After a long and hard-fought election cycle, the results are in: Kathleen Chandler, a proud member of the Independence Institute, has been elected to RTD's Board of Directors for District F! Congratulations to Kathleen for her decisive victory over her opponent. We’re excited to see her bring her strong commitment to limited government to one of the most challenging and dysfunctional government bodies in Colorado. Today, Kathleen joined Mike Rosen, a fellow Independence Institute ally, at a luncheon. Meanwhile, Pam Bengino met with the founder of GrandParents4Kids to discuss age-appropriate school curriculum. Finally, Nash Herman provides an update on the future of TABOR in the wake of the election.
Mike Rosen was the keynote speaker at the Cherry Creek Republican Women’s luncheon on November 12. He gave a good overview of the 2024 election and the history of how Colorado has become an entrenched progressive state. There is a glimmer of hope as he talked about the great victory of Gabe Evans in the 8th Congressional District. This victory may be a big factor in winning the US House. I was also congratulated on my victory for RTD District F in Aurora. The CCRW supported me in my race. Thanks! - Kathleen Chandler, Director of Citizen Involvement Project
Yesterday, I met with the founder and two other members of Grandparents4Kids. They wanted to better understand Colorado’s state standards, particularly social studies. They were also concerned about the age-inappropriate teaching materials the Colorado Department of Education has posted on its website. I wrote an op-ed about the materials in August to alert the public. Knowledge is power, and the Education Policy Center works to inform the public about education issues. Parents should be informed about what their children are learning. We need more grandparents and parents holding policymakers accountable. Tomorrow’s Colorado State Board of Education meeting includes a presentation about state standards, the revision process, and the next steps with subjects currently in the review process. The public can watch the meeting, which begins at 8:30 AM here. Look for the brown “Watch Live” button. The agenda and documents are also available. - Pam Benigno, Director of Education Policy Center
The Fiscal Policy Center is disappointed but not surprised at the tax and de-TABOR measures that passed this election. If you missed why I was against these types of measures, you can read my previous two articles at Complete Colorado found here and here. The rest of the country is undergoing a considerable political shift. People are becoming fed up with irresponsible government spending and bureaucratic bloat. Despite Colorado mostly missing that shift in this election, I am optimistic that we will continue opening minds to the freedom movement in the future. The fiscal policy center is laying the groundwork now to capitalize on the shifting political landscape. To stay up to date with the Fiscal Policy Center’s projects, visit our page here. -Nash Herman, Policy Analyst
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 Cook, 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.
Weren't we supposed to have flying cars by now? I mean, where is my flying car? Transportation expert Tim Jackson explains that flying cars actually do exist and will become commonplace sooner than we realize.
With the 2024 Presidential Election decided, PowerGab Hosts Jake Fogleman and Amy Cooke discuss the results and what the future holds for energy policy under the Trump Administration.
