Small Business Majority has created a comprehensive state policy agenda to ensure entrepreneurship is at the center of a thriving and inclusive economy in Colorado. It’s critical that state lawmakers enact policies to support and empower these entrepreneurs, guaranteeing they have access to capital to start and grow their business, affordable and quality healthcare and benefit programs that will make it easier for them to attract and retain talented employees.
Colorado Outreach Director Hunter Railey testifies in support of HB19-1174, which addresses suprise out-of-network billing. The bill would require healthcare providers and facilities to disclose service performed by out-of-network providers and disclose the claims and payments process. It would also require consumers receive easy to understand notifications of their rights regarding bills from out-of-network providers, and sets “reasonable rates of payment” for these out-of-network providers.
The Colorado state legislature is considering a bill that would make Colorado the seventh state in the country to establish a program guaranteeing access to paid leave to care for a newborn child or a sick family member. Small business owners and their employees are particularly affected by the current lack of access to paid family leave as many small businesses can’t afford to offer robust benefits, putting them at a disadvantage with their larger counterparts.
Colorado Director Hunter Railey testified in opposition to HB19-1058. Unlike the previously proposed FAMLI Act, HB19-1058 would not do enough to make accessing paid family and medical leave affordable for most small business owners and their employees. Additionally, it would not do enough to increase access for moderate- and low-income workers who already struggle to save for emergencies or retirement.
Colorado Director Hunter Railey testifies in support of HB19-1164, which would expand the child tax credit. Expanding the child tax credit is an investment in Colorado’s working families, including small businesses. It will help grow the economy and improve long-term financial wellness for thousands throughout the state.
Small Business Majority writes in support of HB19-1174, which concerns out-of-network health care services, or surprise billing. The legislation would bring more transparency and affordability to pricing for healthcare services, benefitting small businesses’ bottom lines and helping to control costs in the healthcare system overall.
Lindsey Vigoda manages Small Business Majority’s outreach and education efforts in Colorado. Using her social work skills, Lindsey builds and fosters strong relationships with communities, business organizations and small business owners throughout the state.
Colorado Outreach Manager Hunter Railey testified in support of legislation that would create the Early Childhood Educator Tax Credit. The hearing was called by the Colorado General Assembly Education Committee. Hunter's testimony explained how the proposed bill will benefit small businesses by increasing access to affordable, quality child care. The bill will also directly help home-based child care providers.
Colorado’s family leave program currently only provides unpaid leave for certain workers who need to take time off from work to bond with a new child or to care for a seriously ill family member. However, many workers cannot afford to take extended unpaid leave, and some small employers are unable provide paid leave benefits to their employees for an extended period of time.
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