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February 27, 2017

Memo to Gov. Hickenlooper: Help Colorado Economy by Reversing Some Gun-Control Policies


Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper
Photo courtesy of denverpost.com

Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper has put to rest the idea that he might challenge President Donald Trump for the Oval Office in 2020. His reason? He’s focusing on making Colorado’s economy great again.

He really said that.

Politico reported Hickenlooper explaining “I’m trying to make Colorado the strongest economy in America, to have a jobs program that really works. Now, down the road, who knows? But I am not, I am not right now — no, no, no, and I’ve always said this.”

Here’s a suggestion. Colorado could benefit by scrapping the gun control policies that have already cost the state millions of dollars in revenue. In 2013, Hickenlooper signed laws expanding background checks and limiting ammunition magazine capacity. That move cost three state lawmakers their jobs – two through voter recall and one by resignation.

Here’s how bad it is. Gov. Hickenlooper later admitted the legislation he promoted was bad for business and bad for Colorado.

“This is how bright I am — I didn’t think it was going to be that controversial… There were a thousand things going on and other issues we were dealing with, I guess I didn’t get it,” said Gov. Hickenlooper, according to a report by the Aspen Daily News Online.

“Again, if we knew it was going to divide the state so intensely, we probably would have thought about it twice.”

Hickenlooper’s actions cost Colorado a loyal business that has since gone on to see greater success.

Magpul Industries left Colorado after the governor refused to back down from signing the legislation. It moved manufacturing operations across state lines to nearby Cheyenne, Wyo., and cost Colorado $85 million. Magpul started with 102 employees when management opened the Cheyenne facility. That’s since grown to 380.

Colorado has seen enough of Gov. Hickenlooper’s great ideas on gun restrictions and business. We would recommend repeal, but we’re also not holding our breath.

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