Yesterday marked the culmination of one of the most talked about, and busiest, elections in our history. Our country now prepares for a new administration, and in Colorado we meet new faces at the legislature and begin the work of implementing newly passed laws. Regardless of who you supported, it is clear that now the real work of coming back together to find solutions for our state and our nation begins. We need everyone to move back to working together to grow our state’s economy and deliver great jobs for every Coloradan.
There were several important local issues that stood to impact Colorado’s economy and how we do business. These matters are critically important to the Chamber (that’s why we’ve been talking to you about them for the past few months). Here’s how those eight ballot issues fared:
Amendment 69: Failed
Voters sent a strong message to proponents: Amendment 69, which would have raised $25 billion in taxes to create a government-run health insurance system, is not the solution for Colorado. When you looked at the facts of Amendment 69, it was clear that the measure was costly, full of unanswered questions and would put health care access and quality, along with our economic future, on the line. Coloradans are smart and pragmatic, so we’re proud, but not surprised, that they made the right call on this measure.
With this win, the Chamber won’t miss a beat jumping back into health policy discussions about how we can continue to make improvements to our health care system. We will continue to support efforts that ensure consumers have access to better information on outcomes, cost and quality, so we can all make better decisions about our health. And, we are excited about the technological innovations happening right here in Colorado that will impact health care delivery for our country.
Amendment 70: Passed
We know the vast majority of our members already pay higher than minimum wage, but locking this wage and inflation into Colorado’s Constitution requires that we closely monitor the impacts of this amendment. We are particularly concerned about Colorado’s small and rural-based companies that will be disproportionately affected by this mandate. We will double down on efforts to stimulate the economy in every corner of our state to help minimize the negative impacts of this amendment. You’ll see us support strategies like incentives and workforce development programs in rural Colorado in hopes our entire state can realize a stronger economy.
Amendment 71: Passed
Coloradans have acknowledged that we all need to slow down on amending our state’s most foundational document. The success of this measure reflects the values of our entire state by amplifying the voice of rural Colorado and ensuring that a stronger majority of Coloradans support an idea before we allow it to be embedded in our constitution.
Propositions 107: Passed
The presidential primary election helps engage more Coloradans in the primary election, and we strongly support improving voter turnout. Suffice it to say, we are thrilled to see the presidential primary return to Colorado and that 1 million unaffiliated voters in Colorado will get to participate in that election.
Proposition 108: Passed
Not only do those 1 million Coloradans get to vote in a presidential primary but they also get to vote in our state’s primary elections. Our hope as a business community is that by engaging all Coloradans in elections we will get back to rewarding elected officials who work together, compromise and find solutions to move our state forward. Democracy and Colorado work best when everyone is engaged, and we look forward to the progress our state will make because of this important reform.
SCFD 4B: Passed
The Scientific and Cultural Facilities District has helped our regional economy since 1989, and we’re thrilled it will continue to increase access to arts and culture for Coloradans. Our arts and cultural facilities set us apart as a region. They make us a destination, they enrich the educational experiences of our kids and they pump serious dollars into our economy—nearly $513 million in economic impact in 2015 alone.
DPS 3A and 3B: Passed
In less than four years, 74 percent of Colorado’s jobs will require completion of some post-secondary education. We need to ensure our kids can make it to and through higher education, so we’re excited that Denver Public Schools will have additional funds to invest in our kids. When local school districts step forth to address improved graduation rates, lower remediation rates and focus on student achievement, the Chamber supports their work.
And, like most things in life, the end point is really just the beginning. Now is the time to look for where we agree, not disagree. Because, that is our true competitive advantage—we don’t let politics keep us from working together.
Kelly Brough is president and CEO of the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce.