In early January, both political parties in this state contended that this legislative session should be about creating jobs and improving the economy. Hence, I find it curious that the regular legislative session did not accomplish anything meaningful in this endeavor (mostly special interest bills); and that the special session focused on civil unions and a few other topics (more specific interest bills) that will have little, if any, impact upon the overall economy.

Let me share a few facts. The National Center for Education Statistics reports that Colorado's enrollment increased 17.5 percent between 2000 and 2010. The Census Bureau reports that total population increased 16.9 percent and the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported a 0.3 percent employment gain over this same time frame. Given those relatively rapid increases in population (ninth fastest in the nation) and enrollment (fifth fastest) and related increasing demand for services and infrastructure, it's easy to see that jobs and associated incomes have not increased in any proportion sufficient to support even keeping pace with demand.

The Colorado Legislative Council staff compiled data for fiscal years 1998-99 and 2008-09 showing that state tax collections