The Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce pushed for collaboration and compromise at its Business Legislative Preview on Thursday as leaders of both parties agreed on the need to address years-long challenges of transportation funding and encouraging the construction of entry-level housing but differed on how to solve those issues.
Hosted in partnership with the Colorado Competitive Council and the Denver Business Journal, the event drew more than 400 business and community leaders to hear the business policy agenda of both parties in advance of the legislative session, which kicks off Wednesday.
Capitol reporter Ed Sealover moderated the conversation with leaders of both parties, who agreed that finding more funding for transportation and addressing access to entry-level, for-sale housing continue to be major priorities. But, the devil is in the details.
“I want to work with my Republican colleagues on this and find a way to cross that line in that’s been drawn in the sand,” said Senate Minority Leader Lucia Guzman, who encouraged moving the hospital provider fee out of the state’s general fund—which would free up funding for roads, bridges and education. (Check out the Chamber’s guide to this issue.)
Senate President Kevin Grantham nixed the idea of reclassifying the hospital provider fee as an enterprise fund.
“It’s off the table,” he said.
Following the event, Chamber President and CEO Kelly Brough told that knowing where both parties stand on the issue—and that transportation funding is important to both—is a good starting point, and one that will keep conversations about the best solutions open.
Both parties urged getting to solutions this session on issues that have stalled in years past, among them that transportation funding and reforms that would stimulate more construction of attainable housing—especially as Denver remains the most expensive city not situated on a coastline.
“We need to do something for attainable housing, and I’m really encouraged by the talk … amongst both parties,” House Minority Leader Patrick Neville said, specifically referencing housing challenges. “The problem is right now consumers don’t have a product to consume.”
House Speaker Crisanta Duran’s message to Republicans was simple: “Our door is open.” She added: “There is more that binds us together than will ever divide us.”
The call for collaboration and open communication was echoed throughout the event. Brough encouraged action not just on transportation funding and housing but also education and workforce development as well as clear pathways to develop, test and implement driverless technology in the state.
“We are going to continue to work with the General Assembly and all of our partners throughout the state to defend and protect the principles we value and require to be successful as a business community,” she said.
Legislators also highlighted priorities including a focus on energy—from being able to react to policy changes in Washington, D.C., to encouraging renewables—as well as education funding, regulatory reform and health care. Earlier this week, the Chamber joined a coalition of more than 100 organizations to ask Congress not to repeal the Affordable Care Act, more commonly known as Obamacare.
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Sara Crocker is the communications manager for the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce.