Democratic Presidential Challenger (withdrew, Aug. 2019); CO Governor
Government can help in economic transition
Tremendous changes in our economy are making people feel that they aren't wanted anymore. Many of the skills that would have been tickets to the middle class are no longer needed. That's why we discussed not only the importance of education and
training, but streamlining regulations, expanding access to loans, incentivizing innovation, and how to support the transformation of new ideas into jobs.
Source: Speech at 2016 Democratic National Convention
, Jul 28, 2016
q/20/2
Colorado Blueprint: promote private-sector growth
While the public sector is not a job creator, it does have an obligation to help promote private-sector growth. That had been our priority since day one. We designed a Colorado Blueprint that focused on six core objectives: build a
In 2010, when it came to job growth, this state was ranked fortieth in the nation. Now, four years later, in that same ranking, Colorado was ranked fourth-best job growth state. Over and over again
I would say, "We went from fortieth to fourth."
The governor used the annual address to make 19 different "asks" of lawmakers. The governor will support legislation and seek approval from the General Assembly this year to:
increase the state's budget reserve
extend the job-creation tax
credit from five years to seven, enabling more businesses to maintain employees and hire new ones
form a non-profit enterprise dedicated to fostering public-private partnerships to fund infrastructure projects such as transportation and water
allocate an additional $100 million for higher education, which would cap tuition increases at 6 percent and put college within reach of more families
support
Coloradans with developmental disabilities and their caregivers, including addressing the current waitlist, family support services, and transitional services.
Rebuild reserve fund after Great Recession
Today, with an improving economy, we have the beginnings of a reserve fund and we should protect it. We are restoring funding for education--not enough to make up for the $1 billion shortfall we experienced in the Great Recession--but our steps are
Rebuild reserve fund after Great Recession
We expanded this engagement process with TBD Colorado. Coloradans told us that excessive red tape, including unnecessary and duplicative regulations were holding back job creation.
State budgeting process must reflect revenue availability
For many years, the State has relied on year-to-year budgeting and spending decisions that are disconnected from the economy and available revenue. Before multi-year budgets can work, future spending and delayed obligations must be kept
to a minimum and they must reflect the realities of revenue availability. To that end, it is time to take a fresh look at statutory schedules for new or increased spending.
Source: 2011 gubernatorial press release #1251608981339
, Nov 1, 2011
