January 21, 2010

CHAMBER SUPPORTS MESA STATE PROGRAM EXPANSION BILL
At its first meeting of the year, the Chamber's Governmental Affairs Committee voted to support Senate Bill 079, which would allow Mesa State College to expand their role and mission to enhance  academic programs to include additional liberal arts and sciences, professional, and technical degree programs at both the undergraduate and graduate levels.  The bill is is sponsored by Senator Josh Penry (R), Representative Laura Bradford (R) and Representative Steve King (R).  

CHAMBER OPPOSES THREE BALLOT MEASURES
The Chamber board expressed its strong opposition this morning to Proposition 101 (limits on government charges), Amendment 60 (property tax cuts), and Amendment 61 (provisions of government borrowing). To view a recent news article on the debate over these ballot measures, click here. For a Bell Policy Center analysis on Proposition 101 and Amendment 61,  please click below.

Proposition 101
Amendment 61

Budget Ballot Initiatives Debated In Colorado: New York Times 

GJ CHAMBER SIGNED ON TO U.S. CHAMBER'S LETTER TO CONGRESS ON HEALTH CARE
The United States Chamber of Commerce collected a total of 733 signatures for a letter to congress regarding responsible health care reform.  The Grand Junction Chamber signed on to this letter, which urged congress not to merge the Senate and House health care bills. The letter pointed out perceived flaws in each bill, and advocated for health legislation that will: bend the cost curve for the overall health care system, improve the long-term fiscal outlook for federal and state governments, produce greater quality and value in our health care system, and help facilitate our long term economic recovery.

PRO-BUSINESS RALLY SCHEDULED FOR JANUARY 28
In conjunction with other pro-business organizations around the state, the Grand Junction Chamber is co-sponsoring a pro-business rally on the steps of the Capitol on Thursday, January 28th.  The rally will begin at 10:00 a.m., and will feature a highly visible display of support for pro-business legislation, including short speeches given by Colorado business professionals.  The more supporters who are in attendance, the more successful the rally will be.  If you are interested in attending, please call Mikaela at mking@gjchamber.org  or Diane at diane@gjchamber.org for more information.      

NEXT VIDEOCONFERENCE FEBRUARY 2
The Chamber's Videoconference Series continues February 2 at 7:00 a.m. in the Academic Classroom Building at Mesa State College. The Academic Classroom Building is located on the corner of Houston Avenue and Elm Avenue and free parking for these events will be available in the P5 lot on the same street corner. Members of the Governmental Affairs Committee should forward suggestions for the agenda to Mikaela at mking@gjchamber.org.