Dave Jeffrey is the Chair of the Colorado Advanced Manufacturing Association, the trade association and policy voice for Colorado manufacturers.  The positions expressed below represent the policy positions of CAMA.  As the U.S. Department of Commerce Manufacturing Extension Partnership for Colorado, Manufacturer’s Edge takes no formal position on any legislation before the Colorado legislature.  However, we are happy to partner with CAMA to educate manufacturers on policy issues of interest to manufacturers, and encourage all manufacturers to be involved in our political processes.

With the current legislation period in session, we, as the statewide manufacturing association, want to ensure that manufacturers throughout the state understand the impact that some of these bills could have on businesses.

One that is of great concern is the Medical & Family Leave Act. In short, this bill is an “insurance” program that will be run by the state, and it will require all employees and employers to contribute to this program regardless of the size of the company. In addition, there is no cost cap in the bill, meaning that the cost of the program can increase year over year at the discretion of the program administrators. This bill will make it such that an employee will be allowed to take up to 12 weeks off for various family and medical reasons. We certainly feel that it is important to help the workforce throughout the state take care of the needs of their family. However, we also feel that this insurance program is far too reaching with no consideration for the potential cost to small businesses over time.

As Chair of the Colorado Advanced Manufacturing Association (CAMA), the policy voice for Colorado’s small manufacturers, I urge you to get involved. SB 188 appears to be on the fast track for approval. Please take the time to understand this legislation and the far reaching effect it could have on you, your business, and your family. Then contact your State Senator and Representative to share your opinion. I also urge you to get out and vote for the people that will make the greatest impact for our industry.