The Second Regular Session of the Seventieth General Assembly convened yesterday, January 13, 2016 and is scheduled to adjourn on May 11, 2016.  If you’re a local business owner, it’s wise to at least have a high-level understanding of the business issues that will be debated this session and how the outcome of these debates may affect your business.

The Denver Business Journal recently surveyed leaders of business groups and other organizations and produced this list of the 10 biggest issues that will affect Colorado businesses in 2016.  We recommend that all Eagle County businesses become familiar with these issues to protect and promote your interests.

1. Hospital Provider Fee
2. Construction Defects Reform
3. Employer Mandates
4. Transportation Funding
5. Budget Issues
6. Oil and Gas Regulations
7. Workforce Development
8. Tax Cuts
9. Urban Renewal
10. Connect for Health Colorado

Read the full article at Denver Business Journal.

And, while the following speeches are a little long, they’re worth reading back-to-back-to-back for a solid grounding in the differences of opinion and priorities that exist between the two parties at the state house:

Opening Day Speeches: (Text Courtesy of Denver Business Journal)

• Colorado Senate President Bill Cadman (R)
• Colorado Senate Minority Leader Lucia Guzman (D)
• Colorado House Speaker Dickey Lee Hullinghorst (D)
• Colorado House Minority Leader Brian DelGrosso (R)