Democrats claim that they are pro-choice and that may be true unless that choice involves anything but reproductive organs.  A prime example? Union membership. Do you think that someone should be forced to join a union as part of working for a company?  No? We don’t either, and 26 states have laws on the books protecting employees from required union membership.

Unfortunately Colorado is not one of them, but that could change if Senate Bill 70, which passed the state Senate, sailed through the House. Sponsored by Republican State Senator Tim Neville, this bill would lift the labor restrictions on Colorado employees under the 1943 Labor Peace Act, which currently sets Colorado apart from other states as a hybrid Right To Work / Union Shop state.

There is not much hope of a Democrat controlled State House of Representatives passing the measure though, as it would go against the union agenda. With union membership on a 30-year slide, Democrats are not inclined to tamper with a system that guarantees them dollars, volunteers, and votes.

Nationally in 2015, 11.1 percent of American workers belonged to unions, and this number is skewed by a high proportion of government employees who belong to unions. More than one-third of government workers belong to unions, a staggering membership rate when compared to private sector union representation, which accounts for just 6.7% of workers.

While private sector workers have the option to join a union, the state not should set the conditions that would mandate membership in some cases.  Additionally, Right to Work laws create a more inviting business climate, encouraging investment, growth, and opportunity.  A good example is with the states where auto manufacturers have moved production faculties, such as Alabama, Mississippi, and Tennessee – all Right to Work laws on the books.  Look at Boeing’s decision to go with South Carolina for its 787 production facility – company executives were not shy in saying that the labor laws were a major consideration.

With a near-certain death in the Colorado House, we can add this to the list of examples where Democrats say they want to foster economic growth in our state, but when given the opportunity to act, do nothing.