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State Policy News
Governor Hickenlooper to Headline “Launch My Career Colorado” Event June 9th
Governor John Hickenlooper is scheduled to be the guest speaker at the June 9th unveiling of “Launch My Career Colorado,” a new Web-based resource for students and working adults interested in “hot” career pathways in Colorado.
CACI members are invited to attend the luncheon event at the Colorado History Center from 12 Noon to 1:45 p.m. on Thursday, June 9th. Space is limited, and registration is required. There is no charge to attend.
CACI’s three partners in this event are the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s Center for Education and Workforce; Gallup, Inc.; and the American Institutes of Research.
Last year, these three organizations connected with USA Funds to explore strategies and solutions for addressing the skills gap facing America’s business community while helping students find credentials of value that provide a good return on their investment.
In turn, these three organizations then partnered with the Tennessee Chamber of Commerce and CACI to develop two, state-specific instruments.
“Launch My Career Colorado” will answer questions that degree-seeking individuals want to know, including:
- What programs lead to in-demand jobs?
- What programs will help me reach my lifestyle goals and help me get the most of my investment?
- What kinds of majors lead to job satisfaction and personal satisfaction?
Attendees will hear from notable state educational, business and political leaders as well as national experts about how this information can be used to promote more prepared, engaged, and productive graduates. Here is the agenda:
12:00 Noon – Registration (Lunch Available)
12:30 p.m. – Welcome & Introduction of Keynote Speaker: Travis Webb, Chair, CACI Board of Directors, and Managing Partner, Colorado Springs & Denver, BKD Advisors & CPAs, LLP
12:35 p.m. – Keynote Remarks: Governor John Hickenlooper
12:45 p.m. – Overview of Career Planner: Mark Schneider, President, College Measures
1:00 p.m. – Roundtable Discussion
Moderator: Brandon Busteed, Executive Director, Education & Workforce Development, Gallup, Inc.
Participants:
- Ashley Andersen, Director of Partnerships & Engagement, Colorado Succeeds
- Matthew Gianneschi, Chief Operating Officer and Chief of Staff, Colorado Mountain College
- Ray Johnson, Citizenship & Corporate Affairs Manager, IBM
- Jennifer Sobanet, Acting Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer, Colorado Department of Higher Education
1:40 p.m. – Closing Remarks: Robin Wise, President and CEO, Junior Achievement Rocky Mountain, Inc.
For more information about this event, contact Dan O’Connell, CACI State Governmental Affairs Representative, or Dan Pilcher, CACI Executive Vice President.
Contribute to Campaign to Defeat Amendment 69, the $25 billion, Single-Payer, Health-Care Plan
A public-private coalition is working to defeat Amendment 69, the November ballot initiative that would create a quasi-public, single-payer health-care plan that would impose a $25 billion tax on employers, workers, and taxpayers.
Called “Coloradans for Coloradans,” the campaign organization’s co-chairs include Colorado State Treasurer Walker Stapleton and former Democratic Governor Bill Ritter. The organization is backed by a coalition of business organizations, public officials, and community and civic leaders.
In November, the CACI Board of Directors voted to oppose Amendment 69 just days after Secretary of State Wayne Williams qualified the ballot initiative for the November ballot.
CACI urges its members to contribute to Coloradans for Coloradans. Contributions can be mailed to:
Coloradans for Coloradans
1660 Lincoln Street
Suite 1800
Denver CO 80624
Contribution can also be wired electronically to Coloradans for Coloradans.
CACI members who have questions about contributing to Coloradans for Coloradansmay email Katie Behnke or call her at 303.807.4583.
Coloradans for Coloradans is an issue committee, #20165030100, registered with the Colorado Secretary of State’s Office. An issue committee may receive unlimited contributions.
Federal Policy News
Toxic Substance Reform Set to Pass Congress – Finally
In recent weeks, a conference committee came together representing both the U.S. House and U.S. Senate to reach consensus on what a toxic substances reform package should look like, including which agency should maintain oversight, how chemicals should be listed, new categories of use created and the utilization of a unique partnership between regulatory agencies and businesses to create TSCA reforms. Throughout this multi-year legislative reform process, industry as a whole has provided lawmakers with expertise developed over years of experience implementing chemical use and application best practices.
The Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) was originally passed and signed into law by President Ford in 1976, but that landmark legislation hasn’t been modified, changed or amended since then. Over the last two years, CACI has worked continuously to educate and work with the Colorado Congressional Delegation to ensure the passage of this common-sense, needed reform. The original version of the bill passed the House near unanimously (398-1) in 2015, the Senate passed its version by unanimous consent shortly thereafter. The compromise language passed the House on May 24 by a vote of 403-12, with the Senate expected to overwhelmingly pass TSCA next week, after its Memorial Day home-work session.
“I believe this legislation may be one of the most important pieces of environmental legislation that has been enacted by Congress.” – President Gerald Ford, 1976
Under the proposed new law, changes would include adding new chemicals to the existing TSCA chemicals list. It would give the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) the authority to set testing requirements (including building hazard and exposure profiles), reporting on and regulating new/existing chemical uses, and ordering the reporting of data and other chemical information, including specific provisions for extensive research/profiling of carcinogenic compounds.
Previously, the EPA had problems with legitimate and consistent oversight because TSCA had required a cost-benefit analysis in risk determinations, as well as a “least burdensome” requirement. Additionally, the EPA was not allowed to test chemicals for restrictions unless concerns could be proven – creating a backlog of “catch-22” situations. Many in industry and advocacy circles believe a middle-ground has now been reached between protection of proprietary business use, minimized business burdens, and the cataloging of chemical applications, along with precautions, warnings and protections for those using, or working near chemicals in business operations and consumer use.
- 96 percent of manufactured goods are dependent on chemistry
To read more:
“Red Line” comparison of previous TSCA bill and new compromise version
TSCA Reform Bill Passes House, Headed to Senate, American Coatings Association
TSCA background: American Chemistry Council
CACI members with questions or concerns about TSCA or other federal issues should contact Leah Curtsinger, CACI Federal Policy Director, at 303.866.9641.
BREAKING NEWS: Federal Reserve Announces New Capital Standards For Insurers
This afternoon, the Federal Reserve issued new proposals for the way insurers calculate capital reserves, and for two systematically important insurers (SIIs), the proposals will change the way risk is calculated. Although the proposals are not unexpected–Dodd-Frank Financial Reform required changes be made–the proposals still represent significant alterations for many insurers. CACI will provide more information in next week’s Capitol Report as text of the proposal is released and analyzed.
In the meantime, text of a speech given by Daniel Tarullo, Federal Reserve Board of Governors, regarding this insurance proposal provides insight into the Federal Reserve’s motivation and thought processes. This speech was delivered on May 20, 2016, at the National Association of Insurance Commissioner’s International Insurance Forum.