Transportation investment prioritized by House and Senate leadership
Investment in transportation is critical for the economic future of our state. Without it, we will not continue to attract world-class companies and workers. Given the declining revenue source of gas tax and restrictions on our budget from the Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights, it’s clear we must identify a new and sustainable source of funding for transportation in Colorado. Last week, legislative leaders took an important step in supporting transportation investment by introducing House Bill 1242. It refers to the November ballot a .62 percent sales and use tax increase for transportation infrastructure and mobility investment. It is anticipated to generate approximately $700 million in the first full year and would automatically sunset after 20 years.
We’re supportive of this statewide funding solution because it allows local governments to invest in the needs of their local communities and prioritizes multi-modal transportation solutions, which give consumers choice. We hope that voters will agree that this investment is critical for the economic future of our state and will keep members informed as this important bill makes its way through the legislature.
Read more about the announcement of this legislation.
Key housing legislation assigned to “kill committee”
The Chamber, Colorado Competitive Council and Metro Denver Economic Development Corporation shared in disappointment that Senate Bill 156, a critical construction defects litigation reform bill, was assigned to the House State and Veterans Affairs Committee, commonly referred to as the “kill committee.” The bill now faces an almost certain future of being postponed indefinitely. The assignment was made despite hundreds of emails from business owners to House leadership urging a fair committee assignment.
Kelly Brough, president and CEO of the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce, commented that “the inability for Coloradans to buy affordable homes makes it harder to attract and retain new business and a quality workforce, and that ultimately hurts our economy,” she said. “We had hoped that new leadership would give the opportunity for all representatives to voice their opinion and vote on this bill. It’s particularly frustrating that our elected officials were once again not given the opportunity to weigh in on this critical issue. Without meaningful construction defects reform, it is nearly impossible to deliver more affordable housing for our workforce.”
Stay up to speed on all the bill we’re tracking this legislative session.