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DENVER, CO – Governor Polis today signed two bills into law to invest in Colorado’s agriculture economy and ensure the National Western Stock Show continues to call Colorado home.
“The National Western Stock Show and similar agriculture events are not only crucial to our identity as Coloradans, they’re important job creators that are critical for our state’s economic success,” said Rep. Susan Lontine, D-Denver, sponsor of HB21-1262. “The new law created today recognizes these contributions and stands up for Colorado agriculture by making an important investment in the Stock Show and other local events. I’m proud of all we did this year to ensure the Stock Show stays in Colorado for years to come.”
HB21-1262, also sponsored by Representative Mike Lynch R-Wellington, supports Colorado’s agriculturale industry by investing $25 million into the National Western Complex to ensure the Stock Show remains in Colorado –a staple to the state’s agricultural industry and Denver’s economy–as well as providing $3.5 million directly to the National Western Stock Show, $5 million for the State Fair, and $2 million to agricultural events across the state.
“Individuals, families and entire communities across Colorado depend on the success of our agriculture industry for their economic wellbeing,” said Agriculture, Livestock, and Water Committee Chair Karen McCormick, D-Longmont, sponsor of SB21-248. “By creating the Agriculture Future Loan Program today, we’re giving farmers hit hard by COVID a boost and at the same time investing in the long term success of the industry. With careful investments like these, we’re working to set up Colorado’s farmers for decades of sustainable success.”
SB21-248, also sponsored by Rep. Richard Holtorf, R-Akron, would create the Colorado Agriculture Future Loan Program and direct $30 million of state stimulus funds into it. The Program is designed to provide low-interest loans to beginning farmers and ranchers and farm-to-market infrastructure loans and grants for businesses. Agribusiness provides more than 170,000 jobs in Colorado, this program is intended to ensure that this vital industry has a sustainable and prosperous future in the state.