A bill to make updates to the Scientific and Cultural Facilities District (SCFD) and put reauthorization of the SCFD’s penny-on-$10 sales tax on the November ballot passed out of the House Finance Committee yesterday.
The Chamber has supported the SCFD since it was created in 1987. In addition to supporting arts and cultural organizations across the seven-county metro area, the SCFD has helped the region attract a creative class that fosters innovation and builds a smart, creative workforce. In fact, arts and culture sustain over 10,000 jobs and create an economic impact of over $520 million each year.
Chamber Executive Vice President and Metro Denver Economic Development Corporation CEO Tom Clark testified in support of the bill. The Chamber was pleased to see the bill pass out of committee and will continue to track it as it moves to the House floor.
Chamber Continues to Support Recommendations of Oil and Gas Task Force
This week the Chamber opposed House Bill 1430, which would change rules recommended by the governor’s oil and gas task force around notifying municipalities and counties of proposed operations.
The Chamber continues to support the recommendations of the task force. This and other bills are attempting to undermine the legitimacy of the task force and its work to engage diverse stakeholders. The new local government coordination requirements, which were supported by the task force, have only been in effect since March 16 and deserve time to be implemented.
Meanwhile, another bill focused on oil and gas development, House Bill 1355, died this week. The bill would have changed local land use authority and created a patchwork of local regulations. The Chamber opposed the bill because we feel that this is an issue of statewide importance that spans beyond city and county borders.
We feel both of these bills do not give the time and consideration needed to put task force recommendations into practice. Colorado is known for its strong, statewide regulations and these bills could dramatically change our regulatory landscape.
The Chamber is taking positions on bills weekly during the legislative session. Click here to see all the bills the Chamber has taken positions on this session.
