Gov. John Hickenlooper and Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Kelly Brough alluded to the potential of a special session after key priorities like reforming construction defects and the hospital provider fee went unresolved during the legislative session that closed on Wednesday.
While there were wins, including a bipartisan-passed budget, approval for funding of a cyber intelligence hub in Colorado Springs and more funding for transportation, more has to be done to ensure Colorado continues to be a great place for business, Gov. Hickenlooper told 600 business and civic leaders at the Chamber’s State of the State luncheon this afternoon.
“The solution is to invest in better infrastructure and protect our quality of life,” the governor said, calling the lack of action on the provider fee and construction defects “frustrating.”
Brough cautioned that the lack of action on issues important to the business community, including addressing construction defects and reenacting the hospital provider fee as an enterprise fund, will cost Colorado’s economy in the long-run.
This session marked, Brough said, a failure to lead. Instead, the business community will step up.
“You can call (the business community) names, you can diminish us or others but we will not take your bait,” she said. “We will protect every Coloradan, not just our own, against the way you chose to behave.”
Gov. Hickenlooper said the Chamber plays an important role in policy discussions.
“The Denver Metro Chamber is an important partner for both the metro area and the state,” he said. “For nearly 150 years, the Chamber has provided a strong voice and a long-term vision for Colorado on vital areas of good government. Our distinction as a premier business and lifestyle destination wouldn’t be possible without them.”
In addition to discussing the legislative session, a panel discussed the single-payer health care ballot measure, Amendment 69.
Panelists, including Children’s Hospital Colorado Chief Administrative Officer Michelle Lucero, Colorado Health Institute’s President and CEO Michele Lueck and Sharklet Technologies CEO Mark Spiecker, shared their concern about the measure—from its $25 billion cost to uncertainty around cost, coverage and access to quality health care and providers.
“We know very little about this plan, and what we do know is shocking,” Brough said.
Finally, the Chamber recognized Boettcher Foundation Vice President and Assistant Executive Director Katie Kramer with its third annual Robert Blankenship Heart Award, named in memory of Blankenship, the former chief operating officer of the Chamber and a steward of the business community.
Sara Crocker is the communications manager for the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce.
Photos by Delia Palmisano of Blue House Photography.