Colorado Democrats, GOP Unveiling Jobs Agenda

DENVER (AP) -- Legislators from both parties are pushing bills aimed at boosting Colorado economic development, with Republicans focusing on scaling back business regulation and Democrats seeking incentives for companies to buy state products and hire local workers.

Republicans unveiled part of their legislative agenda Tuesday. Legislation they'll introduce this year includes bills Republicans say will simplify the permitting process for businesses and make it easier for the local timber industry to sell beetle-kill timber throughout the state. Republicans also want to reinstate on a 6 percent spending limit on the state budget.

Democrats are introducing legislation to give bidding preferences to companies who show they'll employ local employees and provide incentives for companies to buy Colorado-made products. Democrats also want to prevent hiring discrimination based on bad credit.

The 2012 session starts Wednesday.

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