Summary
Sponsors Gonzales and Brooks proposed a ballot measure to require voter approval before state vendor fee reductions that affect small businesses; witnesses described tight restaurant margins but the committee postponed the resolution indefinitely.
Representatives Gonzalez and Brooks introduced a concurrent resolution that would require voter approval before the state could reduce or repeal a vendor fee that allows certain retailers to retain a portion of sales tax to cover collection costs. Gonzalez told the committee the vendor allowance helps small restaurants and neighborhood retailers whose costs have risen sharply: "Their costs are up 39% in the last 2 years. However, their menu prices are only able to increase by 15%... This vendor fee provides that relief to them."
Representative Brooks said the change protects small businesses and preserves a stable revenue tool. "Any adjustments to that vendor fee... really must be approved by the voters," Brooks said. Supporters gave examples from Denver restaurants showing monthly vendor allowances that would increase modestly under alternative proposals.
Public testimony included small‑business owners and workers. Abril Perez Aguilera said her parents run two small enterprises and that small increases in fees matter: "Small businesses like theirs are the backbone of our local community. ... For small businesses, these costs often mean cutting hours, raising prices, or even questioning if they can keep going at all." Several other witnesses testified in favor, while some committee members questioned the timing and the effect on the special session's narrower call.
On a roll call, the committee did not advance the resolution to the committee of the whole, and later members voted to postpone the measure indefinitely.
