Lawmakers Address Colorado's Business Climate Amid Corporate Exodus to Kentucky

The Colorado Senate convened for its 2025 1st Extraordinary Session on August 24, focusing on critical discussions surrounding business regulations and economic challenges facing the state. The session highlighted the ongoing debate about the impact of state policies on businesses and the economy.

One of the primary topics addressed was the need for Colorado to become more business-friendly. A senator emphasized the alarming trend of businesses relocating from states with high regulatory burdens, citing the recent move of In-N-Out Burger from California to Kentucky as a significant example. This senator argued that Colorado's status as the sixth most regulated state in the nation is detrimental to attracting and retaining businesses.

The discussion also touched on the rising costs of doing business in Colorado, including increased taxes, employment costs, and the cost of goods. These factors contribute to a challenging environment for businesses, particularly restaurants, which are experiencing record closures. The senator urged colleagues to reflect on the legislature's role in creating these conditions and to consider the long-term implications of their regulatory decisions.

Furthermore, the senator pointed out that reliance on marijuana tax revenue has diminished, suggesting that the state must explore alternative revenue sources to support its budget. The call for a reassessment of Colorado's business climate was clear, with a push for policies that would foster a more favorable environment for economic growth.

As the session progressed, the urgency for legislative action to address these issues became evident, with a focus on finding solutions that would benefit both businesses and citizens in Colorado. The discussions set the stage for potential reforms aimed at revitalizing the state's economy and ensuring its competitiveness in the national landscape.