We are gearing up for the legislative session, which will last 120 days and require vigilance, hard work, and thoroughness. But it is not a chore; it is our job. We keep an eye on government, so you don't have to. You can worry about the important things: rising inflation, failing schools, and skyrocketing crime. That was a bad joke but here is one that isn't: We are completely funded by donors who believe in our mission. That is why we humbly ask you to donate to us TODAY on Colorado Gives Day.
By now, you’ve probably heard something about Colorado passing California to become the number one state in the country for electric vehicles based on third quarter sales data.
It’s a claim that’s been covered extensively in both state and national outlets, and Governor Polis has celebrated it in a series of triumphalist press releases and social media posts over the last week.
But as I explain in my newest blog post, a serious look under the hood of the state’s current vehicle market reveals a far less rosy situation that should trouble supporters of consumer choice and fair tax policy.
Be sure to check out the article for more details, and if you enjoy insights and analysis like this, consider supporting our work on this Colorado Gives Day! -Jake Fogleman, Director of Policy
In Complete Colorado, guest columnist Daniel Belfontaine argues the Colorado GOP shouldn't take credit for the 2024 win. Perennial favorite columnist Mike Rosen makes a case for "Merry Christmas." Lastly, Complete Colorado ediot Mike Krause states his case for local journalism on Colorado Gives Day.
Today, I will be heading to the state capitol to observe a few Joint Budget Committee hearings. The legislature is currently scrambling over how to cut about $1 billion from next year’s budget, due mostly to unsustainable government spending.
Echoing Margaret Thatcher, the problem with Colorado’s recent spending is that it will eventually run out of federal COVID funds.
The fiscal policy center is close to finishing the next report on government tax expenditures, which are also exacerbating the current budget crisis. To whet your appetite on the subject before the larger publication is released, you can see our primer that we published earlier this year: How New 2024 Tax Expenditures Undermine TABOR.
Podcasts *Available on all major platforms* Did you know 46% of the voters in Colorado are unaffiliated? Have you ever wondered why? Hear from the experts at Independence Institute talk about the issues important to Colorado and how to bring some sanity to this increasingly leftist state.
Devil's Advocate with Jon Caldara is a current events show not to be missed. Each week it features lively - and sometimes heated - debates between elected officials, journalists, activists, concerned citizens, subject-matter experts, and hard-pressing host Jon Caldara, president of the Independence Institute. Jon is not afraid to express his "free-market" views, and his guests are not afraid to take on those opinions. It all makes for an informative, lively public affairs program.
PowerGab focuses on unique energy issues facing Colorado. Hosted by Amy Cooke, Independence Institute's Energy and Environmental Policy Center Director, and Jake Fogleman, Director of Policy. PowerGab tackles the complexities of energy policy and solutions for a broad audience to educate and illuminate all while having a few laughs along the way.
This podcast includes several series of commentaries about the Constitution. Each series will cover a different aspect of the document. This series thumbnails the lives of 14 American Founders and their specific contributions to the Constitution. It covers both well-known Founders, such as James Madison, and those who are lesser known, but who exercised an out-sized influence.
I was recently on the Colorado Education Association’s (CEA) website when I found a post I had never seen before—a watchlist. I was proud to see the Independence Institute listed. Our longstanding support for teachers' rights has earned us this recognition. Right now, we are running our annual social media campaign to notify union-member teachers that they can receive a partial refund of their union dues. In some cases, the refund could be as high as $91. The social media ads direct teachers to our IndependentTeachers.org website for more information. All CEA member teachers can request a $49 refund from their membership dues if they request it by December 15. CEA operates a program called Every Member Option. Yet, it's only an option if you know that you can ask for a refund by the deadline. The union doesn’t “ask first” to “take” the $49. The funds are contributed to CEA’s small donor committee, a Colorado political committee. The union uses the funds to support its favored Colorado candidates and to advocate for or against ballot initiatives. Not all union members agree with the CEA’s politics. Many local school district education associations also operate an Every Member Option program. Teachers must separately request a refund from their local union, generally by December 15. The dollar amounts vary among locals. Some locals send the funds to help candidates in other parts of the state. Please join us in supporting teachers’ rights by passing this information along to teachers.
Does Colorado have a gang problem? Is Colorado doing everything it can to support law enforcement? Douglas County Sheriff Darren Weekly gives his take on this episode of Devil's Advocate.
Colorado's Governor announces a 10 year goal for the transportation in the state. What does it look like? Who will it benefit? And, how much will it actually cost? PowerGab Hosts Jake Fogleman and Amy Cooke discuss this and more.
