2019 Legislative Priorities

The South Metro Denver Chamber is a non-partisan, pro-commerce organization with a 98-year history of advocating for a strong business climate. In cooperation with our elected officials and community partners, South Metro Denver Chamber is uniquely positioned to affect lasting public policy change within Colorado. We advocate for common sense, rational and practical legislation that will result in productive and positive outcome that creates a vibrant economic climate for the business community and the state of Colorado.
 
​We are focused on the following legislative outcomes for the 2019 legislative session (in alphabetical order):
 

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Attainable Housing
We will advocate for statewide legislation to support investment in attainable housing development across the state.

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Business-Friendly Regulation and Economic Development
We support legislation promoting a stable business environment through practical and consistent regulations and tax measures, allowing all sizes of businesses to grow and thrive. We will engage on issues to improve economic vitality in the region, providing businesses with the confidence to invest in growth in Colorado and allowing them to compete more effectively in other markets.  We oppose mandates that increase costs and tie the hands of employers, thus, we encourage the state to create workforce policies that are suitable for the needs of businesses of all sizes. 
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Education and Workforce Development
We support measures to address Colorado's workforce needs by increasing collaboration between the business and education communities, creating pathways for Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) and other curriculum, and ensuring long-term viability for our university partners.  We support policies that promote Career & Technical Education (CTE) programs as well as increased funding for mental and behavioral health programs and services in our public schools.

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Energy and Natural Resources
We support the responsible development of Colorado's natural resources. We will work closely and collaboratively with our industry partners on common sense laws and regulation that will allow the energy industry to thrive while also protecting the environment and our community values. We support prudent public policy regarding the development of all energy resources.  

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​Health and Wellness
We will engage on legislation directed toward the health and wellness of the Colorado workforce, including but not limited to combating substance use disorders (including opioid addiction) and promoting the availability of, and access to mental and behavioral health care services.  We support increased transparency in healthcare pricing that is comprehensive, evidence based and consumer focused.  

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State Budget Priorities
We support balancing the state budget in a manner that equitably supports the needs of the state.  Funding for transportation and education (both K-12 and Higher Education) must be a top priority and should be funded at no less than their current levels.

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Tax Policy
We support tax policy that creates a stable business environment.   We support legislation streamlining the sales and use tax collection system.  We will advocate for legislation to address issues related to the Gallagher Amendment that supports consistent funding for special districts while maintaining a reasonable balance between residential and non-residential property tax rates. 

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Transportation Funding
We will advocate for measures to create a sustainable and consistent funding mechanism to improve transportation infrastructure, sustaining our quality of life and accommodating for Colorado's high-growth across the residential, commercial and industrial landscape.