As Colorado's leading technology trade organization, CSIA works on behalf of our member companies to ensure our industry's voice is heard, a voice with the experience, access, knowledge and influence to effectively represent the diverse interests of the technology industry. Through our public policy and advocacy work, CSIA represents nearly 5,000 tech companies statewide that employ more than 175,000 people.
Legislative Affairs
CSIA works directly with elected officials, governmental agencies, higher education representatives, economic development and business leaders in Colorado to represent the interests of the technology sector. We continually discuss the impact of the industry upon the overall state economy and its importance in providing jobs, income, tax base and contribution to the quality of life here in our state.
We also explore opportunities to assist Colorado technology companies through legislative and economic development initiatives to move forward the tech industry's objectives that lead to:
- business growth, including retention and relocation of technology companies within Colorado
- job growth
- favorable governmental regulation and tax environment
- public policies that allow for increased entrepreneurial opportunities
- protection of intellectual property and free marketplace
- education and training of technically skilled workforce
- increased opportunities for capital and investment.
Another of CSIA's missions is to monitor state regulations and legislation that affect technology industries. We monitor introduction and status of various legislation during the legislative session, September through December, on behalf of our membership. Potential legislation that CSIA should actively support is typically identified prior to the beginning of the legislative session. Other legislation introduced during the legislative session that impacts the technology sector is regularly monitored and an appropriate response is determined.
Members of CSIA's Public Policy/Economic Development Committee proactively work with our state legislators to discuss the impact of new legislation on technology and software companies in Colorado. Many Public Policy committee members also testify in legislative committee sessions to support legislation favorable to our members and against legislation that harms Colorado technology firms. CSIA member companies are also asked on occasion to help make a difference by volunteering to meet state legislators at the Capitol or arrange site visits at their company locations, as well as writing/emailing state legislators about the impact of certain bills that may positively or negatively affect their business.
Key Legislative Issues
CSIA continues to fight proposed sales taxes on software services. The Colorado Department of Revenue has attempted to revise its state sales and use tax on the purchase, storage, use and consumption of computer software including support and maintenance agreements. CSIA is against any new taxation of software, which is in violation of the TABOR agreement. We take a strong proactive stance on behalf of our member companies by directly working with the Department of Revenue to ensure there is an understanding of our concerns plus potential financial implications, not only to the software and technology industries in this state but to all businesses in Colorado.
Economic Development Initiatives
CSIA acts as a resource to assist in policy making decisions that positively impact our industry and meet our common goals of job retention and creation and growth of the overall Colorado economy.
Other Opportunities to Influence Public Policy
CSIA's goal is to leverage all opportunities with influential public policy decision makers. Elected officials of both the Colorado Senate and House are regularly invited to CSIA's programs and events as guests of attending member companies.