by State Sen. Dave Schultheis (R-Colorado Springs)

As I listened to Gov. Bill Ritter's State of the State address to the joint session of the Legislature last Thursday the word "Band-Aid" kept coming to mind. Although I was encouraged by our new governor's enthusiasm to "get to work," his comments failed to address the most invasive problem facing Colorado now and in the future -- Illegal Immigration.

Other than a brief five-word comment, "Illegal immigration remains a problem," Gov. Ritter failed to mention the growing interconnection between most of Colorado's problems and the growing invasion of illegal residents in Colorado, primarily from the country to our south.

Apparently, health care is one of Gov. Ritter's biggest issues, but instead of seeing the connection with providing taxpayer-subsidized health care to illegal aliens, I would suggest that he work to reduce the number of illegals in Colorado. Our health insurance costs are escalating in part because hospitals write off millions of dollars for services (health and translation) to illegals, and pass on those losses to the health insurance companies of those who can pay. Instead of suggesting that it is "morally unacceptable that businesses can no longer afford health insurance, Gov. Ritter ought to be addressing a key cause of this escalation. Suggesting that more children be vaccinated, more children be insured, and that a multi-state drug-purchasing program be put in place does not address the huge drain of taxpayer dollars going to provide healthcare to those in Colorado illegally.

As Gov. Ritter addressed Economic Development, I was looking for mention that we need to stop the hemorrhaging of more than $600 million per year leaving Colorado for Latin American countries. Can one truly say that economic development is a priority for Colorado and ignore this huge sum annually leaving Colorado? Do those citizens who have lost their jobs, or are working for wages that only illegals will take adding to our economic development? And how much of the $19 million for tourism the Legislature allocated last year is finding its way into the pockets of illegals?

Gov Ritter's apparent concern for the "less than half of the black, Latino and American Indian students who start high school and don't finish," also fails to recognize the massive drain on our educational system, by children in Colorado illegally, who don't understand American values and customs and who don't speak English. Teachers are straining under this growing burden, and children of citizens are suffering. Forcing children to begin public education at six years of age is only a Band-Aid and one that will have little if any benefit.

In an effort to address the overcrowding problem within our justice system, Gov. Ritter should be applauded for his desire to cut the recidivism rate for those leaving the justice system after having served their time. However, as important as recidivism reduction is to society and the families involved, this too is one more Band-Aid when compared to the rapidly-growing number of illegals incarcerated in our city, county, state jails and prisons, which are a huge cost to the taxpayers.

If Gov. Ritter truly believes that "Illegal immigration remains a problem," therefore, I ask him to support SB 07-029 which will stop the mass in-migration to Colorado, primarily by illegals from Mexico seeking jobs. Without jobs, this "problem" would cease abruptly, and many foreign nationals would repatriate to Mexico, Guatemala and other countries from which they came. This bill would require all non-governmental employers to link into the federal Basic Pilot Program to determine eligibility to work in the U.S. Now "that" is no Band-Aid; it is the cure for Colorado.

Less ID theft, less gang activity, less drug and human trafficking, less jail crowding, less cost burden on health care and insurance providers, greater numbers of students graduating from high schools, and greater economic activity are all mutual goals that Republican and Democrats have in common with Gov. Ritter. Major progress can be achieved in each of these goals if action is taken this legislative session to address the "problem of illegal immigration."

The voters of Colorado elected us to actually solve the problems facing Colorado. Let's work together to address the REAL causes, not just apply Band-Aids.

Sen. Dave Schultheis represents Senate District 9, which comprises the north central area of El Paso County. He serves on the State, Veterans, & Military Affairs and Health & Human Services Committees.