Today gold surged above $1,500 per ounce and silver climbed it's own index. Gasoline continues to climb, with predicted prices moving beyond $5 per gallon. Food prices are climbing, as are costs for basics in life (such as car tires, clothing and furniture). All of these costs are linked to rising prices for basic commodities such as wood, cotton, rubber and oil.
In the meantime, wages and salaries are flat or declining. PUC-regulated companies such as utilities are lobbying for increases so their employees can get raises, and government-related sectors ranging from teaching to city segments, especially those represented by labor unions, all seem to think they are entitled to more, when you are actually getting less jingle in your pockets. Local unemployment has experienced a small decline, but statewide the numbers are more grim. Colorado needs jobs desperately, and Hickenlooper doesn't seem to be coming through with any innovation despite the fact that he is the state's CEO.
The pressure Greeley Report warned you about has increased. In the midst of this crisis, lawmakers continue to juggle money as though it is business-as-usual. Oh, they may snip a little here and clip a little there. But it's not drastic. Regulations remain tight, and spending high. Everyone seems to be trying to get back to 2008 or some point before that. But the truth is this. We will not return to that era again. Market pressures are too high, along with a global economic meltdown.
What will cities, school districts and counties do in these times? Will they increase their fees this Summer as they frequently do? Service fees, taps, permits and bills for government "permission" generally go thorugh an annual increase phase. Will they bump more money out of your hide this year? Or will they slash regulation, fees and oversight? They like to hold as much control over your lives as possible. Be sure to contact them and let them know you are watching. It's time to hold them accountable for our tax dollars.
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