When you see the length of your ballot this fall you’ll be reminded of just how easy it is to get on Colorado’s ballot. And, you will be reminded how many of those proposals are amending our constitution—a foundational and fundamental document that now is likely one of the longest constitutions in the country because of the issues we have added to it over many years.
The fact is our constitution now has more than 150 amendments to it. To put it in perspective, our U.S. Constitution has just 27. That’s why we’re supporting Raise the Bar to protect our constitution and make it harder to amend.
Initiative 96 doesn’t impact the current process of placing statutory changes on the ballot—it would only impact constitutional amendments. It proposes two changes to the process when people want to add more amendments to our Constitution:
- Provide that the required signatures to get on the ballot come from every corner of the state to ensure all Coloradans are getting the chance to decide if they want to sign on to allowing a vote for a constitutional amendment.
- Require 55 percent of voters, not just a simple majority, to pass and approve such an amendment to the constitution.
Here’s the top reasons why our business leaders want to see Initiative 96 pass:
- It weakens our ability to respond to changing conditions: Amending our constitution means we now have conflicting language in our constitution, and it is very hard to address or fix those issues because each issue requires its own vote of the people.
- It costs you money: We are in the top three states for citizen initiatives, and that’s because it is so easy to amend our constitution and permanently allow special interests or outside views to influence policy in Colorado. And, it’s the business community who financially defends and protects our state and our economy each and every time.
- The constitution governs all of Colorado: When getting an item on the ballot, it’s easiest for advocates to get signatures from urban areas—meaning rural parts of our state lose their voice in the process. That’s not how we do business here; everyone should have a say.
Here’s how you can help:
- Allow the campaign to use yours and your company’s name.
- Make a donation.
The Chamber doesn’t endorse or financially contribute to candidates, but we do take positions on policy issues. We focus on issues that impact our economy and the ability for our businesses to grow and thrive. And, this year’s long ballot has a number of issues that have caught our attention. Here are the ballot issues our board of directors has already taken official positions on:
- Support reauthorizing the Scientific and Cultural Facilities District
- Support allowing semi-open primaries and bringing back the presidential primary
- Oppose initiatives effectively banning the oil and gas industry
- Oppose the costly, uncertain implementation of single-payer health care in Colorado
As the Secretary of State certifies additional issues, you will likely hear more from us. Want to learn more about the ballot initiatives the Chamber is supporting this fall? Join me at Gold Program Aug. 31.
Thanks for ensuring we do all we can to work together as a state and ensure our future success.
Kelly Brough is president and CEO of the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce.