In the News

CACI: Political Balance Needed

Following the end of the 2013 legislative session on May 8th, Loren Furman, CACI Senior Vice President, State and Federal Relations, has been speaking to groups across the state to share her general thoughts about the session and its impact on employers.

Last Friday, Loren spoke to the Arvada Chamber of Commerce at a breakfast session that included several state legislators and local officials, including:

  • Senator Evie Hudak (D-Westminster);
  •  Representative Libby Szabo (R-Arvada);
  • Representative Tracy Kraft-Tharpe (D-Arvada);
  • Bob Dyer, Arvada District 4 Councilmember;
  • Casey Tighe, Democrat, Jefferson County Commissioner; and
  • Rachel Zenzinger, Arvada Mayor Pro Tem and District 1 Councilmember.

Loren told the audience that CACI would like to at least see a politically “balanced legislature” because it forces both parties to move to the middle to compromise on legislation. Because Democrats during the 2013 session controlled the three levers of power—House, Senate and governor’s chair—such interest groups as unions and environmental groups flexed their political muscles and pushed bills that CACI opposed.

The Chamber’s members expressed concerns regarding the implementation of SB-18, the bill signed into law by Governor John Hickenlooper that restricts employers’ use of credit histories when evaluating job applicants and workers.

Chamber members also raised questions regarding potential trends for the 2014 session. Loren said that several oil-and-gas bills that died in this year’s session will likely be resurrected during the 2014 session.

CACI appreciates the invitation to speak to the Arvada Chamber, a CACI member, as well as its partnership with CACI in protecting business interests.

On Monday, Loren spoke in Colorado Springs to the El Paso County Republican Women, which also is interested in protecting Colorado businesses as well as upholding conservative principles. This group had many questions and concerns regarding the implementation of the Amendment 64 legislation addressing marijuana taxation and regulation.

The group also expressed concerns regarding the passage of HB-1136, the employment discrimination bill that extended remedies to plaintiffs against small companies, which CACI strongly opposed but which the Governor signed into law on May 6th. CACI asked him to veto the bill.

The group is concerned about the effects the legislation will have on small businesses unable to afford the costly litigation needed to protect themselves from meritless claims.

Upcoming speaking engagements by Loren include a presentation in June on the 2013 session to the law firm of Fairfield and Woods PC, a CACI member.

CACI members are interested in hearing an overview of the 2013 legislative session should contact Loren at 303.866.9642.