Gov.-elect Bill Ritter on Wednesday reassured business interests that may be uneasy about the growing power of Democrats running state government.
“The economy can’t thrive with an anti-business agenda,” he said. “We won’t have 100 percent agreement. We will be the gatekeepers for good public policy.”
Likewise, business groups said they are counting on the governor to protect them from excessive regulation and will work with him.
“We do not differ on the state’s need to be moving in a positive direction. That is up to everyone involved,” said Tony Gagliardi, Colorado state director of the National Federation of Independent Business, which had endorsed Republican candidate Bob Beauprez.
January will mark the first time in more than 40 years that the governor’s office and both houses of the General Assembly will be in Democratic hands.
Among the issues business groups will be watching closely:
A state-based health-care plan to address the needs of 770,000 residents without health insurance. Business groups favor a market-based approach. Ritter has previously raised the prospect of mandates.
Additional environmental regulations that could follow Ritter’s promise to protect Colorado’s air and water quality. Business groups say the state is already in compliance with existing environmental standards.
Any concessions made to labor groups that reduce employer flexibility. Added regulations would hurt efforts to retain and attract new jobs to the state, business groups argue.
The Colorado Association of Commerce and Industry, which didn’t endorse either candidate for governor, did endorse 47 legislative candidates, including several Democrats. Thirty-five of its picks won.
Among CACI’s priorities are maintaining a favorable tax climate in the state, including the reduction or elimination of the business personal-property tax and keeping workers’ compensation costs in check.
Donnah Moody, vice president of government affairs for CACI, said the association of 500 businesses has common ground with Ritter on issues including energy, transportation, education and economic development.
Staff writer Aldo Svaldi can be reached at 303-954-1410 or asvaldi@denverpost.com.
