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Legislative News

Federally Mandated E-Verify Bill to be Introduced

posted 6-9-2011

House Judiciary Chairman Lamar Smith has announced that next week he will introduce his legislation to make the E-Verify program mandatory. E-Verify is an online, legal-employment-status verification system created by the Department of Homeland Security. You can read more in this June 9 press release from ANLA.

2011 Legislative Session Report 

posted 6-3-2011

READ analysis of the 2011 Colorado Legislative Session and descriptions of major bills related to the green industry in this timely REPORT submitted by Hicks & Associates, CNGA/GreenCO Lobbyists. 

Breaking news on E-Verify program, courtesy of ANLA

posted 5-26-2011

The U.S. Supreme Court has rendered its decision in the case challenging the Arizona requirement that employers use the federal E-Verify program as a condition of obtaining/maintaining a business license.  The Supreme Court has upheld the 9th Circuit's finding that the Arizona law is not preempted by federal law.  Much more detailed analysis of the decision to come after the lawyers have lawyered and analyzed the decision.  That said, we may now see the floodgates open for more state-level copycat laws mandating E-Verify.  Link to the full decision below. 

www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/10pdf/09-115.pdf 

Breaking news provided by Craig J. Regelbrugge, Vice President, Government Relations and Research, American Nursery & Landscape Association

Taxation on Pesticides used for Agricultural Production Repealed

posted 5-26-2011

This newest adjustment follows the 2010 reversal CNGA was able to secure last year on soils, fertilizers, and peat moss used in production being tax exempt. At that time, pesticides remained on the taxable list.

Effective July 1, 2011, all sales and purchases of pesticides that are registered by the commissioner of agriculture for use in the production of agricultural products pursuant to the provisions of the "Pesticide Act", article 9 of title 35, and offered for sale by licensed dealers will be tax exempt.

This information is included in HB11-1005 that can be found at www.leg.state.co.us

Colorado Dept. of Revenue Confirms Use Tax Rules

posted 12-8-2010

In a letter dated Dec. 6, 2010, the Colorado Department of Revenue Deputy Executive Director confirmed that soil, peat moss, and mulch are exempt from sales use taxes as of March 1, 2010. More...

Legislative News Archive

Read older posts in the Legislative News Archive.


Member feedback requested for CNGA Legislative positions. 

Members have said State legislative representation by CNGA is the number one benefit you receive from GreenCO. For those of you who realized some tax relief with the reversal of taxation on soil, fertilizer, and peat this last year, you know first hand the benefit this involvement has for you.

Currently two members, Bill Kluth and Gene Pielin, attend the meetings and four other members, John Pinder, Dale DeJacamo, Gail Vanik, and Greg Plot, review legislation electronically and provide their feedback industry impact of bills.  Their comments are taken to the full committee as part of the educational process.

This is an easy way for you to ensure your thoughts are being considered by the committee when they are taking a position of support or oppose.  It also ensures we hear from members across Colorado.

The Legislative Committee has identified the four areas that are of the highest priority to the industry as a whole: Tax and Budget Policy, Immigration, Water, and Workers' Compensation.

If you would be interested in either serving on the committee or reviewing legislation in one or all four areas of priority, please contact Sharon at the CNGA office at sharris@coloradonga.org, 303-758-6672, or 1-888-758-6672.  Broader the perspectives provide better the positions on issues.

Legislative Services & Updates

Representing the best interests of CNGA members at the State Capitol is the work of the GreenCO Legislative Committee. Industry member volunteers’ meets during the session, January to the first week of May, to review legislation. In partnership with contract lobbyists R.J. Hicks and Jay Hicks the committee reviews which of the nearly 600 bills introduced each year to identify those that could impact member businesses. After review, research, and discussion they determine the position GreenCO will take and offer testimony at the Capitol when needed.

Find contact information for your state senators and representatives, as well as senate and house committee member assignments, in the 2011 Colorado Legislative Directory, provided by Hicks & Associates.

CNGA works closely with the ANLA through its Lighthouse fund to advocate at a National Level and bring these issues to you.

  • If you have not responded to our inquiry asking if you want to continue receiving the ANLA Lighthouse information, please do so now. We will discontinue sending this information to members who have not responded by the end of January. Only the primary contact of each member company receives this information. To make changes, click the link and fill out the form... MORE. 

The legislative section will also provide you with resources that can help you find your legislators, voting information, and more. 

Regulatory Updates

Go to the Regulatory Updates page to find information about various government regulatory actions affecting the industry. 

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