It’s been a hot summer in Colorado, and the political climate is even hotter. As the state gears up for the next two to four years of legislative progress, the CPA Political Action Committee (CPA-PAC) has been hard at work, influencing the forecast of the future Colorado legislative environment.

Despite limited funds, the CPA-PAC engaged early in the Colorado primaries, identifying and strategically supporting three candidates in key districts. These candidates were chosen for their dedication to creating open dialogue and influencing policy to foster a better business environment in Colorado. This wasn't just a gamble; it was a calculated move designed to maximize our impact with the resources at hand.

The Candidates

Meet the candidates the CPA-PAC backed:

• Idris Keith (D), SD 11: A passionate advocate for economic development through supporting small businesses. Despite his loss, his campaign highlighted important issues that resonated with many voters. 
• Lindsey Daugherty (D), SD 19: With four years of experience in the Colorado House of Representatives, Lindsey has proven her ability to listen to multiple stakeholders and engage in productive legislative discussions. Her victory in the Democratic primary sets her up to vie for the District 19 Colorado Senate seat in November.
• Sean Camacho (D), HD 6: Challenging incumbent Elisabeth Epps, Sean promotes that he can be a dynamic leader committed to working with the business community as he advances policies in alignment with the values of his constituents.   His decisive victory over Epps indicates strong support from District 6, covering areas like Capitol Hill, Congress Park, Montclair, and Lowry.  Sean has expressed a desire to reform Colorado’s tax code.

Victories Amidst Challenges

Two out of the three CPA-PAC-supported candidates emerged victorious. Lindsey Daugherty and Sean Camacho, if elected in November, are now poised to open their doors to listening to the CPA’s voice about policies that could impact the accounting profession. These victories underscore a powerful truth: targeted financial support, even with limited funds, can yield substantial results.

The Power of the PAC

The CPA-PAC is not just any non-profit; it's a non-partisan powerhouse that gathers voluntary funds to support candidates who champion the causes that impact our profession. Think of it as our profession's collective voice, speaking out on crucial issues like professional licensure, tax administration, and workforce development. Every non-deductible donation made to the CPA-PAC is a step toward ensuring that those seated at the table of power know who CPAs are and what they care about.

The Urgent Call for Support

However, the journey doesn't end here. The CPA-PAC's current funds fall short of supporting more than half of the upcoming general election races for Colorado State House and Senate seats. This funding gap is a clarion call for increased support. With more resources, we can amplify our influence and ensure that our profession's priorities are well-represented in legislative matters.

Your Role in Shaping the Future

Imagine a future where CPAs are at the forefront of legislative decision-making, where our concerns and priorities shape the policies that govern our practice and client service. This vision can become a reality with your support. By contributing to the CPA-PAC, you play a crucial role in fostering a political landscape that includes CPAs in decision making.

Your non-deductible donations do more than support individual candidates; they help create a network of lawmakers who understand and advocate for sound business practices and the accounting profession. Together, we can cultivate a local legislative environment that benefits you, your clients, your employer, your organization, and all stakeholders involved.

Join Us in Making a Difference. Donate now.