Gov. John Hickenlooper is worried about the message sent by his party’s proposed legislation to fine large employers who refuse to provide health insurance options for their low-paid employees.
Democrats on Tuesday rolled out the proposal aimed at companies with 250 or more workers who earn less than $12 an hour. Colorado would be the first state to pass such a law.
Republicans, who control the state Senate, are poised to kill the bill — if it manages to make it out of the Democratic-led House.
Hickenlooper, the titular leader of the state Democratic Party, said Wednesday morning, “It might make more sense to go more slowly.”
“I think it’s important we stay pro-business,” he said. “We have an identity, a brand around the country that people perceive, (and) we’ve worked very hard to make that brand ‘very high standards, but pro-business.’ “
Hickenlooper questioned whether the bill was aimed at raising the appeal of some legislators up for re-election.
“I have frequently said, ‘Are these message bills, to make a statement to constituencies?’ Or is there a real problem we have in this state over these issues?” he said.
Fines paid by employers would support the state’s Medicaid costs, which rise when people can’t afford their own insurance.
Tony Gagliardi, Colorado state director for the National Federation of Independent Business, echoed the governor’s sentiment.
“The mere introduction of this act and the press conference are enough to cause second thoughts for businesses, large and small, starting up or relocating to Colorado,” he said.
Eric Sondermann, an independent political analyst in Denver, thought Hickenlooper staked out an independent but unnecessary position — given that the Senate is certain to kill the bill before it reaches his desk.
Appearing to side with corporations over the working poor could hurt Hickenlooper’s standing within the party, more so than his middle-of-the-road support for fracking, which most top Democrats opposed, Sondermann said.
“I think this is going to be hard for him to make peace over,” he said. “For Democrats, this is the holy grail.”
Joey Bunch: 303-954-1174, jbunch@denverpost.com or @joeybunch
