According to a July 5 announcement from the Denver Department of Excise and Licenses, the proof-of-residency requirement instituted in 2006 by state lawmakers was eliminated by recent legislation. Senate Bill 21-199 removed proof of lawful residence as a requirement to receive public benefits not just from the state, but also local authorities and municipalities (it didn’t affect requirements for federal aid). And Denver was quick to take advantage of that.
“Our immigrant community plays a critical role in our economy,” Excise and Licenses Executive Director Molly Duplechian said in a statement announcing the move. “We’re pleased to see our state lawmakers end the outdated anti-immigrant requirement that often limited an immigrant’s ability to pursue their dream of starting a business. An individual’s immigration status will no longer be a barrier to starting a business in the Mile High City.” [Read More @ Westword]
