When policy makers meet, business owners and employees often face unintended consequences. They may be positive or negative. Know that Longmont Chamber has a seat at the table, and we work diligently to represent the voice of business.

The Colorado General Assembly convened January 9 at the Colorado State Capitol. The State Legislature will be working until May. Many laws are just now taking effect from previous legislative sessions. For the past several years the Chamber has hosted sessions for our members with different departments in the State of Colorado to review rules and updates. An example is a session that covers the voter approved FAMLI program. That information may be found at famli.colorado.gov/employers/employer-webinars

This year, we anticipate the passage of new laws that will further impact your business. However, through your Longmont Chamber, you have a strong voice in state and local affairs.

We will see bills concerning: workplace harassment, Green House Gas (GHG) restrictions, a statewide housing plan, a public option for health care, FAMLI revisions, state minimum wage, building codes, Fair Work Week, Equal Pay, Age and Disability Discrimination and further work on the State’s Sales Tax Simplification Program.

Your Chamber invests every year in Policy work and advocacy. I’m retained to work with our partners, elected officials and policy makers to help them recognize that their proposals, while well intended, may actually positively or negatively impact our employers and employees.

Did you know that Colorado’s valued place as a business-friendly state has dropped dramatically in the last few years? COVID has had an impact of course, but we are concerned it’s also related to policies and regulations that make doing business here more expensive.

Consider this, CNBC’s 2022 Annual Business grading gave Colorado a D+ for “Cost of Living”; a C+ for “Life, Health and Inclusion”; and a C for the Cost of Doing Business”. Business News Daily gave Colorado a D+ in 2022 for SMB Friendliness (Small and mid-size businesses). These categories represent stated focus areas for most elected officials and a strong business voice can help us reach goals together.

I represent the Longmont Chamber on the following Advocacy steering committees, task forces and councils:

• Northwest Chamber Alliance Steering Committee
• Colorado Competitive Council (C3) – Denver Metro Chamber
• Colorado Chamber Labor and Employment Council
• Colorado Chamber Health Care Council
• Colorado Chamber Government Affairs Council
• Colorado Chamber Tax Council

Additionally, I work with Scott Cook on the Public Policy Committee at the Chamber. This group of Chamber members meets monthly. During the 2023 Legislative session, we are covering many business bills on issues stated above. We will take positions in support, opposition or in some cases we simply monitor. If you are interested to see what we are looking at currently, you are welcome to attend meetings on the 1st Friday of the month at 8am or visit the Legislative Tracker on the Chamber’s website.

About the Author

Stacy Cornay owns Communication Concepts Public Relations & Advertising. As a long-time supporter, and former Board Chair of the Chamber, Stacy has been working to create and support a strong business climate for many years. She has joined our team as a consultant working on Advocacy and Special Projects.