Colorado’s small businesses are firmly against nearly all proposals to fund highway maintenance and construction, according to poll results released last week by the National Federation of Independent Business.

The annual poll asked NFIB Colorado members seven questions about various state and federal issues that could influence their businesses.

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“We ask them anyway to gauge intensity of feeling,” said Tony Gagliardi, NFIB state director. “What I think of more interest are the answers to four questions on highway maintenance and construction. Except for one, our members are certain in their opinions.”

Regarding funding highway maintenance and construction, 65.69% of respondents shot down increasing fuel tax by $0.10 per gallon, 78.24% said no to road usage tax and 42.56% said no to bonding (with 21.73% undecided).

All three suggestions had the condition that all revenue collected would be used exclusively for highway maintenance and construction.

The only funding suggestion that respondents didn’t refuse was implementing a fee on all electric vehicles, with 61.83% voting in support.

Gagliardi said NFIB hopes the poll results will help provide the next session of the Colorado General Assembly with insight into where its small businesses stand.

The poll also asked if businesses should be protected from COVID-19 lawsuits (98.26% said yes), if Colorado should prevent the taxation of forgiven PPP loan funds (90.03% said yes) and if Colorado should eliminate business tax credits and exemptions (81.63% said no).