⚖️ SECRET BALLOT LAWSUIT

WE'RE SUING

Advance Colorado is once again leading the way, filing a lawsuit this week against Colorado General Assembly leadership for usage of a secret balloting system to decide which priorities get funded (and which don't) under the Golden Dome.

COVERAGE

Below is some of the local news coverage our lawsuit received this week:

Colorado Public Radio - July 26, 2023

Democrats to stop using “secret ballot” system to plan legislation in Colorado Senate as conservatives sue

"A conservative group has filed a lawsuit accusing Democrats in the statehouse of breaking the state’s open meeting law each year as they plan out Colorado’s state budget — and the move already has Senate Democrats saying they’ll change their approach."

Denver Post - July 26, 2023

Conservative group sues Colorado House, Senate, alleging internal voting system breaks state law

"A conservative group is suing the Colorado House and Senate, plus their Democratic leadership and three lawmakers, for allegedly violating the state’s transparency law via the use of an internal voting system to rank Democratic legislators’ budgetary priorities."

Colorado Newsline - July 26, 2023

Conservative group sues Colorado Democrats over secret survey on legislative priorities

"A conservative group is suing Colorado Democratic lawmakers over a process they say leadership improperly uses to determine legislative priorities...The process, known as quadratic voting, is a secret survey that Democratic representatives and senators fill out anonymously to rank certain bills that require funding in their chamber."

KUNC - July 27, 2023

Colorado Democrats sued for using secret ballots to rank bills at the statehouse

"A Denver court will rule on whether state lawmakers can keep using secret ballots to help rank and decide the fate of some bills at the statehouse after a conservative group called Advance Colorado filed a suit on Wednesday. The suit will challenge the so-called “quadratic voting” system used and supported by Colorado Democrats."

WHY IT MATTERS

Coloradans expect our lawmakers to follow the law, especially as they continue to pass draconian regulations that further encroach into our everyday lives. By utilizing a secretive voting system such as the one legislative leadership has, the public is kept in the dark about how such decisions are made.

Within minutes of hearing of our lawsuit, Senate leadership backed off the illegal voting procedure, with Senate President Steve Fenberg stating that, “We probably won't be using this software or this system in the future." Our lawsuit will move forward, regardless, to ensure that the courts can weigh in and ensure that isn't used again.

💸 THE FIGHT ON HH CONTINUES

RESOURCES ON PROP HH

Check out all of our resources on Prop HH. We have explainer videos, fact checks, and fact sheets that you can share with friends and family to ensure they know the truth about Prop HH.

Residential assessments are set to go up by 30% statewide. The total statewide increase in property tax revenue is projected to be almost $4 billion next year. The legislature can provide property tax relief without going to voters. The only reason Prop HH is going to voters is so the state can take away TABOR refunds. At any point this year, the Governor can call a special session to fix the property tax crisis.

LAWSUIT UPDATE
The court's ruling earlier this month on Advance Colorado's Prop HH lawsuit was not in our favor, so we have appealed to the Colorado Supreme Court. We believe Proposition HH is unconstitutional. Specifically, we believe that the measure is in violation of single-subject and clarity rules for ballot measures. We expect a ruling by the court in August, so please stay tuned for more on that.

DOWNLOAD OUR PROP HH FACT SHEET

🎥 NEW VIDEOS FROM ADVANCE

KIRKMEYER ON "SOFT-ON-CRIME" POLICIES

Legislation passed by liberals over the last few years has led to unintended (?) consequences, including allowing 34 accused murderers in El Paso County being eligible for bond and release. Senator Kirkmeyer discusses with Matt Connelly. (WATCH)

FIELDS: WHY IS PROP HH SUCH A BAD DEAL?

Advance Colorado's President, Michael Fields, talks about the terrible bargain voters would be making if Prop HH passes. (WATCH)

COMING SOON

Soon, we will be publishing a video in conjunction with Ready Colorado, our state's premier conservative school choice advocacy group, encouraging folks to join our efforts in defending and expanding school choice in Colorado. Keep an eye out on our Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn accounts!

✍️ GATHERING SIGNATURES

PROPERTY TAX CAP
Our sister organization, Advance Colorado Action, is actively gathering signatures to put a 4% cap on year-over-year increases in property taxes for the 2024 ballot. While the legislature would still need to meet in a special session after Prop HH fails to address this year's property taxes, this measure would be a long-term solution to instability in property tax assessment rates.

Colorado Politics - July 13, 2023

Group aims to cap property tax hikes to 4%, begins gathering signatures for 2024 ballot measure

"A conservative group on Wednesday launched a new effort to cap property tax increases to no more than 4% statewide — unless voters decide to specifically allow the hike."

🎙️ JOIN THE ACADEMY

NEW LEADER PROGRAM
The Advance Colorado New Leader Program is the perfect opportunity for individuals seeking a leadership role at the local or state level, the boardroom, the classroom, or within their own neighborhood. New Leaders will take part in a 5-week program designed to motivate and sharpen the fundamental skills all leaders need to succeed. Participants will learn from and engage with a host of subject matter experts who can help promote leaders to the highest level of competence. New Leaders will also be given the opportunity to network with experts and elected officials who have seen the good, weathered the storms, and achieved success at all levels of leadership. At the conclusion of the 5-week program, New Leaders will be given access to a rich library of resources to continue on their road to success as well as become part of a robust network that will encourage and support them throughout their leadership journey.
Last Day to Submit an Application: August 25, 2023
Fall Program Begins: September 11, 2023

AMBASSADOR PROGRAM
The Advance Colorado Ambassador Program is designed for individuals who want to engage and become better messengers and advocates locally, state-wide, and nationally. The ambassador program serves as an opportunity for individuals to explore the idea of whether public office may be right for them or if they are better suited for fierce support as an ambassador. Members of the Ambassador Program will participate in a 5-week program designed to inspire and provide the tools necessary to support the issues, initiatives, and people that they are passionate about. Experts in grassroots mobilization, communications, and more will share best practices and resources that will ensure great success for the strongest of ambassadors. At the conclusion of the programming, participants will be equipped with the resources and network they need and be given a variety of opportunities for engagement.
Last Day to Submit an Application: August 25, 2023

Program Begins: September 5, 2023

APPLY FOR A PROGRAM NOW!

🎙️ PODCAST

Woodland Park School District has been in the news lately as a conservative majority attempts to turn around years of enrollment decline and educational stagnation. In the latest episode of the Advance Colorado Rundown, Senior Policy Advisor Kristi Burton Brown interviews Ken Witt, Superintendent of the district, about school choice and the importance of parental involvement in our schools.

LISTEN TO THE PODCAST