As Colorado voters prepare for the November election, the decisions made at the ballot box will have significant implications for the state’s economy and business environment. To help voters better understand where candidates stand on the issues that matter most to employers, the Colorado Chamber Office Hours podcast features conversations with candidates for four of Colorado’s top statewide offices. The podcast also features an episode detailing two competing income tax proposals. Listen to the conversations below for a closer look at the issues affecting Colorado businesses and communities.
Governor
Host Ed Sealover explores the candidates’ perspectives on energy costs, transportation, regulations, and labor laws, as well as how they would approach improving Colorado’s business climate.
In this episode:
- (1:23) Democratic candidate and Attorney General Phil Weiser | website
- (13:38) Republican candidate Victor Marx | website
- (28:09) Unaffiliated candidate Greg Lopez | website
Attorney General
This episode examines how the attorney general’s approach to consumer protection, regulations, water policy and legal disputes involving the state could affect Colorado businesses.
In this episode:
- (2:10) Democratic candidate Jena Griswold | website
- (18:35) Republican candidate Michael Allen | website
State Treasurer
Host Ed Sealover discusses the management and investment of state funds, government spending, retirement programs and the potential role of a public bank in Colorado.
In this episode:
- (1:57) Democratic candidate Jeff Bridges | website
- (15:31) Republican candidate Kevin Grantham | website
Secretary of State
This conversation explores business filing fees, data security, support for Colorado employers and the candidates’ approaches to administering secure and accessible elections.
In this episode:
- (2:07) Republican candidate James Wiley | Website
- (15:37) Democratic candidate Amanda Gonzalez | Website
Income Tax Ballot Measures
Host Ed Sealover examines two competing income tax proposals on Colorado’s November ballot: Amendment 87, which would establish a graduated income tax, and Proposition 136, which would cap the state’s income tax rate at 4.4%. The episode features perspectives on how the proposals could affect state revenue, public services, taxpayers and Colorado’s business competitiveness.
In this episode:
- (2:48) Chris deGruy Kennedy, president and CEO of the Bell Policy Center, explains why he believes a graduated income tax is necessary to address Colorado’s revenue needs and fund state services.
- (17:25) Kristi Burton Brown, executive vice president of the Advance Colorado Institute, discusses why limiting future income tax increases would give employers greater certainty and help Colorado remain competitive.
Listen and Subscribe to the Colorado Chamber Office Hours Podcast
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