CALIFORNIA'S LOSS, COLORADO'S GAIN

Californians are moving to Colorado in droves again, says an
Associated Press article out of Los Angeles. And who can blame them,
really? It's a wise move, and one that stands to help keep Colorado's
economy among the strongest in the country. If the trend continues,
2009 could be reminiscent of the early '90s, when Californians flocked
to Colorado and boosted housing prices and wages during otherwise
difficult economic times.

When Californians migrate to Colorado it's another testament to our
state's success at keeping government small, taxes in check, and
taxpayers out of debt. It highlights the benefits of Colorado's
Constitution and the Taxpayer's Bill of Rights, which has saved
Colorado from the economic problems facing California and a host of
other states that haven't kept spending in check. Last year, 144,000
people moved away from California.

Big governments ruin private economies, causing people to
flee.

The influx of Californians is something Coloradans should welcome and
encourage. It is growth, and growth brings economic success. At this
juncture, immigration from other states is Colorado's greatest hope
for immediate prosperity. Most of us know someone in California who is
one or more, if not all, of the following: 1. Tired of
Republican-In-Name-Only Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger; 2. Tired of rising
unemployment that's approaching 10 percent; 3. Tired of runaway state
spending; 4. Tired of unprecedented mortgage foreclosures; 5. Tired of
the state's $41.6 billion budget deficit; 6. Tired of tax increases;
7. Tired of all-day-every-day traffic jams; 8. Tired of earthquakes;
and 9. Tired of flakey Hollywood moonbats.

Colorado residents should contact their most successful, productive
and entrepreneurial friends in California and encourage them to move
here. Be sure to cherry pick. Sell only the best, brightest and
wealthiest Californians you know on the benefits of our state.

For any variety of fed up Californians, Colorado is cool. Way cool.
Super cool, even. The San Francisco, gay-rights, hippie-dippy,
legalize pot crowd feels right at home in Boulder. The big city Los
Angeles types do fine in Denver, though it feels like Mayberry for the
first six months. For the San Diego crowd we have Colorado Springs - a
civilized, manageable, relatively conservative city with military
culture and cushy resorts.

True, Californians leave the ocean when they come here. But they gain
a superior mountain range and improved access to hunting, fishing,
skiing and a variety of other outdoor sports. Colorado's population
base is so miniscule, relative to California's, that overpopulation is
mostly a far-off, futuristic concern. California consists of nearly 40
million residents; Colorado has fewer than 5 million people.

Humans are the only source of wealth on earth. When Californians moves
to Colorado, Coloradans sell homes. Restaurants and car dealers gain
new customers. Professionals gain new clients. Production increases,
right here in Colorado. Money goes into banks.

The tax base expands. The workforce expands, which makes the state
more attractive to prospective employers.

California's continued fiscal irresponsibility has reached a tipping
point, spilling Californians into our state. Welcome them. It's the
greatest hope for prosperity in years, and it couldn't come at a
better time.