With under a month until the November 2024 Colorado General Election and ballots out this week, now is the time for CPAs to get involved and help secure potential champions to represent us in the Colorado General Assembly.

Building relationships and allies within the General Assembly is essential to advocating effectively for CPAs on issues that matter here in Colorado. And that work begins now. The CPA-PAC harnesses our collective contributions, empowering its Board to strategically support candidates in key races that could shape Colorado’s legislative landscape.

In the Colorado Senate, 18 of the 35 districts are up for election this cycle. With 3 of these races uncontested, there are 15 races that will determine the overall balance of power and influence for the next four years.  However, the CPA-PAC had the resources to support just 5 of these candidates—only 33%. Your support is needed to strengthen relationships and back more candidates who will advocate for the CPA profession. Your contribution can ensure that CPAs have a voice in the decisions that affect us. 

The Candidates:  Potential Champions

Here’s a look at a few key Senate candidates the CPA-PAC has backed in this election:

• Marc Caitlin (R), SD 5: Representing counties of Delta, Eagle, Garfield, Gunnison, Hinsdale, Montrose, and Pitkin, Marc builds on his recent House of Representative experience with continuity. His unique career path spanning farming, real estate, banking, and obtaining a business degree from Mesa State College, provides him with a broad perspective on how legislation impacts businesses and professionals alike.
• Cleave Simpson (R), SD 6: As the incumbent representing rural southern Colorado, Senator Simpson has shown a collaborative approach on the Senate Finance Committee, where key accounting issues are addressed. Preserving this relationship is vital to our advocacy efforts.
• Marc Snyder (D), SD 12: A former Chair of the House Finance Committee, Snyder has been a strong ally of CPAs. His appreciation for the complexities of tax policy and openness to stakeholder feedback make him an essential partner in improving tax administration in Colorado.
• Scott Bright (R), SD 13: Scott Bright brings a unique perspective to the table representing parts of Northern Colorado. With an accounting degree and experience passing the CPA exam, Scott understands the challenges and intricacies of the accounting profession. Although he chose a different career path, his foundational knowledge in accounting equips him to advocate effectively for issues crucial to CPAs. 
• Robyn Carnes (R), SD 16: A Centennial City Council member and business owner, Carnes is known for her focus on balanced, collaborative governance. Her ability to work across differing opinions aligns with the CPA-PAC’s mission to ensure CPA voices are heard on regulatory and policy issues.

The CPA-PAC:  Fueling the Future

The CPA-PAC is a non-partisan force, pooling voluntary contributions to support candidates who champion issues that affect our profession. From professional licensure to tax administration and workforce development, the CPA-PAC ensures that the voices of CPAs are heard. 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. By equipping candidates, we potentially influence one more undecided voter - ultimately mobilizing legislative champions that help us serve and protect the public interest in our roles as CPAs.

Our funding is far behind other professional groups, leaving us vulnerable, particularly when well-funded groups with different priorities are highly engaged.

You:  How you can help! 

More resources means bigger impact. By making a financial contribution to the CPA-PAC, you play a pivotal role in shaping a political landscape that understands and advocates for sound business practices and the accounting profession. Your support helps us build a network of lawmakers who value and represent CPA interests in legislative decisions.

Consider making a non-deductible donation today to fuel our advocacy efforts. Together, we can cultivate a legislative environment that benefits not only CPAs but also your clients, employers, and all stakeholders.

Join Us in Making a Difference. Donate now.