Date:
1/15/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title:
2010 Legislative Session Underway
ARVADA, Colo. January 15, 2010 – The Colorado Cattlemen’s Association (CCA) continues to have a respected and diligent presence on behalf of Colorado beef producers during the state’s legislative sessions. The 2010 General Assembly kicked off their legislative session on Wednesday, January 13th with Governor Ritter calling on lawmakers to remain focused on the session and keeping the state’s budget balanced.
CCA has a daily presence at the capitol during the legislative session to ensure that beef producers are represented on issues important to their business and livelihood. We also rely on our leadership and members to testify before the Legislature to ensure the interests of the beef industry and landowners are not being ignored.
CCA expects a myriad of legislative initiatives this session that will be critical to our members’ businesses. CCA is focused on protecting the economic position of our members and ensuring that the legislature does not impede our ability to compete with beef producers from other states. Specifically, CCA is watching for proposals to increase taxation on agriculture producers through tax exemptions being discontinued on such items as bull semen and ag compounds.
CCA is also expecting proposed legislation that would allow rafting outfitters to float down historically used streams and portage around obstacles. In other words, the law would be changed to allow access to private property through the act of portaging. CCA’s member derived policies oppose this type of mandated property access and conclude it to be a takings.
These are only a sampling of the legislative challenges and opportunities our industry will face in the next few months. To stay current and informed, visit one of the following communication opportunities throughout this year’s session:
CCA will also be hosting a monthly conference call, Capitol Conversations, to inform beef producers of legislative activities. The first Capitol Conversations will take place February 1 at noon. Participants are asked to call (218) 844-8230 and enter access code 131855# (long distance charges may apply).
To join CCA, and represent producers at the local, state, and national level, contact CCA today at (303) 431-6422 or info@coloradocattle.org.
-CCA-
Colorado Cattlemen’s Association (CCA) is the state’s only nonprofit trade organization exclusively representing Colorado’s cattle producers. Founded in 1867, CCA is the nation’s oldest state cattlemen’s association.