September 26, 2007 01:22 AM UTC

Ritter's 2008 Economic Development Package

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• by: Go Blue

“As Governor, I am committed to leading a state government that partners with businesses, listens to their concerns and comes up with ideas to help our businesses get ahead in this increasingly competitive global marketplace,” Gov. Ritter said during an announcement ceremony at the Anschutz Medical Campus at Fitzsimons. “The package we’re announcing today will help businesses large and small, in rural Colorado and urban Colorado, capitalize on new economic opportunities. It cuts taxes, and it simplifies, streamlines and reduces red tape.”

The business community is on board

“This package will make Colorado businesses more competitive not just in the intermountain area but nationally as well,” said Joe Blake, president and CEO of the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce. “The efficiency and common sense that this package brings is great news for large and small businesses. Thank you, Governor. This is a strong step forward for Colorado’s economy.”

“I’m committed to making Colorado businesses the most competitive in the country,” Gov. Ritter said. “This is the most significant, comprehensive business package Colorado has seen in more than a decade. These proposals will give businesses more tools to succeed – from a reduced tax burden to less red tape. This package is good for our economy, good for our small businesses and good for our communities.”

Also participating in today’s announcement were University of Colorado President Hank Brown, University of Colorado at Denver and Health Sciences Center Chancellor M. Roy Wilson, Denver Metro Chamber Chairman John Ikard and David Perez, president and CEO of Gambro BCT in Lakewood.”

And our Senate Democrats are making it happen

“Business Personal Property Tax – Would exempt more than 30,000 small businesses in Colorado from the business personal property tax. The plan would be phased in over seven years and would increase the threshold from $2,500 to $7,000. Senator Suzanne Williams (D-Aurora), who will sponsor the bill, said that, “This measure will help to lighten the load on small businesses in Colorado. We want to foster business growth across the state and this bill will help get us there.” 

Single Factor Tax Policy – Would require only one tax based on sales from businesses.  Senator Brandon Shaffer (D-Longmont) said of the bill, “This legislation would bring some greatly needed simplification to our tax policy. This will save time and money for businesses and will produce greater efficiency in government.”

Bioscience Incentives – Would extend the bioscience grant program for Colorado and secure its funding source. The bill will encourage economic development in the state and will help cultivate working relationships between institutions of higher education and private companies.  Bill sponsor Senator Bob Bacon (D-Fort Collins) remarked, “This bill is great news for Fort Collins and great for Colorado. Continuing this funding stream will keep Colorado on the cutting edge of innovation.”

and as for the republicans… well they are busy scratching their heads trying to think of catchy negative slogans http://www.coloradop…