Last week Gov. John Hickenlooper delivered his 2016 State of the State address to the Republican-controlled Senate and the Democrat-led House. In his speech, he reinforced support for a number of key Chamber priorities, including reforming construction defects laws and shifting the hospital provider fee into an enterprise to maximize funding for transportation and education.
The governor outlined the need for a statewide solution to housing challenges by extending the State Low Income Housing Tax Credit program and reforming construction defects laws, an issue for which the Chamber has lobbied hard the past three years. In the midst of our strong economy, the lack of affordable housing threatens our successes in economic development and talent attraction, making this an important issue to the business community and elected officials.
The governor made a clear call for bipartisan cooperation at the legislature this year, reminding legislators “Colorado is our community,” regardless of political party. He closed his speech with a strong call to action to repeal and reauthorize the hospital provider fee as an enterprise fund. Stating that the move is both legal and reasonable, the governor insisted that if the change cannot be made our state will be forced to reexamine the Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights (TABOR). We’re in agreement with the governor that this move is necessary for funding education and transportation—two of our state’s most critical needs.
In his speech, the governor also tackled issues of reducing unnecessary government regulation, more clearly labeling marijuana edibles packaging and funding mental health services. He announced the development of a cybersecurity intelligence center in Colorado Springs and highlighted the need to expand broadband access in rural Colorado.
You can read Gov. Hickenlooper’s full State of the State address here.
Legislative Leadership Outlines Priorities in Opening Day Speeches
Did you miss Senate President Bill Cadman and House Majority Leader Dickey Lee Hullinghorst’s speeches marking the start of the session? Catch up in just a few minutes with this helpful recap.
Transportation Top of Mind as First Bills Filed
In the first days of the 2016 session, the Chamber took a position of support for two transportation bills. Both bills are aimed at increasing efficient movement on our roads.
House Bill 1008 would increase road capacity on U.S. 36 by allowing Colorado Department of Transportation buses to use the shoulder as a traffic lane. The bill helps fulfill the promise of FasTracks to efficiently connect our region with public transportation options.
House Bill 1039 aims to ease congestion by preventing traffic accidents and slowdowns on Interstate 70. The bill requires that vehicles have appropriate winter tires, traction control or chains when traveling on I-70 between Dotsero and Morrison during icy or snow-packed conditions.
This is just the beginning of the introduction of transportation bills at the Capitol. We anticipate we will see a number of bills related to congestion and funding for our roads.
Want to read more about the bills the Chamber is tracking? Click here.