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DENVER — The Colorado Chamber of Commerce has recognized 15 legislators as MVPs for their valuable work during the 2023 legislative session. This legislative session, many victories were secured for the business community because of the notable actions these legislators displayed.
At a time when Colorado’s economic competitiveness is slipping on the national landscape, advocating for a healthy business climate, which starts with good policy at the state level, has never been more important. The recipients of the inaugural 2023 Colorado Chamber MVP Award showed strong leadership in their advocacy for the business community, collaborated with the Colorado Chamber to ensure that Colorado’s economic competitiveness did not further deteriorate and took hard votes in defense of business.
“The outcome of this legislative session required a great deal of work and collaboration to foster a thriving business environment in Colorado,” said Colorado Chamber Senior Vice President of Government Affairs Meghan Dollar. “We applaud the work of these 15 legislators as they have illustrated their commitment to protecting the interests of businesses and employees in Colorado.”
Below are the legislators selected for this year’s MVP awards and highlights of how they went to bat for the business community this session:
- Senator Joann Ginal was instrumental in ensuring the protection and solvency of the Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund.
- Senate Assistant Minority Leader Bob Gardner was a crucial defender for Colorado businesses against excessive legal liability in multiple pieces of legislation.
- Senator Barbara Kirkmeyer was a key voice for the business community by advocating for amendments to improve the implementation of equal pay for equal work.
- Senate Minority Leader Senator Paul Lundeen was a proven leader for the business community as he led negotiations regarding air quality legislation.
- Senator Kyle Mullica was essential in maintaining the competitiveness of the gig transportation sector in Colorado.
- Senator Dylan Roberts played a key role in passing legislation that boosted the development of housing and voting against legislation that would have stifled housing supply.
- Senator Rachel Zenzinger led the charge along with the rest of the Joint Budget Committee to end the practice of funding legislation from the Employer Support Fund.
- Representative Judy Amabile protected Colorado businesses from harmful scheduling legislation that would have significantly hindered the operations of businesses across Colorado.
- Representative Shannon Bird was a steadfast advocate for businesses on issues regarding air quality, the protection of the Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund and legal liability.
- Representative Lindsey Daugherty was vital in her willingness to work with the business community to amend her legislation on spread pricing.
- Representative Gabe Evans pushed the voice of business to the forefront in difficult debates regarding climate change.
- Representative Lisa Frizell championed easing the implementation of the FAMLI program for Colorado’s businesses.
- Representative William Lindstedt stood up for businesses and employees on issues such as fair scheduling and ensuring progress on the solvency of the Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund.
- House Minority Leader Mike Lynch contested several pieces of legislation that negatively impacted Colorado’s competitiveness.
- House Asst. Minority Leader Rose Pugliese worked tirelessly to ensure the advancement of Colorado’s economy.
To learn more about the biggest victories of the legislative session and policy issues facing the business community, view the Colorado Chamber’s 2023 Annual Report.
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The Colorado Chamber of Commerce champions free enterprise, a healthy business environment and economic prosperity for all Coloradans. It is the only business association that works to improve the business climate for all sizes of business from a statewide, multi-industry perspective. What the Colorado Chamber accomplishes is good for all businesses, and that’s good for the state’s economy. It was created in 1965 based on the merger with the Colorado Manufacturers’ Association.