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Colorado Democrats Announce First Bill Of 2012

DENVER (AP) - Colorado Democratic leaders say the first bill they'll introduce in the next legislative session aims to give bidding preference to companies that employ mostly workers living in the state.

Lawmakers said Wednesday that Senate Bill 1 would give a bidding preference to companies for state service and construction contracts if they show that at least 90 percent of their employees are Colorado residents. The companies would get an additional edge in the bidding process if they provide health care and retirement benefits to workers.

Similar legislation sponsored by Democrats failed in the previous session.

House Democratic Leader Mark Ferrandino and Democratic Senate President Brandon Shaffer announced the legislation with the bill sponsors. No Republicans were present in support of the proposal.

The Legislature convenes Jan. 11.

(© Copyright 2011 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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