It’s election time!
The 2021 Colorado Statewide Ballot has three ballot measures that will have big consequences for Colorado’s government.
Natalie Menten joins Free State Colorado to explain which of these measures are good for liberty, and which are bad for liberty.
Natalie is a longtime Colorado Liberty Activist.
She first became involved in political projects when she was 19.
Natalie also served on the RTD Board for eight years where she was known for the amount of times she voted NO.
She also spearheaded the repeal of the grocery tax in Lakewood,
And is currently a Board Director at the TABOR Foundation and TABOR Committee.
She also received the Vern Bickel Award for Grassroots Leadership from the Independence Institute, and has been a primary petition gatherer for recent ballot initiatives.
This year’s ballot has confusing language, and Natalie’s expertise provides clarity.
Natalie also explains the difference between an Amendment and a Proposition, as well as what she calls “Red Flag” language you should watch for on your local ballot measures.
Visit Natalie’s website at NatalieMenten.com
The Statewide Ballot Measures are:
Amendment 78 – Good for Liberty
Organizations that say YES on Amendment 78:
The TABOR Committee urges a YES vote on Amendment 78, “Legislative Authority for Spending State Money”
This constitutional amendment respects the separation of powers by putting the General Assembly into the process of appropriating revenues received by the state government. As the system works now, only the Executive branch (Governor and his appointed agencies) determine how federal grants, like COVID relief funds or money from legal settlements, are spent.
The legislative process allows for public comment and input, which is absent under the current system. Passage of this measure would put that process in place, respecting an intent of the Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights. The TABOR Committee is also alarmed that so much power is currently in the hands of one person, which violates one of the founding principles of American governance. Some concern exists that taxes currently counted toward the TABOR annual limitation will be made exempt, but the Committee was unable to identify any. Therefore we endorse the proposed measure for respecting the proper separation of powers.
AMENDMENT 78: Endorsed by the Colorado Republican Party — VOTE YES!
SYNOPSIS: Amendment 78 is one of the best ballot initiatives to hit Colorado in years. Right now, Democrat Gov. Jared Polis and Democrat Attorney General Phil Weiser spend federal funds like slush money, without transparency and accountability. Amendment 78 would put their spending habits in the spotlight, insisting that these funds make their way through the legislature, allowing citizens to see what their government is doing and have the opportunity to testify for or against the spending. Whenever a ballot initiative proposes a higher level of transparency and accountability in government, it’s a no-brainer for the Republican Party!
Amendment 78: Legislative Authority for Spending State Money
Recommendation: VOTE YES
Why we support Amendment 78
This citizen-initiated measure would mandate transparency and accountability to the distribution of funds (currently known as “custodial funds”) that are paid to state government officers and agencies, outside of the state budget. Examples of “custodial funds” include large settlements from litigation against opioid manufacturers, environmental fines levied against polluters, and federal funds (such as the billions of dollars in pandemic money). Rather than leave distribution of such funds to the whims of a single state officer, or worse to unelected boards and commissions, Amendment 78 requires that all funds be distributed through the transparent and public legislative appropriation process. No more backroom deals that do not benefit all Coloradans.
More Reports:
Ari Armstrong: Thinking through Amendment 78 and ‘custodial’ funds
Joshua Sharf: Amendment 78 a welcome return to basic governing principles
Proposition 120 – Good for Liberty
Proposition 119 – Bad for Liberty
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