What I'm Working On
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Stability for Rural Communities
As Coloradans, we treasure our public lands and open spaces. But even though these stunning natural resources attract tourists and support Main Street businesses, they do not directly contribute to the local tax base. As such, they don't directly support the basic public services like roads, police and schools that local communities count on. The Payment in Lieu of Taxes program — commonly known as "PILT" — is a critical source of support for communities with large tracts of nontaxable federal lands to maintain public safety and support Coloradans' high quality of life. That's why I introduced bipartisan legislation to strengthen the PILT program by ensuring that rural leaders are not left in budget limbo every year due to the uncertainty of the Congressional budget process. Providing this certainty will help Colorado communities create jobs, attract new residents and preserve our unique way of life for future generations.
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The HIRE Act (S.A. 3310) - Strengthening Colorado Businesses and Creating Jobs
I supported the HIRE Act, which President Obama signed into law on March 18. The bill, which passed the Senate 68-29, with strong bipartisan support, will spur job growth and strengthen the private sector by encouraging businesses to hire new workers and invest in their companies and communities. The HIRE Act provides tax incentives for businesses to hire unemployed workers, encourages small businesses to invest in their future by permitting them to write off up to $250,000 in new equipment investments, jumpstarts highway infrastructure projects, and frees up investment capital for cities and states to create jobs and improve their communities with further infrastructure projects. These measures will grow our economy, strengthen Colorado businesses and create jobs for hardworking Coloradans.
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Brewers Excise and Economic Relief Act
I introduced the Brewers Excise and Economic Relief Act of 2009 to lower the excise tax on a barrel of beer from $18 per barrel to $9, the pre-1991 level (for smaller producers: $7 to $3.50 per barrel). Colorado is the largest beer producing state in the country and the beer industry is responsible for over 100,000 jobs in production, manufacturing, commodities production and retail distribution.