Colorado Concern Legislative Update 
 February 6, 2012
The Week in Review

 

Tamra Ward

Last week I shared with you that it was just a matter of time before things heated up at the Capitol. What a difference a week makes. The biggest story of the 2012 session - to date - has political ramifications: With party control

of the House of Representatives hanging in the balance.  

 

I relay the following story to you not because of a tabloid interest, but because the business community has benefited greatly from a balance of power between the legislative chambers - the House of Representatives in Republican hands, the Senate in that of the Democrats. However, the actions of one individual may change the playing field for the remaining 93 days of this legislative session, and beyond.

 

In late January, Rep. Laura Bradford (R-Collbran) was stopped by Denver Police for a minor traffic violation. During that time it was believed she was driving under the influence of alcohol.  Although the lawmaker requested on several occasions to be treated like any private citizen, the officer deviated from standard procedures, and a cab was called to take her home.

 

Representative Bradford took to the floor of the House Chamber early last week to apologize for her actions in drinking and driving. Speaker of the House Frank McNulty stripped her of committee chairmanship, and an Ethics Committee was appointed to investigate any wrongdoing by the lawmaker.

 

Later, the Denver Police Department admitted that it - not Representative Bradford, who sought to be treated like any Colorado citizen - had erred based on an internal policy tied to an obscure Colorado Constitutional provision that forbids the arrest of legislators during the session if it would keep them from business at the Capitol. That provision has been in the Colorado Constitution since it was established in 1876.  

 

Representative Bradford is considering a change in parties due to the lack of support she believes she has received from her Republican colleagues.  As noted above, such an action would change the balance of power in the House of Representatives, where Republicans currently hold a one-vote majority. Undoubtedly, such a change could be impactful on issues of interest or concern to the business community. From strides made in school reform to construction defects modifications, much rides in the balance. Rest assured, no matter the outcome, Colorado Concern remains committed to working each day to both protect and enhance our business climate. We do this because of your support and commitment, and we thank you for both.

 

In other areas of interest to the business community, last Thursday, Pinnacol Assurance wrote Governor Hickenlooper stating that it would not seek to proceed with its plan to restructure the entity's relationship with the state. The insurer of last resort noted that stakeholders had raised important questions, and it would work to address those issues before proceeding. This followed a meeting earlier in the week where the Governor heard directly from members of the Task Force he had convened to review the proposal. Concerns were voiced by the majority of those appointed to the group.

 

As always, Colorado Concern's legislative status sheet and news clips of interest are included below.

 

If you have questions, concerns or feedback, please do not hesitate to contact me at 303.860-1201, or [email protected].

 

 

Warm Regards,

Tamra

Tamra J. Ward

President and CEO

Colorado Concern

Colorado Concern Legislative Tracking

Click here to find out what legislation Colorado Concern is tracking.  The report includes links to bill text, sponsors, Colorado Concern's positions, bill status, and additional notes.
Members in the News 

 

 

Michael Salem

Michael Salem, National Jewish Health

 

Guest Commentary: Preserve specialized care

Denver Post: February 1

Weekly News Clips
 

Budgets

Editorial: Bold approach to city's budget

Denver Post: January 30

 

Economic Development

Colorado venture capital bill passes legislative committee

Northern Colorado Business Report: February 2

 

Colorado Democrats want limits on enterprise zones

Denver Post: February 2

 

Education

New evaluation regs presented at inservice

Journal-Advocate: January 30

 

Tuition equality bill ok'd by committee

The Colorado Statesman: January 31

 

Colorado universities' endowments make big gains as they play catch-up from recession

Denver Post: January 31

 

More education pieces fall into place

Education News Colorado: February 1

 

CU Regents support Colorado ASSETS tuition plan for illegal immigrants

Westword: February 2

 

CSU set to announce success for $500M academic fundraising campaign

Fort Collins Coloradoan: February 2

 

Editorial: Union grievance not just about classroom time

Denver Post: February 2

 

Elections/Politics

Colorado Legislature tightens campaign finance rules

The Colorado Independent: January 31

 

Blaha challenges incumbent Lamborn in CD 5 GOP primary

The Colorado Statesman: January 31

 

Colorado Senate Candidate Stars in Birther Trial

Huffington Post: February 1

 

Republican candidate Ellyn Hilliard announces run for Colorado House

Longmont Daily Times-Call: February 2

 

Colorado Rep. Bradford's rock-star welcome fizzled

Denver Post: February 2

 

Obama uses tax proposals for his political message

Denver Post: January 30

 

Obama: An America built to last

Denver Post: January 30

 

Mark Hillman: Ethics committee in Bradford case sets a "terrible precedent"

Denver Post: February 2

 

Choose transparency and sunshine in Colorado's election process

The Colorado Statesman: February 3

 

Coors taps into CD 7 race

The Colorado Statesman: February 3

 

Ciruli: Voter turnout in November will be huge

Pueblo Chieftain: February 3

 

Bradford's Power Play

CBS Local: February 3

 

Colorado GOP lawmaker Bradford says she might leave party

Denver Post: February 2

 

Hubbard: Welcome to the battleground

Denver Post: February 5

 

Energy

Colorado Drilling Bans Could be Headed to Courts

KUNC: January 30

 

How close is too close? Proposed law would increase oil and gas setbacks to 1,000 feet

The Colorado Independent: January 31

 

General Business

CH2M Hill to move energy group to Houston

Denver Business Journal: January 31

 

Colorado rated 16th on business-friendly tax system, lower than years past

Denver Business Journal: January 31

 

Colorado in running for U.S. patent satellite office

Denver Post: January 31

 

Colorado Republicans clash on guest-farmworker bill

Denver Post: January 31

 

Obama plan would tax banks to help homeowners refinance

Denver Post: February 2

 

Health Care

Colorado health care provider Anthem pays front-line doctors bonuses to cut costs

Denver Post: February 2

 

Pinnacol Assurance

Editorial: Give Pinnacol plan a fair shot:

Denver Post: January 31

 

TABOR

Colorado Lawsuit Challenges Wisdom of Ballot Box

New York Times: January 31

 

Transportation

Editorial: Keep up the pace car program

Denver Post: February 2

 

Water

Water rights are crucial to local economy

Vail Daily: January 30

 

Proposed ballot initiatives on water run into opposition from Colorado Water Congress

The Republic: February 5

In This Issue
The Week in Review - Legislative Update from President and CEO Tamra Ward

Colorado Concern Legislative Tracking

Members in the News

Weekly News Clips