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.
Denver student Kamiya Willoughby is challenging preconceived notions about a popular type of food that is often construed as unhealthy and unsophisticated.
“Soul food is a legitimate cuisine, but most people see it as a snack or junk food that you can only eat every once in a while.” Kamiya said.
“It is such a classic American cuisine that deserves a spotlight and deserves a step away from the stereotypes,” added Tess Hurlbert, Kamiya’s fiancée and business partner.
Colorado Director Hunter Railey testifed in support of HB19-188 or the Family Medical Leave Insurance Program (FAMLI) Act, which would create a study to assess the feasibility and necessary steps to implement a paid family and medical leave program in Colorado. This study will be crucial in setting up future legislation in the state legislature to create such a plan.
Colorado Director Hunter Railey testifies in support of SB19-173, which would establish the Colorado Secure Savings Plan Board to study the feasibility of a program that allows private-sector employees to contribute to an individual retirement savings account through modest payroll deductions. Such a plan would help small business owners offer retirement savings benefits at no added cost to their business.
Colorado Director Hunter Railey testifies in support of HB19-1168, which authorizes Colorado to seek a state innovation waiver from the U.S.
Colorado 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.
Copyright © 2019 Small Business Majority. Small Business Majority is a 501(C)(3) nonprofit organization.
