The Boulder Chamber's advocacy efforts never rest. We are constantly watching, analyzing and speaking up on your behalf to create a vibrant and supportive economic environment. Please check back frequently to learn about the top advocacy issues we're addressing on behalf of Chamber members.

For information contact Dan Powers, Community Affairs Manager at (303) 442-1044 ext 122. Check out ways to stay connected below. 
 

Our Boulder Business Insider podcast has launched! 
Available on iTunes or online in your browser.  

Photo: U.S. Rep. Jared Polis discusses U.S. health care reform at our VIPs in the AM breakfast forum.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          

---

NEWS & MEETINGS:

 

Three ballot issues approved for this November's election have caused great concern for Colorado's business community. Amendments 60 & 61 and Proposition 101 individually and collectively would have devastating impacts to the Boulder area economy and the Boulder Chamber Board of Directors have formally opposed all three. View our press release on this issue and our Resolution against the measures.

 

The City of Boulder estimates an immediate impact in 2011 of at least $20 million to the city's budget plus drastic restrictions on investment options if these measures pass. The three public school districts that serve Boulder County would see immediate reductions in per-student funding over more than 40%. The combined state and local impact is projected to be $6.3 billion per year. 

Visit www.donthurtcolorado.com and The Bad 3 to get information on Amendments 60 & 61 and Proposition 101.

 

Question: I own a small business. Would I have to buy insurance for my workers? What help could I get?

A: It depends on the size of your firm. Companies with fewer than 50 workers wouldn't face any penalties if they didn't offer insurance. Companies could get tax credits to help buy insurance if they have 25 or fewer employees and a workforce with an average wage of up to $50,000. Tax credits of up to 35 percent of the cost of premiums would be available this year and would reach 50 percent in 2014. The full credits are for the smallest firms with low-wage workers; the subsidies shrink as companies' workforces and average wages rise.  Firms with more than 50 employees that do not offer coverage would have to pay a fee of up to $2,000 per full- time employee if any of their workers got government-subsidized insurance coverage in the exchanges. The first 30 workers would be excluded from the assessment.
Source: Kaiser Health News

 

See more details on what will change this year and over the next few years due to health care reform. Plus Chamber members Faegre & Benson attorneys have provided a webinar with valuable details.

 

---

UPCOMING EVENTS:

VIPs in the AM Forum:
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
7:30 - 9:00 AM
The Chamber is hosting a forum to discuss the impacts of federal health insurance reform on businesses with Lorez Meinhold, Director of Health Reform Implementation and Senior Health Policy Analyst for the State of Colorado & Joel Rosenblum, Legislative Chair of the Colorado Association of Health Underwriters. Included in membership; $25 for future members.
RSVP required to Dan Powers at 303-442-1044 xt 122.

Stay Tuned! We are working to schedule more appearances by top elected officials and business leaders. Recent member-only meetings have included U.S. Rep. Jared Polis, Senator Rollie Heath and Boulder City Manager Jane Brautigam.

---

 

Stay up to date with the Insider, a monthly newsletter on advocacy efforts keeping members informed on a variety of city, county and regional policy discussions that could impact their opportunities to grow their business. Chamber members can be added to the newsletter by contacting Dan Powers at (303) 442-1044 ext 122.

Latest Issue

Follow Boulder Advocacy on Twitter @BoulderAdvocacy

NEW! Boulder Business Insider Podcast
Interviews with elected officials, business leaders, key city staff and others provide quick snapshots and in-depth detail on issues pertinent to the Boulder-area business community. 
iTunes link or click here:

 

The Chamber Today’s Advocacy Outlook
Within the Chamber’s monthly eNewsletter Chamber Today  the Advocacy Outlook column covers various topics on policies and upcoming decisions with potential to affect the general economic climate. To subscribe, contact the editor Stephanie A. Milliman.

---

ADVOCACY STATEMENTS:

Statements on key topics the Chamber’s Board of Directors or Chamber staff will make public statements about issues of concern to our membership. 

August 17, 2010: South of Canyon Development options
July 14, 2010: Support for placing Xcel Franchise on ballot
May 23, 2010: Support for an Accomodations Tax Proposal
May 17, 2010: Residential Energy Conservation Ordinance
May 17, 2010: Renewable Energy Requirements for Medical Marijuana Dispensaries
March 30, 2010: Support for Colorado Clean Air Clean Jobs Act
March 23, 2010: Design Guidelines for Downtown Boulder 

February 22, 2010: 2010 Legislative Agenda Overview

February 22, 2010: Complete 2010 Legislative Agenda

January 15, 2010: Chamber Statement on Boulder City Council Retreat Priorities 

 

For prior years' statements contact Dan Powers at (303) 442-1044 ext 122.