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Political analysts and constituents are quick to judge the actions of politicians, and often within their right to do so. However, recent criticism aimed at senators who choose not to involve themselves in the fight to control tech companies is unfounded. Our senators are making the right decisions for Coloradans.
We all appreciate that those on antitrust reform rely on historical references to the use of antitrust laws in the 20th century.Th Century. While the free market is not perfect, in general, increasing regulation is preferable – except in limited cases such as price fixing. And of course both parties share a desire to promote a healthy, competitive economy.
But recent writing on the subject, including a published piece by Trish Zornio The Colorado SunThe core of the law and efforts to regulate a vital sector of the economy failed to respond to the weak times.
While many find fault with why lawmakers aren’t pushing antitrust bills, can Colorado senators not recognize the legal pitfalls aimed at tech companies that continue to pour billions into our state? Are we, like Trish Zorino, willing to ascribe their silence on anti-technology legislation to “traders” and the fact that the bills could put American companies at a competitive disadvantage to foreign and adversary partners?
Read: Colorado Sun opinion columnists.
Economic analysis shows that antitrust regulations disrupt internal technology company structures and block consumer-oriented products, resulting in $319 billion in economic losses through higher retail prices and reduced free services. According to the same study, the law can reduce venture capital funds by 12 percent.
It’s not just the economic effects of antitrust policies on rank-and-file decision makers. Perhaps more important to lawmakers is that technology policy doesn’t sway voters overnight.
A recent poll by the US Chamber of Commerce makes it plain and simple: 70% of voters don’t want to see lawmakers spend their time creating new regulations for tech companies when they should be spending time fighting inflation and reform. Policies that lower prices.
The survey results speak volumes for where voters’ attention rests today – 64% of voters surveyed are concerned about where the economy is headed. And as voters continue to express concern about the state of our economy, polls suggest that technology control policies do not appear to be the answer to economic problems.
The point is not lost on lawmakers who are distancing themselves from technology regulation and antitrust laws. Instead, they are trying to direct their colleagues to issues here in Colorado and across the country.
If anything, we should be grateful to senators, including Colorado Sens. John Hickenlooper and Michael Bennett, whose minds are in the right place at this crucial intersection not only for their party but also for our country. Voters are hungry for positive policy change, and many of us are on the edge of our seats to make promises from our legislators a reality.
Protecting the interests of a few lawmakers locked into technology will do little to tame inflation, address rising gas prices, or soothe nervous parents worried about persistently high grocery bills. If legislators want to do what’s right for their constituents, which I believe is the first priority of Colorado’s elected officials, technology is certainly not a top priority.
To those who criticize the direction and focus of Colorado leaders: Maybe think again about the real concerns of your friends, family and neighbors. Sens. Bennett and Hickenlooper and other rank-and-file members of Congress recognize that now is not the time to pass legislation that would create unwanted uncertainty in online marketplaces, disrupt our nation’s leading economic drivers, and distract from the environment. Where we have the opportunity to introduce real positive change.
Taking August 21 ahead of the break and the busy fallSt– A cross-generational approach to policymaking is key. We should appreciate our senators devoting their attention to the waning days of this Congress to focus on more pressing issues and bring solutions to Colorado.
Curtis Gardner is an Aurora City Council member..
The Colorado Sun is a nonpartisan news organization, and the opinions of its columnists and editorial writers do not necessarily reflect the opinions of its newsroom. For more on The Sun’s opinion policy, read our ethics policy and submit columns, featured writers and more to opinion@coloradosun.com.
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