The East Colorado Small Business Development Center (SBDC) held a workshop on Monday at the Bank of Colorado in Brush titled “How do we work together to stay compliant and still thrive?”

The event was organized by Merle Rhoades, a business consultant for the East Colorado SBDC, and presented by Raejean Palko, an East Colorado SBDC business consultant from Limon. Palko has done extensive research on the new laws that were passed by the Colorado legislature and how they affect businesses.

The workshop was attended by many employers from the area who were able to ask questions and clarify information. Palko presented slides, and websites to encourage everyone to research additional information and print out posters and forms for their business.

“I was amazed at how many people were not aware of the things that have been implemented,” said Palko.

Throughout the pandemic, new laws have not only affected business owners, but employees have seen changes in their paychecks.

The most talked about change came when the Public Health Emergency Leave Act (PHE) came into effect. Two weeks or up to 80 hours of paid leave began in 2020 during the pandemic which covered any employee with an illness related to COVID-19, vaccines or taking care of their family.

“In January 2023 it was extended 90 days, but actually goes four weeks after the 90 days which brings us into mid-May,” Palko explained.

Palko continued to cover a variety of other topics, including:

Equal Pay for Equal Work Act...

Read Full Story: https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMiemh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmZvcnRtb3JnYW50aW1l...