Posted inBusiness, COVID, Economy, News

Colorado business chambers prepared for the worst during coronavirus. It turns out things weren’t so bad.

The business community braced for the worst when coronavirus restrictions began in March 2020. But more than a year later, it wasn’t as bad as they thought. Early on in the pandemic, Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce waived membership fees to let local businesses most in need of help use its resources and webinars […]

Posted inBusiness, News, Politics and Government, Technology

Colorado is the third state to pass a consumer-data privacy bill. Now what?

That creepy feeling that someone is tracking your every move online was acknowledged this legislative session by lawmakers who overwhelmingly passed the Colorado Privacy Act. It gives residents the right to tell companies to stop collecting their data — and delete any personal data collected.  As more states consider similar privacy measures and companies like […]

Posted inOpinion, Opinion Columns

Opinion: 10 things Colorado employers should do to create an economy for all

We’ve been through a lot over the last year, overcoming significant challenges that none of us saw when we celebrated the New Year on Jan. 1, 2020. That’s what we do in Colorado: We overcome challenges, we come together to support each other and find solutions to our state’s most pressing issues.  That’s why U.S. […]

Posted inBusiness, News, Politics and Government

Now that Colorado lawmakers have put Gallagher repeal on the ballot, will they actually be able to pass it?

When the General Assembly two years ago agreed to study the state’s dysfunctional property tax code, reform advocates were optimistic that years of warnings would finally lead to action. A bipartisan panel came up with a variety of options to repeal and replace the Gallagher Amendment, the constitutional measure that for decades has squeezed essential […]

Posted inPolitics and Government, Transportation

Before Colorado’s legislative session starts, transportation spending sits at impasse and frustration is mounting

The Colorado General Assembly convenes Wednesday at a familiar impasse about how to improve the state’s roads and reduce traffic congestion – one that appears headed for more political theatrics this session. The Democratic majority is reiterating their position that new revenue through taxes or fees is required to meet the state’s roughly $9 billion […]

Posted inBusiness, News, Politics and Government

Lobbying spending sets new record in Colorado, as interests shift to influence Democratic-controlled Capitol

The aggressive agenda pursued by Colorado’s Democratic-controlled legislature this year – including bills on oil and gas regulation, family leave policies, climate change and health care – contributed to record spending on lobbying. Business interests, associations, nonprofits and other groups spent more than $36.4 million on lobbyists in fiscal year 2019 to influence Colorado lawmakers […]