LUCIA GUZMAN: Let’s keep our focus on the middle class

Recently in the Denver Post, my friend and colleague Senator Mark Scheffel, the Republican Senate Majority Leader, published an opinion piece titled “Let’s Avoid Self-Inflicted Wounds on Colorado’s Economy.” Interestingly, he used faulty and debunked research to paint a bleak picture of Colorado’s economy, and sadly found it necessary to scapegoat efforts to protect our environment.

It is true hardworking Coloradans are dealing with stagnant wages, and are facing rising food and housing costs. While our state did a great job fending off the worst of the Great Recession, only now are Coloradans starting to dust themselves off and feel more optimistic about the state of the economy. Consequently, Coloradans deserve a state government that makes building a strong economy that works for everyone, not just the wealthy few, its top priority.

Since 2012, we have matched or exceeded the national gross domestic product (GDP) growth rate.  In 2014, Colorado’s 4.7 percent growth was more than twice that of the national economy, according to the Bureau of Economic Analysis. Contrary to what Senate Republicans think, Coloradans aren’t interested in hearing politicians use unfounded talking points to claim an economic slowdown, such as opposing efforts to protect our air and water.

Coloradans deserve a state government that makes building a strong economy that works for everyone, not just the wealthy few, its top priority.

Our Colorado lifestyle and values demand we have the cleanest air and water possible to not only protect our quality of life, but to also make sure our economy is firing on all cylinders. In fact, that’s arguably why a recent study showed a vast majority of Coloradans support maintaining federal protections of our public lands — lands which heavily contribute to our $18 billion tourism economy that supports so many small businesses.

As far as business goes, Colorado has one of the best business climates in the nation.

• The National Federation for Independent Business (NFIB) recognized Colorado as the fifth friendliest state for small businesses.

• CNBC ranked Colorado as the fourth best state for business and third best economy in the nation.

• And, for the first time ever, five Colorado cities were recognized by Forbes as among the top 40 best places for businesses and careers.

Some argue, despite these clear gains in Colorado, we are being held back by any and all federal rules. Senator Scheffel particularly points to a Small Business Administration (SBA) report claiming federal rules burden businesses to the tune of $1.75 trillion. A simple Google search reveals this study’s credibility was found to not only be shaky at best, but the study was actually walked back by the SBA itself.

The nonpartisan Congressional Research Service found the researchers used an “inherently flawed” methodology, which relied on decades-old data and cherry-picked the highest cost estimates of regulations. When pushed, the authors even conceded the report should not be used by lawmakers in setting regulatory policy. I find it puzzling Senator Scheffel — a colleague I have the utmost respect for — would make claims using a debunked report.

It’s time for state lawmakers to focus on the middle class, and not attempt to score political points. Coloradans worked too hard to keep us out of the Great Recession to see their state representatives engage in Washington-style political games.

Colorado Senate Democrats are fighting to make sure hard work is rewarded in our state, and that we level the playing field for middle-class families and not the special interests. We look forward to partnering with our colleagues across the aisle in this goal to make sure Colorado continues to be a nationwide economic leader.

Senator Lucia Guzman, D-Denver, is the Senate Minority Leader in the Colorado General Assembly.