State immigration bill protects civil rights

I’ve always felt that I was safe to share my opinions, whether testifying at the Capitol, writing opinion pieces in the newspaper or being a member of groups supporting various issues.

I now know that this is no longer completely true.

Every day we see that ICE is not just focusing on immigrants where they have actual information that they a committed a crime. We see immigrants who are here with the permission of the United States government and are on a path to citizenship which they have earned by contributing to our economy and our communities are being detained and deported.

We even see U.S. citizens and foreign visitors being detained by ICE without any information that would justify this harm. Some have been held in unsafe detention facilities for weeks.

ICE has many ways to find your personal information to use against you or others. That is why we need to protect everybody’s personal information in every legal way that we can.

Colorado Senate Bill 25—276 does that.

It does not prevent access ICE from obtaining information where there is a legal basis, such as a warrant signed by a judge.

It does protect information in places like childcare centers, schools, etc., where illegal and immoral methods are likely to destroy the lives of children. Once having access to some people’s personal information they will have access to many more.

I strongly encourage our state representatives and senators to vote in the affirmative on this bill and for Gov. Polis, who was one of the strongest pro-immigrant members of Congress, to sign the bill.

Unlike detention and prosecution of humans without due process, this bill supports the Fourth, Fifth Sixth and Ninth amendments to the U.S. Constitution.

— Bob Norris, Longmont

Lack of modesty by players should be toned down

I am, as most are, happy with the new success of the CU Football Program under Deion Sanders. With this new program under Sanders, there seems to be excessive pride in or admiration of one’s own appearance or achievements. I am troubled by the ever-increasing lack of modesty among the coaches and players. All the bling of gold chains with diamonds, and shirts with large $ signs is rather distasteful during these harder political and economic times. Perhaps can this be toned down a bit?

— Bob Yinzer, Boulder

Congress can’t eliminate the energy efficiency tax credit

Rep. Evans should defend the federal tax credit that cuts energy use and supports small businesses like mine.

I’m a partner in a small business that installs heat pumps in the front range. We employ 10 people to help families replace their old heating systems with modern, all-electric, cold-climate heat pumps. These are remarkable systems that heat and cool homes, using far less energy than typical systems.

Our clients have used the 25C Energy Efficient Home Improvement Tax Credit to upgrade their HVAC. The residential HVAC industry has benefited also. Manufacturers have built more efficient and effective systems. Business owners also invest in tools, training, and supplies to meet growing demand. The 25C tax credit has positively impacted our growth from 1 employee to 10 employees, helping hundreds of clients with long term home improvements. An upskilled workforce, stronger small businesses, and more efficient homes translate to a more reliable and trustworthy industry.

It would be a big mistake for Congress to put this tax credit on the chopping block. These tax credits aren’t about politics, they’re about improving technology and supporting small businesses. Tax credits benefit those who work hard every day and are looking for legitimate ways to invest in the quality and function of their homes.

Eliminating the 25C tax credit would mean fewer options for homeowners, higher long-term energy costs, and lost opportunities for hardworking contractors like us. If 25C disappears, so would much of our business. I appreciate Congressman Evans for signing the recent letter defending these credits and hope his leadership continues in protecting 25C.

— Shawn LeMons, Arvada