Coloradans are increasingly embracing common-sense solutions to our state’s most difficult challenges. While partisan progressive legislators too often ignore Colorado’s pressing problems – or enact laws to make them worse – citizens across the political spectrum are demanding, and often voting for, policies that work.
Advance Colorado is the leading conservative policy and advocacy organization in Colorado. We are committed to restoring common-sense governance and putting our state on a path that prioritizes taxpayers, workers, and families. Through the daily efforts of our experienced team and broad network of allies, Advance Colorado actively challenges progressive policies that have moved the state away from fiscal responsibility and economic freedom, working instead to hold our government accountable while proposing proactive solutions.
Read more from the Gazette: “Some Priorities for Our Lawmakers” by Michael Fields
Colorado’s current laws are far too lenient on fentanyl dealers. Under current law, a dealer can sell up to 50 grams of fentanyl– which contains nearly 25,000 lethal doses –and still not be sentenced to mandatory jail time. As a result, dealers carrying enough fentanyl to end thousands of lives are receiving punishments that are disproportionately light compared to the severity of their crime. Colorado needs a solution that holds fentanyl dealers accountable with tougher penalties while ensuring people struggling with addiction receive mandated, compassionate treatment.
Retail & auto thefts are often repeat offenses and frequently committed by dangerous gangs, creating a cycle that not only drives up costs for consumers, but also strains law enforcement resources, shuts down local businesses, and removes access to basic goods from the poorest Coloradans. To reverse this trend, Colorado lawmakers should take organized theft and auto theft seriously and increase penalties to ensure offenders face real consequences.
Colorado law currently allows child predators, including both child rapists and those who solicit sex with children, to be eligible for a probation-only sentence. With our state ranking 11th in the nation for sex offenses, instituting mandatory sentencing minimums for child predators is necessary for protecting children and adequately punishing these predators.
Current laws restrict local law enforcement from communicating with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) when someone who is here illegally is charged with a violent crime or a repeat offense. In order to keep our communities safe, stronger coordination between local law enforcement and DHS should be required when it comes to violent and repeat criminals.
A proposed switch from Colorado’s flat income tax to a progressive system would create the largest tax hike in state history, letting lawmakers keep $4.1 billion more each year and exempting those funds from TABOR limits—effectively giving them a blank check with no taxpayer protections. A progressive income tax system is not right for Colorado, and should be rejected.
The Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights has bipartisan support, with 70% of Coloradans in favor. Any legislative attempt to repeal TABOR through a lawsuit should be rejected, and the recent unconstitutional tax on overtime pay should be repealed. Together, citizens must protect TABOR’s limit on state revenue and its promise to let voters decide on taxes.
Fee revenue has skyrocketed by 3,400% over the past two decades, making Colorado continuously less affordable for families. The legislature should prioritize repealing unnecessary taxes disguised as fees, clearly define fees, and strengthen TABOR by putting proposed fees to a statewide vote.
Colorado law requires charges against offenders to be dropped if they are considered permanently mentally incompetent. The criminal and civil commitment statutes must be amended so violent criminals are not released back to the community where they continue to be a public danger and commit repeat offenses.
School choice is a pillar in Colorado’s education system, and it’s key to addressing the different circumstances of families across our state. Every attempt to weaken parental rights or limit educational options, including charter schools, is an affront to Colorado families and should be firmly rejected. The right to school choice should be cemented in our laws.
Despite record-high education funding levels, teacher pay has stagnated, classrooms remain under-resourced, and students continue to face larger class sizes with fewer learning supports. To truly strengthen education in Colorado and improve outcomes, we must ensure that a higher percentage of money dedicated to education goes into classrooms and towards the teachers who make learning possible.
We’re grateful for your continued support and have big plans for 2026. Help spread the word and stay engaged as we work to return Colorado to the special place we know it to be and love.
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