Gov. Hickenlooper Vetoes Tourism Bill
DENVER (CBS4)- Gov. John Hickenlooper vetoes a tourism bill because he believes it would decrease competition.
Hickenlooper said SB12-124 would increase the number of projects approved each year under the Regional Tourism Act which would decrease the competitiveness of the program and reduce accountability.
"We share the General Assembly's desire to encourage tourism in Colorado, but Senate Bill 12-124 does not accomplish this goal effectively or efficiently," the governor wrote in a letter to the General Assembly.
Under the current Regional Tourism Act, the Colorado Economic Development Commission can approve up to two projects annually for the next three years with a cap of $50 million in financing.
The bill would have expanded the commission's authority to grant up to six projects in any year.
"We appreciate and share the General Assembly's intent to stimulate tourism in the state," Hickenlooper wrote. "Tourism is essential to Colorado and we are committed to supporting this vital economic driver. We will continue to work with the General Assembly to develop policies to bolster tourism in Colorado."
