On behalf of the 110 business leaders who comprise the membership of Colorado Concern, we pledge to you our strong desire to work with you to craft policies that will help Colorado's economy grow and prosper.

One of the issues that is top-of-mind for our members, and the business community overall, is the broken immigration system that hobbles economic growth, denies local communities much-needed tax revenue, and keeps millions of families in the shadows in Colorado and across the country. 

With the election behind us, it is clear that Americans are interested in real solutions, not in dueling sound bites.  We have a tradition in Colorado of moving beyond tough election fights and coming together, regardless of party, to craft balanced compromises that address serious policy issues.  We believe that bipartisan, substantive and effective immigration reform can and must be an area in which there can be common ground. 

As we look at the myriad proposals that have been discussed in recent years, it is clear that there are components of many that are worthy of inclusion in an immigration-reform agenda that can be enacted by a solid, bipartisan majority in Congress, and signed by a Democratic president.  Whether it's border security, enhancing the ability of guest workers to come to the United States, or addressing the future of undocumented individuals living among us - or any of the other thorny immigration issues - no one party has a monopoly on good ideas.  Regardless of whatever executive action the White House may or may not take, legislative consensus is still imperative.

Indeed, Republicans and Democrats came together to sign the Colorado Compact - which Colorado Concern joined - that discussed the basic principles of meaningful immigration reform.  More than a year after that positive document was signed by dozens of organizations, labor shortages continue to plague industries across the state, stifling much-needed economic growth.  Conversely, real reform would provide the opportunity for workers in industries ranging from agriculture to bioscience to high-tech startups to come to the United States, sparking real economic growth. 

The only unacceptable path to us is one of continued inaction.  We are prepared to work with you not only to share the challenges that stem from this broken system, and the significant anchor it places on the economy, but also to help find common ground.  Consensus can begin with Coloradans coming together.

We believe strongly that now is the best time in years for dialogue, compromise and constructive legislating.  We deeply appreciate your commitment to serve the people of Colorado and our country, and hope that 2015 is the year when we will see, at long last, meaningful steps to repair America's immigration system.

Sincerely yours, 

Patrick Hamill                                         Tamra J. Ward

Chairman                                                President and CEO

Below is information on upcoming Colorado Concern events.