The report, on MSN.com, states that Greeley, Colorado has the 9th highest job-loss rate and Grand Junction the highest rate out of the largest 281 metro cities across America. Greeley had a 2.4 % drop and Grand Junction had a 5.2 % drop in the employment rate over the third quarter of 2009.
“Governor Ritter and Majority Democrats continue to paint a rosy picture of Colorado’s unemployment rate,” Gardner said. “However, Grand Junction and Greeley have experienced some of the worst job-loss rates in the nation.”
Gardner pointed to the governor’s often-criticized oil and gas rules as being a contributor to the rise in the unemployment rate. Citing the new rules, Gardner says that many companies are choosing not to expand operations or to do business in certain areas of Colorado.
“The truth is that many companies are holding back on hiring and expansion and looking instead at more predictable and friendly regulatory environments,” Gardner said. “Democrats who deny that these rules are having an effect just need to look at the numbers in these counties.” Gardner noted that the indirect jobs associated with energy development have suffered as well.
Gardner and other Republicans warned Democrat leaders about the consequences of the rules during lengthy debate in the state House of Representatives. At the time, Gardner and industry leaders warned that overly restrictive environmental regulations and a lengthy and unpredictable permitting process would stifle industry growth. Despite those warnings, the governor moved forward and approved the rules.
“While many cities and towns across America struggle to lessen the effects of the recession, some on Colorado’s Eastern Plains and Western Slope have not been so lucky,” Gardner said. “It is shameful that these rules stay in place as Coloradans continue to lose good jobs.”
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