DENVER – A new report highlights big spending and tax revenue from native and foreign-born Hispanics in an effort to push federal immigration reform.
The report, from Partnership for a New American Economy, a centrist pro-comprehensive immigration-reform group, points to $12.3 billion in annual Colorado spending, and $3.7 billion in tax revenue in 2013 from the Hispanic community.
The report states that Hispanics account for more than 13 percent of the spending power in the state, as well as almost 9 percent of the revenue paid by Colorado residents.
In 2013, Hispanics had an estimated after-tax income of more than $605 billion, and contributed more than $190 billion to U.S. tax revenue as a whole.
The national Hispanic population is about 53 million, including an estimated 19 million foreign-born Hispanics.
Hispanic households contributed more than $98 billion to Social Security and almost $23 billion to Medicare’s core trust fund.
The data was collected from the American Community Survey, a statistical survey by the U.S. Census Bureau.
“The simple act of purchasing goods (like a new computer) or services (like a haircut) circulates money through our economy – giving businesses the boost they need to hire more workers or stay in operation,” the report states.
Some hope that having a centrist economic report – with Republican buy-in – could help end the gridlock in Washington over passing a comprehensive immigration-reform package.
“The findings present a clear and powerful picture,” states the report. “By virtue of their spending power alone, Hispanics in the United States, both native and foreign-born, are major contributors to the health of the American economy.”
The Republican-controlled House has failed to move forward legislation that would create a path to citizenship for immigrants in the country illegally, while also adding border security. Republicans say border security must be in place before a path to citizenship is discussed.
A spokesman for Republican Congressman Scott Tipton of Cortez did not comment specifically on the economic report, despite being asked by The Durango Herald. But he said Tipton only would consider reform with an emphasis on border security.
“Congressman Tipton has advocated for immigration reform for years, and is hopeful that the 114th Congress will pass a step-by-step immigration solution that begins with enhanced, verifiable border security and a strengthened guest-worker program,” Tipton spokesman Josh Green said.
But Colorado Republican Party Chairman Ryan Call said the report emphasizes why his party should be pushing for a reform package.
“Here in Colorado, we understand and recognize that Hispanics in our communities aren’t just an important voting bloc, they really do contribute in an incredibly meaningful way to the economic growth and prosperity of our economy,” Call said.
Republicans made strides this past November with major elections, propelling U.S. Rep. Cory Gardner of Yuma over Democrat Mark Udall in the U.S. Senate. U.S. Rep. Mike Coffman, R-Aurora, also defeated his Democratic opponent by 9 points to win re-election in a contentious race.
Both candidates made Latino issues a priority on the campaign trail, with Coffman even learning Spanish and participating in a Spanish-language debate.
Call said a positive economic report focused on Hispanics should resonate with the GOP.
“Our party platform in Colorado does stand maybe a bit apart from other states in our effort as a party to try to be proactive in finding solutions, rather than just posturing for political purposes,” Call said.
pmarcus@durangoherald.com
