A state panel charged with finding long-term relief from Colorado’s skyrocketing property taxes had better not settle for a mere “Version 2.0” of the ineffectual relief-lite that was ginned up by last fall’s special legislative session. If it does, hard-pressed taxpayers are likely to give up waiting for the state to take meaningful action — […]
In the News
DBJ: Colorado chamber emphasizes opposition to ‘job killer’ bills
The Colorado Chamber of Commerce is sounding alarms about a list of bills at the state Capitol it describes as “job killers.” The legislation has the potential to devastate multiple sectors and hurt the state economy, the chamber says, although not all of the bills have an easy path to victory. The chamber vowed to […]
DBJ: Polis, bipartisan group of lawmakers tout new package of workforce bills
Gov. Jared Polis, flanked by a group of bipartisan lawmakers, on Thursday unveiled a package of several bills proponents say will fill gaps in Colorado’s workforce, leaning on workforce training, apprenticeship programs and access to education. Some of the bills have already been introduced, while others are expected in the near future. … The Colorado […]
Craig Press: Chamber to host middle school civics bee
The Craig Chamber of Commerce will host the second round of the 2024 National Civics Bee. The patriotic celebration of civic education and engagement will be held at 6 p.m. on April 3 at the Moffat County Fairgrounds Pavilion (640 E. Victory Way). This year’s installment of the annual event will feature a live quiz […]
Colorado Politics: A lobbying frenzy builds around air pollution legislation focused on reducing summer smog
A package of bills designed to reduce Colorado’s summertime smog problem through an overhaul of state air pollution regulations is at the center of one of the most contentious lobbyist battles at the state Capitol this year. … General business groups like the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce, the Colorado Chamber of Commerce, and the […]
Denver Post: New bill would put climate scientist, person of color on board that regulates Colorado’s air quality
A bill filed this week in the Colorado legislature would change the makeup of the state’s Air Quality Control Commission as the legislation’s sponsors try to increase protections for low-income neighborhoods and communities of color, which bear the brunt of pollution. … “We are still reviewing the bill and don’t have a formal position yet, […]
CPR: Why a new air quality bill is the latest in rift between Gov. Polis and environmental justice groups
It won’t be the first battle between Gov. Jared Polis and environmental justice advocates, but a new bill from Democratic lawmakers could mark one of the most direct confrontations over Colorado’s current approach to climate change and air pollution. Legislation filed this week calls for significant revisions to newly minted rules meant to cut climate-warming […]
11 News: Jobs outlook for Colorado Springs and Pueblo
Colorado Springs ranked second in the state in 2023 Q4 for the highest number of job vacancies per capita, according to the fourth quarter workforce and jobs data report from the Colorado Chamber of Commerce and Aspen Technology Labs. The Colorado Springs metro area posted 12,145 job openings on Dec. 18, a number exceeded only […]
Southern Colorado Business Forum & Digest: Alliance Opens Pipeline to Better Jobs, Skilled Workforce
A coalition of business leaders is committed to fixing Colorado’s talent gap, striving to make a strong, homegrown talent pipeline a reality with a development system that is both learner-centered and economically responsive. Launched in October 2023, the Education to Employment Alliance’s (EEA) network already reaches across the state’s 64 counties and represents more than […]
Gazette: EDITORIAL: Bills would bust Colorado’s oil & gas industry
Ruling Democrats at the Legislature may be soft on criminals, but they have no problem handing out harsh punishment for Colorado’s oil and gas producers. It doesn’t seem to matter that most Coloradans depend on the industry for heating their homes and refueling their cars and trucks. Or, that oil and gas has managed — […]