As the day winds down from a busy schedule of nonstop meetings this last week, it’s important to reflect on what we’ve learned, heard and asked during the visit to our nation’s capital city with the Greater Colorado Springs Chamber of Commerce. Okay, I’m probably just as guilty as the next guy, back in Colorado Springs criticizing the folks back here, while somewhat disconnected and protected from the pressures of DC politics. And it’s evident that as it’s been said, politics are not a spectator sport, especially noticeable here along the Beltway, as another election year approaches. But the take-aways from the bipartisan relationships we continue to build upon in partnership with the business community and our Congressional leaders, is vital for our regional future; whether it’s having influence over military support, budget, tax and deficit issues, health care policy, small-business concerns, employment, over-regulation, economic development or transportation funding, among others.  |
| Commissioner Amy Lathen and Sallie Clark with Congressman Doug Lamborn |
The Chamber deserves kudos for a well-organized trip, with multiple tracks which allowed the group of about 70 individuals, representing a diverse group of both small and large businesses, community leaders and elected officials, including Mayor Bach, to ask hard questions and connect with those who cast the votes on the U.S. House and Senate floors and ultimately impact Colorado Springs and El Paso County. The Chamber should also be credited for making a concerted effort to represent our region by inviting others from Southern Colorado to join the collaborative mission.
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| Chamber DC participants heard from elected officials and government representatives including U.S. Representatives Paul Ryan, Eric Cantor and Cathy McMorris Rodgers and Colorado delegation members of House and Senate. |
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| Congressman Scott Tipton with Commissioner Sallie Clark and Colorado Springs Mayor Steve Bach |
We were appreciative that Congressman Doug Lamborn hosted the legislative day and were honored to be joined not only by our Colorado delegation members in Congress: U.S. Representatives Mike Coffman, Cory Gardner and Scott Tipton and U.S. Senators Mark Udall and Michael Bennet, but also guest speakers including U.S. Representatives Paul Ryan, Eric Cantor and Cathy McMorris Rodgers. And, staff members from U.S. Representatives Ed Perlmutter and Jared Polis also represented their bosses to provide updates from their offices. During the full week of meetings, information on the budget and the Super Committee was shared, this committee being tasked with reducing the debt by approximately $1.2 trillion. In addition, the nation’s military defense outlook, renewable energy, free trade agreements through the Trade Assistance Act and the future of transportation funding were only part of the scheduled Q&A discussions. White House representatives made presentations to our group with topics such as tourism, health care, national export efforts and small business development. A trip to the Pentagon offered members of our legislative advocacy team to interface with military leaders, an important opportunity to meet face to face and re-enforce local support for our military installations, vital to El Paso County's economic future. And, breakfast with Major General Joseph Anderson offered an opportunity to meet the man who later this year, will replace Major General David Perkins, Commanding General at Fort Carson.
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| Meeting at the U.S. Olympic Committee office in Washington D.C. |
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| Stained glass window in the House Chapel |
Meeting with our Senators and Representatives on their legislative turf gives us the opportunity to discuss our local issues with those who represent us and Colorado as a whole. The importance of this trip is underscored by the fact that county government and El Paso County’s citizens are directly impacted by the decisions made in Washington D.C., specifically as it relates to unfunded mandates, regulations and infrastructure support. Building relationships among business and government leaders and heading to our nation’s Capitol with one voice, makes a difference regarding eventual legislative decisions on issues that impact our local economy. And, for our members of Congress, hearing straight talk from folks who live and face financial challenges in the business world every day, can easily be summed up in one word, “priceless”.
