Behind job creation and a healthy economy.
The Second Regular Session of the 67th Colorado General Assembly convened on Wednesday, January 13, 2010, and adjourned on Wednesday, May 12 -- the constitutionally limited 120 days. Similar to 2009, this session was dominated by the state budget situation, but other issues including the regulation of medical marijuana and teacher tenure also generated controversy.
A total of 217 Senate bills and 426 House bills were introduced – a combined total 643 bills. Of those, Governor Ritter signed 455 into law and vetoed five of the bills. Gov. Ritter introduced a certificate program that allows jobseekers to take basic math and English competency tests at Colorado workforce centers. Jobseekers can then list official gold, silver, or bronze-level certification as part of their credentials.
Other economic development legislation included HB 10-1333, the Green Jobs Colorado Program; HB 10-1180, incentives for the Colorado film industry; SB 10-158, the Creative Industries Division bill; and SB 10-162, enterprise zone modernization.
In 2009, Colorado Governor Bill Ritter signed into law economic development bills which:
- Provide tax credit incentives for companies that create at least 20 new jobs.
- Provide hundreds, possibly thousands, of small and family-owned businesses with immediate access to capital and credit through a Colorado Credit Reserve Program.
- Expand Colorado First workforce training programs at community colleges, particularly for New Energy Economy jobs in renewable energy, energy efficiency, and energy conservation.
- Invest in New Energy Economy companies, projects, and jobs through the Colorado Clean Energy Fund.
The Metro Denver EDC and the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce (DMCC) continue to concentrate on the key issue areas outlined in Referendum C–healthcare, education, and transportation–each as they relate to economic vitality and health of the business community. Visit www.denverchamber.org for a complete list of bills the organization supported, opposed, or remained neutral.
Focused on preserving and enhancing a competitive business climate in the Centennial State, the Colorado Competitive Council (C3), an affiliate of the DMCC, is a statewide organization providing direct lobbying and business advocacy at the state legislative level. C3 steering committee members and investors represent organizations and business interests from across Colorado.
Comprehensive legislative reports prepared by Danny Tomlinson, lobbyist for the Economic Development Council of Colorado (EDCC), are included in the helpful links below. The reports include detailed, up-to-date bill summaries on legislation affecting economic development and businesses in Metro Denver and Colorado.
Helpful links: