Senate Democrats denied a GOP bid on Wednesday to require private-sector employers in Colorado to use a federal database that checks on the legal status of workers.

Senate Bill 29 was brought forth by Sen. Dave Schultheis, R-Colorado Springs, failed by a party-line 3-2 vote in the State, Veterans and Military Affairs Committee.

The senator said his bill would verify the legal status of workers -- via the federal Basic Pilot Program -- and help comply with federal law.

“Illegal immigrants are not coming to our country for the sunshine; they’re coming here

for the jobs,” explained Schultheis. “It’s good for business to say ‘we’re proud of this (reform), and are going to do this right.’”

The senator noted his proposal would assist in reducing the costs of education, emergency services and health care for Colorado taxpayers, while helping to relieve the backlog in the court system in addition to reducing jail crowding.

Democrats on the committee suggested that Schultheis’ bill was more a concern for the federal government and mentioned that those in Washington D.C. need to do a better job of addressing illegal immigration.

Sen. Peter Groff, D-Denver, who is the committee chairman, called the measure “a federal issue.”

However, Schultheis mentioned that the Colorado Legislature should not ignore its responsibility in ensuring that illegal immigration does not burden law-abiding state residents.

“It’s our duty to make sure this has the least impact on Colorado citizens,” Schultheis said.