Economy & Trade

By Kent Holsinger, Contributing Editor
In 2007, Governor Ritter pushed sweeping changes to the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission (Commission) through the legislature. HB 07 1298 and HB 07 1341 dramatically changed the make-up of the Commission (from industry experts to a majority of government appointees, environmental interests and others) and mandated new rules to impede oil and gas production in Colorado. Following a series of public meetings, the Commission issued draft rules (Rules) in March of 2008.

By Sanjai Bhagat, Contributing Editor
The current global credit crisis has its origins in the problems of the subprime mortgage market in the U.S. Until the turn of the millennium, most mortgage loans were made to borrowers with good credit histories conforming to underwriting standards set by government sponsored agencies; these loans are referred to as conforming loans. However, as noted in Table 1 and illustrated in Figure 1, subprime loans and Alt-A rapidly increased their market share. Subprime mortgages refer to borrowers that have poor credit histories. Alt-A loans are made to borrowers with good credit histories but with aggressive underwriting, such as, no documentation of income.

By Congressman Adam Putnam (R-FL)
Survey after survey shows that the American people are losing confidence in Congress, with approval ratings falling to near historic lows. Congress' approval ratings have fallen even lower since the new Democratic majority has taken control. While this should certainly not be cause for rejoicing among Republicans, it is an opportunity for us to remind the American people what it is that Republicans stand for.

Some surprisingly good economic news recently released suggests that the gloom-and-doom crowd might have to wait a little longer for the economy to go in the tank.

American workers have long lamented the "off-shoring" of jobs to places like China. American industry has often struggled to compete with Chinese manufactured goods produced with much lower labor costs. That is partially the reality of an increasingly global competitive economy and a function of capitalism and free-market societies, which I support. However, the playing field is far from always level and fair.