Labor's Poison Pill amendments pulled from Nov. ballot

As labor unions agreed Thursday to pull four, economy-killing initiatives from the November ballot, the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce and Coloradans for Responsible Reform (CFRR) applauded the decision.

CFRR, the Chamber’s ballot issues committee, was reactivated in March with the specific purpose of defeating amendments 53, 55, 56, and 57. Now that they have been removed from action on the ballot, CFRR’s work is done and the campaign will shut down.

These measures would have crippled many businesses by requiring them to shoulder costs and risks too heavy for them to continue to operate here. While the measures will still appear on the ballot, any votes cast for or against them will not be tabulated.

"We are pleased with the effort on both sides of the issues to facilitate the withdrawal of the amendments with the recognition that they would have been devastating to Colorado’s economy," stated Joe Blake, president and CEO of the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce.

"This move will ensure Colorado’s ability to remain competitive in the nation’s economic marketplace and to attract and retain businesses and jobs. This is a good day for Colorado," he said.