Every year, hundreds of policy changes are proposed that will impact the health of Arvada businesses. Through the Government Affairs Committee and consistent outreach to elected officials at all levels of government, the Arvada Chamber strives to stay informed on the latest developments while advocating for a strong local economy.
This year, through a pro-business and bipartisan lens, we evaluated each of the below ballot questions in an effort to understand the implications if they were to pass. The conversations start with our Government Affairs Committee vetting the issues and making a recommendation to the Chamber Board of Directors. The Board then evaluates the recommendations and determines the final organization position.
Below, view the Chamber’s position for each ballot question and watch a recording of our Ballots and Breakfast forum, with arguments for and against each question.
Proposition 118: Colorado Paid Medical and Family Leave Initiative
Arvada Chamber Position: Oppose
Proposition 118 would create a new $1.3 billion state-run family and medical leave insurance program that would be managed by the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment (CDLE). The program would require employers and employees to pay a 0.9% payroll tax that would be deducted directly from employee wages in order to fund the insurance program. It would create a 200-person department within CDLE which would be managed by a political appointee. The Department would have wide discretion to increase the payroll deduction to as high as 1.2% of wages if program usage is higher than anticipated. Due to the negative financial impact and uncertainty around the solvency of the program, we recommend an OPPOSE vote on Proposition 118.
Amendment B: Gallagher Amendment Repeal and Property Tax Assessment Rates Measure
Arvada Chamber Position: Support
The Gallagher amendment has forced businesses to disproportionately shoulder Colorado’s tax burden. Businesses, farmers, and other non-residential property make up 20% of total market value but taxes on this property must equal 55% of total property tax collected. If Gallagher isn’t repealed, small businesses will be hit with another round of tax increases that many just can’t afford.
Proposition 116: Decrease Income Tax Rate from 4.63% to 4.55% Initiative
Arvada Chamber Position: Support
Proposition 116 decreases income tax rates and puts more money in the pockets of employees across the state. The Arvada Chamber supports Proposition 116 as the additional revenue will stimulate the economy and support those who make our business community thrive.
Proposition 117: Require Voter Approval of Certain New Enterprises Exempt from TABOR Initiative
Arvada Chamber Position: Support
Proposition 117 gives voters a say on new fee-funded enterprises that increase revenue $100 million or more in the first 5 years. The Arvada Chamber of Commerce supports Proposition 117 as it could prevent additional fees for businesses over the coming years.
Proposition 113: National Popular Vote Interstate Compact Referendum
No Arvada Chamber Position
For an overview of all these ballot questions, watch a recording below of our Ballots and Breakfast forum on Friday, October 16, 2020. Timestamps are listed before the video.
- (7:00) Amendment B: Gallagher Amendment Repeal and Property Tax Assessment Rates Measure
Proponent Perspective – Senator Jack Tate / Opponent Perspective – Michael Fields, Colorado Rising Action - (17:45) Proposition 116: Decrease Income Tax Rate from 4.63% to 4.55% Initiative
Proponent Perspective – Michael Fields, Colorado Rising Action / Opponent Perspective – Scott Wasserman, Bell Policy - (26:45) Proposition 118: Colorado Paid Medical and Family Leave Initiative
Proponent Perspective – Representative Matt Gray / Opponent Perspective – Kristi Pollard, Catalyst Public Affairs - (35:16) Proposition 117: Require Voter Approval of Certain New Enterprises Exempt from TABOR Initiative
Proponent Perspective – Michael Fields, Colorado Rising Action / Opponent Perspective – Scott Wasserman, Bell Policy - (45:09) Proposition 113: National Popular Vote Interstate Compact Referendum
Proponent Perspective – Former Representative Joe Miklosi / Opponent Perspective – Former Representative Frank McNulty
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