House Bill 1232, “Standardized Health Benefit Plan Colorado Option,” and Senate Bill 175, “Prescription Drug Affordability Review Board,” both advanced despite hours of opposition testimony. House Bill 1232 passed the Senate on Wednesday with a vote of 19-16. It will now return to the House for a review of the amendments. Ahead of that vote, … Read Post
If there’s anything we’ve learned from the pandemic, it’s that if employers can’t maintain their businesses, employees are in trouble. And if employees can’t get back to work, employers are also in trouble. We need to have the systems and supports in place to make both parts of that equation work. With mask mandates lifted … Read Post
Legislators introduced two tax-related bills this week that change tax policy for employers and employees. These bills would raise taxes as businesses are working to keep employees on payroll and bring back jobs that have been lost during the pandemic. House Bill 1311, “Income Tax,” sponsored by Rep. Emily Sirota (D-Denver), Rep. Mike Weissman (D-Aurora), … Read Post
Senate Bill 260, the transportation funding bill we’ve been waiting to see, has finally been introduced. The nearly 200-page legislation outlines a package that will raise $5.3 billion for transportation infrastructure funding by increasing various fees including those on electric vehicles and gas and adding a state surcharge on deliveries and shared rides. Our members … Read Post
From upskilling workers to increasing affordable housing to creating jobs in rural areas, legislators are considering a slew of bills that would provide a one-time shot of economic relief. The bills are part of an $800 million stimulus package that is funded through unexpectedly high tax revenues for the state. Below are examples of legislation … Read Post
This week, legislators introduced significant amendments to House Bill 1232, “Standardized Health Benefit Plan Colorado Option,” that removed the state-run, public health insurance option, but retained a number of problematic provisions. The bill now directs the Commissioner of Insurance to establish a single, standardized health benefit plan for the individual and small group markets. Private … Read Post
You may have read the articles, heard lawmakers speak or even seen the television commercials about a proposed public health insurance option in Colorado. There’s a lot of information flying around right now. But what’s the truth? The Chamber has done the research. Here’s what we know. What is House Bill 1232? Rep. Dylan Roberts … Read Post
