The road ahead may feel challenging under Colorado's progressive dominance, but now is the time to lay the groundwork for a freer future. When the consequences of progressive policies become clear, we must be ready with solutions rooted in personal and economic freedom. Achieving this vision requires your support. Please consider contributing to the Independence Institute on Colorado Gives Day this holiday season to help us continue the fight and build strong coalitions that champion liberty and prosperity for Colorado's future.
In this week's newsletter, Jake Fogleman highlights a recent statement from Colorado PUC Chairman Eric Blank on the growing focus on energy affordability. Kathleen Chandler earned national recognition from Americans for Tax Reform for her Citizen Involvement Project, which has successfully placed over 400 individuals on boards and commissions across Colorado. Nash Herman provides an update on Joshua Sharf’s presentation to Arapahoe County residents, shedding light on how state and local governments bypass TABOR protections. Finally, Pam Benigno shares valuable Education Policy Center resources designed to empower Colorado citizens.
As Thanksgiving approaches, the Energy and Environmental Policy Center is thankful that Colorado policymakers are starting to recognize the growing affordability crisis in the state's electricity sector. Colorado PUC Chairman Eric Blank was quoted in a recent article stating that affordability is becoming his "top issue" after watching Xcel Energy's spending plans triple under his watch. He also specifically acknowledged the role "EVs, beneficial electrification, and data centers" play in driving this concern. We say better late than never. As Independence Institute has been warning for years through our research, op-eds, and weekly PowerGab episodes, the bill for the Colorado General Assembly's myopic focus on green energy mandates at the expense of fundamental concerns is inevitably coming due. We welcome Blank's candor and hope he and other policymakers will make energy affordability a priority in the future. -Jake Fogleman, Director of Policy
Last week, I was in Washington, DC, attending the Foundation for Research on Equal Opportunity conference, Freedom and Progress 2024. While I was there, Americans For Tax Reform had their weekly meeting. Grover Norquist allowed me to give an update on Colorado and issues that Independence Institute is working on. I was able to talk about the Citizen Involvement Project and the many people who are getting involved in their local government. What a great opportunity to be in DC and hear from many movers and shakers at the national level. It is always good to let the DC Beltway know what is happening in the Mountain West. -Kathleen Chandler, Director, Citizen Involvement Project
In Complete Colorado, Cory Gaines shares tips on how to know if your news source is left-leaning. Mike Rosen explores how voters paved the way for Trump and a GOP majority. Jake Fogleman pens a guest op-ed on Denver's proposed ban on flavored tobacco products.
The Fiscal Policy Center wishes you a happy Thanksgiving! The center is especially thankful for TABOR, property tax cuts, and our loyal supporters this year.
Last week, Joshua Sharf gave a great talk on TABOR to an Arapahoe County group. Joshua explained how state and county governments use fees and enterprises to siphon money from Coloradans and circumvent TABOR protections.
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.
Thanksgiving is a remarkable holiday that allows us to reflect on our blessings and express gratitude. I have countless reasons to be thankful, including for my role at Independence Institute. Leading education policy here for over 27 years stands out as one of my most significant blessings in life. Serving others is a profound privilege. By vigorously protecting and expanding liberty, we stand strong for the people of Colorado. We are committed to empowering the public and policymakers with the necessary knowledge, ensuring that the enemies of freedom cannot mislead them. When I reflect on the influence of the Education Policy Center, I recognize our commitment to educating others through a range of impactful projects aimed at educating school board members, legislators, teachers, future teachers, parents, and the general public. Our primary topics include expanding school choice, the need for curriculum transparency, literacy, labor issues, teachers' rights, and parental rights. The following are the primary ways the Education Policy Center effectively serves the citizens of Colorado:School Board Members: School board candidate policy briefings, handbook, policy papers, resource section on Independence Institute’s website, and individual meetings.Legislators: An education policy resource for members, including policy papers containing new reforms and commonsense solutions.Teachers: IndependentTeachers.org website with membership options, school district collective bargaining agreements, and a related annual social media campaign to inform union teachers how to receive a partial refund of union dues. Future teachers: Presentations to education majors at Colorado Christian University about how public policy influences their future careers and discussions about controversial topics. Parents: SchoolChoiceforKids.org provides English- and Spanish-speaking parents with information about all Colorado private and public school options, open enrollment, enrichment activities for children, and much more.General public: Access to our policy papers, internet resources, media appearances, and speaking engagements. We are grateful for the generosity of our donors, which allows us to have a meaningful impact on the lives of others. Have a blessed and happy Thanksgiving! -Pam Benigno, Director, Education Policy Center
Is Colorado the new resistance to Trump and federal policies? Will Republicans get "spanked" in 2026? Former GOP Chair Dick Wadhams gives his take on what comes next.
Colorado's leading climate lawmaker resigned from his Senate seat in a less-than-forthright way, spurring doubt on the future of energy policy in the state. Plus, PowerGab Hosts Jake Fogleman and Amy Cooke discuss President-Elect Trump's EPA pick and recent Black Hills Energy news.
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This holiday season, remember the Independence Institute. Your support helps us champion liberty and free-market principles in Colorado. Click the logo below to contribute and help us continue our vital work. Think Freedom!
