LWC Write Up February 26th

The Legislative Watch Council met Friday the 26^th at Chamber Member Denny’s restaurant to discuss the ongoing legislative session.  We started the morning off discussing the Tax Exemption Bills that Governor Ritter signed February 24^th business.  These bills will have a serious impact on Coloradoes (see the Press Release from CSCC, Grand Junction, and Fort Collins), especially the manufacturer’s one that taxes energy and the software legislation.  On the other side the Chamber is pleased to see that SB10-120; Prepaid Wireless Telephone 911 Surcharge and HB10-1289; Telecommunications Sales Tax Exemption are both moving forward with our support. 

Some of the bills being presented at the capitol could have a huge impact on business and the LWC took positions on several of these bills.  SB10-126; Pharmaceutical Transparency Act By Senator Morgan Carroll is strongly opposed by the Chamber.  This bill will greatly impede the ability of Colorado’s promotional businesses to offer product to doctors and medical offices while adding huge fees to those business far beyond what the federal legislation on the same issue created.  Several of the bills presented seemed designed by trail lawyers working only towards higher settlements at the end of the day.  Those bills this week were HB10-1168; Reimbursement Limitations to Injured Person and HB10-1269; Workplace Fairness Civil Remedies Act.  Both of these bills are poorly defined and leave themselves full of places for unintended consequences for business.  

Another bill, HB10-1350; Requirements For Economic Incentives, is just another hoop for business to jump through.  This legislation would simply create an environment where economic incentives were no longer worth giving or receiving for Colorado and it’s businesses because of the onerous reporting requirements and negative mandates. The Chamber strongly opposes HB10-1350.  HB10-1263; Limit Income Tax Benefit For Comp Paid is another bill we strongly oppose.  This bill limits the amount businesses can deduct from state taxes on wages paid.   This bill discourage growth and expansion of small businesses, will run business out of Colorado and be a huge liability in attracting new business.  The LWC also reviewed HB10-1234; Fair Settle Ins Claim Medical Benefits and HB10-1351; Deferred Deposit Loan Interest Rate  and opposed both. HB10-1234; Fair Settle Ins Claim Medical Benefits simply adds an unnecessary burden onto insurers and could damage the medical industry.

There are bills which the Legislative Watch Council supports as well.  For example HB10-1188; Clarify River Outfitter Navigation Rights helps with our critical industry, tourism, which is a huge economic driver in Colorado.  This bill supports the rafting industry as well as protects and supports property owner rights while exempting those landowners from liability for the rafters.

legislation.  If you are interested in participating in the LWC or getting involved with the chamber’s legislative advocacyThe Greater Colorado Springs Chamber of Commerce supports business and business growth, please contact Jessica McMullen at jmcmullen@cscc.org or 719-575-4327.