The Colorado Chamber of Commerce has recognized 16 legislators as its MVPs for the 2024 legislative session. According to the Chamber, the lawmakers “played a crucial role in securing major victories for the business community”.

“These key legislators were instrumental in advancing policies at the Capitol to improve our statewide business climate, leading to one of the most successful legislative sessions for business in years,” said Colorado Chamber President and CEO Loren Furman. “Through a great deal of work and collaboration, we have been able to address key challenges, implement forward-thinking policies, and put us on the right course to elevate Colorado’s business climate.”

“As Colorado’s economic competitiveness faces challenges, it’s crucial now more than ever to advocate for a healthy business climate, beginning with sound state-level policies,” said Meghan Dollar, senior vice president of governmental affairs and political operations. “The 2024 Colorado Chamber MVP Award recipients demonstrated exceptional leadership in championing the business community and worked closely with the Colorado Chamber to safeguard the state’s economic position, often making difficult votes to protect the state’s job creators.”

Here are this year’s MVP legislators and their advocacy efforts for the business community during the 2024 session:

• Senate President Steve Fenberg, D-Boulder, sponsored a number of pieces of legislation related to housing, taxes, and energy.
• Senate Minority Leader Paul Lundeen, R-Monument: According to The Chamber, Lundeen, a small business owner for over 30 years, “stood up for the business community time and time again to defeat bills that increased the cost and burden on businesses.”
• Assistant Senate Minority Leader Bob Gardner, R-Colorado Springs: The Chamber commended Gardner, a lawyer, for being a “crucial defender for Colorado businesses in 2024, specifically against excessive litigation costs.”
• Sen. Janet Buckner, D-Aurora, was “instrumental” in defeating a bill that would have increased taxes for short-term rentals.
• Sen. Nick Hinrichsen, D-Denver, led efforts to amend a bill that introduces increased regulations on products that contain perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl chemicals, also known as PFAS or “forever chemicals”. According to the Chamber, the un-amended version of the bill would have negatively impacted Colorado’s economy.
• Sen. Barbara Kirkmeyer, R-Brighton: The Chamber called Kirkmeyer a “key voice for the business community” during negotiations on a bill that reduces commercial and residential property taxes. 
• Sen. Larry Liston, R-Colorado Springs, was honored for his work as a member of the Senate Business, Labor, and Technology Committee. 
• Sen. Byron Pelton, R-Sterling, received his award for fighting on behalf of businesses against environmental legislation the Chamber said “would have killed jobs in Colorado.”
• Sen. Dylan Roberts, D-Frisco, was awarded for his involvement in defeating a bill that would have prohibited oil and gas production during the summer months. 
• Sen. Jim Smallwood, R-Parker, spearheaded efforts against legislation to analyze the effects of implementing a single-payer healthcare system in the state.
• Sen. Cleave Simpson, R-Alamosa, was praised for his support for the economy of rural Colorado, as well as his work on water and environmental legislation.
• House Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon, sponsored legislation related to public education and workforce readiness. 
• House Minority Leader Rose Pugliese, R-Colorado Springs, was praised for “protecting Colorado’s competitiveness and defending businesses against unnecessarily burdensome legislation.
• Rep. Lindsey Daugherty, D- Arvada, was honored for her work to increase workers’ compensation caps in Colorado.     
• Rep. Gabe Evans, R-Hudson, was commended Evans for recognizing the need for “stability and predictability” on a number of pieces of environmental legislation. 
• Rep. Lisa Frizell, R- Castle Rock, a former county assessor, was recognized for her work on legislation that will lower taxes for businesses and homeowners.  

The Colorado Chamber is a private, non-profit organization that represents businesses in Colorado.