Denver – Today the Colorado Senate Republicans released an economic recovery plan for the 2011 legislative session titled “Agenda for Economic Recovery.” This is the first of several agenda items the Republican Senators plan to release over the coming weeks.The tone of the Republican Senators’ agenda was set with an online video titled Join the discussion featuring Senate Minority Leader Mike Kopp. In the video Kopp discusses proposals to help Colorado employers and families over the upcoming legislative session. He also encourages viewers to join this effort by sending their ideas to make Colorado a better place to ideas@solutionsforcolorado.com.
“This economic agenda was crafted through discussions with employers across Colorado who are frustrated with the current level of taxes and regulations,” said Kopp. “By repealing the anti-business taxes of last session and promoting clearer, more predictable rules for businesses we can once again promote job growth in Colorado.”
Business leaders throughout the state have joined the Republican Senators in developing an economic agenda to help them continue doing business in Colorado. The current level of taxation and regulations has inspired them to help this effort.
“When Governor Ritter and the Democrats implemented new taxes and regulations in a recession it killed jobs,” said Assistant Minority Leader Greg Brophy. “It is time we bring their unpredictable, anti-business agenda to an end.”
The complete text of the agenda is below.
Agenda for Economic Recovery:
Repeal anti-business tax increases of 2010
Over $100 million in new business taxes enacted by Ritter and the Democrats have put a damper on job creation in Colorado in the middle of the Obama recession. We believe increasing the tax burden on business is the wrong approach to balancing the state budget. Savings can be found through eliminating nonessential programs and streamlining state government.
Foster business growth by eliminating onerous taxes
• Repeal business personal property tax
The personal property tax is proven job killer. It is universally hated by businesses large and small. Alternatives can be found to replace this outdated tax system for modern revenues for local governments.
Streamline burdensome regulations
• Promote leaner, more clear and predictable rules for businesses
Burdensome regulations can be simplified and reduced, especially for small businesses of less than 100 employees.
• Push for 15% reductions on fees and compliance costs
We need a thorough independent review of all user fees while implementing across-the-board reductions in licensing fees.
Promote energy development and responsible drilling
• Review Colorado Oil & Gas Rules
Costly new regulations imposed by Governor Ritter have our energy industries on life support in Colorado. All regulations should be subject to a serious cost-benefit analysis with the economics losses in jobs and tax revenues given more adequate weight.
