Please see below for important updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19) and its impact to employers. Colorado Small Businesses Eligible for Federal Disaster Loan Assistance We are happy to share that Colorado was just approved for the federal Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Economic Injury Disaster Loan program. Under the program, small businesses and nonprofits throughout the state […]
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U.S. Senate Passes Coronavirus Response Bill
The U.S. Senate today passed the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, which contains the same provisions as the House version that passed over the weekend. The bill is on its way to President Trump’s desk, which he is expected to sign. Broadly, the multi-billion dollar relief package does the following: Requires most employers to provide […]
How You Can Support Colorado Businesses Right Now
Businesses across Colorado are having to adapt and alter their operations amid the coronavirus (COVID) pandemic. Gov. Jared Polis has ordered all bars, restaurants, casinos and theaters in the state to close, social distancing is encouraged, and public gatherings are limited. Colorado businesses and their hard-working employees need the support of their communities now more […]
How Will The “Families First Coronavirus Response Act” Impact Employers?
Over the weekend, the U.S. House of Representatives passed HR 6201, the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, which provides unemployment compensation to workers impacted by coronavirus (COVID-19). The bill provides relief to workers and businesses as the pandemic impacts operations. One of the primary provisions of the bill provides flexibility to the states in determining Unemployment Insurance […]
Colorado Legislature to Temporarily Adjourn until March 30th
Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the Colorado General Assembly is altering its schedule during the current legislative session. The General Assembly will temporarily adjourn until March 30, 2020. Colorado’s Constitution limits a legislative session to 120 calendar days. The current legislative session is scheduled to adjourn sine die no later than on May 6, 2020. […]
Colorado Chamber Testifies Against Public Option Plan
On Wednesday evening, during a seven hour hearing in the House Health and Insurance Committee, the Colorado Chamber testified against House Bill 1349, the public option bill. While the measure ultimately passed on a party line vote, it was met with strong opposition from members of the business community over concerns about cost-shifting, government rate-setting, […]
Emergency Sick Leave Requirements Adopted by Labor Department
The Colorado Department of Labor and Employment (CDLE) has passed final emergency rules on paid sick leave due to Coronavirus (COVID-19). The rules follow the State of Emergency declared by Governor Polis yesterday, which included directives for CDLE to 1) engage in emergency rulemaking for temporary paid sick leave and 2) identify additional supports and […]
Colorado Chamber Opposes Litigious Trial Lawyer Legislation, HB 1348
The Colorado Chamber’s Governmental Affairs and Labor and Employment Councils have taken “opposed” positions on HB 1348, a bill being pushed by the Colorado Trial Lawyers Association to expand liability to the business community for certain civil claims. The bill seeks to overturn a recent Colorado Supreme Court decision (Ferrer v. Okbamicael) which held that when […]
Colorado Chamber Encourages Employers to Prepare for Possible Coronavirus Spread
For media inquiries, please contact Cynthia Meyer at [email protected]. DENVER – Amid the first confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Colorado, the Colorado Chamber released the following statement from Colorado Chamber President Chuck Berry: “We encourage businesses across Colorado to take proactive steps to prepare for the possible spread of the virus, including keeping sick employees […]
Colorado Chamber Statement on Public Option Proposal
For media inquiries, please contact Cynthia Meyer at [email protected]. DENVER – The Colorado Chamber of Commerce released the following statement from Senior Vice President of State and Federal Relations Loren Furman following the unveiling of the long-awaited public health insurance option proposal by state Sen. Kerry Donovan and Rep. Dylan Roberts: “There is no question […]