DISQUS

The Colorado Independent: Fast and Furious at Special Session

  • Paul Preston · 3 years ago
    100% Correct Very cogent and wise.  Hit it out of the park again! 
  • Leslie Robinson · 3 years ago
    While undocumented workers debate heats up, loss of Latino labor could have chilling effect In the discussion of undocumented workers under the Dome, there should be more discussion about the economic impacts upon business should employers have to dismiss questionable documented or undocumented workers.


    In the Roaring Fork region (Aspen to Parachute,) many industries such as construction, hospitality, retail, and restaurants depend upon Latino labor. With the workforce in Garfield County around 29,400 and an unemployment rate hovering a little over 3%, the loss of undocumented workers could be detrimental to conducting business in the valley.


    In a region where "starter" single-family homes are selling for $350,000 and rents for two bedroom apartments-when you can find them-can range $1200-$2,000/mo, it is hard to recruit workers from other locales. In the July 10th Post Independent newspaper, there were 230 ads for employment alone. Many included multiple listings. Thus, any decrease of Hispanic labor would force many businesses to curtail hours of operation or eliminate services.


    In theory, a crackdown on undocumented workers could also affect the production of natural gas. The oil and gas drilling around Rifle is very reliant upon the local construction industry, which in turn, is very dependent upon Hispanic labor. Last week, while testifying before legislators in special session, Glenwood Springs contractor, Mark Gould, substantiated the fear of losing workers under harsher immigration laws, fearing it could cause the construction industry to falter.


    Bringing up the immigration debate may be the political hot button in Colorado for the day, but the real economics of removing undocumented workers from the workforce could ripple all the way to your thermostat.

  • Leslie Robinson · 3 years ago
    Energy production and home construction increases Colorado's workforce A recent report by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp (FDIC), which insures bank deposits, cited energy and construction as strong forces in Colorado's economy and employment growth. According to the analysis, rising oil prices have expanded the workforce in the mining, oil and gas industries and natural resources for seven straight quarters. The demand for housing has also kept the construction industry employment prospect bright. It states that one in five jobs in Colorado were associated to new home construction.


    FDIC state profiles-Summer 2006

    http://www.fdic.gov/bank/analytical/stateprofile/Dallas/CO/CO.xml.html

  • Leslie Robinson · 3 years ago
    The Double Nickle Watch Legislator Bernie Buescher (HD-55) will again dance with the governor during this special legislation. His bill, now sitting on Owen's desk,  directs the Colorado attorney general to pursue  the federal government for reimbursements on the costs the state has paid for services to undocumented immigrants.


    So far during the special session, it has seemed that Buescher and Owens have gone out of their way to step on each others toes--especially during the JBC hearing with state department heads. Buescher was Gail Schoettler's running mate in the tight race against Bill Owens in 1998.