Legislative Affairs

Government relations is a primary GreenCO activity.  The legislative committee is the place where all eight industry segments come together to work on industry issues and concerns.  The committee meets twice per month during the legislative session to review proposed legislation, take positions and develop grassroots action.  GreenCO’s PAC works during election years to interview candidates and provide funding if appropriate. 

During the legislative session that begins in January, follow the 2012 legislative report  in real time from your own computer.

2012 Legislative Principles

Budget and Regulatory Reform

• Performance based budgeting processes are needed for all state programs and agencies. There should be better standards for program oversight, benefits and overall effectiveness.
• The state should set spending priorities that allow existing revenues to be invested in higher education, job training, transportation and state infrastructure projects.
• We oppose burdensome regulation. The state should create a process to review and eliminate regulations that are outdated, overreaching or act as barriers to economic development.

• We oppose changes to the workers' compensation system that will damage the current system, increase costs or make it less competitive. A stable work comp system is key to maintaining the state's economic viability.
• The state must ensure that the privatization of Pinnacol provides policyholders clear and substantial benefits, while protecting the current model without unnecessary rate increases.

• We support sustainable, conservation minded principles for both indoor and outdoor use and should include the use of industry Best Management Practices.
• Water quality projects and additional storage capacity must be a state budget priority.
• We support the authority of the state water engineer and the protection of water rights statewide.
• We support the three interim water committee bills related to well depletions and the Denver aquifer, the consolidation of cash funds administered by the Division of Water Resources, and the reissuance of lost share certificates in mutual ditch companies. As the bills move through the legislature, we will work with the appropriate committees on the details.

• Jobs and the economy are the key issues for Colorado. We will support initiatives that will create jobs, grow the economy and enhance competitiveness.
• The state should create a business-friendly environment; there must be no new fees or mandates.
• Colorado should utilize funds from the performance based budget process to invest in statewide infrastructure, such as transportation, state buildings, water projects and higher education
• Use the Governor's economic development concepts to seed key projects that will stimulate growth and job retention.

• The state must utilize existing tax credits and other incentives to create new ways that encourage expansion and equipment purchases.
• Colorado should reduce business costs and eliminate the barriers that exist in recruiting new firms to our state.
• The state should streamline various government reporting processes to reduce private sector costs.
• Colorado must embrace policies that stabilize the demands on businesses to foster greater optimism.

Download these principles in brochure format.  Questions?  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

View the calendar to find GreenCO sponsored legislative events and legislative committee meetings.