To: Board of County Commissioners
Through: Michelle Halstead, Director, Commissioners’ Office
Prepared By:
prepared
Jacquelyn Bayard, Administrative Specialist, Commissioners’ Office
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presenter
Presenter: Greg Romberg, Romberg and Associates
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Subject:
title
11:30 AM *State Lobbyist Meeting
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Purpose and Request:
recommended action
The purpose of this meeting is to provide information on the status of Colorado’s state legislative session, potential impacts to Arapahoe County, and seek Board direction on legislative positions or specific advocacy activities. In preparation for the legislative session, the meeting will cover the following topics and recommended staff positions (in parentheses):
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Background and Discussion: As a constitutional subdivision of Colorado state government, Arapahoe County can only exercise those powers specifically expressed in statute or in the constitution. Arapahoe County contracts with Romberg & Associates for state advocacy activities and the Director of Human Services, the County Attorney, the Director of Community Resources, the Director of Public Works and Development, and the Director of Communication and Administrative Services serve as staff liaisons for federal and state government relations. The Board adopted 2021 legislative principles which describe the County’s underlying interest on specific issues. These principles serve as a consistent guide for the county in developing positions on federal and state legislation, rulemaking, and proactive issue advocacy.
During session, the County publishes bills of interest and any positions on the county’s website through a bill tracker:
<https://statebillinfo.com/SBI/index.cfm?fuseaction=Public.Dossier&id=28263&pk=273>
During the meeting, the following bills will be discussed:
• SB21-62, Jail Population Management Tools
• SB21-199, Remove Barriers To Certain Public Opportunities
• SB21-201, Stricter Transparency & Enforcement In Child Care
• HB21-1264, Funds Workforce Development Increase Worker Skills
• SB21-231, Energy Office Weatherization Assistance Grants
The update also will include discussion on the halfway mark of the session, state budget, and what activities are still anticipated during the last few months of session.
Fiscal Impact: None
Alternatives: N/A
Alignment with Strategic Plan:
☒Be fiscally sustainable
☒Provide essential and mandated service
☒Be community focused
Staff Recommendation: Refer to the bill tracking spreadsheet for recommendations on specific legislative bills.
Concurrence: N/A