics including economic development, education, employment/workforce, immigration, health care, transportation, water, and taxation.
Adjustments this year included adjustments to help protect the employee/employer relationship while also creating consistency between federal and state wage discrimination laws which are currently creating confusion for many companies.
Changes also included clarification on taxation guidelines to include asking voters for not just increases in taxes under TABOR but also increases in fees and premiums that are burdening businesses while often growing government. Ensuring equitable environments for brick-and-mortar stores versus e-commerce was also a priority.
Lastly, additions were made to encourage the protection of water, including the encouragement of storage and preservation policies.
With the legislative session starting January 9th, look for these guidelines to be put to use quickly. The Governmental Affairs Committee will be meeting every other week to evaluate bills being introduced, look for ways to influence policy and work with coalitions across the state to protect the business environment in Colorado.
Shown below is the full schedule for these Legislative Vide Conferences and meetings:
1/10/2023 Spectrum Business Services
1/24/2023 Xcel Energy
2/7/2023 Express Employment Professionals
3/7/2023 Sponsorship Available
3/21/2023 Home Loan Insurance
4/4/2023 Bechtel & Santo
4/18/2023 Sponsorship Available
5/2/2023 Pinnacol Assurance
5/16/2023 Legislative Wrap-Up Breakfast sponsored by Ireland, Stapleton, Pryor and Pascoe, PC
If you are interested in serving on the Chamber’s Governmental Affairs Committee, please contact Candace at candace@gjchamber.org.
The complete list of legislative guidelines can be found at www.gjchamber.org/2023-guidelines-final.