February 22, 2011 02:35 AM UTC

So You Like "Colorado Jobs," Do You?

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• by: Colorado Pols

Since it will be tough to find many people willing to object to the above statement, here’s the golden opportunity to align votes with campaign mailers (right). House Bill 1129, the “Colorado Hires Act,” is set for its committee debut tomorrow.

This bill would give consideration in the event of a tied bid to use of local workers and produced goods. It also contains a Pueblo-friendly provision calling for domestic iron and steel to be used in state projects, and bidding consideration for domestically-produced goods in general. And if that’s not enough, it establishes bidding preference for companies owned by veterans.

Proponents are careful to point out that goods produced in nations where the United States already has a free trade agreement in place would be considered domestic suppliers under this bill. Basically, it’s an evolved version of the “Buy American” bills we’ve seen in recent years, with previous stumbling blocks and dealbreakers removed.

Meaning that if it’s killed in the GOP-controlled House Business Committee tomorrow, it’ll at least make an even better mail piece. After all, “Libby Szabo VOTED to send jobs to China” sounds a lot worse than merely “signing a pledge.”