LWC Write Up April 9th

The Legislative Watch Council met Friday at the Chamber of Commerce to review legislation on behalf of the Chamber members and the business community. The Legislative Watch Council discussed the trip to Denver where members of the LWC traveled to Denver on Tuesday, April 6th to meet with the El Paso County delegation. The trip was a wonderful opportunity to discuss the state budget and the obvious attack on business seen this year. The LWC members were pleased to meet with Representative Mark Waller, Representative Bob Gardner, Representative Larry Liston, and Representative Marsha Looper. These busy legislators made time out of their day to meet with our group and we were honored to hear from them all.



At our Friday meeting HB10-1396; Eliminating Enterprise Zone Tax Credits by Representative Joel Judd was discussed. The Chamber has taken an aggressive stand against this bill and has already joined with a coalition of business organizations to fight it at the capitol. The Chamber’s Director of Governmental Affairs, Ernest House testified against it in the House Finance Committee. He was able to speak specifically to the region's concerns armed with information from the Colorado Springs Regional Economic Development Corporation and El Paso County's Economic Development division. The bill's sponsor seems determined to make it harder for business to survive and thrive in these challenging times.

Another bill discussed is HB10-1330; All-payer Health Claims Database by Representative Kefalas and El Paso County's Senator John Morse. This bill authorizes the state to collect information on every health care transaction in the state, from hospitals to private medical records, to insurer files. This bill is too broad and does not take into consideration the privacy concerns regarding this incredibly personal data. The Chamber's LWC is strongly opposed to a bill that would require such a deep level of bureaucracy and intrusion to capture personal health data.

The group also discussed two bills that have been drafted, but have not yet been introduced. Representative Weissmann from House District 12, which spans Louisville, Lafayette, and parts of Longmont, is considering a bill that sunsets all current tax credits, exemptions, and exclusions. While it seems incredibly far-fetched that a bill that outrageous would pass, it remains a possibility that the Chamber must consider. Many businesses rely on these credits during harsh economic times, like now, and to remove them could put any on the edge out of business. This across-the-board, massive tax increase on business would be a major hardship and is foolhardy during these difficult times. The Chamber's LWC voted to vigorously oppose this irrational and damaging proposal. The LWC also discussed an election reform bill proposed by Speaker of the House Terrance Carroll. This bill would allow same day registration and voting and is being strongly opposed by County Clerk & Recorder offices throughout Colorado. The Clerks believe this bill could spark additional voter fraud and damage the credibility and reputation they have built in Colorado.

Both of those bills characterize late session bills that are often extreme and ill-considered, only to be rushed through. The LWC is hopeful that there will not be the deluge of last minute bills like was seen last year, but are preparing for a heavy end-of-session rush. The Chamber continues to strategize and take action on the many bills reviewed this session and we are proud to represent the Pikes Peak Region's business community at the state capitol every day.

If you have any questions, comments, or are interested in participating as a member of our Legislative Watch Council, please contact Jessica McMullen at jmcmullen@cscc.org or 719-575-4327.