Resources

Governor’s Issue Mash Up

Affordable Housing and Water Crisis Leverage for Climate Agenda

Leveraging against the crisis in affordable housing and water across Colorado, Governor Jared Polis will converge the issues with key agenda items driving his climate change agenda to usurp long standing local control of transportation, land use and growth.

Expect to see one large bill proposal, still in formation, that mashes together state mandated requirements for higher densities, transit utilization, water conservation, stricter building codes, and ‘smart growth’ requirements. The Colorado Municipal League and Colorado Counties Inc joins the NCLA in bracing for the drop of the measure being crafted behind closed doors.

The Governor’s office with the Colorado Departments of Transportation (CDOT), Local Affairs (DOLA), Natural Resources (DNR) and the Colorado Energy Office are converging their authorities and expertise to craft the multi-faceted measure.

Slew of Labor Issues Drop on Business
Fair Workweek Employment Standards. Job Application Fairness Act. Ensure Equal Pay For Equal Work. Additional Uses Paid Sick Leave. Employer Notice Of Income Tax Credits. Unemployment Compensation Dependent Allowance.

Despite the positive names and bill titles, the NCLA Board of Directors voted to oppose each of measures that will have detrimental economic effect on employers if passed. NCLA joins with our partners in the business community in opposing the bills that do the following:

HB 1118: Fair Workweek Employment Standards: (OPPOSE) Requires restaurants, retail and others to pay employees “predictability pay when changes are made in their work schedule, rest shortfall pay when they don’t have enough rest between shifts, retention pay if work hours are given to a new employee without first offering to them, and minimum weekly pay equal to 15% of average weekly hours. The NCLA is opposed to this measure as a significant overreach into the employer management of his business and operations with employees.

SB 58: Job Application Fairness Act. (MONITOR) SB 58 prohibits employers from inquiring about a prospective employee’s age, date of birth, and dates of attendance at or date of graduation from an educational institution on an employment application.

SB 105: Ensure Equal Pay For Equal Work. (MONITOR) As a follow up to the 2021 Equal Pay for Equal Work, SB 105 mandates a number of other requirements upon employers in their hiring and job posting practices including requiring employers to provide specific information to all employees regarding the candidate selected for the each job and promotional opportunities within a company.

SB 17: Additional Uses Paid Sick Leave. (OPPOSE) The bill mandates the expansion of the use of paid sick leave to allows an employee to use accrued paid sick leave when the employee needs to care for a family member whose school or place of care has been closed due to inclement weather, loss of power, loss of heating, loss of water, or other unexpected occurrence or event that results in the closure of the family member’s school or place of care. NCLA opposes the mandated expansion of eligible reasons for taking paid sick leave as it creates undue burden upon employers when most employers are agreeable on case by case basis to certain circumstances for leave.

HB 1006: Employer Notice Of Income Tax Credits. (OPPOSE) The bill requires an employer to provide to its employees written notice of the availability of federal and state earned income tax credits, federal and state child tax credits, and any additional content that the department of revenue prescribes. NCLA Board member Ben Aste testified on behalf of the NCLA in opposition to HB 1006 last week.

HB 1078: Unemployment Compensation Dependent Allowance. (OPPOSE) The bill creates a dependent allowance for an individual receiving unemployment compensation for each of the eligible individual’s dependents equal to $35 per dependent per week, and increases annually for inflation if necessary. NCLA opposes the bill as additional financial pull upon the Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund will prolong or threaten the imposition of the UI Premium Surcharge on employers to restore post-COVID solvency of the fund.

NCLA Tracking Report
On a bi-weekly basis, the NCLA Board reviews and considers its position on pending legislation. See the NCLA 2023 Legislative Tracking Report for the list of bills, thus far introduced, in which the NCLA is engaged.

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Welcome to the 74th General Assembly

Expanded Democratic Majority will Drive Legislative Agenda in 2023

The 2022 Election brought with it a significantly expanded Democrat majority at the statehouse.  Democrat leadership interpreted the outcome to a be a mandate of the policies they wrought in the last two years, not the resounding rubuke of the continuing presence of former President Donald Trump and a tattered GOP.  As a result, the business community will face unprecedented policy and political challenges in 2023 Legislative Session which got underway last week. 

Among the pomp and circumstance of the opening week, which saw the Inauguration of Governor Jared Polis for his second term, were the remarks of leadership in both bodies by both parties providing insight into the goals and the roles of each.  Below a summary of their remarks with links to the entirety of each: 

Opening Day Speeches

President of the Senate Steve Fenberg

Not well known for bi-partisanship in his prior role as Senate Majority Leader, the President, for whom this was his first opening day speech, worked to set a tone for collaboration and statesmanship but made it clear he and his party have a mandate.  From his speech, the following emerged:

Statesmanship and a Mandate

“This session, let’s do what the Senate was designed to do: slow down when needed. Authentically deliberate. And solve real problems for real people. Let’s not rush to judgment because of who the sponsor is, the title of the bill, or the party that’s supporting it.  We are much more likely to grow or change our minds when we know and understand other people who have different views. That’s how we begin to see that the “other” isn’t an enemy – they simply have different life experiences, different traditions, and different values that are held sacred. So that’s my challenge for all of us this year. Build those relationships.  I’m not advocating for my party to look at these historic majorities and decide not to utilize them. The voters clearly gave us a mandate.

Climate

“We will continue to bring down our emissions, prioritize getting our air quality under control, conserving and improving water quality, and do everything we can to protect our landscapes from devastating wildfires.” 

Housing Costs

“Let’s work together and fix this problem before we turn into San Francisco. How will we grow – will it be done in a way that prioritizes denser housing along transit corridors? It’s not too late to pursue smart growth–our air quality, our pocketbooks, and our quality of life depend on it.”

Gun violence

“We lost more than 1,000 Coloradans to gun violence in 2021.  Yes, it’s a mental health issue. But it’s also an economic justice issue. And a public safety issue. And an education issue. And, yes, it is also a gun issue. That is why this session we will prioritize preventing gun violence. So if local law enforcement can’t – or won’t – be the ones to bring the issue to a judge, others like district attorneys and counselors can and will. 

Public Safety

“Let’s work together this year to pass real policy that ends this spike in crime.  Let’s give last year’s bipartisan fentanyl bill a chance to work. Any changes should be based on science and data, not politics.

Senate Minority Leader Paul Lundeen

Colorado Faces Challenges

“Empty store shelves–and runaway unaffordability, a season of rising crime that will continue to expand unless we commit to a culture that honors law and law enforcement. A public school system that is hemorrhaging quality teachers and failing to meet the needs of far too many students unless we fund and focus on students instead of the system. Water shortage crisis that will desiccate our grandchildren’s future unless we are serious about storing the precious resources to which we are legally entitled.  A future where energy is unreliable and unaffordable unless we wisely use the best carbon transition fuels we have and explore alternative energy options, like nuclear. A recession appears to be at our shared doorstep and the government continues to grow faster than family budgets. The people we represent, the whole people of Colorado, say they do NOT like polarized politics.

Republican’s Participation, even if the Minority

“It is our duty that the voices of people who find themselves in the minority in this season of Colorado’s history be heard and shared. The saying in this body is that the minority gets their say, and the majority gets their way. But we are intent to do more than just talk. We insist to be full participants in the legislative process in this chamber, and will offer our best, constructive suggestions for making the future laws of this state better.” 

Speaker of the House Julie McKluskie

Moment of Silence and Remembrance of Minority Leader Hugh McKean

“Hugh embodied everything that it means to be a statesman. He went about his work in this building the right way, and everyone respected him for it. His wit and his joy filled this room, as did his booming voice and his laughter.” 

Affordability

“This year, we will redouble our efforts to make Colorado more affordable by reducing the costs of a family’s largest expenses, often housing, health care, and child care.  Housing is central to every person’s ability to live, work and play. That’s why we have taken landmark steps to build more affordable homes and expand our housing stock. We passed the largest property tax reduction in the state’s history, strengthened the state affordable housing tax credit, created a housing tax credit for seniors, and directed hundreds of millions to help local communities address homelessness and preserve mobile home parks. I strongly believe that high-quality, accessible health care is essential for every Coloradan.

Investment in Education & Affordable Child Care

“We are committed to making yet another meaningful investment in public schools, higher education, and workforce development. Data shows that nearly one-third of the median family’s budget goes to child care, a figure that’s even higher in our rural counties. Not only is this simply unsustainable for families, it strains our workforce by making it harder for new parents to return to work and reduces what they can spend in our local economies. Starting this fall, every four-year-old in Colorado will have access to free universal preschool. So far, over 850 providers across the state have signed up with the Department of Early Childhood Education to provide a total of nearly 29,000 slots for early childhood education. These efforts will give more Colorado kids a head start while saving parents money and helping them get back to work. 

Water

“Agriculture communities, wildlife, the future of our public lands, our environment, ski areas, growing cities, suburbs, and every person and family in our state depends on water. Water should unite us, not divide us.” 

House Minority Leader Mike Lynch

The People’s House and the People are in Charge-

“The bottom line of our initial establishment for this great land is that we come from a heritage of ensuring that the people are in charge, not us in this chamber.  I implore you to remember it is not you that sits in those seats, it is the thousands of people who put you there.  Most of them you agree with, but some of them you do not.  Those voices are important as well.  Those voices are the ones, the minority represents here today. The voices that continue to believe in limited and smaller government, property rights, and school choice. Those Coloradans who understand there is no such thing as government money, but understand it is their money as government has no way of producing income outside of our individual successes.  Entrepreneurs and business owners who feel they are over-taxed and over-regulated and who support multiple energy choices in our state.  The people in the rural parts of this state that ensure we have food on our table everyday.  

NCLA Tracking Report

On a bi-weekly basis, the NCLA Board reviews and considers its position on pending legislation.  See the NCLA 2023 Legislative Tracking Report for the list of bills, thus far introduced, in which the NCLA is engaged.

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Resources & Recordings: 2022 Regional Issues Summit

Presented by the Northern Colorado Legislative Alliance on December 14, 2022

Because…it matters.  NCLA Regional Issues Summit.

Northern Colorado is the epicenter for vibrant economic growth.  But current public policy decisions and regulatory action could have significant economic implications. 

Policy decisions matters. A vibrant economy matters.  You matter. 

The Regional Issues Summit presented by NCLA on December 14, 2022 featured keynotes and panels of high-level decision makers, experts and business leaders.

More than 100 business professionals and community leaders attended the 2022 Regional Issues Summit. 

The Regional Issues Summit is presented by the Northern Colorado Legislative Alliance, the Fort Collins Area Chamber of Commerce, the Loveland Chamber of Commerce, the Greeley Area Chamber of Commerce and Upstate Colorado.

Thank you to the 2022 Regional Issues Summit sponsors.

Gold Sponsors:   Elevations Credit Union

Silver Sponsors:   BizWest, Ent Credit Union and UCHealth

Bronze Sponsors:   iHeart and Woodward

Event Sponsors:   Canvas Credit Union, Jet Marketing, North Forty News, Northern Engineering Services, OfficeScapes and Sign-A-Rama

This event will be recorded and shared by NCLA Partner organizations.  A virtual or hybrid option is not available for day of participation.  A ticket will be required for admittance.             

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2022 Regional Issues Summit

Presented by the Northern Colorado Legislative Alliance
Wednesday, December 14, 2022   
7:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
Blue Bar and Grill at the Budweiser Event Center, Loveland, CO

Because…it matters.  NCLA Regional Issues Summit.

Northern Colorado is the epicenter for vibrant economic growth.  But current public policy decisions and regulatory action could have significant economic implications. 

Policy decisions matters. A vibrant economy matters.  You matter. 

Engage and join the conversation about the policy decisions affecting you, your business, our region and our state.              The Regional Issues Summit will feature keynotes and panels of high-level decision makers, experts and business leaders. And you. Join us for the 2022 Regional Issues Summit!

  • Panels, Keynotes and Q&A (speakers to be announced)

More than 100 business professionals and community leaders are expected at the Regional Issues Summit. 

Cost to attend:  $20

Register today to save your spot!   Click here to Register.

The Regional Issues Summit is presented by the Northern Colorado Legislative Alliance, the Fort Collins Area Chamber of Commerce, the Loveland Chamber of Commerce, the Greeley Area Chamber of Commerce and Upstate Colorado.

Thank you to the 2022 Regional Issues Summit sponsors.

Gold Sponsors:   Elevations Credit Union

Silver Sponsors:   BizWest, Ent Credit Union and UCHealth

Bronze Sponsors:   iHeart and Woodward

Event Sponsors:   Canvas Credit Union, Jet Marketing, North Forty News, Northern Engineering Services, OfficeScapes and Sign-A-Rama

This event will be recorded and shared by NCLA Partner organizations.  A virtual or hybrid option is not available for day of participation.  A ticket will be required for admittance.             

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CDOT Commits to Full Funding of the Expansion of the Remaining Stretch of Two-Lane Section of North I-25

Business and Community Leaders Respond

On Wednesday, Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) and the Colorado Transportation Innovation Office (CTIO) announced their plan to the Colorado Transportation Commission to fully fund the 7-mile North I-25 Express Lane “Segment 5” from State Highway 56 (South of Berthoud) to State Highway 66 (North of Longmont).

“Segment 5” was the last remaining two-lane stretch of North I-25 that was not fully funded.  The $350 Million commitment comes from a combination of funding from CDOT’s 10 Year Plan and a federal TIFIA (Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act) loan that will be repaid from toll revenues from the Express Lane.  The Transportation Commission committed nearly $1 billion to build Segments 6 through 8, from Berthoud to Fort Collins, in 2018. 

Until Wednesday’s decision, full funding of the final segment was undefined. 

The commitment assures the North I-25 Express Lane extends from Fort Collins to Longmont.  The 10-year plan, however, is silent on building the I-25 Managed Express Lane south of Longmont to E-470 (Segment 4) to provide a continuous managed lane from Fort Collins to Denver, despite the call for such improvement throughout the corridor, including this segment, to address continued growth in the region in 2011 Environmental Impact Study and Record of Decision

The following are statements from the Fix North I-25 Business Alliance, a taskforce of the Northern Colorado Legislative Alliance and the North I-25 Coalition, the government leaders along the North I-25 corridor.

“Eight years ago, the Fix North I-25 Alliance and the North I-25 Coalition called for expansion of North I-25 from two lanes to three by 2025. This interstate is one of the most economically significant roadways in Colorado and nationally and Wednesday’s announcement finally answered our call and vision for Northern Colorado. We commend CDOT leadership including Executive Director Shoshana Lew, CTIO Director Nick Farber, CDOT Region 4 Director Heather Paddock and Transportation Commissioner Kathleen Bracke for their commitment to finish the job to invest in the backbone of Northern Colorado.”   

Sandra Hagen Solin, Fix North I-25 Business Alliance (NCLA)

“We thank Director Lew, the team at CDOT, and CTIO for finding a funding creative solution like leveraging TIFIA loans to address the very real safety concerns in Segment 5. We’re also encouraged that progress over the last few years to improve reliability, safety, and reduce congestion in other segments along North I-25 will not be a lost now that funding for Segment 5 is found as all segments of North I-25 must work for a fluid system.

“We celebrate this decision as a victory, but our work is not done – it is only the first step. The full EIS design for North I-25 calls for a 3+1 lane configuration. Nearly $75 million is being invested in multi-modal hubs at Highways 119 & 56 and at Centerra. For the commuter to see their taxpayer dollars at work, these hubs need the predictability of a managed lane all the way to Union Station. Our work continues.”

–Weld County Commissioner, Scott James, Chair of the North I-25 Coalition

“The real winners in this decision are Northern Colorado businesses who rely on a working, functional roadway for commerce and freight as well as the ability for their workers to commute with more ease. And, with Colorado’s population increasing 31 percent over the last two decades, the entire state stands to benefit. We thank CDOT and the CTIO for their leadership in moving this vote forward.”

–Ann Hutchison, President/CEO, Fort Collins Area Chamber of Commerce

Northern Colorado is United

Northern Colorado is united in its efforts to assure full funding of North I-25. Together, the North I-25 Coalition and Fix North I-25 Business Alliance, represent the local governments and the business community of the Northern Colorado region.

The North I-25 Coalition, founded in September 2013 and chaired by Weld County Commissioner Scott James, encompasses local government Mayors, Commissioners and Councilors representing entities – counties, cities, and towns – along the I-25 corridor.

The region’s business community founded the Fix North I-25 Business Alliance in early 2014. The Alliance, chaired by Ann Hutchison (Pres/CEO, Fort Collins Chamber), is a project of the Northern Colorado Legislative Alliance, the joint advocacy arm of the Fort Collins, Loveland and Greeley Chambers of Commerce with Upstate Colorado and One NoCo Economic Development. 

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