February 25, 2010

FINAL PREPARATIONS MADE FOR ANNUAL TRIP TO STATE CAPITOL
The Grand Junction Chamber is making final preparations for our Annual Legislative Days at the Capitol slated for next Thursday and Friday, March 4th and 5th.  Approximately 50 participants, including 15 members of the Mesa County Leadership Class, will be attending meetings led by elected officials and legislators, learning about the legislative process and current legislation, and attending a dinner to which all Colorado legislators are invited.  There are still a few spots left for this event.  Click here to register.  A special thank you goes out to our sponsors: 

GOVERNOR RITTER SIGNS BILLS SUSPENDING SPECIAL BUSINESS TAX BREAKS 
Governor Bill Ritter signed nine pieces of legislation that suspend or eliminate several special business tax breaks, in order to help balance the state's budget by generating $15.6 million in revenue this fiscal year and $132.6 million next fiscal year.

Gov. Ritter signed the following bills today:   
House Bill 1189: Eliminate Sales Tax Exemption for Direct Mail 
House Bill 1190: Suspend Industrial Fuel Sales and Use Tax
House Bill 1191: Eliminate Candy and Soda Sales Tax Exemption
House Bill 1192: Repeal Sales and Use Tax of Standardized Software
House Bill 1193: Sales Tax Out-of-State Retailers
House Bill 1194: Eliminate Non-Essential Articles Sales Tax Exemption
House Bill 1195: Suspend Ag Sales & Use Tax Exemption
House Bill 1196: Income Tax Credit Vehicles Using Alternative Fuels
House Bill 1199: Limit the Net Operating Loss Deduction Temporary Limit
 
Two additional bills are pending:
House Bill 1197: Reduce Conservation Easement Cap Amount
House Bill 1200: Limit Enterprise Zone Investment Tax Credit

COLORADO PUBLIC NEWS EXAMINES GRAND JUNCTION'S MODEL OF HEALTH CARE
This week, Colorado Public News will be examining the Grand Junction Area health care system, which has proved to be a national model of an efficient and effective health care system.  Grand Junction boasts easy access to top quality health care and a nearly 100% coverage rate.  In addition, health care is available in the Grand Junction Area for just about the lowest cost in the country.  For a full article on this subject written by Ann Imse, Editor of Colorado Public News, click here.  For more detailed information on the Grand Junction health care system, click here.     

ENERGY FORUM AND EXPO FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 26
The Grand Junction Chamber is proud to be a co-host sponsor of the 2010 Energy Forum and Expo that will be held at Two Rivers Convention Center tomorrow, February 26 from 9:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m.  This event is free to the public, and will feature over 60 exhibitors and four outstanding speakers. For a schedule of speakers, click here.