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4FB36EBF10141F5587258772005DAEFA Hearing Summary




PUBLIC
BILL SUMMARY For BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY PANEL

INTERIM COMMITTEE  TASK FORCE ON ECONOMIC RECOVERY AND RELIEF CASH FUND
Date Oct 18, 2021      
Location Old State Library



Business and Industry Panel - Committee Discussion Only


11:03:20 AM  
Kathie Barstnar,
representing NAIOP Colorado Chapter, began the presentation on the effects
of the pandemic on commercial real estate and convention and tourism-supported
businesses.
11:10:24 AM  
Loren Furman, Colorado Chamber of Commerce,
focused on the continuing effects of the pandemic on Colorado businesses.
She highlighted the labor shortage as a significant issue for employers.
She asked the task force to use ARPA funding to replenish Colorado's Unemployment
Insurance (UI) Trust Fund.
11:14:36 AM  
J.J. Ament, Denver
Metro Chamber of Commerce, noted that Colorado's underlying economy was
healthy prior to the pandemic.  He testified in support of using ARPA
funding to support the UI Trust Fund, and to support one-time investments,
rather than ongoing programs.  He spoke regarding the regulatory burden
on businesses.
11:21:30 AM  

Rich Werner, Economic Development Council of Colorado, discussed the impact of the pandemic on economic development in the state of Colorado.

11:25:12 AM  

Leslie Hylton, Office of Economic Development and International Trade, read the remarks of Margaret Hunt, Director of Colorado Creative Industries.

11:30:35 AM  

The members of the panel responded to questions from the task force regarding ways the task force can direct ARPA funding to support Colorado businesses. Ms. Furman discussed the additional expenses associated with the UI program that employers will have to pay in 2022. She responded to questions from the task force about the workforce and whether individuals are not returning to work because of government payments offered during the pandemic.

11:37:18 AM  

Mr. Daniel Chase, Colorado Department of Labor and Employment, commented on the UI program.






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