Today state lawmakers narrowly approved a bill that if signed into law by Gov. Bill Owens would remove Colorado from a slew of international trade agreements.
The Senate passed the Democratic-backed bill by a 18-17 partisan vote, clearing the way for Owens to approve or veto the legislation. The House overwhelmingly approved it last month.
Owens, who has not taken a public stance on the bill, recently voiced concerns that it could hinder the state’s ability to attract new companies and compete in a global economy, spokesman Dan Hopkins said.
The bill, which pits business groups and free trade proponents against labor groups and protectionist advocates, would opt the state out of procurement rules included in international free-trade agreements unless the state legislature “explicitly authorizes the governor to do so.”
The effect in Colorado, according to the bill’s sponsors, would be to allow the state’s procurement office to give priority to U.S. companies bidding for state contracts over foreign-based competitors or those with operations overseas who might underbid domestic companies.
Sen. Jim Dyer, R-Centennial, derided the bill on the Senate floor.
“A bill comes along once in a while that is so misguided that it takes your breath away,” said Dyer, who voted against the bill. “It’s not worth the paper it’s written on.”
If signed into law, the bill would apply to construction contracts of more than $7.4 million and other state contracts of more than $526,000, according to the bill’s sponsor in the House, Democrat Paul Weissmann of Louisville.
Staff writer Will Shanley can be reached at 303-820-1260 or wshanley@denverpost.com
