fbpx

News

FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA

2024 | February

Zillow: Homebuyers need $173K a year to afford a home in Denver
Yahoo News: February 29, 2024
Read>>

Aurora City Council Backs Away From Migrant Support After Denver Budget Cuts
Westword: February 29, 2024
Read>>

Colorado ranks favorably for economic competitiveness, poorly for migration
Washington Examiner: February 28, 2024
Read>>

JA Roundtable on Workforce
Chalkbeat: February 27, 2024
Read>>

Jefferson County Man Arrested for allegedly killing roommate
Newsbreak: February 27, 2024
Read>>

Sandiaga Uno Targets Taylor Swift Concert in Indonesia for ‘Swiftnomics’ Boost
Jakarta Globe: February 22, 2024
Read>>

Colorado ranks favorably for economic competitiveness, poorly for migration
The Center Square: February 22, 2024
Read>>

Study: Where Coloradans moved to in 2023
MSN: February 19, 2024
Read>>

Business News (Ben Murrey)
Denver Gazette: February 18, 2024
Read>>

Illegal border crossings plummeted in January
Las Vegas Sun: February 16, 2024
Read>>

Jason Gaulden on 850 KOA
850 KOA: February 15, 2024
Listen>>

Inflation in metro Denver took a big drop at end of 2023
Denver Post: February 14, 2024
Read>>

Are you in the right occupational field in Colorado? Tool offers insights into future workforce gaps
Colorado Politics: February 13, 2024
Read>>

Sanctuary city mayors bemoan blocked border bailout 
Washington Examiner: February 13, 2024
Read>>

Denver inflation rate at 3.5% over the last year
The Center Square: February 13, 2024
Read>>

Denver inflation rate at 3.5% over the last year
Prime Publishers: February 13, 2024
Read>>

Big Burden of Migrant Influx Strains Denver
New York Times: February 12, 2024
Read>>

Rodeo – A Cash Cow for Local Economies
Sports Illustrated: February 6, 2024
Read>>

Possible solutions to Colorado’s property tax problem
West Slope Now: February 6, 2024
Read>>

Colorado Homeowners Face Steep Property Tax Hike Despite Legislative Efforts
BNN: February 6, 2024
Read>>

Possible solutions to Colorado’s property tax problem
KREX (CBS): February 6, 2024
Watch>>

Colorado’s Population Rising at Only a Fraction of Its Former Glory
North Forty News: February 2, 2024
Read>>

Colorado’s population is still growing but much slower than previous years
KXRM (FOX 21): February 2, 2024
Watch>>

Analysis projects Colorado’s slower population growth will affect workforce
The Center Square: February 2, 2024
Read>>

You now have to work nearly triple to afford a home
West Slope Now: February 1, 2024
Read>>

You now have to work nearly triple to afford a home
KDVR Fox 31: February 1, 2024
Watch>>

Colorado’s population is still growing, but much slower than previous years
KDVR Fox 31: February 1, 2024
Watch>>

Study shows Colorado has fewer new residents
Yahoo News: February 1, 2024
Read>>

2024 | January

Where, and Why Colorado’s local governments succeed
Colorado Politics: January 30, 2024
Read>>

Can Colorado Avoid the Rising Male Unemployment Rates Across the US?
Colorado Biz Magazine: January 30, 2024
Read>>

Research shows Colorado at the bottom of the housing affordability ranking
Washington Examiner: January 29, 2024
Read>>

Kelly Brough
Denver Gazette: January 29, 2024
Read>>

Research shows Colorado at bottom of housing affordability ranking
Denver Gazette: January 29, 2024
Read>>

Colorado has fallen behind in economic growth
Denver Gazette: January 28, 2024
Read>>

Polis has been all talk on tax cuts
Denver Gazette: January 28, 2024
Read>>

Research shows Colorado at bottom of the housing affordability ranking
The Black Chronicle: January 27, 2024
Read>>

Special Session sold taxpayers short
Greeley Tribune: January 27, 2024
Read>>

Does Colorado care about its men who have dropped out of the workforce?
Colorado Politics: January 26, 2024
Read>>

Research shows Colorado at bottom of the housing affordability ranking
The Center Square: January 26, 2024
Read>> 

Kelly Brough named CSI fellow
The Colorado Sun: January 26, 2024
Read>>

Denver suburb ranks high among large U.S. cities where it’s easier for Gen Zers to own homes, study says
Denver Post: January 26, 2024
Read>>

DJ on Property Tax increase
KDVR Fox 31: January 25, 2024
Watch>>

Tamra Ryan on the Ross Kaminsky Show
The Ross Kaminsky Show: January 25, 2024
Listen>>

As the 2024 legislative session begins, housing will permeate every discussion
Sum & Substance: January 24, 2024
Read>>

Kelly Brough joins Common Sense Institute
Denver Business Journal: January 24, 2024
Read>>

DJ Summers discusses the December Jobs Report
850 KOA: January 24, 2024
Listen>>

Construction defects law needs tweaks to function as intended
Grand Junction Sentinel: January 23, 2024
Read>>

Kelly Brough Joins CSI as Urban Development Fellow
9News (KUSA): January 23, 2024
Watch>>

Coloradans could pay 25% more in property taxes despite new law
The Black Chronicle: January 23, 2024
Read>>

Property Taxes May Increase 25%
Denver Gazette: January 23, 2024
Read>>

Special session sold taxpayers short
Colorado Politics: January 23, 2024
Read>>

Colorado property taxes may increase 25%
Colorado Politics: January 22, 2024
Read>>

Report: Coloradans could pay 25% more in property taxes despite new law
The Center Square: January 22, 2024
Read>>

Colorado property taxes may increase 25%
9News (KUSA): January 22, 2024
Watch>>

National Western Stock Show hits top 10 in attendance and 2nd highest livestock sales in history
Denver Gazette: January 22, 2024
Read>>

Study finds Colorado property tax on the rise
KDVR Fox 31: January 21, 2024
Read>>

Property Taxes could rise 26%
Denver Gazette: January 21, 2024
Read>>

Editorial: Special Session Sold Taxpayers Short
Colorado Springs Gazette: January 21, 2024
Read>>

Colorado Based Common Sense Institute Announces Expansion
The Colorado Sun: January 19, 2024
Read>>

Current Taylor Swift Net Worth 2024 (Billionaire?)
New Trader U: January 18, 2024
Read>>

What does 2024 hold for growth in Fort Collins? Housing is top of mind
KUNC: January 18, 2024
Read>>

Lawmakers need a lawsuit diet
Vail Daily: January 18, 2024
Read>>

Lawmakers need a lawsuit diet
Haxtun Fleming Herald: January 18, 2024
Read>>

How Denver met a goal to shelter 1,000 people
Christian Science Monitor: January 17, 2024
Read>>

With Denver at a breaking point from illegal immigration, mayor heads to DC to plead for action
Denver Gazette: January 15, 2024
Read>>

Denver spending on migrants could reach $500 per household
Colorado Springs Gazette: January 15, 2024
Read>>

Film to show challenges of foster care
Longmont Leader: January 15, 2024
Read>>

Report: Denver spending on migrants could equal $500 per household
Washington Examiner: January 15, 2024
Read>>

Legislators Need a Lawsuit Diet
Kiowa County Press: January 15, 2024
Read>>

National Western Stock Show Targets Record Attendance Amid Major Redevelopment
BNN: January 14, 2024
Read>>

Affordability by the numbers
Grand Junction Sentinel: January 14, 2024
Read>>

Legislators Need a Lawsuit Diet
Sterling Journal Advocate: January 14, 2024
Read>>

Middle Housing is affordable housing
Denver Gazette: January 14, 2024
Read>>

Denver spending on migrants could equal $500 per household
The Black Chronicle: January 13, 2024
Read>>

Free Enterprise Report – Rick Wagner Podcast
The Rick Wagner Show: January 13, 2024
Listen>>

Spending on migrants could equal $500 per household
710 KNUS: January 12, 2024
Listen>>

State of the Cities
Denver Business Journal: January 12, 2024
Read>>

Report: Denver spending on migrants could equal $500 per household
The Center Square: January 12, 2024
Read>>

CSI report: Denver’s $180M migrant sheltering projection
Yahoo News: January 12, 2024
Read>>

Did Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour Improve the Economy Wherever She Played?
Holy Cross Magazine: January 12, 2024
Read>>

118th National Western Stock Show kicks off amid ongoing makeover of historic stomping grounds
Greeley Tribune: January 12, 2024
Read>>

Capitol Review: Legislators need a lawsuit diet
Fort Morgan Times: January 11, 2024
Read>>

What $180 million in illegal immigration cost means for Denver households and agencies
Denver Gazette: January 11, 2024
Read>>

As the 2024 legislative session begins, housing will permeate every discussion
Sum & Substance: January 11, 2024
Read>>

The chosen few: Judging and selecting winners at the National Western Stock Show
Denver Gazette: January 11, 2024
Read>>

You’re Invited: Rebecoming Me
Villager: January 11, 2024
Read>>

Capitol Review: Legislators need a lawsuit diet
Craig Daily Press: January 11, 2024
Read>>

Colorado Needs An Economic Turnaround – Kristi Pollard Op-ed
Colorado Politics: January 11, 2024
Read>>

Common Sense Institute study casts doubt on Denver’s $180M migrant aid projection
KDVR Fox 31 : January 11, 2024
Watch>>

Economic Vitality for all Coloradans
Colorado Politics: January 10, 2024
Read>>

Curbing litigation is key to affordable housing
Greeley Tribune: January 10, 2024
Read>>

Housing takes center stage anew as lawmakers prepare to convene for new session
Colorado Politics: January 9, 2024
Read>>

Curbing litigation is key to affordable housing
Colorado Politics: January 9, 2024
Read>>

Housing takes center stage anew as lawmakers prepare to convene for new session
Denver Gazette: January 9, 2024
Read>>

118th National Western Stock Show kicks off amid ongoing makeover of historic stomping grounds
Fort Morgan Times: January 8, 2024
Read>>

‘It’s our Grand Slam’: The National Western Stock Show finally arrives in Denver
Denver Gazette: January 7, 2024
Read>>

118th National Western Stock Show kicks off amid ongoing makeover of historic stomping grounds
Greeley Tribune: January 7, 2024
Read>>

118th edition of the National Western
Sterling Journal Advocate: January 6, 2024
Read>>

Housing takes center stage anew as lawmakers prepare to convene for new session
Colorado Politics: January 6, 2024
Read>>

J.J. Ament on the Jimmy Sengenberger Show
710 KNUS: January 6, 2024
Listen>>

118th National Western Stock Show kicks off amid ongoing makeover of historic stomping grounds
The Denver Post: January 6, 2024
Read>>

Sean Duffy – Polis to skirt true state of Colorado economy in State of State speech
Colorado Politics: January 5, 2024
Read>>

Colorado’s health care sector faces regulatory, financial strains, study says
Colorado Politics: January 5, 2024
Read>>

Healthcare is cornerstone for state’s job landscape, but study finds economic challenges persist
Colorado Politics: January 5, 2024
Read>>

Colorado homeowners worried about legislation on construction defects
Denver 7 (KMGH): January 5, 2024
Watch>>

National Western Stock Show parade takes over downtown Denver
Denver Gazette: January 5, 2024
Read>>

Polis to skirt true state of Colorado economy in State of State speech
Colorado Politics : January 5, 2024
Read>>

Hearing hoofbeats: The Annual Western Stock Show is coming. And it’s set to bring over 700,000 visitors to Denver
Denver Gazette: January 4, 2024
Read>>

Denver returns to “Cow Town” status as dozens of Longhorns kick off National Western Stock Show Parade
CBS4 (KCNC): January 4, 2024
Watch>>

Freezing weather creates possible issues for incoming ranchers
Denver Gazette: January 4, 2024
Read>>

Common Sense Institute Chairman Among Wealthy Conservatives Backing Heidi Ganahl’s Plan to Retake Colorado
Colorado Times Recorder: January 3, 2024
Read>>

Reimagine rather than patch CO’s property tax system
Colorado Real Estate Journal: January 3, 2024
Read>>

Legislators need a lawsuit diet
Colorado Politics: January 3, 2024
Read>>

Taylor Swift batte (anche) il record di Elvis Presley
Vanity Fair: January 2, 2024
Read>>

From Deion to Taylor, These Were Among the 7 Biggest Economic Drivers in Colorado in 2023
5280 Magazine: January 2, 2024
Read>>

2023 Review
Colorado Times Recorder: January 1, 2024
Read>>

Colorado River crisis looms over state’s landscape decisions
Grand Junction Sentinel: January 1, 2024
Read>>

2023 | December

Hang on to your hats, the National Western Stock Show is Back
Denverite: December 29, 2023
Read>>

Free Enterprise Summit
The Villager: December 28, 2023
Read>>

J.J. Ament on 850 KOA – National Western Stock Show
850 KOA News: December 26, 2023
Listen>>

Loveland Housing
Loveland Reporter-Herald: December 23, 2023
Read>>

The Unaffiliate – Davia, Property Taxes
Colorado Sun: December 22, 2023
Read>>

Heartwarming tales and hometown heroes
The Keystone: December 21, 2023
Read>>

Here come the bulls
Denver Gazette: December 21, 2023
Read>>

Colorado forecast: State economy likely to reach soft landing in 2024
Denver Business Journal: December 20, 2023
Read>>

It’s Quizmas
City AM: December 20, 2023
Read>>

LTE – Housing
Loveland Reporter-Herald: December 19, 2023
Read>>

Balancing Net Zero and Keeping the Lights On
Colorado Biz Magazine: December 18, 2023
Read>>

Colorado ranks high in many categories in national homelessness report
The Center Square: December 18, 2023
Read>>

Editorial: Colorado Employers in the Crosshairs Again
Denver Gazette: December 17, 2023
Read>>

Inflation update: Denver prices up but rising slower
Colorado Sun: December 16, 2023
Read>>

A Swift Conspiracy
Northern Express: December 16, 2023
Read>>

Sean Duffy column in COPO
Colorado Politics: December 15, 2023
Read>>

Colorado’s competitive edge slips in key areas, new report says
Colorado Politics : December 13, 2023
Read>>

Lang Sias on the George Brauchler Show
710 KNUS: December 13, 2023
Listen>>

2023 (Taylor’s Version): 13 Ways Taylor Swift Staked Her Claim This Year As The Monarch Of All Media
Deadline: December 13, 2023
Read>>

Metro Denver inflation rates aided by falling gas prices
Focus Horizon News: December 13, 2023
Read>>

Report: Colorado’s economic competitiveness negatively influenced by housing market
The Black Chronicle: December 13, 2023
Read>>

Child Welfare System can be fixed
MFFF: December 13, 2023
Read>>

Inflation down slightly
The Center Square: December 13, 2023
Read>>

Colorado Ski Towns Have A Huge Housing Crisis On Their Hands
Powder: December 13, 2023
Read>>

Falling gasoline prices put a dent in Denver area inflation
The Denver Post: December 13, 2023
Read>>

Colorado inflation pains are easing, but continue to outpace national rate
Axios Denver: December 13, 2023
Read>>

Editorial: A Less Competitive Colorado
Denver Gazette: December 13, 2023
Read>>

Common Sense Institute Celebrates its Free Enterprise Summit
The Colorado Sun: December 12, 2023
Read>>

Colorado inflation pains are easing, but continue to outpace national rate
Axios Denver: December 12, 2023
Read>>

Colorado think tank ranks state last in the nation for ‘housing competitiveness’
Denver Business Journal: December 12, 2023
Read>>

Colorado’s competitive edge slips, new report says
The Denver Gazette: December 12, 2023
Read>>

Colorado ranks dead last for housing competitiveness: report
KDVR Fox 31: December 12, 2023
Read>>

The Mandy Connell Show – Guy Benson is a funny guy
850 KOA: December 11, 2023
Listen>>

콜로라도 주, 범죄율 증가로 인접 주들 앞질러…전국 범죄율 4위
Colorado Times: December 11 2023
Read>>

The Affordability Paradox
Grand Junction Sentinel: December 10, 2023
Read>>

Denver approves $14.3M to combat homelessness
Washington Examiner: December 9, 2023
Read>>

Editorial: Denver needs more condos
Denver Post: December 7, 2023
Read>>

Denver approves $14.3 million to combat homelessness
The Center Square: December 7, 2023
Read>>

Taylor Swift makes history as TIME’s person of the year
CBC: December 6, 2023
Read>>

The Ross Kaminsky Show – Kelly Caufield
850 KOA: December 5, 2023
Listen>>

Construction litigation blocking condo development in Colorado
Greeley Tribune: December 4, 2023
Read>>

Deloitte’s Christmas Quiz
Reaction: December 4, 2023
Read>>

Construction litigation blocking condo development in Colorado, but how does it get unblocked?
Denver Post: December 3, 2023
Read>>

Denver Mayor & Senate Dem Leader Join Groups at Right-Wing Conference
Colorado Times Recorder: December 1, 2023
Read>>

2023 | November

Denver couple’s adoption finalized a few months before teenager graduates from high school
Denver 7 (KMGH): November 30, 2023
Watch>>

Taylor Swift: cette grande première pour sa tournée The Eras Tour!
MCE: November 26, 2023
Read>>

Perspective: Compassion is not enough
Denver Gazette: November 26, 2023
Read>>

Taylor Swift é eleita Artista do Ano pela revista Billboard
POP Noticas: November 21, 2023
Read>>

Foster care costs Colorado thousands
KGNU: November 20, 2023
Listen>>

Study says high school graduation key to success for foster youth
Colorado Politics: November 19, 2023
Read>>

Employment performance declines slightly in Colorado last month
Kiowa County Press: November 18, 2023
Read>>

Taylor Swift entre dans la cour des grands en devenant milliardaire!
MCE TV: November 16, 2023
Read>>

High School Graduation is Key
Denver Gazette: November 15, 2023
Read>>

News Mashup
Young MInds Advocacy: November 15, 2023
Read>>

In Colorado, foster care is a big concern for the more than 200 young people who age out of the system each year
The Lobby: November 15, 2023
Read>>

It costs Colorado $343,453 per kid who ages out of foster care, according to new research
Colorado Sun: November 15, 2023
Read>>

Colorado’s rising crime rate ranks 4th in the nation
Grand Junction Sentinel: November 13, 2023
Read>>

Common Sense Institute’s DJ Summers talks about the crime rates in Colorado
850 KOA News: November 13, 2023
Listen>>

87 victims in 94 days: Denver suffered summer of gun violence
Denver Gazette: November 13, 2023
Read>>

Colorado’s rising crime rate ranks 4th in the nation
Denver Gazette: November 13, 2023
Read>>

Taylor Swifts världsturné – en mångmiljardsuccé
Expressen: November 12, 2023
Read>>

High Cost of Colorado
The Colorado Sun: November 12, 2023
Read>>

콜로라도 주, 범죄율 증가로 인접 주들 앞질러…전국 범죄율 4위
Colorado Times: November 12, 2023
Read>>

How could higher property taxes affect Colorado
KDVR Fox 31: November 10, 2023
Read>>

Report: Impact of Colorado property taxes next year will be $1,406 per household
Grand Junction Sentinel: November 10, 2023
Read>>

Antrieb für US-Wirtschaft: Diesen Einfluss hat Taylor Swift auf den Aktienmarkt
Finanzen.net: November 10, 2023
Read>>

Fiebre Swiftie: ¿qué pasó con la venta de vuelos Santiago – Buenos Aires por el concierto de Taylor Swift?
DF Sud: November 10, 2023
Read>>

High Cost of Colorado: The Sun introduces a new series
The Colorado Sun: November 10, 2023
Read>>

Report: Colorado outpaces neighboring states’ crime rates
KDVR Fox 31: November 10, 2023
Read>>

$1,406 less per Colorado household: Higher property taxes would hammer economy, analysis says
Denver Post: November 10, 2023
Read>>

Report: Impact of Colorado property taxes next year will be $1,406 per household
The Center Square: November 10, 2023
Read>>

Conservatives Beat Back Democrats’ Misleading Money Grab In Colorado
Conservative Daily: November 10, 2023
Read>>

Arrogance of cloistered Dems yields Colorado conservative wins | DUFFY
Colorado Politics: November 10, 2023
Read>>

How could higher property tax payments affect Colorado’s economy?
KDVR Fox 31: November 10, 2023
Read>>

Conservatives Beat Back Democrats’ Misleading Money Grab In Colorado
The Federalist: November 10, 2023
Read>>

Colorado’s education reality is a return to mediocrity
Colorado Politics: November 10, 2023
Read>>

Former Phoenix journalist wins coveted Taylor Swift reporting gig
Phoenix New Times: November 9, 2023
Read>>

Denver to sweep 3rd encampment for mayor’s House1000 initiative
KDVR Fox 31: November 9, 2023
Read>>

Non, Taylor Swift n’est pas la sauveuse de la croissance américaine
Pour l’Eco: November 9, 2023
Read>>

Coloradans Turn Down a Tax Grab
Wall Street Journal: November 9, 2023
Read>>

Coloradans saw Proposition HH for the con it was | OPINION
Colorado Politics: November 8, 2023
Read>>

Colorado election 2023: A Proposition HH guide for last-minute voters
Douglas County News: November 7, 2023
Read>>

Colorado Proposition II wins big, adding more funding for universal preschool
Fort Collins Coloradoan: November 7, 2023
Read>>

Long-Term School Funding Threatened if Proposition HH Is Defeated
Colorado Times Recorder: November 7, 2023
Read>>

Colorado election 2023: A Proposition HH guide for last-minute voters
Colorado Community News: November 7, 2023
Read>>

Several Armed Robberies Monday Night in Colorado Springs
Newsbreak: November 7, 2023
Read>>

Denver building owners face potentially millions in fines for failing to comply with energy requirements
Denver Gazette: November 7, 2023
Read>>

Proposition HH: Colorado voters reject property tax relief plan
Washington Examiner: November 7, 2023
Read>>

Common Sense Institute’s Kelly Caufield on economic impact of Colo Prop HH
850 KOA News: November 6, 2023
Listen>>

No such thing as a free lunch
Grand Junction Sentinel: November 6, 2023
Read>>

2023 미국에서 가장 안전한 주
Korea Daily: November 6, 2023
Read>>

Cosa è la Taylor Swift Economy, meglio conosciuta come Swiftonomics
Investire.biz: November 5, 2023
Read>>

Taylor Swifts världsturné – en mångmiljardsuccé
Expressen: November 4, 2023
Read>>

Is the She-Cession Over? Not for Many Women in the Workplace
Colorado Biz Magazine: November 3, 2023
Read>>

Proposition HH: How the property tax measure would affect school funding
Longmont Leader: November 2, 2023
Read>>

“The Taylor Effect”: Vancouver and BC set to cash in on Taylor Swift concerts
Daily Hive: November 2, 2023
Read>>

ENDORSEMENTS: It’s time to turn in those last-minute ballots
Denver Gazette: November 1, 2023
Read>>

2023 | October

EDITORIAL: Let’s defeat HH — then really cut property taxes
Denver Gazette: October 31, 2023
Read>>

Proposition HH: How the property tax measure would affect school funding
Chalkbeat: October 30, 2023
Read>>

Amid migrant increase, newcomers and Coloradans adapt
Christian Science Monitor: October 30, 2023
Read>>

Sins of omission in Laffer’s Prop HH perspective
Colorado Politics: October 30, 2023
Read>>

PERSPECTIVE: Little to show for more school spending
Colorado Springs Gazette: October 29, 2023
Read>>

Monday Letters: Prop HH, gun reform, health curriculum, RFSD elections
Glenwood Springs Independent: October 29, 2023
Read>>

Metro Denver to reach $2 billion spent on homelessness over 3 years, study shows
Denver Gazette: October 29, 2023
Read>>

Taylor Swift est dans son ère milliardaire, selon Bloomberg
News24.fr: October 27, 2023
Read>>

Report puts $2B price tag on spending to combat homelessness in Denver
Grand Junction Sentinel: October 27, 2023
Read>>

Taylor Swift is in her billionaire era, according to Bloomberg
Global News: October 27, 2023
Read>>

Colorado’s homeless — heal, don’t enable
Colorado Politics: October 27, 2023
Read>>

Construction-defects reform efforts will return in 2024
Sum & Substance: October 25, 2023
Read>>

Llegada del frío y presupuesto agotado complican situación de inmigrantes en Denver
Yahoo Noticias: October 25, 2023
Read>>

Alleged Denver Auto Theft Ring Indicted on 121 Counts
Autobody News: October 25, 2023
Read>>

You could attract thieves if these types of stickers are on your car
KDVR Fox 31: October 24, 2023
Watch>>

Alleged auto theft ring indicted on 121 counts
Grand Junction Sentinel: October 24, 2023
Read>>

Parents must be empowered to choose schooling
Colorado Springs Gazette: October 24, 2023
Read>>

Watch: Prop HH debate hosted by The Denver Gazette and 9NEWS
9News (KUSA): October 23, 2023
Watch>>

Study: Colorado one of the least safe states in US
KDVR Fox 31: October 23, 2023
Watch>>

Proposition HH debate features property taxes, TABOR refunds and dueling predictions of the future
Greeley Tribune: October 23, 2023
Read>>

High interest rates contributing to chronic housing shortage
Colorado Springs Gazette: October 22, 2023
Read>>

With less than 3 weeks away from elections, voters still undecided on Prop HH
KKTV 11 News: October 21, 2023
Watch>>

HH could prop up education funding
Aspen Daily News: October 19, 2023
Read>>

Common Sense Institute: Take politics out of Colorado’s energy policy
Denver Gazette: October 19, 2023
Read>>

GUEST COLUMN: Prop. HH lowers the boom on TABOR refunds
Denver Gazette: October 18, 2023
Read>>

Rate of violent crime increased last year in Colorado, FBI data shows
The Center Square: October 17, 2023
Read>>

Proposition HH: Lower property tax rates, smaller TABOR refunds, maybe more money for schools?
CPR News: October 17, 2023
Listen>>

Proposition HH fundraising narrows with three weeks to go before Election Day
Colorado Politics: October 17, 2023
Read>>

Following the money on Denver’s homeless
Denver Gazette: October 17, 2023
Read>>

EDITORIAL: Throwing money at Colorado’s K-12
Denver Gazette: October 17, 2023
Read>>

Report: Colorado schools could get billions from Prop HH, but funds would lack guardrails
The Lion (Herzog Foundation): October 16, 2023
Read>>

Fort Collins Crime Rate Down as Colorado Crime Rate Declines
Fort Collins Coloradoan: October 15, 2023
Read>>

San Luis Valley officials create regional board to vet water export projects
The Colorado Sun: October 15, 2023
Read>>

EDITORIAL: Following the money on Denver’s homeless
Denver Gazette: October 15, 2023
Read>>

What’s Working: Didn’t know Colorado is a leader in clean energy and quantum? A Tech Hub designation could change that.
The Colorado Sun: October 14, 2023
Read>>

El flechazo de Taylor y Travis ya ha Ganado la Super Bowl
La Voz de Galicia: October 14, 2023
Read>>

The figures behind a release by Silvestre Dangond that doesn’t ‘Ta’Malo’…
Miredvista: October 14, 2023
Read>>

Report: Colorado schools could get billions from Prop HH, but funds would lack guardrails
Grand Junction Sentinel: October 13, 2023
Read>>

Denver area residents continue to pay a premium when it comes to inflation
The Denver Post: October 13, 2023
Read>>

Report: Colorado schools could get billions from Prop HH, but funds would lack guardrails
The Center Square: October 13, 2023
Read>>

Taylor Swift Economic Impact
The Washington Post: October 13, 2023
Read>>

Taylor Swift May Earn $4.1 Billion From Her Eras Tour
Robb Report: October 13, 2023
Read>>

Colorado’s 5.3% inflation rate outpaces national average of 3.7%
Grand Junction Sentinel: October 12, 2023
Read>>

Swiftonomics: Taylor Swift y su impacto en la economía
Shock: October 12, 2023
Read>>

EDITORIAL: ‘NO’ on Prop. HH — 10 reasons why
Denver Gazette: October 11, 2023
Read>>

Proposition HH is about way more than just property taxes
Sky Hi News: October 11, 2023
Read>>

Amid Reports of Nearly $3 Million Loss, Here’s How $740-Million-Worth Taylor Swift Seamlessly Exceeded NASCAR’s Influence
Essentially Sports: October 10, 2023
Read>>

San Luis Valley officials create regional board to vet water export projects
The Colorado Sun: October 9, 2023
Read>>

Prop HH and its effect on commercial property taxes leaves business groups torn
Sum & Substance: October 9, 2023
Read>>

EDITORIAL: A Few More Thoughts About Prop HH
Pagosa Daily Post: October 6, 2023
Read>>

Crime is down in Fort Collins despite statewide uptick over last 15 years, new report says
Fort Collins Coloradoan: October 6, 2023
Read>>

Rampant theft needs justice, not vengeance
Denver Gazette: October 5, 2023
Read>>

Housing: Home sales, lack of starter homes, financial help
Denver 7 (KMGH): October 4, 2023
Watch>>

Colorado Springs sees crime decline as it rises in Denver
Denver Gazette: October 4, 2023
Read>>

New condos are hard to find in Colorado. Getting developers to build more will roil the Capitol next year.
The Colorado Sun: October 2, 2023
Read>>

Colorado property taxes ‘expect heavy increase’ despite tax relief referendum, analysis says
Denver Gazette: October 1, 2023
Read>>

2023 | September

Opinion: The bill for Proposition HH will be prodigious
The Colorado Sun: September 29, 2023
Read>>

(Opinion) Other Voices: Colorado’s small biz turns thumbs down on HH
Greeley Tribune: September 29, 2023
Read>>

Colorado’s Declining Condo Construction Contributing to Housing Shortage
Kool 107.9: September 26, 2023
Listen>>

Peter LiFari at the Common Sense Institute on the Housing Shortage
850 KOA News: September 26, 2023
Listen>>

Op-Ed: Proposition HH is wolf in sheep’s clothing for Colorado TABOR
The Center Square: September 26, 2023
Read>>

Declining housing construction in Colorado is part of the housing crisis
Real Property: September 26, 2023
Read>>

EDITORIAL: Colorado’s small biz turns thumbs down on HH
Denver Gazette: September 26, 2023
Read>>

EDITORIAL: Laws for low-end lawyers harm our economy
Denver Gazette: September 25, 2023
Read>>

GUEST COLUMN: Don’t be fooled — vote ‘no’ on Prop HH
Denver Gazette: September 24, 2023
Read>>

Campaigns accelerate to influence Colorado voters on Prop HH
The Center Square: September 25, 2023
Read>>

Colorado renters will be ‘biggest losers’ if Prop HH Passes
Mix 104.3: September 22, 2023
Listen>>

Declining housing construction in Colorado is part of the housing crisis
Real Property: September 22, 2023
Read>>

Editorial: Fix Colorado law, build more condos
Denver Gazette: September 22, 2023
Read>>

Report: Colorado’s declining condo construction contributing to housing shortage
The Center Square: September 21, 2023
Read>>

Why are TABOR refunds so huge lately? And will they stay that way?
CPR News: September 21, 2023
Read>>

Report: Colorado’s declining condo construction contributing to housing shortage
Grand Junction Sentinel: September 21, 2023
Read>>

Taylor Swift Brings Tourism, Boosts Economy, And Bolsters Food Relief Across America
Hollywood.com: September 21, 2023
Read>>

Common Sense Institute’s Kelly Caufield on Colo Jobs and Labor Force Update
850 KOA News: September 20, 2023
Listen>>

The Business of Sports: Uniting Colorado
Colorado Biz Magazine: September 20, 2023
Read>>

Understanding the Ballot: The Facts About Fort Collins’ Biggest Issues
Fort Collins Area Chamber of Commerce: September 20, 2023
Read>>

Colorado ranks among the worst states for affordability
KOOL – 107.9 FM: September 17, 2023
Listen>>

Report: Recent Colorado Regulations Increase Taxes, Fees by $2B
KOOL – 107.9 FM: September 17, 2023
Listen>>

PERSPECTIVE: Undercutting Colorado’s job creators
Denver Gazette: September 17, 2023
Read>>

Analysis says Colorado renters will be ‘biggest losers’ if Prop HH passes
KNUS/Spot on CO: September 15, 2023
Listen>>

Governor Polis speaks on affordable housing
Western Slope Now: September 16, 2023
Read>>

Analysis says Colorado renters will be ‘biggest losers’ if Prop HH passes
The Center Square: September 15, 2023
Read>>

 Wanted: Taylor Swift and Beyonce journalists at America’s largest newspaper chain – National
Good Word News: September 14, 2023
Read>>

Recherchés : Taylor Swift et Beyoncé journalistes de la plus grande chaîne de journaux américaine – National
Nouvelles-Doujour: September 13, 2023
Read>>

Report: Recent Colorado regulations increase taxes, fees by $2B
The Center Square: September 13, 2023
Read>>

Colorado’s Back Door Tax Hike
Wall Street Journal: September 13, 2023
Read>>

Armstrong: Colorado public schools failing black and Hispanic kids
Complete Colorado Page 2: September 12, 2023
Read>>

Grand Junction closes park considered ‘center of the homeless community’
CPR News: September 12, 2023
Read>>

Frontier Freedom Podcast featuring Chris Brown discussing Prop HH
Centennial Institute: September 12, 2023
Listen>>

CO regulations increase taxes and fees by $2 Billion
Grand Junction Sentinel: September 12, 2023
Read>>

Buena Vista’s Affordable Housing Challenges Intertwined with Looming Water Shortage
Off Property Exchange: September 12, 2023
Read>>

How do Colorado towns grow when they have limited water for new homes?
Colorado Sun: September 12, 2023
Read>>

Colorado Tries to Sneak One Under the TABOR
Real Clear Markets: September 12, 2023
Read>>

Economic Mobility and the Women’s Bean Project featuring Tamra Ryan
Colorado Business Roundtable: September 12, 2023
Read>>

Growth of 2.4% in the second quarter (thanks to the tour)
OICanadian: September 11, 2023
Read>>

As Colorado Springs grows, 20-somethings are the fastest growing cohort
Colorado Springs Gazette: September 9, 2023
Read>>

How do celebrities impact the global economy?
Radio W Mexico: September 8, 2023
Read>>

El Paso County population expected to grow to 1 million by 2050
KOAA NBC5: September 7, 2023
Watch>>

Column: Middle-class Coloradans struggle with housing costs too
Denver Gazette: September 7, 2023
Read>>

‘Homebuyer misery index’ reveals grim reality in Colorado
Denver Gazette: September 7, 2023
Read>>

Proposition HH Will Reduce Property Taxes but Let the State Keep More Revenue Than TABOR Rules Would Have Allowed
The Villager: September 7, 2023
Read>>

How to Prevent Your Catalytic Converter From Being Stolen At the airport
Forbes: September 7, 2023
Read>>

Report: Colorado No. 2 in U.S. for the largest decrease in affordability
Denver 7: September 6, 2023
Watch>>

Fort Collins Chamber to release ballot guide
Fort Collins Chamber News: September 6, 2023
Read>>

CSI’s Kelly Caufield – Let’s Get Nerdy on Property Taxes
850 KOA: September 5, 2023
Listen>>

Housing in-depth: Home sales, Rent prices & where affordability decreasing the most
Denver 7: September 5, 2023
Watch>>

Adaptive Reuse Survey IDs 22 Denver Commercial Buildings That Could Become Housing
Biznow: September 5, 2023
Read>>

Who run the economy? Girls.
Quinnipiac Chronicle: September 5, 2023
Read>>

What’s Working: Older Coloradans are returning to work, and inflation may be to blame
Colorado Sun: September 3, 2023
Read>>

(Opinion) A crossroads for workers with disabilities
Greeley Tribune: September 2, 2023
Read>>

Grandes shows podem impulsionar a inflação?
DW: September 2, 2023
Read>>

Report ranks CO among the worst for housing affordability
Grand Junction Sentinel: September 1, 2023
Read>>

Taylor Swift’s new Eras tour film is the latest lesson in ‘Swift-onomics’
Knowledia: September 1, 2023
Read>>

The end of Swift, Beyoncé and Barbie season will hurt the US economy
D1SoftballNews: September 1, 2023
Read>>

Taylor Swift y Beyoncé: ¿salvavidas o azote económico?
Economia Global: September 1, 2023
Read>>

2023 | August

Taylor Swift’s new Eras tour film is the latest lesson in ‘Swift-onomics’
CBC: August 31, 2023
Read>>

Property Tax Calculator
Twitter/KOA 850 AM & 94.1 FM: August 30, 2023
Read>>

Taylor Swift, ‘Barbie’ and Beyoncé are credited for summer’s billion-dollar pop culture boom. Experts weigh in on their massive successes.
Yahoo News: August 28, 2023
Read>>

Aurora’s plan to build affordable housing will net Prop. 123 funds
Denver Gazette: August 28, 2023
Read>>

Prop HH-11:30
RMPBS: August 25, 2023
Watch>>

Kelly Caufield talks Prop HH
WGIR: August 22, 2023
Listen>>

The Ross Kaminsky Show – Kelly Caufield talks about Prop HH and CSI’s latest study
850 KOA: August 22, 2023
Listen>>

Prop HH to remain on the November ballot after Colorado Supreme Court Ruling
Conservative Daily: August 22, 2023
Read>>

Polis: Property Taxes Good for Schools
Colorado Politics: August 22, 2023
Read>>

Prop HH to remain on November ballot after Colorado Supreme Court ruling
Washington Examiner: August 22, 2023
Read>>

Prop HH to remain on November ballot after Colorado Supreme Court ruling
The Center Square: August 21, 2023
Read>>

L’estate in cui Barbie, Beyoncé e Taylor Swift hanno rivoluzionato l’economia
Start Magazine: August 20, 2023
Read>>

Colorado puts money on the table to build a roof over the home construction industry
The Denver Post: August 20, 2023
Read>>

CO has 190,000 job openings and 95,000 people unemployed – a disconnect?
Colorado Sun: August 19, 2023
Read>>

Colorado only adds 800 jobs
The Greeley Tribune: August 19, 2023
Read>>

We need to build more, not tax more
Durango Herald: August 18, 2023
Read>>

Colorado only adds 800 jobs in July, but unemployment stays low
Fort Morgan Times: August 18, 2023
Read>>

Government job growth lifts Colorado’s July employment as hospitality declines
Grand Junction Sentinel: August 18, 2023
Read>>

Colorado only adds 800 jobs in July, but unemployment stays low
The Greeley Tribune: August 18, 2023
Read>>

La gira global ‘The Eras Tour’ de Taylor Swift ya compite con las grandes ligas del pop
La gira global: August 18, 2023
Read>>

Santa Clara is renaming itself–and making Taylor Swift honorary mayor–for concert weekend
The Sacramento Bee: August 18, 2023
Read>>

Colorado only adds 800 jobs in July, but unemployment stays low
Colorado’s private sector lost 1,900 jobs in July after losing 400 in June, marking the first back-to-back job losses in a year, wrote Cole Anderson, a research analyst at the Common Sense Institute, in an email.”
Denver Post: August 18, 2023
Read>>

Government job growth lifts Colorado’s July employment as hospitality declines
“Colorado’s leisure and hospitality sector lost 3,500 jobs last month, “the largest single-month loss since December 2020,” an analysis of the data by the Common Sense Institute said. The sector added 89,500 jobs between January 2021 and July and its employment grew 2.38% since January 2020.”
The Center Square: August 18, 2023
Read>>

Colorado only adds 800 jobs in July, but unemployment stays low
Colorado’s private sector lost 1,900 jobs in July after losing 400 in June, marking the first back-to-back job losses in a year, wrote Cole Anderson, a research analyst at the Common Sense Institute, in an email.”
Fort Morgan Times: August 18, 2023
Read>>

Proposition HH to cost each taxpayer $5K in TABOR refunds over a decade
Colorado Politics: August 17, 2023
Read>>

Proposition HH to cost each taxpayer $5K in TABOR refunds over a decade, study says
“The study from the Common Sense Institute comes on the heels of a poll from Magellan Strategies that said the more voters know about the property tax measure, the less they like it.”
The Denver Gazette: August 17, 2023
Read>>

Report: CO taxpayers could lose $512 annually under Prop HH
Grand Junction Sentinel: August 16, 2023
Read>>

Report: Colorado taxpayers could lose $512 annually in TABOR refunds if Prop HH passes
“The Common Sense Institute, a free enterprise research group, published a 45-page evaluation of the long-term impacts of the initiative. The organization said the item “is one of the most complicated ballot measures ever presented to voters.”
The Center Square: August 16, 2023
Read>>

Inflation pains persist in Denver — with restaurant price inflation the highest in the nation
“Between May and July, household energy and utility prices jumped by 7.5%, marking the largest two-month increase in over a year, according to a new report from the conservative-leaning Common Sense Institute.”
Axios: August 18, 2023
Read>>

Colorado puts money on the table to build a roof over the home construction industry
“Back in 2021, the Common Sense Institute estimated the state was only adding just more than half of the 54,190 new units it needed to average per year over the next five years to fill the existing shortfall and keep up with population gains.”
Greeley Tribune
Read>>

Colorado puts money on the table to build a roof over the home construction industry
“Back in 2021, the Common Sense Institute estimated the state was only adding just more than half of the 54,190 new units it needed to average per year over the next five years to fill the existing shortfall and keep up with population gains.”
The Denver Post: August 11, 2023
Read>>

Denver inflation rate up 4.7% in last year
“The Common Sense Institute, a free enterprise think tank, noted in an analysis of the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data that Denver’s rate is down from 5.15%. 
The Daily Sentinel: August 10, 2023
Read>>

COLUMN: ‘Truth in sentencing’ initiative is common sense | George Brauchler
“Given Colorado’s ranking as fourth-worst in America for recidivism — and the finding in the Common Sense Institute’s most recent “Cost of Crime” report that crime has a $27 billion economic impact on Colorado — this citizen-led initiative is not just common sense, it is jillions of cents.”
The Gazette: August 7, 2023
Read>>

PERSPECTIVE: Denver reboots on homelessness
“A landmark study by Colorado’s Common Sense Institute in 2021 concluded that nearly half a billion dollars a year was being spent annually on homeless services in combined public and private funding in metro Denver. As the institute’s report noted, that’s $41,613 to $104,038 per homeless person in Denver based on homeless population estimates that have ranged anywhere from around 4,000 to over 10,000.”
The Gazette: August 6, 2023
Read>>

Taylor Swift Is In Her Paying Out $55M In Bonuses Era
“A July Common Sense Institute report focusing on Swift’s impact on Colorado estimated that the two shows from the Eras Tour that month could add $140 million to the state’s GDP for the year.”
Vanity Fair: August 2, 2023 by Kase Wickman
Read>>

The cost of crime on Colorado’s economy hits Montezuma County
“According to research published July 13 by the nonpartisan research organization Common Sense Institute, Montezuma County residents fall into the upper range of adults who individually pay for crime costs.”
Cortez Journal: August 1, 2023
Read>>

Worst-run cities in America
“Denver has a mayor and a 13-member City Council, with 11 members representing geographic districts and two elected citywide. Denver is among the top 10 large U.S. cities with high crime rates, according to the Common Sense Institute, a free-market policy analysis group based in Colorado. The city ranked the third-highest in auto theft, the sixth-highest for property crimes, and the 10th-highest for rape.”
LiHerald.com: August 1, 2023
Read>>

2023 | July

As influx of people from Latin America continues, Colorado leaders want more migrants in temporary jobs
“That’s part of why inflation is so high. It also has Colorado missing out on $46 billion in GDP this year, according to the Common Sense Institute, a Colorado-based think thank that conducts research examining the impacts of policies, initiatives, and proposed laws on Coloradans.”
Denver 7: July 31, 2023
Read>>

As influx of people from Latin America continues, Colorado leaders want more migrants in temporary jobs
“It also has Colorado missing out on $46 billion in GDP this year, according to the Common Sense Institute, a Colorado-based think thank that conducts research examining the impacts of policies, initiatives, and proposed laws on Coloradans.”
Denver 7: July 31, 2023
Read>>

Così Taylor Swift spinge il Pil Usa: balzo del 2,4% nel secondo trimestre (grazie al tour)
“Il tour da 137 concerti in 5 continenti è infatti un volano per il Pil Usa. «L’intero tour statunitense di Taylor Swift potrebbe generare una spesa totale di 4,6 miliardi di dollari, superiore al Pil di 35 Paesi», ha dichiarato il centro di ricerca Common Sense Institute. Si pensi solo agli hotel, ai ristoranti e ai voli interni.”
L’Economia: July 27, 2023
Read>>

Don’t let labor shortage hobble Colorado | GUEST COLUMN
“A recent study from Common Sense Institute found the labor force shortage and skills mismatch in Colorado is costing $46 billion in additional annual GDP.”
The Gazette: July 27, 2023
Read>>

‘Tourflation?’ Here’s how Beyoncé, Taylor Swift tours could be boosting your local economy
“A report from the Common Sense Institute in Colorado found that the concerts in Denver could generate $140 million for the state’s gross domestic product (the value of the goods and services produced) and lead to consumers spending more than $200 million. Swift performed almost two weeks ago but we don’t have new numbers yet.”
The Scaramento Bee: July 27, 2023
Read>>

What all this Taylor Swift-bashing says about us | John Moore
“A think tank called Common Sense Institute came out with a report claiming that Swift’s Denver shows contributed up to $140 million to Colorado’s GDP. An unknowable number of concertgoers traveled to Denver for the show, and it was evident all around Mile High Stadium that money being spent on food, transportation, hotel rooms and countless other taxable goodies were tangibly benefiting businesses in the immediate vicinity.”
The Denver Gazette: July 26, 2023
Read >>

Denver Mayor Johnston clarifies plan surrounding homelessness emergency declaration
“A 2022 Point in Time Count shows about 1,300 people live on the streets of Denver each night. Over the past five years, Denver’s unhoused population increased by 44%, according to the Common Sense Institute.”
Yahoo News: July 25, 2023
Read>>

Denver Mayor Mike Johnston provides more details on plan to address homelessness
“Over the past five years, Denver’s unhoused population increased by 44%, according to the Common Sense Institute.”
Denver 7: July 25, 2023 by Brandon Richard, Katie Parkins
Read>>

Denver Mayor Mike Johnston declares homelessness emergency on his first day in office
“The Common Sense Institute reports that the city spent $516 million on homelessness last year.”
KUNC July 25, 2023 by Lucas Brady Woods
Read>>

Taylor Swift and The Swifties Are Pumping the Economy
“The Common Sense Institute estimates Taylor Swift’s tour could generate $4.6 billion in consumer spending. For context, Bosnia, Senegal, and the Bahamas have roughly $5 billion in GDP.”
Real Investment Advice: July 25, 2023 by Michael Lobowitz and Lance Roberts
Read>>

What all this Swift-bashing says about us
“A think tank called Common Sense Institute came out with a report claiming that Swift’s Denver shows contributed up to $140 million to Colorado’s GDP.”
The Denver Gazzette: July 22, 2023 by John Moore
Read>>

Colorado hiring holding a recession at bay, for now
The Denver Post: July 22, 2023 by Aldo Svaldi
Read>>

Report: Shortage of workers, skilled labor costing Colorado $46B in GDP
“‘A substantial portion of the unemployed and marginally attached to the labor force are people with barriers to employment, such as disabilities, past incarceration, lack of childcare, and educational attainment challenges,’ Tamra Ryan, the Common Sense Institute’s Coors Economic Mobility fellow, wrote in the report.”
The Center Square: July 21, 2023 by Joe Mueller
Read>>

La gira de Taylor Swift podría generar más dinero que el PIB de 35 países
“‘La totalidad de la gira estadounidense de Taylor Swift podría generar 4.600 millones de dólares en gastos totales de los consumidores, más que el PIB de 35 países’, añaden desde el Common Sense Institute.”
20minutos: July 21, 2023 by A. Rondan
Read>>

Santa Clara is renaming itself — and making Taylor Swift honorary mayor — for concert weekend
“The Eras Tour could generate $4.6 billion in consumer spending by the end of the tour, which is more than the GDP of 35 countries, according to Colorado research organization the Common Sense Institute, although the exact numbers are difficult to confirm because of the unknown ways locals might have spent their money that weekend were they not at the concert.”
The Sacramento Bee: July 21, 2023 by Sonora Slater
Read>>

The Impact of Taylor Swift on Local Economies across the US
“At the current rate, the “Eras Tour” U.S. tour could generate $4.6 billion in total consumer spending, larger than the GDP of 35 countries, according to an analysis by the Common Sense Institute — a think tank based in Colorado.”
Swift Telecast: July 21, 2023 by Craig Fedirighi
Read>>

Mayor Johnston not pausing homeless sweeps, despite confusion at community meeting
“March data provided from the Common Sense Institute showed Denver’s homeless population was 4,794 people in 2022 and 3,752 in 2021, which was slightly down from 4,171 people in 2020.”
Denver 7: July 20, 2023 by Jeff Anastasio
Watch>>

Taylor Swift boosting local economies across the US
“Out west, Denver saw a surge in economic activity, with Swifties dropping an estimated $200 million in direct spending over two shows, according to the Common Sense Institute.”
News Nation: July 20, 2023 by Kaleigh Beeson, Laura Meehan
Read>>

The Eras Tour | Global economies rely on Taylor Swift to stave off recession
“The cities through which the tour will pass are trembling with emotion after knowing some figures: according to estimates by the Common Sense Institute, each concert generates 140 million dollars that go directly to the GDP of the State and fans spend more than $200 million in direct consumption.”
Euro ES Euro: July 19, 2023
Read>>

New study from CSI shows crime costing Colorado billions
“A new study from the Common Sense Institute shows the billions of dollars crime is costing Colorado.”
WSAZ News Channel 3: July 14, 2023
Watch>>

Dampak Ekonomi Konser Taylor Swift: Bantu AS Tekan Resesi?
“Pada akhir pekan lalu, Eras Tour Taylor Swift mencapai Kota Denver, Colorado. Common Sense Institute memperkirakan, konser itu bisa menghasilkan US$140 juta terhadap PDB negara bagian.”
Fortune Indonesia: July 19, 2023 by Tanayastri Dini Isna KH
Read>>

The Taylor Swift Effect: How the PA Native’s ‘Eras’ Tour Is Powering Local Economies Across the US
“Swift played two sold-out shows in Denver last weekend. A report from the Common Sense Institute estimated the shows could generate $140 million for Colorado’s gross domestic product.”
The Keystone: July 19, 2023 by Patrick Berkery
Read>>

Businesses and residents react to Denver Mayor Mike Johnston’s emergency declaration on homelessness
CBS News Colorado: July 18, 2023 by Austen Erblat
Watch>>

Taylor Swift tour boosts US economy
“Its effect, known as ‘Swiftonomics,’ according to the Common Sense Institute, would add to Colorado’s gross domestic product about $140 million, for his two dates in Denver.”
Euro ES Euro: July 18, 2023
Read>>

Denver Mayor Mike Johnston declares homelessness emergency on his first day in office
” In 2022, there were a total of 6,884 unhoused individuals in the city. More than 2,000 of those were unsheltered. The Common Sense Institute reports that the city spent $516 million on homelessness last year.”
KUNC NPR for Norther Colorado: July 18, 2023 by Lucas Brady Woods
Listen>>

Denver’s new mayor Mike Johnston declares state of emergency on homelessness
“On his second day in office, Denver Mayor Mike Johnston declared a state of emergency on the issue of homelessness and housing insecurity in Denver.”
CBS News Colorado: July 18, 2023 by Austen Erblat
Watch>>

Homeless “emergency” declared by Denver’s new mayor
“According to the Common Sense Institute, Denver’s homeless population has risen by almost 44%—nearly 12 times faster than the city’s total population growth between 2016 and 2021. The total population in Denver actually declined by over 4,000 people in 2021. “
KKTV 11 News: July 18, 2023 by Tony Keith
Read>>

Newly minted Denver mayor Mike Johnston issues emergency declaration over homelessness
“Johnston made the announcement at a Tuesday morning news conference, less than 24 hours after he was sworn in as Denver’s 46th mayor, setting the goal to house 1,000 unhoused people by end of year.”
Denver 7: July 18, 2023 by Landon Haaf
Watch>>

When Taylor Swift came to Denver she brought a spectacle and left a $140 million economic afterglow
“Concertgoers spend an average of $1,327 on related purchases according to a report by the Common Sense Institute, contributing more than $200 million in direct consumer spending during the Denver concerts.”
The Colorado Sun: July 17, 2023 by Parker Yamasaki
Read>>

Tomi Lahren says Taylor Swift is ‘better qualified’ than Biden to run US economy
“During her shows in Colorado on Friday and Saturday this past weekend, Swift made a reported economic impact of $200 million in consumer spending with $140 million added to the state’s GDP, according to Common Sense Institute.”
New York Post: July 17, 2023 by Kristen Altus, Fox Business
Read>>

Denver Chamber of Commerce Pres JJ Ament Talks City’s Cost of Crime
850 KOA: July 17, 2023
Listen>>

Tour diễn của Taylor Swift tạo lợi ích kinh tế khủng, Fed cũng phải chú ý
“Cuối tuần này, Eras Tour đã đến thành phố Denver (bang Colorado) và một ước tính từ Common Sense Institute cho thấy buổi diễn sẽ tạo thêm 140 triệu USD cho GDP  của bang.”
Vietnam Biz: July 16, 2023
Read>>

Five Takeaways From Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour in Denver
“The Eras Tour, in which Swift is playing songs from each of her albums (or eras), is a cultural phenomenon, and its impact is felt not just in its trail of green — the Common Sense Institute estimated the tour would contribute $140 million to Colorado’s GDP — but in the horde of impassioned fans, who descended on Empower Field this weekend with friendship bracelets and glitter…lots of glitter.”
Westword: July 16, 2023 by Emily Ferguson
Read>>

PERSPECTIVE: Pot’s honeymoon is over
“Colorado’s dispensaries have also become magnets for crime. Denver reported in 2023 that ‘Marijuana businesses make up less than 1% of all businesses in Denver but account for approximately 6% of all reported business burglaries.’ And don’t let the industry fool you: they’re not stealing the cash — thieves are targeting the much more valuable product. This, combined with the Common Sense Institute’s report last year of astronomical statewide increases in crime since the year we legalized marijuana should bring additional concern.”
The Denver Gazette: July 16, 2023 by Luke Niforatos
Read>>

EDITORIAL: Make fighting crime the highest priority
The Gazette: July 16, 2023
Read>>

Quand Taylor Swift attire la curiosité de la Fed : sa tournée américaine pourrait générer 4,6 milliards de dollars, soit plus que le PIB de 35 pays
“Le Common Sense Institute estime que les deux concerts généreront 140 millions de dollars pour le produit intérieur brut de l’État, et environ 200 millions de dollars de dépenses de consommation.”
Business AM: July 14, 2023 by Baptiste Lambert
Read>>

El impacto de Taylor Swift en la economía de Estados Unidos llama la atención de la Fed
“Este fin de semana, la gira de Taylor Swift llegará a Denver, Colorado. Una estimación del Common Sense Institute sugiere que el concierto generará 140 millones de dólares (mdd) para el producto interno bruto (PIB) del estado.”
Business Insider Mexico: July 14, 2023
Read>>

(Opinion) Other Voices: ‘Taylored’ to Colorado’s economy
Greeley Tribune: July 14, 2023
Read>>

Taylor Swift’s Denver Concerts Could Give Colorado Economy $140 Million Boost
“According to Kelly Caufield, the executive director of the Common Sense Institute, Swift’s concerts have become a catalyst for economic growth, demonstrating her undeniable influence on local businesses and communities.”
UK Snack Attack: July 14, 2023
Read>>

Taylor Swift, NY Yankees: How Denver hotels are preparing for an influx of visitors
“Experts say this will be a “milestone” weekend for Denver, one the city hasn’t experienced in nearly a decade.”
Denver Business Journal: July 14, 2023 by Cassidy Ritter
Read>>

New study from CSI shows crime costing Colorado billions
“A new study from the Common Sense Institute shows the billions of dollars crime is costing Colorado.”
KKCO 11 News: July 14, 2023
Watch>>

Taylor Swift’s Denver Concerts Projected to Boost Colorado’s Economy by $140 Million
“Kelly Caufield, executive director of the Common Sense Institute, expressed the impact of Swift’s powerful performances on the economy. She stated, ‘With her powerful performances that captivate millions of fans, Swift’s concerts have become the catalyst for an extraordinary economic surge, proving her indisputable impact on local businesses and communities.'”
NNN: July 15, 2023 by Jibril Adamu
Read>>

A Not-So ‘Cruel Summer’: Taylor Swift’s Tour Gets Nod for Boosting Economy
Yahoo Entertainment: July 14, 2023 by Eileen AJ Connelly
Read>>

Tomi Lahren argues Taylor Swift is ‘better qualified’ to run US economy than Biden
“During her shows in Colorado on Friday and Saturday this past weekend, Swift made a reported economic impact of $200 million in consumer spending with $140 million added to the state’s GDP, according to Common Sense Institute.”
Fox Business: July 17, 2023 by Kristen Altus
Read>>

Taylor Swift’s economic impact catches eye of Fed
“According to the Common Sense Institute, Swift’s tour in the US is expected to generate $4.6 billion in direct consumer spending.”
China Daily: July 14 2023
Read>>

Taylor Swift’s effect on the economy has caught the eye of the Fed
“This weekend, Swift’s tour is set to hit Denver, and one estimate from the Common Sense Institute suggests the concert may generate $140 million for the state’s gross domestic product.”
Markets Insider: July 14, 2023 by Matthew Fox
Read>>

Taylor Swift’s two Denver concerts could give Colorado economy a $140 million boost
Total spending could surpass $200 million this weekend, Common Sense Institute estimates”
Fort Morgan Times: July 14, 2023 Aldo Svaldi
Read>>

Business Headlines – The economic impact of Taylor Swift
“Taylor Swift’s concerts in Denver could raise Colorado’s GDP by $140 million for two evening performances. That’s according to the Common Sense Institute, a think tank focused on Colorado’s economy.”
News.KGNU.org: July 14, 2023 by Por Jaijongkit
Read>>

Indianapolis – Friday Business Headlines
“This weekend, Swift’s tour hits Denver, and one estimate from the Common Sense Institute suggests the concert will generate $140 million for the state’s gross domestic product.”
WISHTV.com: July 14, 2023 by Kyla Russell
Read>>

Colorado Inside Out features the Cost of Crime
PBS: July 14, 2023
Watch>>

Two chart-toppers — one in pop, the other in crime
“The most recent report from the Common Sense Institute, for which I am a Criminal Justice Fellow, makes clear that crime in Colorado today is far worse than it was in 2008, when the pop country Fearless album blew up the charts.” 
The Gazette: July 14, 2023 by George Brauchler
Read>>

Report: Taylor Swift concerts a $140M boost to Colorado economy
“Swift’s sold out shows at the 76,000-seat Empower Field on July 14 and 15 are projected to generate $201.7 million in direct consumer spending, according to the Common Sense Institute’s report, which summarized existing analyses, estimates and studies measuring the economic impact of Swift’s concerts throughout the U.S.”
The Center Square: July 11, 2023 by Joe Mueller
Read>>

Report: Colorado crime cost $27 billion last year
“Free market think tank Common Sense Institute released its annual Cost of Crime analysis, wherein researchers calculate the direct and indirect economic hole left by violence, theft, fraud and property damage. The study included the period between 2008 and 2023.”
Fox 31: July 13, 2023 by DJ Summers
Read>>

‘Taylored’ to Colorado’s economy | Denver Gazette
“That windfall shouldn’t be underestimated and is worth noting. As reported Wednesday in The Denver Gazette, the state’s business community is anticipating a big impact. Business groups are enthusiastic and cite a report by the think tank Common Sense Institute that’s cleverly dubbed, ‘Swiftonomics: Eras Tour Impact on Colorado.'”
Colorado Politics: July 13, 2023 by Denver Gazette Editorial Board
Read>>

Here’s how much Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour is generating for Denver’s economy
“The superstar’s shows Friday and Saturday at Empower Field at Mile High are estimated to bring in $140 million to Colorado’s gross domestic product, according to a new report from the Common Sense Institute, a business industry think tank.”
Axios Denver: July 13, 2023 by Alayna Alvarez
Read>>

New study from CSI shows crime costing Colorado billions
“A new study from the Common Sense Institute shows the billions of dollars crime is costing Colorado.
$27.2 billion is the estimated cost crime is having on the state. The report from the CSI shows summer homicides have spiked, murder rates increased by 18% from the first half of 2022 to the first half of 2023.”
KKCO 11 News: July 13, 2023 by Hannah Hickman
Watch>>

Taylor Swift concerts expected to generate $140M for state economy
“Taylor Swift will perform for two nights at Empower Field at Mile High, but experts say her impact on the local economy will be felt long after her final encore.”
Denver Business Journal: July 11, 2023 by Cassidy Ritter
Read>>

El Paso County man already facing attempted murder charge shot at a deputy
“In recent weeks, he authored a report for the Common Sense Institute that dives into ways to reduce crime rates in our communities. He outlines that many of these bond decisions fall at the feet of our judicial bench who are not properly accessing the risks associated with releasing people like Braden back into the community.”
KRDO: July 11, 2023 by Sean Rice
Read>>

Hey Swifties, here’s how to protect yourself against scammers in case you’re still hunting for a ticket
“The country-turned pop star is expected to generate $140 million to the state’s GDP, with Colorado “Swifities” spending about $200 million over the course of two days, according to the Common Sense Institute.”
Denver 7 KMGH: July 11, 2023 by Óscar Contreras
Watch>>

The suggested economic impact of the Taylor Swift concerts is probably overhyped
“The conservative think tank the Common Sense Institute put out a press release on the projected economic impact. We asked economists at CSU to fact check the claim.”
9 News: July 11, 2023 by Kyle Clark
Watch>>

Taylor Swift “Eras” tour coming to Denver estimated to bring in $140 million
“‘There’s national data that suggests the average Taylor Swift concert goer is spending about $1,300. For the full show experience: the tickets, the travel, the food, the merchandise, the lodging, this is all incredibly powerful to the Denver economy,’ Kelly Caufield, executive director for the Common Sense Institute said.”
Denver 7 KMGH: July 11, 2023 by Katie Parkins, Deb Stanley
Watch>>

How much people are punished for stealing a car in Colorado no longer depends on how much the car is worth
“Colorado has earned a place of infamy for car thefts in recent years. The business-oriented think tank Common Sense Institute found that Colorado led the nation in car thefts in 2021 and averaged around 4,000 thefts a month for the first half of 2022. Car thefts have declined since then, according to Colorado State Patrol, which trumpeted the new law as a help to future enforcement.”
CPR News: July 4, 2023 by Megan Verlee
Read>>

Is partnering with private sector key to addressing housing needs?
“In February of this year the Common Sense Institute issued a Grand Junction Housing Affordability Report.
While the report covered a variety of broad drivers of the costs in our local housing market, including a current gap of between 900 and 2,400 units, one major regulation was highlighted that demonstrates the economic impact of government policy on housing affordability.”
The Daily Sentinel: July 2, 2023 by Diane Schwenke
Read>>

New auto theft laws take effect in Colorado
“Several new state laws went into effect Saturday, including measures to punish car thieves with greater penalties.”
Denver 7: July 1, 2023 by Brandon Richard
Watch>>

2023 | June
2023 | May

Colorado’s fire chiefs say property tax relief bill would “devastate” districts
“The bill also changes the formula for the Taxpayer Bill of Rights and the free market think tank, Common Sense Institute, released analysis finding it will eliminate all TABOR refunds within the next few years.”
CBS News Colorado: May 5, 2023 by Shaun Boyd
Read>>

Report: Denver housing deficit grows as affordability decreases, property taxes skyrocket
“The Common Sense Institute published its Colorado Housing Affordability Report on Thursday with an analysis of trends in housing affordability in seven Denver metro counties and five other large counties in Colorado. Affordability, determined by the purchase price of a home plus mortgage interest, decreased by more than 100% in all but one county – Douglas – which came in at 99%”.
The Center Square: May 5, 2023 by Joe Mueller
Read>>

 

 
2023 | April

PERSPECTIVE: Denver mayoral candidates answer The Gazette
Gazette: The Common Sense Institute has estimated that two thirds of $1 billion in public and private nonprofit funding will be spent this year on homeless services in the Denver metro area. Would your plan on homelessness require even more money — or to spend current revenue more wisely or differently?”
The Gazette: April 30, 2023
Read>>

Recent Colorado laws will cost businesses $2 billion, analysis shows
“The study from the Common Sense Institute said the long-term annual cost of just seven laws and regulations totals $2 billion.”
The Denver Gazette: April 30, 2023 by Scott Weiser
Read>>

Brauchler 4-27-23 7am
Next, former Denver D.A. Mitch Morrissey joins to talk about a new study he co-authored about auto theft rates in Colorado. 
The George Show with George Brauchler
Listen>>

EDITORIAL: Curb the cost of car theft — pass SB 97
“A report released Wednesday by Colorado’s Common Sense Institute found the motor-vehicle theft rate in Colorado has skyrocketed 233% since 2014.”
The Gazette: April 27, 2023 
Read>>

Report: Colorado insurance premiums up $277M from increased auto thefts
“Colorado’s auto theft rate in 2022 was 801.2  thefts per 100,000 residents, up from 240.6 in 2014 – a 233% increase, said the report by the Common Sense Institute, a free-enterprise think tank. There were 46,568 vehicles reported stolen in the state last year, totalling an estimated $530 million in value.”
The Square Center: April 26, 2023
Read>>

EDITORIAL: Proposed law would harm Colorado women
“As mentioned in this space last week, a study by Colorado’s Commonsense Institute, found Colorado has suffered a substantial drop in companies relocating here in the past two years. The study identified two major factors: the soaring cost of housing and the rising cost of doing business — ramifications of excessive state regulations.”
The Denver Gazette: April 24, 2023
Read>>

PERSPECTIVE: Mayoral candidates answer The Gazette
Williams: We have been reducing crime, as a Commonsense Institute study documented. There are two key factors. Number one is to enhance our police department by increasing the number of officers. I’ve supported that, and I think we’ve added 62 new officers since I’ve been on City Council.”
The Gazette: April 23, 2023
Read>>

GUEST COLUMN: We must fix Colorado’s housing crisis
“According to the Common Sense Institute, Colorado’s “nonregional, local-control housing construct has severely constrained the industry’s ability to modernize, mitigating any opportunity to harness economies of scale, resulting in housing being produced at max cost.”
The Gazette: April 23, 2023 by Governor Jared Polis
Read>>

COLUMN: DA’s pledge to “get Trump” isn’t justice | George Brauchler
“George Brauchler is the former district attorney for the 18th Judicial District. He also is an Owens Early Criminal Justice Fellow at the Common Sense Institute and president of the Advance Colorado Academy, which identifies, trains and connects conservative leaders in Colorado.”
The Denver Gazette: April 13, 2023 by George Brauchler
Read>>

Delivery bill dangerous, misguided | OPINION
“New research from the nonpartisan Common Sense Institute estimates the bill would actually cost between $2.8 million and $4 million a year — four to five times the original estimate. We think the costs could be even greater still.”
Colorado Politics: April 13, 2023 by Maz Rettig
Read>>

GUEST COLUMN: Time for truth in sentencing in Colorado | Michael Fields
“The average monthly crime rate per 100,000 residents has increased from 442 in 2008 to 530 today; our murder rate is still 30% higher than it was pre-pandemic, and according to the Common Sense Institute, our larger cities remain in the top 10 in the nation for violent crime, rape, robbery, burglary, larceny/theft, motor vehicle theft, property crime, and arson.”
The Denver Gazette: April 13, 2023 by Michael Fields
Read>>

County commissioner asks City Council member to take action favorable to the commissioner’s personal financial interest
“The city’s housing shortage is significant. The Common Sense Institute, a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization, reported in February 2023 that the housing deficit last year in Colorado Springs ranged from 10,614 to 21,150 units.”
Colorado Springs Indy: April 12, 2023 by Pam Zubeck
Read>>

Colorado inflation up 1.3% in recent months, federal data shows
“That rate is down from 6.4%, the Common Sense Institute noted in a report on the BLS data.”
The Center Square: April 12, 2023 by Derek Draplin
Read>>

Far-reaching housing proposal would impact Colorado communities big and small
“The Common Sense Institute found Colorado had a housing shortage of 225,000 units in 2021, and the affordability of purchasing a home was the lowest in 33 years. According to the Bell Policy center, half of Colorado renters are cost-burdened, or spending more than a third of their income on housing.”
KUNC: April 11, 2023 by Lucas Brady Woods
Read>>

PERSPECTIVE: Another year, another record budget
“In December, the Common Sense Institute issued The Colorado Budget Then & Now. The annual report details a comparison of state budgets over the past 20 years and provides a guideline for examining the 2023-2024 budget. The trends in appropriations reflect the shifting priorities that are a direct result of laws and budgets passed each legislative session.”
The Gazette: April 7, 2023 by Kelly Caufield
Read>>

Denver would rather leave a golf course vacant than build new housing near a train station
Fortune: April 5, 2023
Read>>

Denver draws backlash over opening day preparations
“A 2021 study by the Common Sense Institute in collaboration with researchers at the University of Colorado Denver estimated the city spent more than $100,000 per homeless person per year.”
Straight Arrow News: April 4, 2023
Read>>

Brauchler 4-3-23 7am
“Former Denver police chief and now fellow at common sense institute, Paul Pazen joins George during the second hour and discusses the Mayoral race and what can be done for the city to save it.”
The George Show with George Brauchler: April 3, 2023
Listen>>

Research finds Colorado bill on gig payments underestimates cost to state
“However, the Common Sense Institute found 248,378 drivers operating in 2022, according to data from four delivery and transportation companies.” 
The Center Square: April 2, 2023
Read>>

2023 | March

Far-reaching housing proposal would impact Colorado communities big and small
“The Common Sense Institute found Colorado had a housing shortage of 225,000 units in 2021, and the affordability of purchasing a home was the lowest in 33 years. According to the Bell Policy center, half of Colorado renters are cost-burdened, or spending more than a third of their income on housing.”
KUNC: April 11, 2023 by Lucas Brady Woods
Read>>

PERSPECTIVE: Another year, another record budget
“In December, the Common Sense Institute issued The Colorado Budget Then & Now. The annual report details a comparison of state budgets over the past 20 years and provides a guideline for examining the 2023-2024 budget. The trends in appropriations reflect the shifting priorities that are a direct result of laws and budgets passed each legislative session.”
The Gazette: April 7, 2023 by Kelly Caufield
Read>>

Denver would rather leave a golf course vacant than build new housing near a train station
Fortune: April 5, 2023
Read>>

Denver draws backlash over opening day preparations
“A 2021 study by the Common Sense Institute in collaboration with researchers at the University of Colorado Denver estimated the city spent more than $100,000 per homeless person per year.”
Straight Arrow News: April 4, 2023
Read>>

Brauchler 4-3-23 7am
“Former Denver police chief and now fellow at common sense institute, Paul Pazen joins George during the second hour and discusses the Mayoral race and what can be done for the city to save it.”
The George Show with George Brauchler: April 3, 2023
Listen>>

Research finds Colorado bill on gig payments underestimates cost to state
“However, the Common Sense Institute found 248,378 drivers operating in 2022, according to data from four delivery and transportation companies.” 
The Center Square: April 2, 2023
Read>>

Liberal city’s ‘disgraceful’ move before baseball’s opening day has activists furious
“A 2021 report estimated the city of Denver spent between $41,679 and $104,201 per homeless person per year.”
Fox News: March 30, 2023
Read>>

Leslie Herod shares plans to build on 80 city-owned vacant lots in Denver
“A study from the Common Sense Institute found Denver needs between 13,000 and 31,000 units.”
The Denver Gazette: March 29, 2023
Read>> 

Legislating a vendetta makes bad policy | George Brauchler
“George Brauchler is the former district attorney for the 18th judicial district. He also is an Owens Early Criminal Justice Fellow at the Common Sense Institute…”
The Gazette: March 30, 2023 by George Brauchler
Read>>

Far-reaching housing proposal would impact Colorado communities big and small
“The Common Sense Institute found Colorado had a housing shortage of 225,000 units in 2021, and the affordability of purchasing a home was the lowest in 33 years.”
NPR for Northern Colorado: March 29, 2023 by Lucas Brady Woods
Read>>

The Policing Paradox
“An October report by the Common Sense Institute, a conservative think tank, blamed Colorado’s rising crime rates on changes in state law that it said had reduced the prison and parole populations.”
The Washington Post: March 27, 2023 by
Read>>

Meet the people being priced out of Denver as surging housing costs outpace wage growth
“Between August 2015 and August 2022, the average hourly wage in Colorado increased 27%, rising to $34.71 from $27, according to housing affordability research from Colorado’s Common Sense Institute.” 
The Denver Post: March 26, 2023 by Elizabeth Hernandez
Read>>

Celebrating Women’s History Month: Meet the Women Leaders Behind the Common Sense Institute
“From women’s history to history-in-the-making, Common Sense Institute is a rare, women-led think tank stepping up to take problems head on.”
Colorado Biz Magazine: March 24, 2023 by Jon Haubert
Read>>

Former Denver Police Chief Pazen joins Common Sense Institute as fellow
“Former Denver Police Chief Paul Pazen has joined Common Sense Institute as a public safety fellow, the group announced Friday. “
The Denver Gazette: March 24, 2023 by Luige Del Puerto
Read>>

Colorado’s unemployment rate ticks up to 2.9%
“An analysis by the Common Sense Institute, a free-enterprise think tank, said the jobs added last month showed “a return to steady employment growth after a loss in January.”
The Center Square: March 24, 2023
Read>>

EDITORIAL: Kelly Brough will bridge the gaps in public safety
“Meanwhile, a report by the Common Sense Institute finds that Denver’s crime rates are still higher than before the pandemic. Metro Denver is among the most crime-ridden metro areas in America, especially for auto theft.”
The Denver Gazette: March 24, 2023
Read>>

Haubert sworn in as Westminster police chief
“The Common Sense Institute, a Greenwood Village-based non-profit focused on economic research, found Colorado to be the top state in America for auto thefts in a study published Sept. 8, and four Colorado cities rank in the top ten in the United States. Those cities are Denver, Aurora, Westminster and Pueblo.” 
The Westminster Window: March 23, 2023 by Luke Zarzecki
Read>>

Metro Moves: AARP appoints Sara Schueneman as state director
“Cinamon Watson has joined the Common Sense Institute as the Chief Operating Officer according to a press release.”
The Denver Gazette: March 13, 2023 by Savannah Mehrtens
Read>>

Colorado unemployment at 2.8% for January
“While the state’s unemployment rate was 2.8%, the same as December, “the state has still not recovered to the pre-pandemic employment-to-population ratio,” according to an analysis of Bureau of Labor Statistics data by the Common Sense Institute, a free-enterprise think tank.”
The Center Square: March 13, 2023 by Derek Draplin
Read>>

New hope for Colorado’s homeless? | Colorado Springs Gazette
“Colorado’s Common Sense Institute studied years of results from the annual homelessness census, the Point in Time survey — used by communities to tap federal funding for homeless services. It concluded “unlike several places in the Denver metro area and the region as a whole, Colorado Springs is not experiencing a significant rise in its homeless population.””
Colorado Politics: March 6, 2023
Read>>

EDITORIAL: Kelly Brough is up to Denver’s crime fight
“As also noted in The Gazette’s report last week, a recent Common Sense Institute report shows Denver’s crime rates remain worse than before the pandemic. Metro Denver is among the most crime-ridden metro areas in America, especially for auto theft.”
The Denver Gazette: March 6, 2023
Read>>

Denver’s ‘affordable’ units ordinance, building permits delays drive frustrations, costs
“The analysis from the Common Sense Institute says Denver is short between 13,000 and 31,000 housing units today and will need to build between 31,000 and 49,000 more to accommodate expected population growth by 2028.”
The Denver Gazette: March 5, 2023 by Savannah Mehrtens
Read>>

PERSPECTIVE: Homelessness — a Colorado problem
“In 2021, Common Sense Institute (CSI) released The Economic Footprint of Homelessness in Metro Denver. The study provided a clear understanding of the size and scope of homelessness and the economic footprint — in other words, what resources Colorado is investing, where they are spent, and how. Since then, CSI has issued new studies providing updates and best practices.”
The Denver Gazette: March 5, 2023 by Kelly Caufield
Read>>

EDITORIAL: New hope for Colorado’s homeless?
“Colorado’s Common Sense Institute studied years of results from the annual homelessness census, the Point in Time survey — used by communities to tap federal funding for homeless services. It concluded, “unlike several places in the Denver metro area and the region as a whole, Colorado Springs is not experiencing a significant rise in its homeless population.”
The Gazette: March 5, 2023
Read>>

Colorado property owners to face astronomical tax increases next year
“A fundamental flaw of Colorado’s property tax system is that changes in property values, either up or down, have little bearing on how much local governments require in funding, said Chris Brown, director of policy and research with the Common Sense Institute, a pro-business think tank.”
Greeley Tribune: March 4, 2023 by Aldo Svaldi
Read>>

Would you let Denver Police have access to your car’s GPS System?
Colorado continually ranks #1 in auto thefts in the country, according to the conservative leaning Common Sense Institute. “
Denverite: March 3, 2023 by Tony Gorman
Read>>

Poll: Crime, homelessness, housing top issues for Denver voters
“A recent Common Sense Institute report shows Denver’s crime rates remain worse than before the COVID-19 pandemic, making Colorado’s biggest city among the most crime-ridden metro areas in America, particularly when it comes to car theft.”
The Denver Gazette: March 2, 2023 by Alex Edwards
Read>>

Xcel, Denver insist city’s power grid can handle higher load from electrification
“Previous analysis hints the expense will be significant. In its analysis last year of a law that requires the adoption of “green” building codes, the Common Sense Institute said it could cost homeowners statewide between $59 and $68 billion by 2031, exacerbating Colorado’s already acute housing shortage.”
The Denver Gazette: March 2, 2023 by Scott Weiser
Read>>

Colorado Springs more effective than Denver in handling homelessness crisis
“The drop in the city’s number of the unsheltered homeless population — individuals who sleep in cars, parks, abandoned building or camps —  “suggests that providers and policymakers in Colorado Springs have responded effectively to the city’s shortage of shelter,” said the report from the Common Sense Institute. “
The Gazette: March 1, 2023 by Debbie Kelly & Luige Del Puerto
Read>>

Activists shed light on homeless issues facing Grand Junction
““Homelessness: From the Ground Up” followed last week’s Common Sense Institute report that homelessness in Grand Junction increased 43% between 2019 and 2021.”
The Daily Sentinel: March 1, 2023 by Nathan Deal
Read>>

EDITORIAL: A Colorado crackdown on auto theft
“The vast majority of vehicles stolen in Colorado are valued at the lower end of the scale, says a 2022 report from Colorado’s Common Sense Institute.”
The Gazette: March 1, 2023
Read>>

2023 | February

Activists shed light on homeless issues facing Grand Junction
““Homelessness: From the Ground Up” followed last week’s Common Sense Institute report that homelessness in Grand Junction increased 43% between 2019 and 2021.”
The Daily Sentinel: March 1, 2023 by Nathan Deal
Read>>

EDITORIAL: A Colorado crackdown on auto theft
“The vast majority of vehicles stolen in Colorado are valued at the lower end of the scale, says a 2022 report from Colorado’s Common Sense Institute.”
The Gazette: March 1, 2023
Read>>

Colorado Springs more effective than Denver in handling homelessness crisis, report finds
“The drop in the city’s number of the unsheltered homeless population — individuals who sleep in cars, parks, abandoned building or camps —  “suggests that providers and policymakers in Colorado Springs have responded effectively to the city’s shortage of shelter,” said the report from the Common Sense Institute. “
The Denver Gazette: February 28, 2023 by Debbie Kelley, Luige Del Puerto
Read>>

‘A message to criminals’: Auto theft bill advances in Colorado Senate
“Mitch Morrissey of the Common Sense Institute testified that Colorado started to “go soft on auto theft” in 2014 and again in 2019, resulting in increases in stolen vehicles.”
The Center Square: February 28, 2023 by Joe Mueller
Read>>

Opinion: Are Colorado legislators trying to drive businesses out?
“This is no mere conjecture; studies of schedule predictability mandates found businesses responded by “offering employees less freedom to make schedule changes, offering fewer full-time jobs, increasing the share of part-time jobs, and scheduling fewer people per shift,” noted a recent Common Sense Institute analysis.
The Denver Post: February 28, 2023 by Krista Kafer
Read>>

Massive changes to service industries hang in balance
“Chris Brown, Vice President of policy and research at the business-focused Common Sense Institute, estimated the direct cost of compliance for a business with 250 workers will be between $2,200 and $5,800 per employee per year, totaling as much as $1 million annually.”
The Sum & Substance: February 27, 2023 
Read>>

Denver imposes natural gas ban on heating, cooling equipment in commercial buildings, multi-family housing
“In its analysis last year of a law that requires the adoption of “green” building codes, the Common Sense Institute said it could cost homeowners statewide between $59 and $68 billion by 2031, exacerbating Colorado’s already acute housing shortage.”
The Denver Gazette: February 27, 2023 by Scott Weiser
Read>>

Colorado lawmakers propose making all auto theft a felony, regardless of vehicle value
“Property crimes such as these, along with stolen vehicles, are on the rise in Colorado, a 2021 Common Sense Institute report states.”
Colorado Politics: February 27, 2023 by Hannah Metzger
Read>>

Is comparing Colorado Springs’ and Denver’s homeless populations fair or unfair?
“The Greenwood Village-based Common Sense Institute, which describes itself as a nonpartisan, independent research organization, studied years of results from a mandatory annual census known as the Point in Time survey — which is necessary for communities to receive federal funding for homeless services — and determined that “unlike several places in the Denver metro area and the region as a whole, Colorado Springs is not experiencing a significant rise its homeless population.”
The Gazette: February 26, 2023 by Debbie Kelley
Read>>

Report: Grand Junction Homelessness
“The Common Sense Institute released a report Wednesday saying the number of unhoused, and particularly unsheltered and unhoused, people has been rising rapidly in Grand Junction in recent years.”
Grand Junction Sentinel: February 23, 2023 by Sam Klomhaus
Read>>

A Colorado Springs study shoes that crime trend shows crime is down
“The report from the Common Sense Institute analyzed more than a decade’s worth of numbers. Despite what you may believe, it actually shows that crime in the Springs is down, but a much different story statewide.”
Yahoo News: February 21, 2023 
Read>>

LETTERS: Fair workweek bill hurts Colorado businesses
“The Common Sense Institute examined the bill and found that the regulations would lead to a cost increase of up to $5,800 per shift employee.”
Aurora Sentinel: February 21, 2023 by Michael Fields
Read>>

Poll: Strong response to Denver’s crime would attract voters’ support; voters oppose ‘defund’ police
“A recent study by the Common Sense Institute, for example, noted that the city’s crime rates remain worse than before the onslaught of the COVID-19 pandemic, making it among the most crime-ridden metro areas in America, particularly when it comes to car theft.”
The Denver Gazette: February 21, 2023 by Luige Del Puerto
Read>>
Missing the Bus – Op-Ed – Education Transportation
“In a report I wrote recently for the Common Sense Institute, I found that Colorado fails to collect data that would help inform policymakers on how best to improve access to transportation services, better align with families’ transportation needs, reduce reporting and reimbursement bureaucracy, and upgrade the funding system.”
The Gazette: February 19, 2023 by Jason Gaulden
Read>>

What’s Working: Denver inflation falls to 6.4%, which means we still have high inflation
“Some business owners said they’re already holding off on expanding in Colorado because of the bill. Others said the cost of compliance would be high —  $70,000 per year per location, said the Colorado Restaurant Association; $2,200 and $5,800 per shift employee per year, or up to $1 million for a business with 200 shift workers and 50 nonshift workers, according to a report from the Common Sense Institute, a think tank in Greenwood Village.”
The Colorado Sun: February 18, 2023
Read>>

Takeaways From Seven-Hour Hearing on Fair Workweek Bill
“Chris Brown, vice president of Policy & Research at the Common Sense Institute, predicted that the costs would run between $2,200 and $5,800 per shift employee per year for covered businesses with 200 shift workers.”
Westword: February 17, 2023 by Helen Xu
Read>>

Kelly Caufield on KOA

859 KOA: February 16, 2023
Read>>

Denver ranks in the top 10 in the U.S. for both auto theft and property crime.
“The report by the Common Sense Institute suggests that Denver’s crime situation is specific to the city itself, rather than reflecting a broader trend of rising crime across the state.”
Patch.com: February 16, 2023
Read>>

Hyundai offers free anti-theft software after increase in stolen cars
“According to a study by the Common Sense Institute, Denver is the third-highest city with more than 100,000 residents in auto theft.”
KDVR Fox 31: February 16, 2023 by Morgan Whitley
Read>>

Nine cities reached record homicides in 2022
“Violent crime in general is on the rise across Colorado, and the Common Sense Institute points to various contributing factors, including a heavier presence of fentanyl, drug trafficking, a 15.5% decrease in Colorado’s incarceration rate and certain criminal justice policy reforms.”
WFVX Bangor Fox22: February 16, 2023
Read>>

Denver among top 10 in the nation for auto theft property crime, rape
“The Common Sense Institute, a free-market think tank and policy analysis group, published a study on Denver crime Tuesday.”
KDVR Fox 31: February 16, 2023
Read>>

This Denver district’s crime rate was 91% higher than the second worst district
“Denver’s District 9, which includes the Central Business District, Union Station and Five Points, holds by far the worst crime rate in the city, according to a report from the Common Sense Institute.”
Denver Gazette: February 15, 2023
Read>>

Nine cities reached record homicides in 2022 as staffing shortages plagued police departments
“Violent crime in general is on the rise across Colorado, and the Common Sense Institute points to various contributing factors, including a heavier presence of fentanyl, drug trafficking, a 15.5% decrease in Colorado’s incarceration rate and certain criminal justice policy reforms.”
Fox News: February 15, 2023 by Audrey Conklin
Read>>

Metro Denver inflation rate moves lower — but not by much — last month
“Since 2020, the average Colorado household has spent $12,779 more due to inflation, according to a number provided by the Common Sense Institute.”
The Denver Post: February 15, 2023 by Aldo Svaldi
Read>>

Denver’s car theft, property crime rates still shocking compared to other cities
““In 2021, CSI produced the first analysis of the Colorado crime wave,” Common Sense Institute Executive Director Kelly Caufield told The Denver Gazette. “The bad news — Denver is still in the midst of a dangerous wave that is harming victims, ravaging the economy and preventing the city from flourishing.””
The Denver Gazette: February 14, 2023
Read>>

Chris Hansen portrays mayoral candidacy as antidote to Denver’s crime, homelessness in TV commercial
“Hansen coincidentally released his TV commercial on the same day a new report from Common Sense Institute shows Denver’s crime rates remain worse than before the onslaught of the COVID-19 pandemic, making Colorado’s biggest city among the most crime-ridden metro areas in America, notably when it comes to car theft.”
The Denver Gazette: February 14, 2023
Read>>

Denver crime up 75 percent since 2008, “dangerous crime wave” underway
“Denver is in the midst of a “dangerous crime wave,” according to a recent research study conducted by the Common Sense Institute (CSI), which has named Colorado’s capitol city among the top 10 worst cities in the United States for for crime. “
Out There Colorado: February 14, 2023 by Tamera Twitty
Read>>

Metro Moves: NEXT Gallery to open Casa Bonita Art Show this week
“The Common Sense Institute announced the Owens-Early Criminal Justice Fellowship on Feb. 10.”
Denver Gazette: February 13, 2023 by Savannah Merhtens
Read>>

Calls grow for statewide #Colorado water #conservation standards; some cities skeptical
“A new report commissioned by the Common Sense Institute and written by Colorado water veterans Jennifer Gimbel and Eric Kuhn, cites the need for broader conservation measures such as removing non-functional turf in new development, among other things.”
Coyote Gulch: February 13, 2023
Read>>

Colorado Democrats seek to lift rent control ban
Washington Examiner: February 8, 2023 by Joe Mueller
Read>>

How many more hours of work will a Denverite need to pay for a home
“In 2023, Coloradans will face municipal elections in some of our most populated cities and we want to make sure voters have the facts to make informed decisions about some of the biggest issues facing those communities,” Kelly Caufield, executive director of the Common Sense Institute, said in a statement.”
Out There Colorado: February 6, 2023
Read>>

Report: Affordable housing a crisis in Colorado
““In 2023, Coloradans will face municipal elections in some of our most populated cities and we want to make sure voters have the facts to make informed decisions about some of the biggest issues facing those communities,” Kelly Caufield, executive director of the Common Sense Institute, said in a statement.”
Our Community Now: February 6, 2023
Read>>

It takes twice as many hours to pay a mortgage than ten years ago
“The Common Sense Institute, a free-market think tank, released a series of studies last week on the expense of homes in Colorado Springs, Denver and Grand Junction.”
KDVR Fox 31: February 6, 2023
Read>>

Report: Affordable Housing a crisis in Colorado
“Finding, purchasing and paying for housing in Colorado continues to be a crisis, according to the nonpartisan nonprofit Common Sense Institute.”
The Center Square: February 2, 2023 by Joe Mueller
Read>>

Homebuyers will have to work harder to buy a home in Denver if they can
Denver Gazette: February 1, 2023
Read>>

2023 | January

In about face lawmakers seek tougher penalties on car theft particularly repeat offenders
Denver Gazette: January 31, 2023 by Marianne Goodland
Read>>

Tougher penalties for auto theft in Colorado could be coming after lawmakers about face

Denver Gazette: January 31, 2023 by Marianne Goodland
Read>>

A bid to curb Colorado auto theft
“The vast majority of vehicles stolen in Colorado are valued at the lower end of the scale, says a 2022 report from Colorado’s Common Sense Institute.”
Denver Gazette: January 31, 2023 by Editorial Board
Read>>

Amid spiking car thefts, state lawmakers want more severe punishment for thieves
“According to the Common Sense Institute, most motor vehicle theft happens in low-income neighborhoods. Most of the cars being stolen are valued between $15,000 and $24,000, followed by those valued between $5,000 and $10,000.”
Aspen Radio: January 31, 2023 by Lucas Bradley Woods
Read>>

Colorado’s school transportation system lacks transparency report says
“Colorado’s school transportation systems lack adequate oversight, according to a new report released Monday by the Common Sense Institute.”
Longmont Leader: January 30, 2023 by Amber Fisher
Read>>

In about face lawmakers seek tougher penalties on car theft particularly repeat offenders
“The vast majority of vehicles stolen in Colorado are valued at the lower end of the scale, according to a 2022 report from the Common Sense Institute, which reported last September that 85.6% of stolen vehicles are valued at less than $25,000, and 63.%% are valued at less than $15,000.”
Colorado Politics: January 30, 2023 by Marienne Goodland
Read>>

Metro Moves: Common Sense Institute names Economic Mobility Fellow
“Tamra Ryan has joined the Common Sense Institute (CSI) as the economic mobility fellow. Her role, which began on Jan. 27, will focus on researching issues that affect economic independence of individuals and aims to find how state and local jurisdictions can serve as a support system.”
The Denver Gazette: January 30, 2023 by Savannah Mehrtens
Read>>

Our TABOR Our Refunds
“In 2021, the Common Sense Institute published research that investigated our state’s increased education spending and where it has gone. “
Denver Gazette: January 29, 2023
Read>>

Let’s put Colorado first on its 150th report
“According to a November 2022 report from Common Sense Institute (CSI), elevated prices and rising interest rates have resulted in driving the affordability of purchasing a home to the lowest point in more than 33 years.”
Colorado Politics: January 27, 2023 by Dave Davia
Read>>

Colorado Democrats seek to lift states rent control ban with new bill
“Approximately 98% of Coloradans live in a county with an aggregate housing supply shortage, according to a report published last year by the Common Sense Institute. Between 46,600 and 72,600 permits are needed annually during the next two years to close the statewide housing supply deficit and meet the demands of future population growth.”
The Center Square: January 26, 2023 by Joe Mueller
Read>>

Early Childhood education is simply out of reach for most Longmont residents
“The high cost is simply impossible for some: 38% of the children in Colorado cannot access early childhood education because their families cannot afford the high prices (The Common Sense Institute).”
Longmont Daily Times Call
Read>>

Colorado Employers may soon be banned about asking candidates their age in job interviews
“Proponents say the changes would help cut back on age bias that hampers the careers and financial lives of a growing segment of Colorado’s workforce. Roughly one in four workers in the state are expected to be over the age of 54 by 2040, according to the Common Sense Institute, a Colorado-based economic research group.”
Colorado Public Radio: January 25, 2023 by Matt Bloom
Read>>

35,000 enroll in Colorado’s new public option
Analysis by the Common Sense Institute found the mandated price reductions without a reduction in health care costs would force medical providers to “cut costs in a way that impacts quality and access or pass on costs to the remaining private insurance market through higher prices.” 
The Center Square: January 19, 2023 by Joe Mueller
Read>>

Polis outlines ambitious plan on housing shortage, property tax hike, car theft in state address
Denver Gazette: January 19, 2023 by Luige del Puerto
Read>>

COLUMN: State of the State falls short on fixes of crime | George Brauchler
Denver Gazette: January 19, 2023 by George Brauchler
Read>>

Colorado’s Water Future: Leadership lessons from the past
Colorado Real Estate Journal: January 18, 2023
Read>>

Gov. Jared Polis focuses on housing and tax cuts in his fifth State of the State address
KUNC: January 17, 2023 by Lucas Brady Woods
Listen>>

Polis outlines ambitious plan on housing shortage, property tax hike, car theft in state address
“Car theft in Denver, for example, is second-highest in America, and three other Colorado cities rank in the top 10, according to a study by the Common Sense Institute.”
Colorado Politics: January 17, 2023 by Luige del Puerto
Read>>

Any car stolen in Colorado — even cheap ones — should be a felony, lawmakers say
Few car thefts actually result in arrest — the Common Sense Institute put the statewide arrest rate at less than 10% in 2022″
Finger Lake Times: January 16, 2023 by Nick Coltrain
Read>>

Any car stolen in Colorado — even cheap ones — should be a felony, lawmakers say
Few car thefts actually result in arrest — the Common Sense Institute put the statewide arrest rate at less than 10% in 2022″
Sterling Journal-Advocate: January 16, 2023 by Nick Coltrain
Read>>

Any car stolen in Colorado — even cheap ones — should be a felony, lawmakers say
Few car thefts actually result in arrest — the Common Sense Institute put the statewide arrest rate at less than 10% in 2022″
Denver Post: January 16, 2023 by Nick Coltrain
Read>>

Any car stolen in Colorado — even cheap ones — should be a felony, lawmakers say
Few car thefts actually result in arrest — the Common Sense Institute put the statewide arrest rate at less than 10% in 2022″
Gwinnett Daily Post: January 16, 2023 by Nick Coltrain
Read>>

Any car stolen in Colorado should be a felony lawmakers say
“Few car thefts actually result in arrest — the Common Sense Institute put the statewide arrest rate at less than 10% in 2022″
Canon City Record: January 16, 2023 by Nick Coltrain
Read>>

Common Sense Institute Celebrates Free Enterprise Award Honorees
“On December 13, in connection with the issuance of its 2023 Colorado Free Enterprise Report, the Common Sense Institute (CSI) honored leaders who…”
The Villager: January 12, 2023 by Freda Miklin
Read>>

The grim economic truth of FAMLI, public option
“The Common Sense Institute released an analysis of fiscal projections for the program and found that, “under higher cost assumptions… the premium would need to grow to 1.7% to keep the fund solvent.”
Colorado Politics: January 11, 2023 by Jimmy Sengenberger
Read>>

Armstrong: Democrats cynically claim affordability as a priority
“As a recent report from the Common Sense Institute puts the point, “At its heart, the free enterprise system is one in which people are free to make choices about what’s best for their own particular circumstances and needs.”
Complete Colorado: January 10, 2023 by Ari Armstrong
Read>>

Colorado’s master-planned communities no longer national blockbusters
“The Common Sense Institute estimates Colorado builders need to pull between 20,000 and 46,000 permits a year through 2025 to close the gap in the state’s housing stock and keep up with future population growth. “
Denver Post: January 7, 2023 by Aldo Svaldi
Read>>

Colorado’s master-planned communities no longer national blockbusters
“The Common Sense Institute estimates Colorado builders need to pull between 20,000 and 46,000 permits a year through 2025 to close the gap in the state’s housing stock and keep up with future population growth. “
Denver Post: January 7, 2023 by Aldo Svaldi
Read>>

Analysis warns of increased costs, insolvency for Colorado’s new paid family leave program
“The Common Sense Institute warned in an analysis released on Friday that its modeling shows “the program could overburden Colorado employers with costs or become insolvent over the next several years.”
Center Square: January 6, 2023 by Derek Draplin
Read>>

Colorado hit by tsunami of higher taxes, new fees and paycheck cuts
“The general theme is: It’s becoming more expensive to live here in Colorado, and if we don’t watch out we’ll start to become less competitive to other states relative to attracting and keeping business,” economist Steven Byers at the conservative Common Sense Institute says.”
Axios: January 6, 2023 by John Frank
Read>>

His daughter’s car was stolen right in front of him. So he followed the thieves.
“Meanwhile, only 9.4% of thefts resulted in an arrest, according to data from the Common Sense Institute.”
Denver 7: January 5, 2023
Read>>

Colorado’s egg producers, consumers likely to see prices continue to climb
“Steven Byers, an economist with the Common Sense Institute, a free-enterprise think tank in the state, said new laws often mean higher prices for consumers.”
Kiowa County Press: January 2, 2023
Read>>

Colorado’s egg producers, consumers likely to see prices continue to climb
“Steven Byers, an economist with the Common Sense Institute, a free-enterprise think tank in the state, said new laws often mean higher prices for consumers.”
Center Square: January 2, 2023 by Joe Mueller
Read>>

Voters embraced affordable housing initiatives. Advocates say Congress should do the same.
According to a 2021 report co-authored by LiFari and Evelyn Lim, from Common Sense Institute, an organization that provides research on Colorado’s economy, the state has to provide 54,190 new housing units each year over a five-year period to make up for lack of building during the Great Recession and to address future housing needs.”
Pennsylvania Capital Star: January 1, 2023 by Casey Quinlan
Read>>

EDITORIAL: A new year — and new hope for Denver
“A Common Sense Institute report says the metro area is on track to spend two thirds of a billion dollars on homeless services in the coming year.”
The Denver Gazette: January 1, 2023
Read>>

2022 | December

850 KOA News: December 30, 2022
Listen >>

Group urges Colorado to focus on essentials due to Inflation, possible recession
“Colorado needs to prioritize essential issues and return to principles of free enterprise, according to the 2023 edition of the “Colorado Free Enterprise Report,” by the Common Sense Institute. “Colorado policymakers will face tough decisions with high inflation and a potential recession on the horizon,” the report said.”
The Trinidad Chronicle: December 26, 2022
Read >>

EDITORIAL: Let’s uplift Colorado’s homeless
“In a watershed study last year, Colorado’s Common Sense Institute found that in the metro Denver area alone, just under half a billion — billion, with a “b” — dollars a year was being spent on serving the homeless through public as well as private, nonprofit programs.”
The Gazette: December 21, 2022
Read >>

Colorado deserves truth in sentencing | Denver Gazette
“The link between declining incarceration and rising crime seems self-evident. A groundbreaking study released last year by Colorado’s Common Sense Institute reaffirmed that. The study found that the number of convicts behind bars at Colorado prisons dropped an astounding 23% from 2008 to 2021— while the number of crimes per year exploded by 47%.”
Denver Gazette: December 19, 2022
Read >>

Voters embraced affordable housing initiatives. Advocates say Congress should do the same.
“Peter LiFari, executive director at Maiker Housing Partners, a public housing authority in Adams County, Colorado, said that Congress often treats housing an “afterthought,” by keeping funding for housing affordability low. According to a 2021 report co-authored by LiFari and Evelyn Lim, from Common Sense Institute, an organization that provides research on Colorado’s economy, the state has to provide 54,190 new housing units each year over a five-year period to make up for lack of building during the Great Recession and to address future housing needs.”
Nebraska Examiner: December 19, 2022 by Casey Quinlan
Read >>

EDITORIAL: Colorado deserves truth in sentencing
“The link between declining incarceration and rising crime seems self-evident. A groundbreaking study released last year by Colorado’s Common Sense Institute reaffirmed that. The study found that the number of convicts behind bars at Colorado prisons dropped an astounding 23% from 2008 to 2021— while the number of crimes per year exploded by 47%.”
The Gazette: December 18, 2022
Read >>

What’s Working: Colorado sees decline in labor force but job numbers are still better than U.S.
““If a Federal Reserve-induced recession occurs in Colorado, and the unemployment rate reacts as it has in past recessions, then based on the recent increase in the Fed funds rate, the unemployment rate could increase by 5.9 percentage points and there could be up to 171,000 job losses,” said Steven L. Byers, senior economist at conservative think tank The Common Sense Institute in Greenwood Village, in a new report.”
The Colorado Sun: December 17, 2022 by Tamara Chuang
Read >>

Voters embraced affordable housing initiatives. Advocates say Congress should do the same.
“Peter LiFari, executive director at Maiker Housing Partners, a public housing authority in Adams County, Colorado, said Congress often treats housing as an “afterthought,” by keeping funding for housing affordability low. According to a 2021 report co-authored by LiFari and Evelyn Lim, from Common Sense Institute, an organization that provides research on Colorado’s economy, the state has to provide 54,190 new housing units each year over a five-year period to make up for lack of building during the Great Recession and to address future housing needs.”
Iowa Capital Dispatch: December 17, 2022 by Casey Quinlan
Read >>

Colorado’s labor force declines
““If a Federal Reserve-induced recession occurs in Colorado, and the unemployment rate reacts as it has in past recessions, then based on the recent increase in the Fed funds rate, the unemployment rate could increase by 5.9 percentage points, and there could be up to 171,000 job losses,” said Steven L. Byers, senior economist at conservative think tank The Common Sense Institute in Greenwood Village, in a new report.”
The Aspen Times: December 17, 2022
Read >>


PBS12 Livestream: December 16, 2022

Inflation in Denver metro area at 6.9%
““The primary causes of this change are nominal decreases in the prices of household fuels and transportation (driven largely by a decrease in the price of motor vehicle fuel since July) and slower rates of growth of other prices, like food and beverages,” said an analysis of the data by the Common Sense Institute, a free-enterprise think tank in Colorado.”
Washington Examiner: December 15, 2022 by Derek Draplin
Read >>

Housing affordability the key to quality workforce | OPINION
“According to the Common Sense Institute (CSI), home affordability since 2015 is 86% lower, meaning that it’s almost twice as expensive to buy a home. Redfin reports the median price of a home in Douglas County is $665,000.”
Colorado Politics: December 15, 2022 by Amy Sherman
Read >>

Group urges Colorado to focus on essentials due to Inflation, possible recession
“Colorado needs to prioritize essential issues and return to principles of free enterprise, according to the 2023 edition of the “Colorado Free Enterprise Report,” by the Common Sense Institute.”
The Center Square: December 15, 2022 by Joe Mueller
Read >>

Inflation in Denver metro area at 6.9%
““The primary causes of this change are nominal decreases in the prices of household fuels and transportation (driven largely by a decrease in the price of motor vehicle fuel since July) and slower rates of growth of other prices, like food and beverages,” said an analysis of the data by the Common Sense Institute, a free-enterprise think tank in Colorado.”
The Center Square: December 15, 2022 by Derek Draplin
Read >>

Free enterprise will let Colorado achieve its potential | PODIUM
“In the new Common Sense Institute (CSI) Free Enterprise Report, we look ahead at the challenges and opportunities that will face our state in the coming year.”
Colorado Politics: December 13, 2022 by Evelyn Lim
Read >>

Colorado think tank sees economic perils ahead, argues for free market approach to challenges
“The new report by the Common Sense Institute paints both an optimistic and foreboding future, noting that Colorado’s employment growth ranks among the top 10 states in the country but that perils persist in the form of slowing migration, which could mean insufficient workforce, rising inflation and the possibility of a recession.”
Colorado Politics: December 13, 2022 by Luige Del Puerto
Read >>

EDITORIAL: Polis presides over a growing government

The Denver Gazette: December 13, 2022 by
Read >>

Colorado appropriating over $6,300 per capita in 2023
“The state appropriated $6,333 per Coloradan in fiscal year 2023, up from $4,955 20 years ago, according to the Common Sense Institute, a free-enterprise think tank.”
MSN: December 12, 2022 by Derek Draplin
Read >>

Colorado appropriating over $6,300 per capita in 2023
“The state appropriated $6,333 per Coloradan in fiscal year 2023, up from $4,955 20 years ago, according to the Common Sense Institute, a free-enterprise think tank.”
Washington Examiner: December 12, 2022 by Derek Draplin
Read >>

Driven by union-related spending, Colorado government keeps growing | COVER STORY
“Spending by Colorado’s state government has been expanding for the last 20 years, according to the Common Sense Institute, which released a report Thursday showing that total state appropriations per Coloradan, as adjusted for inflation, grew by 28% over the last 20 years from $4,955 to $6,333 in fiscal year 2023.”
Colorado Politics: December 12, 2022 by Marianne Goodland
Read >>

How Colorado’s budget has grown in 20 years
“Colorado has never had a larger budget, according to an analysis of previous budgets by the Common Sense Institute, a non-partisan free market think tank. The Centennial State’s total appropriations for the 2023 fiscal year come to $37.4 billion.”
KDVR Fox 31: December 12, 2022 by DJ Summers
Read >>

Colorado appropriating over $6,300 per capita in 2023
“The state appropriated $6,333 per Coloradan in fiscal year 2023, up from $4,955 20 years ago, according to the Common Sense Institute, a free-enterprise think tank.”
The Center Square: December 9, 2022 by Derek Draplin
Read >>

Colorado spending averages over $6,300 per person in 2023
“The state appropriated $6,333 per Coloradan in fiscal year 2023, up from $4,955 20 years ago, according to the Common Sense Institute, a free-enterprise think tank.”
Kiowa County Press: December 9, 2022 by Derek Draplin
Read >>

Colorado workers to see state-run paid leave deductions from paychecks starting January
“A study done by the Common Sense Institute found that FAMLI is likely to go bankrupt in just its second year of claim eligibility.The report says the direct costs of the program have not yet been fully explored.”
Axios: December 8, 2022 by Sherrie Peif
Read >>

Colorado car thefts are soaring and growing more dangerous
“The estimated value of stolen vehicles this year totals between $468.1 million and $848.3 million, per a Common Sense Institute report from September. State of play: Arrests aren’t keeping up with the state’s vehicular robbery rate, data shows. In the first six months of the year, Colorado’s arrest rate per motor vehicle theft was 9.4%, down from 15.5% in 2019, according to the Common Sense Institute.”
Complete Colorado: December 8, 2022 by Alayna Alvarez
Read >>

Pueblo Police Department sounding the alarm about ‘puffer’ thefts
“Pueblo is one of the top 10 cities in the country for auto theft per capita, according to a report from the Common Sense Institute, a “non-partisan research organization dedicated to the protection and promotion of Colorado’s economy.”
The Pueblo Chieftain: December 5, 2022 by Justin Reutter 
Read >>

2022 | November

Target 7 Investigates: Is there a safe space?
“In a report by the Common Sense Institute and by the Metro Denver Homeless Initiative, the homeless population in Metro Denver has risen to its highest number since 2012.”
KOAT Action News: November 24, 2022 by
Read >>

Urban Creep is Changing Parker; but is it for the better?
“However, motor vehicle theft–as well as vehicle break-ins–may be the most shocking statistic. According to a 2022 report by Common Sense Institute, Colorado now leads the nation in motor vehicle thefts after an increase of more than 32% in 2022 over the previous year. This has been a change I’ve felt personally.”
News Break: November 23, 2022 by
Read >>

Insurance savings from Colorado Option ‘hypothetical,’ think tank says
“In a report, the Common Sense Institute, a free enterprise think tank, said the $294 million in savings — out of the $326 million touted by the administration — is already accounted for via Colorado’s reinsurance program, which has been in place since 2020 and which impacts only the individual market, not the small group market.”
The Gazette: November 20, 2022 by
Read >>

Insurance savings from Colorado Option ‘hypothetical,’ think tank says
“In a report, the Common Sense Institute, a free enterprise think tank, said the $294 million in savings — out of the $326 million touted by the administration — is already accounted for via Colorado’s reinsurance program, which has been in place since 2020 and which impacts only the individual market, not the small group market.”
Denver Gazette: November 19, 2022 by
Read >>

Colorado’s unemployment rate up to 3.6% last month, but still under national rate
“An analysis by the Common Sense Institute, a free-enterprise think tank, noted the state’s ‘population-adjusted employment recovered to its pre-pandemic level for the first time.'”
Kiowa County Press: November 19, 2022 by
Read >>

October mystery: Colorado hiring surges, but unemployment rate also rises
“Steven Byers, a senior economist with the Common Sense Institute in Denver, describes the divergence as paradoxical. Hiring wasn’t tepid, so why did more people say they were unemployed? “This may have an explanation such as people holding down more than one job or this will be corrected as the numbers are revised,” he said in an analysis of Friday’s report. One reason people may be taking on second jobs is to cope with inflation at a 40-year high.”
Greeley Tribune: November 19, 2022 by
Read >>

Brauchler 11-18-22 HR 3
“An analysis by the Common Sense Institute, a free-enterprise think tank, noted the state’s ‘population-adjusted employment recovered to its pre-pandemic level for the first time.'”Guest: Chris Brown – Vice President of Policy & Research at Common Sense Institute Colorado 

Listen >>

Colorado’s unemployment rate up to 3.6% last month, but still under national rate
“An analysis by the Common Sense Institute, a free-enterprise think tank, noted the state’s ‘population-adjusted employment recovered to its pre-pandemic level for the first time.'”Guest: Chris Brown – Vice President of Policy & Research at Common Sense Institute Colorado 

Listen >>

Colorado’s unemployment rate up to 3.6% last month, but still under national rate
“An analysis by the Common Sense Institute, a free-enterprise think tank, noted the state’s ‘population-adjusted employment recovered to its pre-pandemic level for the first time.'”
Denver Post: November 18, 2022 by
Read >>

October mystery: Colorado hiring surges, but unemployment rate also rises
“Steven Byers, a senior economist with the Common Sense Institute in Denver, describes the divergence as paradoxical. Hiring wasn’t tepid, so why did more people say they were unemployed? “This may have an explanation such as people holding down more than one job or this will be corrected as the numbers are revised,” he said in an analysis of Friday’s report. One reason people may be taking on second jobs is to cope with inflation at a 40-year high.”
Denver Post: November 18, 2022 by
Read >>

Adopt higher temperature threshold that triggers emergency shelter, Denver housing advocates argue
“In a recent report, the Common Sense Institute said local governments and nonprofits are on track to spend nearly $2 billion over a three-year period to tackle homelessness in some counties in the Denver metro area. Critics called that study “purposefully misleading.” The explosive projected growth in spending from 2021 through 2023 reflects the gravity of the challenge that the public and private sectors face as they struggle to contain homelessness in Colorado’s biggest cities. Indeed, the study from the Common Sense Institute said the number of homeless people grew by double digits from 2020 to 2022 – levels unseen since 2008 for one specific population.”
Colorado Politics: November 16, 2022 by
Read >>

Denver City Council approves $1.66 billion budget for 2023
“In a report, the Common Sense Institute said local governments and nonprofits are on track to spend nearly $2 billion over a three-year period to tackle homelessness in some counties in the Denver metro area. Critics called that study ‘purposefully misleading.'”
The Denver Gazette: November 14, 2022 by
Read >>

Denver City Council approves $1.66 billion budget for 2023
“In a report, the Common Sense Institute said local governments and nonprofits are on track to spend nearly $2 billion over a three-year period to tackle homelessness in some counties in the Denver metro area. Critics called that study ‘purposefully misleading.'”
The Denver Gazette: November 14, 2022 by
Read >>

GUEST COLUMN: Water for Colorado’s 21st century economy
“Our goals when we accepted the challenge as 2022 Terry J. Stevenson Fellows at the Common Sense Institute were to work collaboratively, navigate our differences, and offer a joint paper that examines the issues facing Colorado’s future water supply and offer achievable solutions. Our report: “Adapting Colorado’s Water Systems for a 21st Century Economy and Water Supply,” was just released this week, and in line with the nature of the fellowship, offers six calls for collaborative action: Colorado will have to do more with less water; reducing the competition for water will require more regional cooperation and planning to manage, share, and reuse existing water supplies.”
Denver Gazette: November 9, 2022 by
Read >>

Colorado income tax cut measure wins big
“The Affordable Housing measure comes at a time when Colorado is facing a housing shortage. An analysis by the Common Sense Institute estimates that the state’s housing deficit is between 25,077 and 116,907 units.”
Kiowa County Press: November 9, 2022 by Derek Draplin
Read >>

Colorado homeowners misery index rising as cost of purchasing a home doubled in 7 years
“The cost to purchase a Colorado home has doubled in the last 7 years, leading the affordability index to be the lowest it has been in 33 years, according to the Common Sense Institute’s most recent report. The median home price in Colorado is currently $580,275 with a 30-year mortgage rate of 5.22%, according to the report.”
Denver Gazette: November 8, 2022 by
Read >>

No such thing as a free lunch
“The proponents of Prop FF are certainly well intentioned, but there could be several unintended consequences if this measure passes. According to their 2022 Ballot Guide, the nonpartisan research think tank The Common Sense Institute suggests there’s a real risk that funding for the program will be much higher than necessary. Their estimates show that in only 10 years, in 2033, surplus revenues could be as high as $1.02 billion. Those surplus revenues will never be returned to taxpayers. It would go to the General Fund — where it could be spent on anything the legislature wants.”
The Daily Sentinel: November 6, 2022 by Michael Fields
Read >>

Colorado Voters to Decide Whether All Schoolkids Get a Free Lunch  
“The Common Sense Institute, a nonpartisan free-market think tank, analyzed the measure and raised several concerns, with modeling that showed it could be underfunded or raise more money than is needed.”
PBS News Hour: November 6, 2022
Read >>

Colorado Voters to Decide Whether All Schoolkids Get a Free Lunch  
The Common Sense Institute, a nonpartisan free-market think tank, analyzed the measure and raised several concerns, with modeling that showed it could be underfunded or raise more money than is needed. ‘There needs to be some good oversight on the program so that costs are managed well, and also that they don’t develop a huge surplus,’ said Steven Byers, the group’s senior economist.”
KHN: November 3, 2022 by
Read >>

Unaffordability in Colorado’s housing market ‘remains elevated,’ analysis says  
“The analysis from the Common Sense Institute found that while home prices in the state have decreased by 3% since May, mortgage rates are up by 32%. That’s caused the Colorado Homebuyer Misery Index, which CSI calculates to measure new home affordability, to remain elevated around 190, which is up from the 130s range in 2019.”
Kiowa County Press: November 3, 2022 by
Read >>

Unaffordability in Colorado’s housing market ‘remains elevated,’ analysis says  
“The analysis from the Common Sense Institute found that while home prices in the state have decreased by 3% since May, mortgage rates are up by 32%. That’s caused the Colorado Homebuyer Misery Index, which CSI calculates to measure new home affordability, to remain elevated around 190, which is up from the 130s range in 2019.”
The Center Square: Colorado: November 3, 2022 by
Read >>

Spate of violent crime unnerves Colorado’s business community  
“Rising crime plagues metro Denver, with numbers that are among the worst in the country. Car theft in Denver, for example, is second highest in the nation, and three other Colorado cities rank in the Top 10, according to a study by the Common Sense Institute. Car thefts are on track to exceed 48,000 this year, while include arson, robbery and vandalism also continue to spike, said the study, which cited FBI statistics.”
The Denver Gazette: November 3, 2022 by
Read >>

Colorado Voters to Decide Whether All Schoolkids Get a Free Lunch  
The Common Sense Institute, a nonpartisan free-market think tank, analyzed the measure and raised several concerns, with modeling that showed it could be underfunded or raise more money than is needed. ‘There needs to be some good oversight on the program so that costs are managed well, and also that they don’t develop a huge surplus,’ said Steven Byers, the group’s senior economist.”
KHN: November 3, 2022 by
Read >>

Swift action needed in Colorado’s water stewardship: Panel  
“Projections by the Common Sense Institute, a nonpartisan policy think tank, show that Prop 121 would also add jobs to Colorado’s economy. The dynamic impact of tax savings in 2023 would be an estimated additional 9,110 jobs.”
Colorado Politics: November 3, 2022 by Michael Fields
Read >>

Swift action needed in Colorado’s water stewardship: Panel  
“A discussion hosted by The Common Sense Institute Wednesday centered on the future of water usage in Colorado and featured key findings in a new report. Kristin Strohm, the President and CEO of the Common Sense Institute (CSI), along with Terry J. Stevinson fellows Jennifer Gimbel and Eric Kuhn, discussed the findings the report that contains an overview of water challenges in Colorado, recommendations for state agency, legislative, regional and local actions, and an analysis of economic dynamics for water future.”
The Denver Gazette: November 2, 2022 by Kyla Pearce
Read >>

Colorado Springs senator said law he backed has unintended consequences adding to car thefts  
“Last week, the Common Sense Institute released Homelessness in Metro Denver: An Opportunity to Transform Resources & the Existing System. The study quantifies the resources dedicated to addressing homelessness in the Denver Metro region. CSI has taken on this issue and sought to provide elected officials and citizens with the facts about the growing population of people experiencing homelessness and the increasing amount of resources we, as taxpayers and community members, are investing to help individuals experiencing homelessness.”
KRDO: November 1, 2022 by 
Read >>

2022 | October

PERSPECTIVE: The toll of homelessness  
“Last week, the Common Sense Institute released Homelessness in Metro Denver: An Opportunity to Transform Resources & the Existing System. The study quantifies the resources dedicated to addressing homelessness in the Denver Metro region. CSI has taken on this issue and sought to provide elected officials and citizens with the facts about the growing population of people experiencing homelessness and the increasing amount of resources we, as taxpayers and community members, are investing to help individuals experiencing homelessness.”
The Gazette: October 30, 2022 by
Read >>

Proposition 121’s Tax Decrease Would Likely Increase Taxes For Most Coloradans When The Economy Is Strong  
“Stephen Byers of Colorado’s Common Sense Institute says as far as adding a tax table to spell out how taxes would affect different income levels, he can see why people would want that.”
Aspen Public Radio: October 28, 2022 by
Read >>

Proposition 121’s Tax Decrease Would Likely Increase Taxes For Most Coloradans When The Economy Is Strong  
“Stephen Byers of Colorado’s Common Sense Institute says as far as adding a tax table to spell out how taxes would affect different income levels, he can see why people would want that.”
KGNU: October 27, 2022 by
Read >>

Proposition 123: A Fix for Colorado’s Affordable Housing Crisis?  
“Another critique of Proposition 123 comes from Peter Lifari, executive director of Maiker Housing Partners in Adams County, and Chris Brown, the vice president of policy and research for the conservative-leaning Common Sense Institute. Lifari and Brown penned an analysis for CSI looking at the measure and highlighted a loophole that allows local governments not to participate.”
Westword: October 27, 2022 by
Read >>

Colorado is seeing auto thefts on the rise  
“Colorado is starting to see more stolen cars. According to a recent study done by the Common Sense Institute, Colorado ranked no. 1 for the state with the most auto thefts last year.”
KOAA News5: October 26, 2022 by Caroline Peters
Read >>

Health insurance costs to increase next year as Polis camp touts ‘substantial savings’  
“Earlier this year, a report on the Colorado Option by the Common Sense Institute warned that if the program can’t keep up with inflation, ‘health care providers will likely be forced to choose between cutting services and passing on costs by raising prices for most insured Coloradans.’”
The Center Square: Colorado: October 26, 2022 by Derek Draplin
Read >>

Evelyn Lim and Peter LiFari join KLZ 560 to discuss Colorado’s Housing Market
Common Sense Institute Housing Fellows, Evelyn Lim & Peter LiFari joined KLZ 560 to discuss Colorado’s housing market and ways to address impending issues.
KLZ 560 100.7FM.: October 25, 2022
Listen >>

Routt GOP: Voters can restore balance in local, state, federal politics on Nov. 8 
“Rep. Roberts supported HB22-1326, the Fentanyl Accountability and Prevention bill, that simply adjusted the amount of illegal doses of fentanyl and did nothing to curb trafficking and prevent overdoses. Representative Roberts also supported SB-217, the Police Integrity Transparency and Accountability Act, which mandated onerous reporting processes that took police resources off the street. He also supported HB22-1362, Building Greenhouse Gas Emissions, which will require building code changes to comply with “green energy” mandates. According to the Common Sense Institute, these mandates will add about $42,000 to building costs for each new home in Colorado, making housing less affordable.”
Steamboat Pilot & Today: October 25, 2022 by Routt County Republican Central Committee
Read >>

New state board meets to create Colorado’s first statewide building codes  
“Concerned about the impact of the new requirements, the Common Sense Institute, a Denver-area think tank, issued a report in June that puts the incremental costs of the codes for each new residential build at between $6,450 and $22,352.”
The Gazette: October 25, 2022 by Scott Weiser
Read >>

New state board meets to create Colorado’s first statewide building codes 
“Concerned about the impact of the new requirements, the Common Sense Institute, a Denver-area think tank, issued a report in June that puts the incremental costs of the codes for each new residential build at between $6,450 and $22,352.”
The Gazette: October 25, 2022 by Scott Weiser
Read >>

Room for Improvement: No Eviction Without Representation on Denver Ballot
“Common Sense Solutions for Denver, the only registered opposition, has raised more than that, including $125,000 from the Apartment Association of Metro Denver. There are three main problems with the initiative, according to Drew Hamrick, general counsel and senior vice president of government affairs for that association. ‘It’s way, way, way too expensive,’ he says. ‘The revenue source and funding are not means-tested, so it has a very disproportionate impact on the lowest level of the economy. And, frankly, the program’s not necessary.'”
Denver Westword: October 25, 2022 by
Read >>

Colorado could become one of few states that pays for all student lunches. It’s up to voters
“The Common Sense Institute, a business-funded think tank, didn’t suggest voters support or oppose the measure. It did warn of uncertain revenue collections. The revenue collected under the program would be exempt from collection caps typical under the Taxpayer Bill of Rights, meaning the state could keep any extra money, according to the Institute. Conversely, the program could also be jeopardized by under-collections.”
Greeley Tribune: October 24, 2022 by
Read >>

New state board meets to create Colorado’s first statewide building codes
“Concerned about the impact of the new requirements, the Common Sense Institute, which describes itself as a non-partisan research institute, issued a report in June that puts the incremental costs of the codes for each new residential build at between $6,450 and $22,352.”
Denver Gazette: October 24, 2022 by
Read >>

Dave Davia, Common Sense Institute on homeless initative; Is Biden marching us toward war in Ukraine
“There is a nonpartisan, common sense solution to homelessness, and Dave Davia of the Common Sense Institute joins Dan to discuss those plans and initiatives. Also, American troops are training on the Romanian-Ukrainian border – is Joe Biden preparing us for a march to war to save his failing Presidency?”
iHeart Radio: October 24, 2022
Listen >>

Brauchler 10-25-22 7am
“Ballots have arrived. The candidates are easy but what about those ballot measures? George welcome Michael Fields from Advanced Colorado and they walk through the who, what, and why of each ballot issue. Who pus this forward? What will it do if passed? Why is this an issue?”
710 KNUS: The George Brauchler Show: October 6, 2022 by
Listen >>

Denver Gazette: More funding, more homeless — go figure
“The compassion of Coloradans knows no bounds when it comes to the homeless. An eye-opening study released Friday by Colorado think tank Common Sense Institute has concluded that more than $1.7 billion will be spent combating homelessness over three years — from 2021 through next year — a staggering increase in funding.”Ballots have arrived. The candidates are easy but what about those ballot measures? George welcome Michael Fields from Advanced Colorado and they walk through the who, what, and why of each ballot issue. Who pus this forward? What will it do if passed? Why is this an issue? 
Denver Gazette: October 24, 2022 by
Read >>

Almost $2 billion allocated to tackle homelessness in metro Denver over 3 years, study says
“The explosive projected growth in spending from 2021 through 2023 reflects the gravity of the challenge that the public and private sectors face as they struggle to contain homelessness in Colorado’s biggest cities. Indeed, the study from the Common Sense Institute said the number of homeless people grew by double digits from 2020 to 2022 – levels unseen since 2008 for one specific population.”
Denver Gazette: October 21, 2022 by Jessica Gibs
Read >>

‘We had a trailer full of our belongings’: local resident has trailer stolen
“COLORADO SPRINGS — Colorado has seen a recent increase in crime. According to the Commonsense Institute, Colorado ranks no. 1 in motor theft and no. 2 in crimes against property.”
KOAA News: Southern Colorado: October 20, 2022 by Caroline Peters
Read >>

Water conference to discuss adapting to conditions
“The session, “Adapting Colorado’s Water Systems for a 21st Century Water Supply and Economy” will be hosted by the Common Sense Institute, the Community Foundation of Northern Colorado and the Fort Collins Area Chamber of Commerce.”
Reporter Herald: October 20, 2022 by
Read >>

Ordinance 305 misses the forest for the trees
“At the Common Sense Institute, we had a similar analysis using historical rates of evictions. In addition to collecting more than can reasonably be spent to cover the costs for eviction defense, the measure does not include any provisions to reduce the tax on landlords to ensure that the total taxes collected remains in-line with costs. Without a way to right-size the program, the reserve will continue to grow, putting undue burdens on both landlords and renters who will undoubtedly pay for the new tax through increased rents and larger security deposits.”
Colorado Politics: October 19, 2022 by
Read >>

Alleged family car theft ring busted, six arrested for over 50 counts of alleged crime
“Car thefts in Colorado are expected to exceed 48,000, according to a 2022 Common Sense Institute study using FBI and CBI data. The institute is a non-partisan research organization that focuses on the economy.”
The Denver Gazette: October 19, 2022 by Alex Edwards
Read >>

Water conference to discuss adapting to conditions
“The session, “Adapting Colorado’s Water Systems for a 21st Century Water Supply and Economy” will be hosted by the Common Sense Institute, the Community Foundation of Northern Colorado and the Fort Collins Area Chamber of Commerce.”
BizWest: October 19, 2022 by
Read >>

Common Sense Institute: Top Company 2022 Finalist (Nonprofits)
Congratulations to Common Sense Institute, a finalist in this year’s Top Company award for the Nonprofits sector! Find the full list of winners at www.cobizmag.com/top-companies-2022/”
Colorado Biz Magazine: October 18, 2022
Watch >>

Proposition 121: Should Colorado cut its income tax rate again?
“Chris Brown, vice president of policy and research for the business-focused Common Sense Institute, also noted that Proposition 121 would not reduce state spending over its first two years of enactment because of projected TABOR refunds. He estimated the tax break could lead to the creation of 9,600 jobs over the next five years — 9,100 in the private sector and 500 in the government sector.”
Denver Business Journal: October 18, 2022 by
Read >>

Universal free lunch for Colorado’s public school students? Voters will decide
“The Common Sense Institute, a nonpartisan free-market think tank analyzed the measure and raised several concerns.According to the group’s ballot guide, if all Colorado public school authorities take part, an additional 615,000 students will now become eligible to get free meals, a rise of 125 percent.”
Colorado Public Radio: October 18, 2022 by
Read >>

Colorado Attorney General candidate John Kellner pledges to lower ‘unprecedented’ crime
“A study by the Common Sense Institute finds crime in Colorado has risen in recent years in the areas of arson, drug possession, motor vehicle theft, prostitution, purchase of stolen property, robbery and vandalism.”
Akron News Reporter: October 17, 2022 by
Read >>

Colorado Attorney General candidate John Kellner pledges to lower ‘unprecedented’ crime
“A study by the Common Sense Institute finds crime in Colorado has risen in recent years in the areas of arson, drug possession, motor vehicle theft, prostitution, purchase of stolen property, robbery and vandalism.”
Journal Advocate: October 17, 2022 by
Read >>

Colorado Attorney General candidate John Kellner pledges to lower ‘unprecedented’ crime
“A study by the Common Sense Institute finds crime in Colorado has risen in recent years in the areas of arson, drug possession, motor vehicle theft, prostitution, purchase of stolen property, robbery and vandalism.”
The Fort Morgan Times: October 17, 2022 by
Read >>

Gov. Jared Polis wants a second term as Colorado’s governor: What you need to know
“Republican critics argue that Polis oversaw enormous growth in Colorado’s government. Over the last four years, the state government has added nearly 4,000 full-time employees, an increase of about 6 percent, according to data from the Common Sense Institute. The largest numbers of those new employees went to the state’s veterans affairs agency, higher education and public health. In that same time, the state’s total full-time workforce — including private employers — has grown at about 3.6 percent.”
Colorado Public Radio: October 17, 2022 by
Read >>

Denver Initiated Ordinance 305: Should landlords be taxed to pay for free legal representation for tenants facing eviction?
“The conservative-leaning nonpartisan Common Sense Institute acknowledged that legal defense for tenants could reduce homelessness and associated costs. But the group argues the measure would raise more money than would be needed to provide universal eviction defense. The city already offers eviction defense services and rent and utility payment aid to people who income-qualify, making this measure redundant.”
Denverite: October 17, 2022 by Kyle Harris
Read >>

Proposition FF: Healthy meals for all public school students, explained
“Additionally, the Common Sense Institute, a nonpartisan free-market think tank analyzed the measure and raised several concerns.”
Colorado Public Radio: October 17, 2022 by
Read >>

Inflation drops slightly in Denver area
”An analysis of BLS data by the Common Sense Institute, a free-enterprise think tank, estimates that Colorado households spent $1,685 more in August and September because of inflation.”
Washington Examiner: October 16, 2022 by
Read >>

Here’s how inflation looked for the Denver area from July to September
An analysis of BLS data by the Common Sense Institute, a free-enterprise think tank, estimates that Colorado households spent $1,685 more in August and September because of inflation.”
News Center 1: October 15, 2022 by Center Square
Read >>

Food boxes distributed to combat effects of pandemic, inflation
“According to the Consumer Price Index, people living in the Denver metro area are paying 7.7% more for goods and services. Even though that is lower than the national average of 8.2%, the average Coloradan has spent over $9,000 on food, housing, transportation, and medical care since 2020, according to the Common Sense Institute.”
CBS Colorado: October 15, 2022 by Justin Adams
Read >>

What’s Working: Denver inflation slows to 7.7%, which is still historically high
“Steven L. Byers, senior economist at the conservative-leaning Common Sense Institute, put it this way: The average Colorado household spent $1,685 more in August and September because of inflation. That’s an extra $111 a month on food, $231 on housing and $68 on medical care for an average of $843 more per month.”
Colorado Sun: October 15, 2022 by Tamara Chuang
Read >>

Inflation in Colorado drops below national level — but remains high
“The average Colorado household has spent $9,207 more on food, housing, transportation and medical care since 2020, per a report from senior economist Steven Byers at the conservative-leaning Common Sense Institute.”
Axios Denver: October 14, 2022 by Alayna Alvarez
Read >>

Report: Colorado’s crime rate down from last year, but still above pre-pandemic levels
“Colorado’s crime rate so far this year is down from last year, but still above pre-pandemic levels, a new report by the Common Sense Institute says. The state’s monthly crime rate average through June 2022 is 530 crimes per 100,000 residents, down from 583.7 last year, according to the think tank’s report.”
The Chronicle: October 14, 2022
Read >>

Inflation drops slightly in Denver area
”An analysis of BLS data by the Common Sense Institute, a free-enterprise think tank, estimates that Colorado households spent $1,685 more in August and September because of inflation.”
The Center Square: Colorado: October 13, 2022 by
Read >>

Colorado Voters asked to fund school lunches with tax on high incomes
“While little organized opposition to Proposition FF exists, several conservative groups have expressed skepticism about the proposal. The Common Sense Institute, a right-leaning think tank funded by business interests, questioned whether the new free-meals program would be ”overfunded or underfunded depending on cost and revenue outcomes into the future.”
Missoula Current: October 12, 2022 by Chase Woodruff
Read >>

Voters asked to fund school lunches with tax on high incomes
“While little organized opposition to Proposition FF exists, several conservative groups have expressed skepticism about the proposal. The Common Sense Institute, a right-leaning think tank funded by business interests, questioned whether the new free-meals program would be ”overfunded or underfunded depending on cost and revenue outcomes into the future.”
Montrose Daily Press: October 11, 2022 by Chase Woodruff Colorado Newsline
Read >>

POINT/COUNTERPOINT: How can we improve the education system?
“A recent report from Colorado’s Common Sense Institute finds metro Denver to be among the nation’s worst venues for soaring crime rates. Colorado ranks first in motor vehicle theft in the country, with multiple cases of car thieves using those stolen vehicles to commit other crimes, and then stealing yet another car to commit more crimes. All this while they’re released on bail — or without!”
The Gazette: October 12, 2022 by Mike Rosen
Read >>

POINT/COUNTERPOINT: How can we improve the education system?
“A recent report from Colorado’s Common Sense Institute finds metro Denver to be among the nation’s worst venues for soaring crime rates. Colorado ranks first in motor vehicle theft in the country, with multiple cases of car thieves using those stolen vehicles to commit other crimes, and then stealing yet another car to commit more crimes. All this while they’re released on bail — or without!”
The Gazette: October 12, 2022 by Mike Rosen
Read >>

Colorado Voters asked to fund school lunches with tax on high incomes
“While little organized opposition to Proposition FF exists, several conservative groups have expressed skepticism about the proposal. The Common Sense Institute, a right-leaning think tank funded by business interests, questioned whether the new free-meals program would be ”overfunded or underfunded depending on cost and revenue outcomes into the future.”
Pagosa Daily Press: October 11, 2022 by Chase Woodruff Colorado Newsline
Read >>

Voters asked to fund school lunches with tax on high incomes
“While little organized opposition to Proposition FF exists, several conservative groups have expressed skepticism about the proposal. The Common Sense Institute, a right-leaning think tank funded by business interests, questioned whether the new free-meals program would be ”overfunded or underfunded depending on cost and revenue outcomes into the future.”
Montrose Daily Press: October 11, 2022 by Chase Woodruff Colorado Newsline
Read >>

Missing Teenager Found Safe + Auto Thefts Fueled By Housing Shortage
“Lack of housing and drug addiction fueling Colorado’s high number of auto thefts. The Common Sense Institute’s study shows that the link between homelessness and drug addiction are what has fueled the high number of car thefts in Colorado. Jefferson County Drug Court has been working to helpful address the needs of repeats offenders by providing housing and money.”
Patch: October 11, 2022 by Brad K. Evans
Read >>

Criminal Reformers On The Ballot As Denver’s Crime Rates Soar
“Over the past two years, violent crime rates are up 17 percent. Colorado now has the highest auto theft rate in the nation, and the surrounding cities of Aurora, Pueblo, and Westminster all rank in the top 10 of 167 American cities, according to data compiled by the Common Sense Institute using publicly available reports.”
Forbes: October 11, 2022 by Chris Dorsey
Read >>

POINT/COUNTERPOINT: How can we improve the education system?
“According to a recent examination of the data by the Common Sense Institute, while Colorado has seen a 25% increase in students and a 36% increase in teachers, it has also seen a whopping 132% increase in administrators. Looking deeper, we see that teacher salaries have decreased as a percentage of a school district’s budget, further illustrating that classroom instruction has not been the highest priority of those at the helm.”
The Gazette: October 11, 2022 by
Read >>

Tipper Nominated For Top Spot + Metro Denver Tops Porch Pirate List
“The Common Sense Institute’s study shows that the link between homelessness and drug addiction are what has fueled the high number of car thefts in Colorado. Jefferson County Drug Court has been working to helpful address the needs of repeats offenders by providing housing and money.”
Patch: October 11, 2022 by Brad K. Evans
Read >>

Colorado voters asked to fund school lunches with tax hike on high incomes
“The Common Sense Institute, a Greenwood Village-based non-profit focused on economic research, found Colorado to be the top state in America for auto thefts in a study published Sept. 8, and four Colorado cities rank in the top ten in the United States. Those cities are Denver, Aurora, Westminster and Pueblo.”
Colorado Newsline: October 11, 2022 by Chase Woodruff
Read >>

Housing, drug addiction prove to be root of motor vehicle thefts
“The Common Sense Institute, a Greenwood Village-based non-profit focused on economic research, found Colorado to be the top state in America for auto thefts in a study published Sept. 8, and four Colorado cities rank in the top ten in the United States. Those cities are Denver, Aurora, Westminster and Pueblo.”
Douglas County News Press: October 10, 2022 by Luke Zarzecki
Read >>

Housing, drug addiction prove to be root of motor vehicle thefts
“The Common Sense Institute, a Greenwood Village-based non-profit focused on economic research, found Colorado to be the top state in America for auto thefts in a study published Sept. 8, and four Colorado cities rank in the top ten in the United States. Those cities are Denver, Aurora, Westminster and Pueblo.”
Courier: October 10, 2022 by Luke Zarzecki
Read >>

Housing, drug addiction prove to be root of motor vehicle thefts
“The Common Sense Institute, a Greenwood Village-based non-profit focused on economic research, found Colorado to be the top state in America for auto thefts in a study published Sept. 8, and four Colorado cities rank in the top ten in the United States. Those cities are Denver, Aurora, Westminster and Pueblo.”
Brighton Standard Blade: October 10, 2022 by Luke Zarzecki
Read >>

Colorado Inside Out
“The Colorado Inside Out Panel meets at the Tattered Cover. Host: Krista Kafer Panelist: Kwame Spearman George Brauchler Patricia Calhoun Chris Rourke Topics Include: • US Historical Site Sand Creek Expanded • Mayor Hancock Requests Record Money for Police, Fire and Jail Services in 2023 Budget Proposal • 3rd Congressional District Race • Dominion Voting Saga”
PBS12: October 7, 2022
Watch >>

LETTERS: Very different time and place; approach has been too liberal
“Second, as justification for several of Brauchler’s points, he cites two reports by the Common Sense Institute on crime as justifying his conclusions. But did Brauchler’s column disclose that he is a fellow for that Institute? And did Brauchler’s column disclose that he himself actually authored both of these reports? No on both counts. Go to the CSI website. Brauchler’s name, title, and picture is right there on the CSI staff and team webpage. And look at the CSI reports, also on the CSI webpage.”
The Gazette: October 7, 2022 by Denver Gazette Readers
Read >>

Report on crime in Colorado raises flags among criminal justice reform advocates
“A new report on crime in Colorado for the first half of 2022 shows some disturbing trends. A closer look at the data and the organization that published it has raised flags among criminal justice reform organizations.The conservative-leaning Common Sense Institute released a new study that details certain crimes for the first six months of 2022.”
CBS Colorado: October 6, 2022 by Austen Erblat 
Read >>

Brauchler 10-6-22 9am
“Kelly Caufield the new Executive Director for the Common Sense Institute starts the hour. Then George talks to the head of the Colorado GOP, Kristi Burton Brown about state lawmaker Ron Hanks backing down from his promise to support the GOP nominee if he lost the primary.”
710 KNUS: The George Brauchler Show: October 6, 2022 by
Listen >>

Support for Prop FF sought School Meals for All on the Nov. 8 ballot
There is a risk of underfunding, according to assessments of the proposed program. The Common Sense Institute (CSI) cited inflation and other factors as challenges to avoid underfunding.“If costs are not carefully managed and revenues fall short of projections, the program could run a deficit as early as 2024 (between -$1.8 million and -$4.2 million), grow to $72.4 million in 2033, and deficit could grow as high as -$506 million by 2050,” the CSI report reads, in part.
Telluride Daily Planet: October 5, 2022 by
Read >>

Horrific crime stats emerge from Colorado
“The Common Sense Institute (CSI), a think-tank local to Colorado, reported at the beginning of October 2022 that the state’s cities have some of the highest crime rates in the nation. ‘Crime in Colorado in 2022: The Data on Colorado’s Increasing Crime Problem’ was authored by George Brauchler, Mitch Morrissey, and Steven Byers, Ph.D.”
American Thinker: October 5, 2022 by C.S. Boddie
Read >>

Denver Gazette: Denver’s politicians must account for crime
“As The Gazette reported Tuesday, Colorado’s Common Sense Institute released a new analysis this week detailing the crime tsunami that has inundated our state. The report’s numbers for the first half of this year for Denver and the surrounding area are especially troubling.”
Colorado Politics: October 5, 2022 by Timothy Hurst
Read >>

EDITORIAL: Denver’s politicians must account for crime
“As The Gazette reported Tuesday, Colorado’s Common Sense Institute released a new analysis this week detailing the crime tsunami that has inundated our state. The report’s numbers for the first half of this year for Denver and the surrounding area are especially troubling.”
The Denver Gazette: October 5, 2022 by Timothy Hurst
Read >>

Group finds growing concern with fentanyl, robbery, arson crime rates
“Crime rates across Colorado took center stage at a conference on Monday. The Common Sense Institute released a new study that details crime for the first 6 months of this year.”
CBS Colorado: October 4, 2022 by CBSColorado.com
Read >>

Republican gubernatorial candidate Heidi Ganahl wants to reduce regulation amid inflation and eliminate the state income tax
“Public health has so much more power right now than they did. And we still have an emergency order in place to give that power to public health, which I disagree with. So that’s one of the agencies [CSI] I would like to take a look at and see if we can’t reduce the scope and size of it and give more autonomy back to local municipalities.”
Colorado Public Radio: October 3, 2022 by
Read >>

Republican gubernatorial candidate Heidi Ganahl wants to reduce regulation amid inflation
“Republican gubernatorial candidate Heidi Ganahl wants to reduce regulation amid inflation.”
The Durango Herald: October 3, 2022
Read >>

Husband jailed for dealing fentanyl less than a month after his wife was busted on the same charges
“Crime rates across Colorado took center stage at a conference on Monday. The Common Sense Institute released a new study that details crime for the first 6 months of this year.”
FOX News: October 3, 2022 by Michael Lee
Read >>

The Dan Caplis Show (KHOW 650)
10-3-22 Interview – Fmr DA Mitch Morrissey on Common Sense Institute Report on Crime
The Dan Caplis Show: October 3, 2022 by Dan Caplis
Listen >>

The Stefan Tubbs Show (KNUS, 710)
“We begin with news former President Trump and news he is suing CNN for nearly a half-billion dollars. He is seeking relief for defamation and being portrayed as Hitler as he ponders running in 2024. Then – more on The Common Sense Institute’s “Crime In Colorado In 2022” report and the sickeningly disgusting stats. Calls and texts. Terry Bradshaw announces he had cancer and is now cancer-free; soccer disaster in Java. And our film assignment this week – “Black Widow” from 1954. We’ll review this Friday evening with clips, trivia and more about 645pMT.”
The Steffan Tubbs Show: October 3, 2022 by Steffan Tubbs
Listen >>

Group finds growing concern with fentanyl, robbery, arson crime rates
“Crime rates across Colorado took center stage at a conference on Monday. The Common Sense Institute released a new study that details crime for the first 6 months of this year.”
CBS Denver: October 4, 2022 by CBSColorado.com
Read >>

Report: Crime on the rise in Colorado
“Penalty reduction and decriminalization of a variety of crimes in Colorado have led to increased crime and less public safety, a report released Monday by the Common Sense Institute reads.”
Journal Advocate: October 3, 2022 by
Read >>

Plagued by crime, metro Denver is among the worst in America: CSI report
“Car theft in Denver is second highest in the nation, and three other Colorado cities rank in the Top 10, according to the Common Sense Institute, a free enterprise think tank.”
The Denver Gazette: October 3, 2022 by Alex Edwards 
Read >>

Report: Colorado’s crime rate down from last year, but still above pre-pandemic levels
“Colorado’s crime rate so far this year is down from last year, but still above pre-pandemic levels, a new report by the Common Sense Institute says.The state’s monthly crime rate average through June 2022 is 530 crimes per 100,000 residents, down from 583.7 last year, according to the think tank’s report. The rate was 522 in 2020 and 494.4 in 2019.”
The Sentinel: October 3, 2022
Read >>

Report: Colorado’s crime rate down from last year, but still above pre-pandemic levels
“Colorado’s crime rate so far this year is down from last year, but still above pre-pandemic levels, a new report by the Common Sense Institute says.The state’s monthly crime rate average through June 2022 is 530 crimes per 100,000 residents, down from 583.7 last year, according to the think tank’s report. The rate was 522 in 2020 and 494.4 in 2019.”
The Center Square: Colorado: October 3, 2022
Read >>

Colorado crime rates continue to rise, report says
“Data shared by local free enterprise think tank organization Common Sense Institute shows Denver and surrounding cities continue to record high crime rates.”
Yahoo! News: October 3, 2022 by Alex Edwards
Read >>

Colorado crime rates continue to rise, report says
“Data shared by local free enterprise think tank organization Common Sense Institute shows Denver and surrounding cities continue to record high crime rates.”
The Gazette: October 3, 2022 by Alex Edwards
Read >>

Report: Crime on the rise in Colorado
“Penalty reduction and decriminalization of a variety of crimes in Colorado have led to increased crime and less public safety, a report released Monday by the Common Sense Institute reads.”
The Fort Morgan Times: October 3, 2022 by
Read >>

GUEST COLUMN: Transportation plan is still unclear
“In late 2020, the Common Sense Institute (CSI), a non-partisan think tank, released A Path Forward: A Common Sense Strategy for the Continued Viability of Colorado’s Transportation Network. The study detailed the scope of the “unquiet crisis” plaguing Colorado’s transportation system.”
The Denver Gazette: October 2, 2022 by Dave Clark
Read >>

2022 Elections: What’s in your ballot?
Common Sense Institute ballot guide is featured focusing on Proposition FF- Healthy School Meals for All.
The Denver Gazette: October 1, 2022
Read >>

2022 | September

2022 Colorado General Election: What’s in your ballot?
Common Sense Institute ballot guide is featured focusing on Proposition FF- Healthy School Meals for All.
Colorado Politics: September 30, 2022
Read >>

2022 Elections: What’s in your ballot?
Common Sense Institute ballot guide is featured focusing on Proposition FF- Healthy School Meals for All.
Colorado Politics: September 30, 2022
Read >>

Kelly Caufield topped as Common Sense Institute Colorado’s new executive director
“‘In a time of growing divisiveness, centering more policy conversations around fact-based, objective data is critical to strengthening Colorado’s economic competitiveness.’ – Kelly Caulfield”
Villager: September 29, 2022
Read >>

Over 100 Colorado nonprofits back Prop FF for free school meals
“No organizations or committees have formally come out against the measure; however, the conservative-leaning research group the Common Sense Institute released an analysis claiming that Proposition FF is at risk of both underfunding and overfunding school meal programs, depending on future inflation rates and resident incomes.”
Colorado Politics: September 28, 2022 by Hannah Metzger
Read >>

Denver Gazette: YES to Prop. 121; cut Colorado’s income tax
“That’s also why each supports Proposition 121 on this fall’s mail ballot. It will reduce the state income tax rate for individuals and corporations from 4.55% to 4.40%. An analysis by Colorado’s Common Sense Institute found it will save taxpayers $767 million the first year after implementation.”
Colorado Politics: September 27, 2022 by the Denver Gazette Board
Read >>

Mile-high car thefts fuel Republicans seeking to unseat Polis in Colorado governor’s race
“Republican Heidi Ganahl, who is running to unseat Mr. Polis in November, pointed out that the Democrat signed Senate Bill 271 last year. The sweeping sentencing overhaul included a provision making it a misdemeanor to steal a car valued at less than $2,000.”
The Washington Times: September 27, 2022 by
Read >>

Colorado’s district attorneys push for new law to crack down on auto thieves
“Boggs car was stolen in Aurora which, according to a study by Common Sense Institute, is the third worst city in the country for stolen cars. It’s also the first in the state to impose mandatory jail time for auto theft.”
CBS Colorado: September 27, 2022 by Shaun Boyd 
Read >>

Handouts to homeless simply won’t help
“As a Common Sense Institute study detailed, the $70,000 per year we already spend on each individual experiencing homelessness could fund up to six students in K-12 education in Colorado. We need compassionate solutions for people who lack housing, but we don’t need temporary bandages. An unsustainable, “no-strings attached” program isn’t going to work because dumping more unaccountable money on a problem never does.”
The Gazette: September 27, 2022
Read >>

ENDORSEMENT: YES to Prop. 121; cut Colorado’s income tax
“That’s also why each supports Proposition 121 on this fall’s mail ballot. It will reduce the state income tax rate for individuals and corporations from 4.55% to 4.40%. An analysis by Colorado’s Common Sense Institute found it will save taxpayers $767 million the first year after implementation.”
The Denver Gazette: September 27, 2022
Read >>

(Opinion) Other Voices: The true cost of Colorado’s soaring car theft
“The pitfalls of the proposition, according to analysis from the Common Sense Institute, lie in the hands of local governments choosing not to opt into the fund, and letting the fund increase without building any new meaningful affordable housing.”
Denver Business Journal: September 27, 2022 by
Read >>

Colorado sees motor vehicle theft crisis: ‘Please tell me how a virus makes people commit more crimes’
“Colorado, ranked No. 1 in America for motor vehicle theft in 2021, continues to lead the nation this year in motor vehicle theft, Common Sense Institute said. “In the first six months of 2022 (January – June), the motor vehicle theft rate increased another 17.2%,” Common Sense Institute said.”
Centennial State News: September 27, 2022 by Tamara Browning
Read >>

Affordable housing hitting the Colorado ballot this November
“The pitfalls of the proposition, according to analysis from the Common Sense Institute, lie in the hands of local governments choosing not to opt into the fund, and letting the fund increase without building any new meaningful affordable housing.”
Denver Business Journal: September 26, 2022 by  
Read >>

Fields: Yes on Prop 121; the case for lowering Colorado’s income tax
“Projections by the Common Sense Institute, a nonpartisan policy think tank, shows that Proposition #121 would save Colorado taxpayers at least $1.6 billion over the first 5 years after its passage. Simplifying the math, this is essentially because both 2022 and 2023 tax savings would be realized in 2023 without causing any corresponding reduction in the 2022 TABOR refund, which was already budgeted.”
Complete Colorado Page 2: September 26, 2022 by
Read >>

(Opinion) Other Voices: The true cost of Colorado’s soaring car theft
“Morrissey, a career-long prosecutor who’s now a criminal justice fellow at Colorado’s Common Sense Institute, co-wrote a new crime study on auto theft for the institute with former 18th Judicial District Attorney George Brauchler. Morrissey recaps the study’s findings in today’s essay, and he makes clear that the astounding rate at which cars and trucks are being stolen in our state is much more than just water-cooler talk or fodder for one-liners. It’s a gut punch.”
Greeley Tribune: September 24, 2022 by
Read >>

Coloradans are worried about housing. Here’s what Jared Polis and Heidi Ganahl say they’d do
“Asked how else she would incentivize innovative ideas, as she hopes to do, Ganahl said she would work with others to develop a plan. She said she was interested in the work of a group of CU architecture students who have been reimagining main streets, as well as a free market-focused think tank called the Common Sense Institute.”
The Colorado Sun: September 23, 2022 by
Read >>

State budget writers fear consequences of Colorado voters approving affordable housing ballot measure
“The state lawmakers who write Colorado’s budget are raising red flags about how two measures on the November ballot — one that would reduce the income tax rate and another that would set aside about $300 million annually for affordable housing — could combine to hamstring the legislature’s future finances, namely by eating into education funding.”
The Colorado Sun: September 23, 2022 by
Read >>

Common Sense Institute names Kelly Caufield as its new Colorado leader
“The Common Sense Institute tapped Kelly Caufield on Friday as executive director of the research organization’s Colorado branch. Denver-based Caufield will take the reins in Colorado as Kristin Strohm, the organization’s president and CEO, focuses on expanding the Common Sense Institute nationwide. Currently, the Common Sense Institute operates in Colorado and Arizona, with plans to launch in more states soon.”
Colorado Politics: September 23, 2022 by
Read >>

Coloradans are worried about housing. Here’s what Jared Polis and Heidi Ganahl say they’d do
“So they’re addressing that problem. They formally approved a plan to pay people $1,000/month to be vagrants. This is in addition to the $40,000 to $100,000 per year per vagrant that they’re already spending on vagrancy according to a non-partisan research organization.”
The Aspen Belt: September 23, 2022
Read >>

Coloradans are worried about housing. Here’s what Jared Polis and Heidi Ganahl say they’d do
“Asked how else she would incentivize innovative ideas, as she hopes to do, Ganahl said she would work with others to develop a plan. She said she was interested in the work of a group of CU architecture students who have been reimagining main streets, as well as a free market-focused think tank called the Common Sense Institute.”
Colorado Public Radio: September 23, 2022 by
Read >>

What’s really on voters’ minds? Inflation
“I commend the entire ‘Dollars and Data’ report from the Common Sense Institute to Colorado Politics readers, but will highlight a few points that stood out for me as I examined current conditions.”
The Gazette: September 22, 2022 by
Read >>

PODIUM | Education is trending in the wrong direction
“I commend the entire ‘Dollars and Data’ report from the Common Sense Institute to Colorado Politics readers, but will highlight a few points that stood out for me as I examined current conditions.”
Colorado Politics: September 21, 2022 by Jason Gaulden
Read >>

Jared Polis changes his tune
“The Common Sense Institute (CSI), followed by the main stream media, began reporting on Colorado’s historic surge in crime and its economic impact on Coloradans. Only then did government leaders begin to acknowledge what Colorado had been enduring for years. Today, our crime tsunami includes national rankings as No. 1 in car theft and bank robberies, and No. 2 in fentanyl overdoses.”
The Gazette: September 21, 2022 by
Read >>

Downtown Denver explores urban design as answer to crime
“Former district attorney Mitch Morrissey, a fellow at the Common Sense Institute, said the No. 1 thing that comes to mind when he thinks about improving the downtown’s safety is getting the police department staffed ‘up to the level it should be.'”
The Denver Gazette: September 20, 2022 by
Read >>

Will Coloradans risk hit to their TABOR checks for a new affordable housing program?
“Peter LiFari, the executive director of Maiker Housing Partners, called the equity-sharing provision “unique and inspirational” in an analysis for the Common Sense Institute, a free enterprise-focused think-tank. He said in a subsequent interview that it’d be the largest and most ambitious such program in the country, a “transformative” way for renters to build equity.”
Summit Daily: September 20, 2022 by
Read >>

Will Coloradans risk hit to their TABOR checks for a new affordable housing program?
“Peter LiFari, the executive director of Maiker Housing Partners, called the equity-sharing provision “unique and inspirational” in an analysis for the Common Sense Institute, a free enterprise-focused think-tank. He said in a subsequent interview that it’d be the largest and most ambitious such program in the country, a “transformative” way for renters to build equity.”
The Lamar Ledger: September 20, 2022 by
Read >>

Will Coloradans risk hit to their TABOR checks for a new affordable housing program?
“Peter LiFari, the executive director of Maiker Housing Partners, called the equity-sharing provision “unique and inspirational” in an analysis for the Common Sense Institute, a free enterprise-focused think-tank. He said in a subsequent interview that it’d be the largest and most ambitious such program in the country, a “transformative” way for renters to build equity.”
Denver Post: September 20, 2022 by
Read >>

GenXYZ 2022: Finalists (11-15)
“As co-founder (and now president & CEO) of Common Sense Institute, Kristin Strohm is guided by the belief that when people have solid information, they are more likely to make sound choices.”
ColoradoBiz Magazine: September 19, 2022 by
Read >>

Denver Gazette: The true cost of Colorado’s soaring car theft
“Morrissey, a career-long prosecutor who’s now a criminal justice fellow at Colorado’s Common Sense Institute, co-wrote a new crime study on auto theft for the institute with former 18th Judicial District Attorney George Brauchler. Morrissey recaps the study’s findings in today’s essay, and he makes clear that the astounding rate at which cars and trucks are being stolen in our state is much more than just water-cooler talk or fodder for one-liners. It’s a gut punch.”
Colorado Politics: September 19, 2022 by
Read >>

CSI Prop 123 report
The Gazette: September 18, 2022 by
Read >>

EDITORIAL: The true cost of Colorado’s soaring car theft
“Morrissey, a career-long prosecutor who’s now a criminal justice fellow at Colorado’s Common Sense Institute, co-wrote a new crime study on auto theft for the institute with former 18th Judicial District Attorney George Brauchler. Morrissey recaps the study’s findings in today’s essay, and he makes clear that the astounding rate at which cars and trucks are being stolen in our state is much more than just water-cooler talk or fodder for one-liners. It’s a gut punch.”
The Gazette: September 18, 2022 by
Read >>

Brauchler 9-16-22 7am
“Gov. Polis again takes a position 180 degrees away from his previous position. This time it’s about Auto Theft. George outlies how Polis, in an election year, is switching his position to look tough on crime.”
710 KNUS: The George Brauchler Show: September 16, 2022 by
Listen >>

Thornton police ramping up auto theft task force
“The Common Sense Institute found Colorado to be the top state in America for auto thefts in a study published Sept. 8, and four Colorado cities rank in the top ten in the United States. One of those cities is Westminster, ranking at 8. Thornton ranked at 21.”
The Westminster Window: September 16, 2022 by
Read >>

Hancock’s budget won’t stem homelessness | Jimmy Sengenberger
“Last year, a report from the Common Sense Institute revealed the Metro area’s public and nonprofit social safety net spends half a billion dollars each year on homelessness.”
The Denver Gazette: September 16, 2022 by
Read >>

Local governments’ participation is crucial to goals of $300 million ballot measure, analysis says
“Indeed, the proposal will only be as successful as the number of local governments that participate in it, the non-partisan Common Sense Institute says in a report the group released this week.”
The Denver Gazette: September 14, 2022 by
Read >>

READY, AIM, FIRE: Democrats Stole My Car  
“A new study released by the Common Sense Institute shows that Colorado is on track to set an all-time-high in motor vehicle thefts in 2022. By January 2022, Colorado was already #1 in the nation for auto theft.”
Pagosa Daily Post: September 14, 2022 by
Read >>

SENGENBERGER | Polis parody captures Hollywood’s nostalgia play  
“As someone whose car was stolen — twice — in 2020 and detailed the experience, I can attest to the disaster that is auto theft. It’s only gotten worse since then: a report last week from the Common Sense Institute concluded that Colorado leads the nation in stolen cars.”
Colorado Politics: September 14, 2022 by
Read >>

Grand Junction Daily Sentinel: School funding is out of whack  
“Over the last 14 years, Colorado’s funding per student has increased by 47% while the average teacher salary has only risen by 27%, according to reporting by ColoradoPolitics.com. This is based on the annual Dollars and Data Report from the Common Sense Institute.”
Colorado Politics: September 13, 2022 by
Read >>

EDITORIAL: We can’t keep treating our teachers like this  
“The 2022 ‘Dollars and Data’ report by Colorado’s Common Sense Institute documents and proves the tragic tale of education funding. As we increase K-12 spending, the money goes more to administration and bureaucracy than to instruction and teacher salaries.”
The Gazette: September 12, 2022 by
Read >>

Colorado Springs Gazette: We can’t keep treating our teachers like this  
“The 2022 ‘Dollars and Data’ report by Colorado’s Common Sense Institute documents and proves the tragic tale of education funding. As we increase K-12 spending, the money goes more to administration and bureaucracy than to instruction and teacher salaries.”
Colorado Politics: September 12, 2022 by
Read >>

Measure to slash Colorado’s income tax rate raises least amount but faces no formal opposition  
“In an August report, the nonpartisan, conservative-leaning Common Sense Institute said future refunds from the Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights would offset the initial decline in state revenue from the ballot measure, allowing the state government to not reduce spending for the first two years. The institute also claimed that the measure would save taxpayers $767 million in 2023.”
The Gazette: September 11, 2022
Read >>

School funding is out of whack  
“Over the last 14 years, Colorado’s funding per student has increased by 47% while the average teacher salary has only risen by 27%, according to reporting by coloradopolitics.com. This is based on the annual Dollars and Data Report from the Common Sense Institute.”
The Daily Sentinel: September 11, 2022
Read >>

What’s Working: 44% of Colorado small businesses surveyed have put hiring on hold  
“’A lot of companies that were looking for (skilled labor), they’re not in a hurry to lay people off because there’s so much effort and cost to bring them back when the economy starts to rebound,’ said Steven Byers, senior economist with Common Sense Institute, a conservative think tank in Greenwood Village. ‘Right now, I think there’s so many job openings nationwide and in Colorado that I don’t see (hiring) dropping off.'”
The Colorado Sun: September 10, 2022 by
Read >>

Colorado’s Car Theft Rate Is Bad and Getting Worse!  
“‘It’s one of those things that we need to get a handle on,’ Mitch Morrissey, the former Denver district attorney, said during a September 8 press conference held by the conservative-leaning Common Sense Institute, which had just unveiled a new report on car theft.”
Westword: September 10, 2022 by
Read >>

Brauchler 9-9-22 8am
“Car Theft is out of control in Colorado. Former D.A. Mitch Morrissey joins George to explain nearly ONE BILLION DOLLARS in cars have been stolen in Colorado. Then George talks about the developments on the Mar-A-Lago Classified documents story.”
710 KNUS: The George Brauchler Show: September 9, 2022 by
Listen >>

Four Colorado cities among top 10 US cities for vehicle thefts  
“According to a report published by Common Sense Institute, car thefts in Colorado currently occur at a rate of 4,007 per month, on pace for an all-time high of 48,000 over the course of the year. At that rate, it seems likely that Colorado we retain its spot as the number one state for car thefts in the country, following the state passing Washington DC in 2021.”
Out There Colorado: September 9, 2022 by
Read >>

‘Soft on crime’ policies in Colorado could mean $848M in stolen vehicles this year, report says  
“The report, compiled by the Common Sense Institute (CSI), a free-enterprise think tank, found that the state is on pace to surpass a record 48,000 auto thefts this year, with a total value estimated to be between $468.1 million and $848.3 million.”
The Center Square Colorado: September 9, 2022 by
Read >>

Colorado education budget increases did not translate to higher teacher pay: Report 
“The annual Dollars and Data Report from the Common Sense Institute found that, over the past 14 years, Colorado’s funding per student has increased by 47% while the average teacher salary has only risen by 27%.”
The Gazette: September 9, 2022 by
Read >>

Colorado education budget increases did not translate to higher teacher pay: Report 
“The annual Dollars and Data Report from the Common Sense Institute found that, over the past 14 years, Colorado’s funding per student has increased by 47% while the average teacher salary has only risen by 27%.”
The Gazette: September 9, 2022 by
Read >>

Report: Education budget increases did not translate to higher teacher pay  
“Common Sense Institute, a Denver area think tank, summarized auto theft data in a webinar Thursday morning. The data showed one thing clearly: Denver is the most dangerous city for cars valued less than $25,000 (which make up 85.6% of car thefts).”
Colorado Politics: September 9, 2022 by
Read >>

Denver Gazette: Blink and your car is gone in Colorado  
“It looks like Colorado is on track for the second year in a row to claim the dubious title of No. 1 state for auto theft. That’s among the startling findings of the latest crime study released Thursday by Colorado’s Common Sense Institute.”
The Gazette: September 9, 2022 by
Read >>

Measure to slash Colorado’s income tax rate raises least amount but faces no formal opposition  
“In an August report, the nonpartisan, conservative-leaning Common Sense Institute said future refunds from the Taxpayer Bill of Rights would offset the initial decline in state revenue from the ballot measure, allowing the state government to not reduce spending for the first two years. The Institute also claimed that the measure would save taxpayers $767 million in 2023.”
Colorado Politics: September 9, 2022 by
Read >>

EDITORIAL: Blink and your car is gone in Colorado  
“It looks like Colorado is on track for the second year in a row to claim the dubious title of No. 1 state for auto theft. That’s among the startling findings of the latest crime study released Thursday by Colorado’s Common Sense Institute.”
The Gazette: September 9, 2022 by
Read >>

Colorado car thefts: ‘The stuff we’re doing if you’re gonna grade it, it’s an F.’  
“Common Sense Institute, a Denver area think tank, summarized auto theft data in a webinar Thursday morning. The data showed one thing clearly: Denver is the most dangerous city for cars valued less than $25,000 (which make up 85.6% of car thefts).”
The Denver Gazette: September 8, 2022 by
Read >>

What’s Working: Older Coloradans are returning to work, and inflation may be to blame  
“One group in particular is not just returning to work but growing faster than others: women. Particularly, women 55 and older, according to an analysis by Steven Byers, senior economist with Common Sense Institute, a conservative think tank in Greenwood Village.”
Post Independent: September 5, 2022 by
Read >>

New housing unit permits in Colorado down 20 percent last month  
“The analysis by the Common Sense Institute, a free-enterprise think tank, found that a 0.28 percent decrease in home prices and a 5.3 percent average mortgage rate led to a 0.33 percent decline in the Colorado Homebuyer Misery Index, which CSI calculates to measure new home affordability.”
The Chronicle: September 5, 2022 by Derek Draplin
Read >>

The Deborah Flora Show
Deborah talks about how the falling confidence in Joe Biden is increasing national security risks and Common Sense Institute’s Chris Brown joins Deborah to decode Ballot initiates, crime, and outline common sense solutions.
710 KNUS: September 4, 2022
Listen>>

Denver leaders reflect on Paul Pazen’s legacy as police chief  
“Mitch Morrissey, a former district attorney of the 2nd Judicial District and a fellow at the Common Sense Institute, said Pazen’s department dealt with violent attacks on state and city property during 2020 protests, significant spikes in crime rates and an “anti-law enforcement” mentality within the state legislature.”
The Denver Gazette: September 3, 2022 by
Read >>

Time for us to believe: Homelessness is solvable  
“A recent study by the Common Sense Institute found that Denver is spending more per homeless person every year than it does per student in its schools. And Denver’s not alone. Colorado’s chronically sheltered homeless population grew by 266% between 2007 and 2021, more than any other state, according to a recent report from the Department of Housing and Urban Development.”
The Gazette: September 3, 2022 by
Read >>

What’s Working: Older Coloradans are returning to work, and inflation may be to blame  
“One group in particular is not just returning to work but growing faster than others: women. Particularly, women 55 and older, according to an analysis by Steven Byers, senior economist with Common Sense Institute, a conservative think tank in Greenwood Village.”
The Colorado Sun: September 3, 2022 by
Read >>

Hillman column: Colorado is a mess; have voters had enough?  
“That report from Common Sense Institute connects the increase in crime to “social justice” legislation passed during the last four years, leading to:Declining prison population (down 23% since 2008); Increasing use of personal recognizance bonds — even in violent crime cases;Decriminalizing possession of four grams or less of Schedule II controlled substances, such as fentanyl, from a felony to a misdemeanor.”
Post Independent: September 1, 2022 by Mark Hillman
Read >>

 

2022 | August

Report warns that state’s housing deficit could grow even more  
“The Common Sense Institute released the August 2022 Colorado Housing Affordability Update earlier this month, with early signs in the housing market indicating a shift. Mortgage rates have moderated slightly this month, but many expect that they will continue to rise with inflation.”
Longmont Leader: August 31, 2022 by Amy Golden
Read >>

New housing unit permits in Colorado down 20 percent last month  
“The analysis by the Common Sense Institute, a free-enterprise think tank, found that a 0.28 percent decrease in home prices and a 5.3 percent average mortgage rate led to a 0.33 percent decline in the Colorado Homebuyer Misery Index, which CSI calculates to measure new home affordability.”
The Center Square Colorado: August 28, 2022 by Derek Draplin
Read >>

New housing unit permits in Colorado down 20 percent last month  
“The analysis by the Common Sense Institute, a free-enterprise think tank, found that a 0.28 percent decrease in home prices and a 5.3 percent average mortgage rate led to a 0.33 percent decline in the Colorado Homebuyer Misery Index, which CSI calculates to measure new home affordability.”
Kiowa County Press: August 28, 2022 by Derek Draplin
Read >>

Today Colorado is a mess. Have voters had enough?
“That report from Common Sense Institute connects the increase in crime to “social justice” legislation passed during the last four years, leading to: Declining prison population (down 23% since 2008); Increasing use of personal-recognizance bonds even in violent crime cases; and Decriminalizing possession of four grams or less of Schedule II controlled substances, such as fentanyl, from a felony to a misdemeanor.”
Craig Press: August 25, 2022 by Mark Hillman
Read >>

Fields: Initiative 108 just another grab at taxpayer refunds
“Cost of living is too high in Colorado — including housing costs. According to the Common Sense Institute, the cost of purchasing a home has doubled in just the past seven years.”
Complete Colorado Page 2: August 25, 2022 by Michael Fields
Read >>

Colorado homeowners go big when it comes to size of home equity loans this year  
“The typical Colorado household has had to spend about $7,522 more on living costs since 2020 due to higher inflation, estimates Chris Brown, vice president of policy research with the Common Sense Institute in Greenwood Village, in a recent research note. And while wages are also rising, they haven’t kept up with inflation, which was running 8.2% in July.
Greeley Tribune: August 25, 2022 by Aldo Svaldi
Read >>

With the feds ‘light’ on steps, Colorado’s water experts explore challenges and opportunities
“Eklund took part in a panel on “The Future of Colorado Water: Scarcity and Opportunity” hosted by Colorado Politics and The Denver Gazette. The other panelists were Troy Eid, an attorney with Greenberg Traurig and one of the West’s leading expert on tribal laws, including water; Jennifer Gimbel, a Terry J. Stevinson Fellow with the Common Sense Institute and formerly principal deputy assistant secretary for water and science at the Department of the Interior; Jennifer Pitt, director of the Colorado River Program at the National Audubon Society; and, Don Brown, former commissioner of agriculture for Colorado.”
The Colorado Springs Gazette: August 24, 2022 by Marianne Goodland
Read >>

Steffan Tubbs Show With Aaron Lapides 8-22-22 Hr3  
This is the daily recap of The Steffan Tubbs Show on News/Talk 710 KNUS featuring CSI’s Criminal Justice Fellow Mitch Morrissey.
Steffan Tubbs Show: August 22, 2022 by Steffan Tubbs
Listen >>

Denver Gazette: Little to cheer in student test scores
“Such charter schools, which serve a tenth of Colorado’s public school students, can make a real difference in student achievement. Research a couple of years ago by Colorado’s Common Sense Institute revealed, for example, that charter schools have higher graduation rates than district-run schools in the state’s metro, north central and Pikes Peak regions. And they have a nearly 6% higher graduation rate for Black students across the state.
Colorado Politics: August 22, 2022 by
Read >>

Editorial: Little to cheer in student test scores
“Such charter schools, which serve a tenth of Colorado’s public school students, can make a real difference in student achievement. Research a couple of years ago by Colorado’s Common Sense Institute revealed, for example, that charter schools have higher graduation rates than district-run schools in the state’s metro, north central and Pikes Peak regions. And they have a nearly 6% higher graduation rate for Black students across the state.
Colorado Politics: August 22, 2022 by
Read >>

GUEST COLUMN: Colorado is a mess. Have voters had enough?
“That report from Common Sense Institute connects the increase in crime to “social justice” legislation passed during the last four years, leading to: Declining prison population (down 23% since 2008). Increasing use of personal recognizance bonds even in violent crime cases.”
The Gazette: August 22, 2022 by Mark Hillman
Read >>

Colorado homeowners go big when it comes to size of home equity loans this year
“The typical Colorado household has had to spend about $7,522 more on living costs since 2020 due to higher inflation, estimates Chris Brown, vice president of policy research with the Common Sense Institute in Greenwood Village, in a recent research note. And while wages are also rising, they haven’t kept up with inflation, which was running 8.2% in July.”
Canon City Daily Record: August 21, 2022 by Aldo Svaldi
Read >>

Capitol Review – Today Colorado is a mess. Have voters had enough?
“That report from Common Sense Institute connects the increase in crime to “social justice” legislation passed during the last four years, leading to: Declining prison population (down 23% since 2008); Increasing use of personal-recognizance bonds even in violent crime cases; and Decriminalizing possession of four grams or less of Schedule II controlled substances, such as fentanyl, from a felony to a misdemeanor.”
Journal-Advocate: August 21, 2022 by Mark Hillman
Read >>

Capitol Review – Today Colorado is a mess. Have voters had enough?
“That report from Common Sense Institute connects the increase in crime to “social justice” legislation passed during the last four years, leading to: Declining prison population (down 23% since 2008); Increasing use of personal-recognizance bonds even in violent crime cases; and Decriminalizing possession of four grams or less of Schedule II controlled substances, such as fentanyl, from a felony to a misdemeanor.”
Journal-Advocate: August 21, 2022 by Mark Hillman
Read >>

Mark Hillman’s Capitol Review – Today Colorado is a mess. Have voters had enough?
“That report from Common Sense Institute connects the increase in crime to “social justice” legislation passed during the last four years, leading to: Declining prison population (down 23% since 2008); Increasing use of personal-recognizance bonds even in violent crime cases; and Decriminalizing possession of four grams or less of Schedule II controlled substances, such as fentanyl, from a felony to a misdemeanor.”
Kiowa County Press: August 21, 2022 by Mark Hillman
Read >>

Colorado’s unemployment rate drops to 3.3 percent
“The state’s labor force participation rate was 69.5 percent last month, according to an analysis of employment data by the Common Sense Institute, a free-enterprise think tank.”
Kiowa County Press: August 21, 2022 by Derek Draplin
Read >>

No on Initiative 108, a TABOR refund rip-off
“Cost of living is too high in Colorado — including housing costs. According to the Common Sense Institute, the cost of purchasing a home has doubled in just the past seven years.”
The Daily Sentinel: August 21, 2022 by Michael fields
Read >>

Colorado homeowners go big when it comes to size of home equity loans this year
“The typical Colorado household has had to spend about $7,522 more on living costs since 2020 due to higher inflation, estimates Chris Brown, vice president of policy research with the Common Sense Institute in Greenwood Village, in a recent research note. And while wages are also rising, they haven’t kept up with inflation, which was running 8.2% in July.”
The Denver Post: August 20, 2022 by Aldo Svaldi
Read >>

Colorado homeowners go big when it comes to size of home equity loans this year
“The typical Colorado household has had to spend about $7,522 more on living costs since 2020 due to higher inflation, estimates Chris Brown, vice president of policy research with the Common Sense Institute in Greenwood Village, in a recent research note. And while wages are also rising, they haven’t kept up with inflation, which was running 8.2% in July.”
UP Jobs News: August 20, 2022 by Aldo Svaldi
Read >>

Affordable housing subsidy initiative makes November ballot
“Colorado had a housing shortage of between 93,000 and 216,000 units through 2020, according to a recent report by the Common Sense Institute. Another report ranked Colorado as the eighth most pricey state for renters.”
Kiowa County Press: August 20, 2022 by Derek Draplin
Read >>

Colorado’s unemployment rate drops to 3.3%
“Colorado had a housing shortage of between 93,000 and 216,000 units through 2020, according to a recent report by the Common Sense Institute. Another report ranked Colorado as the eighth most pricey state for renters.”
The Center Square Colorado: August 19, 2022 by Derek Draplin
Read >>

Colorado’s unemployment rate drops to 3.3%
“Colorado had a housing shortage of between 93,000 and 216,000 units through 2020, according to a recent report by the Common Sense Institute. Another report ranked Colorado as the eighth most pricey state for renters.”
KPVI: August 19, 2022 by Derek Draplin
Read >>

Colorado’s unemployment rate drops to 3.3%
“Colorado had a housing shortage of between 93,000 and 216,000 units through 2020, according to a recent report by the Common Sense Institute. Another report ranked Colorado as the eighth most pricey state for renters.”
KPVI: August 19, 2022 by Derek Draplin
Read >>

Affordable housing subsidy initiative makes November ballot
“Colorado had a housing shortage of between 93,000 and 216,000 units through 2020, according to a recent report by the Common Sense Institute. Another report ranked Colorado as the eighth most pricey state for renters.”
Victoria Advocate: August 19, 2022 by Derek Draplin
Read >>

(Opinion) Michael Fields: No end in sight for housing affordability crisis
“According to Colorado’s Common Sense Institute, the affordability of purchasing a home in Colorado is at its lowest point in 33 years. Shockingly, the cost of purchasing a home has doubled over the last 7 years and half of that increase occurred over the course of the last two years alone.”
Greeley Tribune: August 19, 2022 by Michael Fields
Read >>

Affordable housing subsidy initiative makes November ballot
“Colorado had a housing shortage of between 93,000 and 216,000 units through 2020, according to a recent report by the Common Sense Institute. Another report ranked Colorado as the eighth most pricey state for renters.”
The Center Square Colorado: August 19, 2022 by Drek Draplin
Read >>

With the feds ‘light’ on steps, Colorado’s water experts explore challenges, opportunities
“Eklund took part in a panel on “The Future of Colorado Water: Scarcity and Opportunity” hosted by Colorado Politics and The Denver Gazette. The other panelists were Troy Eid, an attorney with Greenberg Traurig and one of the West’s leading expert on tribal laws, including water; Jennifer Gimbel, a Terry J. Stevinson Fellow with the Common Sense Institute and formerly Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Water & Science at the Department of the Interior; Jennifer Pitt, director of the Colorado River Program at the National Audubon Society; and, Don Brown, former commissioner of agriculture for Colorado.”
Colorado Politics: August 19, 2022 by Marianne Goodland
Read >>

We need to build more, not tax more’
“Cost of living is too high in Colorado – including housing costs. According to the Common Sense Institute, the cost of purchasing a home has doubled in just the past seven years.”
Colorado Politics: August 17, 2022 by Michael Fields
Read >>

PODIUM | Time to hand the reins to Republicans
“That report from Common Sense Institute connects the increase in crime to “social justice” legislation passed during the last four years, leading to: Declining prison population (down 23% since 2008); Increasing use of personal-recognizance bonds even in violent crime cases; and Decriminalizing possession of four grams or less of Schedule II controlled substances, such as fentanyl, from a felony to a misdemeanor.”
Colorado Politics: August 17, 2022 by Mark Hillman
Read >>

Letter: The Colorado Public Option will not help rural Colorado
“At the same time, private insurance providers will be forced to cut premiums or potentially lose licenses and certificates of authority to operate, according to the Common Sense Institute. As doctors’ and nurses’ reimbursements are capped and more people are forced onto public option plans, there is fear those providers will leave the state. Under Roberts’ public option, the CSI found that 3,900 to 4,900 health care jobs could be lost in Colorado mainly impacting rural communities with hospitals operating on tight margins.”
Craig Press: August 17, 2022 by Letters to the Editor
Read >>

Guest opinion: Michael Fields: No end in sight for housing affordability crisis
“According to Colorado’s Common Sense Institute, the affordability of purchasing a home in Colorado is at its lowest point in 33 years. Shockingly, the cost of purchasing a home has doubled over the last 7 years and half of that increase occurred over the course of the last two years alone.”
Daily Camera: August 17, 2022 by Michael Fields
Read >>

What’s behind next year’s 9% minimum wage increase in Denver and Colorado
“‘Inflation’s not all bad,’ said Steven Byers, an economist with Common Sense Institute, a conservative Greenwood Village organization focused on Colorado’s economic policies.”
The Colorado Sun: August 16, 2022 by Tamara Chuang
Read >>

Study examines ballot measure’s impact on state
“Doing so would reduce revenue to the state, but it wouldn’t impact overall state spending, at least in the short term, according to a study released by a Denver-based business group, Common Sense Institute.”
The Daily Sentinel: August 16, 2022 by Charles Ashby
Read >>

Childcare Gap Widens in Colorado, Experts weigh in
“There’s no greater stress for a working parent than finding childcare solutions to fit the needs of your family. A new report from the Common Sense Institute found the gap in childcare is growing — nearly 95,000 kids in Colorado need childcare but can’t access it — that number translates to about 38% of the state’s families.”
Western Slope Now: August 11, 2022 by Khira Isaacs
Read >>

Income tax measure could save Colorado taxpayers $1.6B over five years, think tank says
“Much of the two-month increase in inflation may have occurred in June, which is not reported separately in Colorado, as national inflation was flat in July,’ said Chris Brown, a vice president of policy and research with the Common Sense Institute, in emailed comments on the CPI report.”
The Center Square Colorado: August 11, 2022 by Robert Davis
Read >>

Income tax measure could save Colorado taxpayers $1.6B over five years, think tank says
“Much of the two-month increase in inflation may have occurred in June, which is not reported separately in Colorado, as national inflation was flat in July,’ said Chris Brown, a vice president of policy and research with the Common Sense Institute, in emailed comments on the CPI report.”
The Center Square Colorado: August 11, 2022 by Robert Davis
Read >>

Metro Denver inflation rate down slightly and below national average
“;Much of the two-month increase in inflation may have occurred in June, which is not reported separately in Colorado, as national inflation was flat in July,’ said Chris Brown, a vice president of policy and research with the Common Sense Institute, in emailed comments on the CPI report.”
The Denver Post: August 11, 2022 by Aldo Svaldi
Read >>

Colorado Springs ATF special agent resigns, cites lack of criminal accountability in laws
“According to the Common Sense Institute, violent crime in Colorado in 2020 was 35% higher than in 2011. Additionally, the average monthly crime rate in 2021 is 28% higher than it was in 2011 and 15% higher than it was only two years ago in 2019 in Colorado.”
KRDO: August 11, 2022 by Sean Rice
Read >>

Inflation moderates in July, but costs stay elevated in Colorado
“‘Chris Brown, an economist at the conservative-leaning, business-funded Common Sense Institute in Colorado, says costs still outpace earnings. In July, he said the average household spent $821 more because of inflation.”
Axios Denver: August 11, 2022 by John Frank
Read >>

Consumer prices in Denver up 1.7% in last two months
“‘Much of the two-month increase in inflation may have occurred in June, which is not reported separately in Colorado, as national inflation was flat in July,’ the Common Sense Institute (CSI), a free-enterprise think tank, said in an analysis. ‘Despite any moderation in July, overall price growth continues to outpace earnings growth.'”
The Center Square Colorado: August 10, 2022 by Robert Davis
Read >>

Improving affordability and accessibility of childcare
“On July 19, Common Sense Institute (CSI) and Executives Partnering to Invest in Children (EPIC) presented a panel discussion on, “The growing strain on the childcare business model and economic impacts and opportunities for improving affordability and accessibility.” Luige del Puerto, editor of Colorado Politics and Denver Gazette moderated.”
The Villager: August 10, 2022 by Freda Miklin
Read >>

Denver police chief encourages public to help curb crime
“Prominent Republican George Brauchler called the spike in criminal activity a “Colorado crime tsunami,” in an op-ed last year, citing a report from the conservative-leaning Common Sense Institute.”
Axios Denver: August 10, 2022 by Esteban L. Hernandez
Read >>

Colorado’s Offender-Centered, Anti-Cop Policies Blamed for ‘Crime Tsunami’
“Over the last few years, Colorado has had a higher rate of auto theft than any other state, behind only Washington D.C., according to a December report by the non-partisan Common Sense Institute that analyzed the cost of the Colorado crime wave.”
National Review: August 10, 2022 by Ryan Mills
Read >>

Governor Polis renames TABOR refunds in election year maneuver: ‘A rose is a rose’
“Common Sense Institute says enterprise revenue, which makes up 40% of the state budget and is largely funded by fees, grew by $11 billion between 2019 and 2021.”
CBS Colorado: August 5, 2022 by Shaun Boyd
Read >>

LETTERS: What are the bike lanes for?; education not ‘one-size-fits-all’
“[CSI’s Education Fellow] Jason Gaulden’s assessment that “college for all” has failed many students is spot-on. Too many students graduate (or, even worse, fail to graduate) from college with untenable amounts of student debt and dismal career prospects.”
The Gazette: August 4, 2022 by Gazette Readers
Read >>

The Success of Our Economy Depends on Accessible, Affordable Child Care
“Common Sense Institute’s partnership and collaboration with Executives Partnering to Invest in Children (EPIC) brought to fruition a comprehensive analysis of the razor-thin profit margins with which child care businesses have to work.”
ColoradoBiz: August 3, 2022 by Kristin Strohm and Nicole Riehl
Read >>

GUEST COLUMN: Fentanyl tragedy is cautionary tale for lawmakers
“Many in the law enforcement community note a linkage between those crimes and increased fentanyl addiction. The Common Sense Institute estimated the cost of fentanyl overdoses to our state as being over $11 billion.”
The Gazette: August 3, 2022 by Greg Fulton
Read >>

Report: High costs preventing 38% of Colorado kids from child care access
“High operational costs are preventing 38% of Colorado’s children from accessing childcare, according to a new report. The report, which was compiled by the Common Sense Institute (CSI) and Executives Partnering to Invest in Children (EPIC), analyzed the total revenue and expenses of running a childcare center and juxtaposes those findings against the regulatory environment where the centers operate.”
The Chronicle: August 2, 2022 by Robert Davis
Read >>

Aurora and Denver look to ban taxing government fees
“Common Sense Institute found $26 billion — or 40% of all state funding — now comes from fees. That’s up from $742 million in 1994 when TABOR went into effect.”
CBS Colorado: August 1, 2022 by Shaun Boyd
Read >>

 

2022 | July

Colorado lacking housing affordability, pair of reports show
“Another report released Thursday by the Common Sense Institute (CSI), a free-enterprise think tank, says that housing affordability in the state is at its lowest level in over three decades…. ‘We are at a crisis point and ‘business as usual’ is simply not acceptable,’ Peter LiFari, CSI’s housing policy fellow said in a statement. ‘It’s time for a transformational change and that starts with bold policy actions from our elected officials.'”
Center Square – Colorado: July 28, 2022 by Robert Davis
Read >>

Opinion: Falling behind
“With the pre-pandemic inflation rate under 2 percent, and after considering all the other metrics that go into the calculation, what you bought for $40 in 2019 costs $46.36 today. That increase adds up quickly – the Common Sense Institute reports, ‘the average Colorado household has spent $5,880 more since 2020 because of inflation.'”
Colorado Springs Indy: July 27, 2022 by Patience Kabwasa
Read >>

Slowing and uneven job growth persists in Colorado
“The financial sector shed 1,900 jobs in June, as mortgage services took a hit with rising interest rates. ‘The construction industry remains in positive territory, but declines are likely moving forward,’ Steven Byers, an economist at the business-backed Common Sense Institute, told Axios Denver.”
Axios Denver: July 25, 2022 by John Frank
Read >>

PERSPECTIVE: Moving beyond ‘college for all’
“Nationally a four-year degree from a highly selective, private liberal arts college runs in the neighborhood of $70,000 per year. In Colorado, the average annual in-state college tuition is $12,648 which, according to a Common Sense Institute report, reflects a 240% increase from 2002 to 2020.”
The Gazette: July 24, 2022 by Jason Gaulden
Read >>

More Colorado employers hitting the brakes on hiring, but June job gains held up
“Professional and business services, and financial activities were the two weakest sectors in the June report, losing 1,800 and 1,900 jobs respectively. ‘This is mostly explained by the drop in mortgage-related services as demand for loan originations has plummeted in the response to higher mortgage rates,’ Steven Byers, a senior economist with the Common Sense Institute, said in a commentary about the losses in finance jobs.”
The Denver Post: July 22, 2022 by Aldo Svaldi
Read >>

Colorado has now had its lowest job-growth months of the year in a row
“Steven Byers, senior economist for business-focused think-tank Common Sense Institute, said in a news release that the financial-services losses are explained by a drop in mortgage-related services as demand for loan originations has plummeted in response to higher mortgage rates. He pegged the boost in leisure and hospitality jobs to the increase in summer travel activity.”
Denver Business Journal: July 22, 2022 by Ed Sealover
Read >>

EDITORIAL: Hit the brakes on ‘electrification’
“The sweeping policy shift ushered in by House Bill 1362 – which, through a convoluted chain of events, will result in the adoption of local ‘green’ building codes – would lead to the retrofitting of existing homes for electrification, as well. All of which could cost Colorado homeowners $59 billion to $68 billion by 2031 and would exacerbate Colorado acute housing shortage, according to the study released last week by Colorado’s Common Sense Institute.”
The Denver Gazette: July 20, 2022 by Gazette editorial board
Read >>

Report: High costs preventing 38% of Colorado kids from child care access
“Colorado’s child care industry also continues to see consolidation, the report found. Between April 2018 and April 2021, more than 913 child care centers permanently closed in the state while 486 new programs opened. ‘The reality of that number translates into women staying out of the workforce and incredible strain on family budgets,’ said Alexa Eastburg, a Research Analyst at CSI.”
KPVI 6: July 19, 2022 by Robert Davis
Read >>

As child-care gap widens in Colorado, experts urge ‘creative’ ideas
“A new report from the Common Sense Institute and Executives Partnering to Invest in Children found that the gap in child care is growing – nearly 95,000 kids in Colorado need child care but can’t access it, which translate to about 38% of the state’s families…. A big part of the problem, the CSI report said, is the lack of affordability of child care. Colorado is the eighth-most-expensive place for child care in the U.S., costing families nearly 18% of their income.”
The Gazette: July 19, 2022 by Lindsey Toomer
Read >>

Report: High costs preventing 38% of Colorado kids from child care access
“The report, which was compiled by the Common Sense Institute (CSI) and Executives Partnering to Invest in Children (EPIC), analyzed the total revenue and expenses of running a child care center and juxtaposes those findings against the regulatory environment where the center operates.”
The Daily Sentinel: July 19, 2022 by Robert Davis
Read >>

CONVERSATIONS | Affordable & accessible child care: Colorado’s workforce challenge
“‘There is no greater stress for a working parent than finding a child care solution that fits the needs of your family. If something falls through, your life is upended really quickly. As a mom of four, I know that reality all too well.’ Said Kristin Strohm, President and CEO of Common Sense Institute in Greenwood Village.”
The Denver Gazette: July 19, 2022
Watch >>

PERSPECTIVE: What price electrification?
“By addressing climate change through reasonable policies, we can improve the lives of individuals and the resilience of our communities. However, this must be balanced against our current housing crisis. Before taking any steps toward beneficial electrification, policymakers should ensure that is it economically justified. In other words, ensuring beneficial electrification is, in fact, beneficial for all Coloradans.”
The Denver Gazette: July 17, 2022 by Evelyn Lim
Read >>

New statewide building code could cost homeowners $68 billion
“Evelyn Lim, author of the institute’s report and former Regional Administrator for Region 8 of the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development in the Trump administration, said the institute has a strict non-advocacy policy and noted that her report relied on a more recent analysis using local costs in implementing the new code from Group 14 Engineering, a Denver consulting firm specializing in energy and resource efficiency…. ‘Looking at the PNNL analysis, they indicate it would take an average of 17.3 years to recover those costs. That is longer than the average length of time a homeowner stays in their home,’ Lim said.”
The Denver Gazette: July 15, 2022 by Scott Weiser
Read >>

Aurora leaders look to avoid tax on new delivery fee
“A study by Common Sense Institute found there are now more than $27 billion in state fees in Colorado. Which amounts to $4,600 per Coloradan per year.”
CBS 4 Colorado: July 13, 2022 by Shaun Boyd
Watch >>

Opinion: Denver has the resources to “cure” homelessness if money is spent on proven solutions instead of sweeps 
“November, the Common Sense Institute, a non-partisan research organization dedicated to the protection and promotion of Colorado’s economy, found that Denver spends about half-a-billion dollars on homelessness in 2020 and estimated that number could balloon to more than $800 billion in 2022 if announced funding comes to fruition. CSI determined Denver spends between $41,679 and $104,201 per person experiencing homelessness per year. In comparison, Denver spends $19,202 per student per year of public education according to the analysis, while rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Denver is $21,156 per year.”
The Denver Post: July 11, 2022 by Rhonda Hackett
Read >>

Homelessness in Denver: An in-depth look into an ongoing crisis
“A November report from The Common Sense Institute (CSI) – a non-partisan research organization dedicated to the protection and promotion of Colorado’s economy – found that Denver spends about half-a-billion dollars each year to prevent and resolve homelessness, which is between $41,679 to $104,201 being spent per person experiencing homelessness per year. That money is being used for shelters, services, emergency response and healthcare for people experiencing homelessness, the report states. In comparison, according to the analysis, Denver spends about $19,202 per student per year on public education.”
ABC Denver 7: July 12, 2022 by Oscar Contreras
Read >>

Colorado’s health care experiment gets go-ahead from Biden administration
“Chris Brown at the Common Sense Institute, a business-backed group that opposes the policy, claimed the new option ‘will force difficult choices across the market, as providers choose to cut services or pass on costs to the remaining private insurance market, thereby increasing rates on everyone else.”
Axios Denver: July 7, 2022 by Arielle Dreher and John Frank
Read >>

SLOAN | Insult to injury for everyday Coloradans
“The Common Sense Institute last year did the sums and all of the taxes and fees imposed on Coloradans since 2018 comes in at $1.8 billion, which approaches real money.”
Colorado Politics: July 7, 2022 by Kelly Sloan
Read >>

GOP groups bet on high cost of living to win unaffiliated voters
“A recent analysis by the Common Sense Institute, a conservative-leaning think tank, found that the law could increase the cost of an average home by tens of thousands.”
Alamosa News: July 6, 2022 by Faith Miller
Read >>

When Is enough, enough with taxes and fees?
“In 2021, the Common Sense Institute released a study which detailed the many tax and fee increases new to Colorado since 2018. The research found that, in total, individuals and businesses are expected to pay approximately $1.8 billion more in taxes and fees through the next few years as a result of recently passed policies. This number is continuing to grow.”
Colorado Politics: July 6, 2022 by Tony Gagliardi
Read >>

Centennial State About to Discover Public Option’s Nightmare
“Should premiums fall short of these targets, the law empowers the state to dictate the prices Colorado Option plans pay to doctors and hospitals – ostensibly forcing providers to take massive pay-cuts.”
Newsmax: July 5, 2022 by Sally Pipes
Read >>

Can Republicans flip the Colorado Senate in November?
“A recent analysis by the Common Sense Institute, a conservative-leaning think tank, found that the law could increase the cost of an average home by tens of thousands.”
Colorado Newsline: July 5, 2022 by Faith Miller
Read >>

Editorial: Crime + economy = trouble for ruling Dems
“It’s the latest installment in a depressing saga of crime statistics chronicled in a groundbreaking report released late last year by Colorado’s Common Sense Institute. Among the lowlights: Violent crime rose 35% from 2011 to last year. The state’s crime rate for 2021 was the highest since 1994. Colorado’s 2020 murder rate was 106% higher than in 2011. Assault was up 40% in that same time. Rape was 9% higher. “
The Denver Gazette: July 5, 2022 by Denver Gazette editorial board
Read >>

Colorado GDP down 1.9% in first quarter
“In Colorado, the state’s mining, quarrying, and oil and gas industries each declined by 10% when compared to the fourth quarter of 2021, according to the data from the Common Sense Institute (CSI), a free-enterprise think tank.”
The Center Square Colorado: July 1, 2022 by Robert Davis
Read >>

Aurora makes strides in the crime fight
“Actually just the opposite seems to be the case in Colorado. The state’s surging crime has been accompanied by a years-long decline in the number of lawbreakers behind bars, as revealed in a groundbreaking study released last year by Colorado’s Common Sense Institute. Plausibly, it has been a reluctance to jail wrongdoers – not social and economic factors – that has fueled the crime wave.”
The Denver Gazette: July 1, 2022 Denver Gazette editorial board
Read >>

2022 | June

Economic Experts Agree That Inflation Is A Worldwide Problem
“On June 21, the Common Sense Institute (CSI), a non-partisan organization dedicated to free enterprise and a strong Colorado economy, held a panel discussion on the impact of inflation on the rising cost of living as part of its regular Eggs and the Economy program…. Steven Byers noted that ‘Housing prices started rising about seven or eight years ago in response to the huge influx of people that were moving to Colorado. At that time, we already had a housing shortage.’ Since then, ‘We haven’t built enough housing to offset that increased demand.'”
The Villager: June 29, 2022 by Freda Miklin
Read >>

Lower-cost ‘Colorado Option’ Health Plan Wins Federal Approval
“In May, a report from the conservative-leaning Common Sense Institute warned that the legislation does not properly account for soaring medical inflation in recent months. Though HB-1232 caps allowable growth of standardized plan premiums each year at the 10-year average annual rate of national medical inflation, the Common Sense Institute found that formula ‘too restrictive to properly account for the actual medical costs that the healthcare industry will face in the coming years.'”
Pagosa Daily Post: June 27, 2022 by Post Contributor
Read >>

Report: Colorado electrification goals could add up to $68.4B total in costs
“Colorado’s electrification goals could add up to $68.4 billion in total costs over the next decade, a new report says. The state’s electrification goals could negatively impact housing affordability at a time when housing shortage is likely to increase, according to the report published Tuesday by the Common Sense Institute (CSI), a free-enterprise think tank.”
The Chronicle-News.com: June 24, 2022
Read >>

Lower-cost ‘Colorado Option’ health plan wins approval from feds
“‘If the Colorado Option insurance payments do not keep pace with rising costs, health care providers will likely be forced to choose between cutting services and passing on costs by raising prices for most insured Coloradans,’ Common Sense Institute’s May report added, referring to Coloradans who do not buy health insurance plans on the state exchange.”
Colorado Newsline: June 23, 2022 by Faith Miller
Read >>

Report: Colorado electrification goals could add up to $68.4B total in costs
“‘Due to continuing supply issues, policymakers should focus on policies that will incentivize and create more housing – such as the recently passed HB22-1282 which created an innovative housing incentive program,’ Evelyn Lim, a CSI research fellow wrote. ‘Yet as laudable as that program can be, the legislature also passed legislation that will make it harder, and more expensive, to build new housing units.'”
The Center Square Colorado: June 22, 2022 by Robert Davis
Read >>

The Costs of Infrastructure and Housing Affordability
“‘I think there is a slight chance of hope here. As I mentioned the energy code board that was created by the legislation… the code board is tasked with putting together a code. One of the things that I mention in my report is that the biggest stakeholders here are the homeowners of Colorado and they don’t have a voice on that energy code board. They don’t have a say on whether they even want this for their homes and so I think that part of that process should include a public comment period or public comment input on what these codes should look like,’ said Evelyn Lim, CSI’s 2022 Mike A. Leprino Free Enterprise Fellow.”
KOA – AM Radio: June 22, 2022 by Ross Kaminsky
Listen >>

Report: Colorado electrification goals could add up to $68.4B total in costs
“The state’s electrification goals could negatively impact housing affordability at a time when housing shortage is likely to increase, according to the report published Tuesday by the Common Sense Institute (CSI), a free-enterprise think tank….’Housing affordability remains a top issue facing Coloradans,’ said Evelyn Lim, a research fellow with CSI who authored the report. ‘With rising inflation, supply chain disruptions, workforce shortages, and complex land-use regulations, the outlook for housing development in the state looks bleak.'”
The Daily Sentinel – Grand Junction: June 22, 2022 by Robert Davis
Read >>

Denver expands eviction legal assistance contracts as Colorado faces acute shortage of housing units
“The city made the move as metro Denver and the rest of the state experience an acute shortage of housing units. The Common Sense Institute puts Colorado’s housing deficit at 195,912 units, saying it could feasibly reach 514,462 units by 2031.”
The Denver Gazette: June 21, 2022 by Lindsey Toomer
Read >>

As CO option stumbles, inflation spikes, we pay more
“Put simply, the Colorado Option’s allowable growth formula wildly underestimates the actual costs healthcare providers will face in coming years – from medical supplies to workforce and more. As we have estimated in previous research, this failure of the Colorado Option to meet the underlying costs of care will force difficult choices across the market. Providers – doctors, nurses, hospitals and caregivers – will be forced to choose between cutting services or passing costs on to the remaining private insurance market, thereby increasing rates on everyone else.”
Colorado Politics: June 20, 2022 by Chris Brown
Read >>

5 Things Colorado: LGBTQ+ behavioral health, legislators recap session, Inflation’s impact on Colorado Option 
“A report from the Common Sense Institute last month indicates that rising inflation levels could jeopardize health plans’ requirements to lower premiums to a certain threshold under the Colorado Option. Starting in 2023 commercial carriers are required to offer a state-designed standardized plan, with premiums required to be 5% lower then the carrier’s average 2021 premium rate.”
State of Reform: June 16, 2022 by Eli Kirshbaum
Read >>

Report: Prices in Denver have increased 8.3 percent in last year
“On top of that, the Denver metro area ranks as the 10th highest among its peer cities in terms of total price growth since end of 2020. Overall, Colorado households are spending approximately $5,880 more for goods and services now than they were two years ago, according to CSI. ‘Wage growth is not keeping up with inflation and Coloradans’ budgets are being squeezed, causing many people to return to the labor force,’ the analysis said.”
Kiowa County Press: June 14, 2022 by Robert Davis
Read >>

Officials Push For Fentanyl Felony Charge
“According to an analysis from the Common Sense Institute in 2020, Colorado experienced 540 fentanyl related deaths, that’s a 143% increase from 2019. In 2021, there were more than 800 fentanyl related deaths, up 260% from 2019. Now  Colorado’s law officials worry if we don’t act now, the numbers will only get worse…. With the rising increase in fentanyl related deaths, experts at the Common Sense Institute say, we are losing nearly three Coloradan’s a day to fentanyl, ‘Look fentanyl kills period, more than any other drug that we have seen in a long time,’ George Brauchler, CSI Criminal Justice Fellow says.”
North Denver News: June 14, 2022 by James Python
Read >>

Report: Prices in Denver have increased 8.3% in last year
“Colorado’s average inflation rate between 2010 and 2020 was 2.51%, according to an analysis of the data by the Common Sense Institute (CSI), a free-enterprise think tank. CSI also said that one of the biggest risks inflation is posing for consumers is that wages are not keeping pace with inflation. For instance, the U.S. average hourly earnings have grown by 5.24% over the last year, which accounts for just 61% of the total increase in inflation, the analysis found.”
The Center Square Colorado: June 13, 2022 by Robert Davis
Read >>

Councilman pursues ordinance to make Aurora ‘most punitive city’ in Colorado to combat auto thefts
“Mitch Morrissey, a former district attorney in Denver and a fellow at the Common Sense Institute, said he disagrees that car thefts can be compared to the threat of penalties for more everyday behavior, such as speeding or not paying a parking meter in the context of deterrence. Stealing a car requires a series of deliberate actions, he said, and it also is frequently a dangerous crime because of the use of stolen cars to commit other crimes such as robbery.”
The Gazette: June 12, 2022 by Julia Cardi
Read >>

What’s Working: Coloradans feel inflation’s pain, make compromises on food and travel
“That puts Colorado slightly lower than the U.S. for May and that may be because prices show up faster in the state than elsewhere, said Steven L. Byers, senior economist at the Common Sense Institute, a conservative-leaning economic think tank in Greenwood Village. ‘One possible explanation is that Colorado emerged out of the downturn quicker than the nation as a whole and that this sped up pricing pressures as Coloradans returned to work sooner than the nation as a whole,’ Byers said.”
The Colorado Sun: June 11, 2022 by Tamara Chuang
Read >>

Inflationary pressures jeopardize DORA plans of standardize health plan benefits under Colorado Option
“‘What we’ve seen in the last 12 months is that inflation is now running really high,’ said Chris Brown, Common Sense Institute’s Vice President of Policy and Research.’… ‘ What you want is stability. And when you don’t have stability and you have uncertainty and rapidly rising prices, this puts a crunch on everybody.'”
KMTV (CSB 3) NE: June 6, 2022 by Meghan Lopez
Watch >>

Inflationary pressures jeopardize DORA plans of standardize health plan benefits under Colorado Option
“Data released by the Common Sense Institute, a conservative think tank in Colorado, showed medical inflation has risen to 7.62% in Metro Denver, which is nearly 5 points higher than the allowable growth rate estimated by the Division of Insurance…. ‘The CSI report highlights another key challenge we see for hospitals and health systems faced with implementing the Colorado Option – the role of inflation and growth in expenses,’ said the Colorado Hospital Association (CHA) in a statement issued to State of Reform.”
State of Reform: June 4, 2022 by Boram Kim
Read >>

Raising interest rates can help curb inflation, but at a cost
“‘What we’ve seen in the last 12 months is that inflation is now running really high,’ said Chris Brown, Common Sense Institute’s Vice President of Policy and Research. ‘What you want is stability and when you don’t have stability and you have uncertainty and rapidly rising prices, this puts a crunch on everybody,’ Brown continued.”
KOAA NBC Colorado Springs: June 1, 2022 by Meghan Lopez
Watch >>

2022 | May

Inflation is chewing up Coloradans’ spending power. How are consumers coping?
“The typical Colorado household has spent $4,467 more since 2020 because of inflation, Steven Byers, a senior economist with the Common Sense Institute in Greenwood Village, estimated in a research note last month. Although labor shortages are helping push up wages, pay increases are covering less than two-thirds of the most recent price spikes, he said. And not every worker is getting that average wage hike of 5.6%.”
The Denver Post: May 31, 2022 by Aldo Svaldi
Read >>

Raising interest rates can help curb inflation, but at a cost
“‘What we’ve seen in the last 12 months is that inflation is now running really hot. This is hurting the average Coloradoan, and this is impacting Colorado households,’ said Chris Brown, vice president of policy and research at the Common Sense Institute. ‘What you want is stability, and when you don’t have stability, and you have uncertainty and rapidly rising prices, this puts a crunch on everybody.’ CSI estimates the average Colorado household spent $4,467 more since 2020 because of inflation. Overall, its data has found that price levels have increased 2% between January and March.”
The Denver Channel 7 ABC: May 31, 2022 by Meghan Lopez
Read >>

Inflation is chewing up Coloradans’ spending power. How are consumers coping?
“The typical Colorado household has spent $4,467 more since 2020 because of inflation, Steven Byers, a senior economist with the Common Sense Institute in Greenwood Village, estimated in a research note last month. Although labor shortages are helping push up wages, pay increases are covering less than two-thirds of the most recent price spikes, he said.”
Canon City Daily Record: May 31, 2022 by Aldo Svaldi
Read >>

Polis signs bill increasing penalties for fentanyl 
“‘Law enforcement officers, business leaders, parents and loved ones are begging for the tools necessary to prosecute those responsible for trafficking this horrific drug,’ Mitch Morrissey, CSI’s criminal justice fellow, said in a statement earlier this month.”
Kiowa County Press: May 26, 2022 by Robert Davis
Read >>

Colorado Option Report: Inflation could force Colorado health care providers to raise price, cut services
“A new report sheds light on how inflation could impact Colorado’s health insurance option program, also know as the Colorado Option. The report, published by the Common Sense Institute (CSI), a free-enterprise think tank, examines how the Colorado Option’s use of premium rate caps – which prevent service providers from raising rates – does not accurately reflect inflation as a variable in its rate calculations.”
The Chronicle-News.com: May 26, 2022
Read >>

Denver Data Doesn’t Back Mayor’s Claim That PR Bonds Are Leading to More Crime
“George Brauchler co-authored a crime study with former Denver district attorney Mitch Morrissey, a Democrat, for the Common Sense Institute, a right-leaning Colorado think tank. ‘It is simply undeniable that the legislature over the last decade or so has made it easier to decrease penalties for criminal conduct,’ Brauchler previously told Westword, noting that PR bonds and an uptick in crime ‘seems to be happening at the same time.'”
Westword: May 26, 2022 by Conor McCormick-Cavanagh
Read >>

Polis signs bill increasing penalties for fentanyl
“Common Sense Institute (CSI) criminal justice fellows George Brauchler and Mitch Morrissey – both former district attorneys – also said the governor needs to convene a special session to ‘pass consequential legislation’ to further address the crisis.”
Center Square Colorado: May 25, 2022 by Robert Davis
Read >>

Common Sense Institute: Colorado Option could lead to cuts in services or higher premiums
“The issue is medical inflation, according to the Common Sense Institute (CSI) report. That’s a combination of higher use of services – in part driven by the pandemic – and the unit cost of services…. As a result, CSI says, payments will not keep up with those growing cots, and that will force providers to either cut costs that could, in turn, affect quality and access, or pass on the losses from the Colorado Option to other private insurers.”
The Denver Gazette: May 25, 2022 by Marianne Goodland
Read >>

Colorado legislators wrestle with drug penalties as fentanyl deaths surge
“Fentanyl fatalities doubled from 222 in 2019 to 540 in 2020, then surged to about 800 in 2021, according to state figures compiled by the Common Sense Institute in Denver.”
The Washington Times: May 24, 2022 by Valerie Richardson
Read >>

PERSPECTIVE: The persistent problems of PERA
“If we can’t prioritize the stability of PERA in good times, this sets a bad precedent for tougher times. It’s important not to get complacent on an issue as important and impactful as PERA. Given the work of the state legislature in recent years, it’s easy to think the problem is solved. However, not maintaining the commitment to adequately fund PERA reflects the same decisions made over the last two decades that got us to this point. We simply must fulfill our commitment and pay the price.”
The Denver Gazette: May 22, 2022 by Earl Wright
Read >>

Governor Polis signs public safety bills into law
“The legislation was passed as the cost of crime in Colorado continues to climb. According to a report from the Common Sense Institute, a free-enterprise think tank, crime in the sate cost taxpayers approximately $31 billion last year, up nearly 13 percent from 2020.”
Kiowa County Press: May 21, 2022 by Robert Davis
Read >>

Report: Inflation could force Colorado health care providers to raise prices, cut services
“The report, published by the Common Sense Institute (CSI), a free-enterprise think tank, examines how the Colorado Option’s use of premium rate caps – which prevent service providers from raising rates – does not accurately reflect inflation as a variable in its rate calculations. ‘Our findings simply mean that the Colorado Option plan will struggle to pay medical providers rates that keep up with their underlying costs,’ Chris Brown, CSI’s vice president of policy and research, said in a statement.”
Kiowa County Press: May 20, 2022 by Robert Davis
Read >>

Colorado’s unemployment rate drops to 3.6% in April
“However, there are still some industries that are struggling to recover from the pandemic, according to an analysis of the unemployment figures from the Common Sense Institute, a free-enterprise think tank, The leisure and hospitality industry added more than 6,400 jobs back in April but it’s still down nearly the same number of jobs when compared to employment levels from January 2020. Accommodation and food services are also down approximately 6,700 jobs when compared to January 2020 employment levels as well, according to the analysis.”
The Center Square Colorado: May 20, 2022 by Robert Davis
Read >>

Polis signs public safety bills into law
“The legislation was passed as the cost of crime in Colorado continues to climb. According to a report from the Common Sense Institute, a free-enterprise think tank, crime in the state cost taxpayers approximately $31 billion last year, up nearly 13% from 2020.”
The Center Square Colorado: May 20, 2022 by Robert Davis
Read >>

Report: Inflation could force Colorado health care providers to raise prices, cut services
“Chris Brown, CSI’s vice president of policy and research said that the current construction of the Colorado Option accounts for medical inflation rates of up to 2.7%. Denver’s medical inflation rate from March 2021 to March 2022 was 7.6%, nearly three-times higher than the rate that the Colorado Option accounts for…. ‘As we have demonstrated in our previous research, this will force difficult choices across the market, as providers choose to cut services or pass on costs to the remaining private insurance market, thereby increasing rate on everyone else,’ he said.”
KPVI 6: May 19, 2022 by Robert Davis
Read >>

Report: Inflation could force Colorado health care providers to raise prices, cut services
“The report, published by the Common Sense Institute (CSI), a free-enterprise think tank, examines how the Colorado Option’s use of premium rate caps – which prevent service providers from raising rates – does not accurately reflect inflation as a variable in its rate calculations. ‘Our findings simply mean that the Colorado Option plan will struggle to pay medical providers rates that keep up with their underlying costs,’ Chris Brown, CSI’s president of policy and research, said in a statement.”
The Center Square Colorado: May 19, 2022 by Robert Davis
Read >>

A wakeup call as Denver’s standing slips
“‘The message is out that Denver has big city crime and traffic problems,’ Steven Byers, senior economist with Colorado’s Common Sense Institute, told The Gazette. ‘People see the way Gov. Polis and Mayor Hancock handled the homeless people and they want to get away from that.’ Byers said metro Denver is too pricey for a lot of young people starting out in careers and struggling to make their monthly car payments, rent and student loans.”
The Denver Gazette: May 19, 2022 by The Gazette Editorial Board
Read >>

How did Colorado become one of the worst states for vehicle theft? Auto theft task force officials, reformers disagree.
“Mitch Morrissey, a former Denver prosecutor and a fellow at the Common Sense Institute, shared similar concerns with legislators before the start of this year’s session through a report on crime trends he helped author…. What he found is that since 2008, the state prison population has gone down by 23% while crime has increased by 47%.”
The Denver Post: May 16, 2022 by Josh Aguilar
Read >>

Denver falls to No. 55 in annual Best Places to Live report
“‘The message is out that Denver has big city crime and traffic problems,’ said Steven Byers, senior economist with the Denver-based Common Sense Institute. ‘People see the way Governor Polis and Mayor Hancock handled the homeless people and they want to get away from that.’ Byers said Denver is 160,000 homes short of what it needs to avoid overcrowding. The metro area is often too expensive for young people who have monthly care payments, rent and student loans.”
The Denver Gazette: May 16, 2022 by Rich Laden and Carol McKinley
Read >>

Critics of fentanyl bill call for special session
“Common Sense Institute (CSI) criminal justice fellows George Brauchler and Mitch Morrissey – both former district attorneys – also called for a special session to pass legislation that further addresses the fentanyl crisis….’We simply cannot ignore the issue. Governor Polis should immediately call for a special session and pass consequential legislation to address the fentanyl crisis,’ Morrissey said. ‘Law enforcement officers, business leaders, parents and loved ones are begging for the tools necessary to prosecute those responsible for trafficking this horrific drug.'”
Kiowa County Press: May 13, 2022 by Robert Davis
Read >>

Critics of fentanyl bill call for special session
“Common Sense Institute (CSI) criminal justice fellows George Brauchler and Mitch Morrissey – both former district attorneys – also called for a special session to pass legislation that further addresses the fentanyl crisis. ‘We simply cannot ignore the issue. Governor Polis should immediately call for a special session and pass consequential legislation to address the fentanyl crisis,’ Morrissey said. ‘Law enforcement officers, business leaders, parents and loved ones are begging for the tools necessary to prosecute those responsible for trafficking this horrific drug.'”
The Center Square – Colorado: May 13, 2022 by Robert Davis
Read >>

How Much Money Did State Lawmakers Actually Save You?
“While there are some smaller cuts to vehicle registrations and professional licenses, Common Sense Institute says the 12 biggest reductions of the 2022 session aren’t new savings. Chris Brown with CSI says the cuts add up to $854,000 but almost half of that is money taxpayers would have received as bigger refunds under the Taxpayer Bill of Rights.”
Denver CBS4: May 12, 2022 by Shaun Boyd
Read >>

Denver expects to meet its revenue goal from increased parking meter rates
“‘Stop subsidizing the homeless industrial complex and start building housing, build and administer public housing. The report from the Common Sense Institute and CU Denver reveal that Denver is spending double the cost of housing of its entire homeless population.’ Said a public homeless advocate protesting the urban camping ban that has been in place for 10 years at the Denver City Council Meeting last night.”
KDVR FOX Denver: May 10, 2022
Read >>

Denver expects to meet its revenue goal from increased parking meter rates
“Steven Byers, a senior economist with the Common Sense Institute, said while folks may not be happy about the increase in the cost of parking, this brings Denver more in line with similarly sized cities. He did note that with automobile crime increasing lately, people may prefer to park in an attended lot. ‘Whether or not this $9.5 million in revenue will be realized really is dependent on whether or not the increase in the meter fees drive down the use of those meters or if it stays the same,’ Byers said.”
The Denver Gazette: May 8, 2022 by Lindsey Toomer
Read >>

Colorado Senate OKs controversial fentanyl
“Other studies have shown that fentanyl has cost Colorado taxpayers a considerable sum over the last five years. Research from the Common Sense Institute, a free-enterprise think tank, found that the total lifetime cost of fentanyl overdose deaths in Colorado reached $15.2 billion in 2021, a 127% increase from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s previous estimates in 2017.”
The Center Square Colorado: May 6, 2022 by Robert Davis
Read >>

Colorado Senate makes its choice on unemployment-fund bill
“Chris Brown, vice president of policy and research for the Common Sense Institute, estimated that employers faced an increase of $4.2 billion in higher fees over the next four years than had been anticipated at the end of 2019.”
Denver Business Journal: May 4, 2022 by Ed Sealover
Read >>

Podium| Protect taxpayers – tame PERA’s debts
“Consider this: a recent study from the non-partisan Common Sense Institute (CSI) estimates that approximately 50% of annual contributions are used to pay down the unfunded liability. Our state’s pension program is not actuarially supported by enough pension assets. Thus, this huge unfunded liability of approximately $30 billion. … Additionally, if actuarial analysis suggested that in 2048 the fund will still have a deficit, annual participant and employee payments into the fund would be increased by an agreed formula and pensioners’ inflation adjusted payments would be reduced.”
Colorado Politics: May 3, 2022 by Kent Thiry and Earl L. Wright
Read >>

Colorado business groups split over unemployment trust fund legislation
“Chris Brown, vice president of policy and research for the Common Sense Institute, a free-enterprise think tank, said Colorado has the sixth-highest outstanding loan balance in the country. ‘Addressing the solvency of the [unemployment insurance trust fund] is critical as employers face over $4 billion in higher taxes over the next several years to build back the trust fund as a result of the economic fallout from the pandemic,’ he said.”
The Center Square: May 2, 2022 by Robert Davis
Read >>

Housing prices increase, CSU hopes to provide employee homes
“In a study done by the Common Sense Institute, trends in housing prices are only going up. The average mortgage for a starter home has increased by $1,142 per month — that’s a 69% increase since 2015 alone. Furthermore, the average monthly rent has increased $317 across the state.”
The Rocky Mountain Collegian: May 1, 2022 by Isabel Brown
Read >>

Colorado Point of View
“‘It’s a wicked smart question to ask because it’s about priorities. If you look at just education alone, we’re spending about 11% more in K-12 education and higher education this year. But for K-12, despite that 11% increase, there’s only a 6% increase in per pupil spending. That other 5% is money that’s going to education but not getting into the classroom. That’s not a lack of money, that’s a lack of prioritization and a lack of getting the right money to the right people.’ Said George Brauchler, a CSI criminal justice fellow and former 18th judicial district attorney.”
FOX31 Denver: May 1, 2022
Read >>

2022 | April

Polis, legislators say Coloradans will get $400 in tax refund this summer
“‘And while higher inflation is putting pressure on all household budgets, it is contributing to strong state revenue growth in combination with the economic recovery from the pandemic, and large federal spending,’ Chris Brown said. ‘So, at a time when General Fund spending is expected to grow 12.7% in next year’s budget, when state reserves are more than double where they were heading into the pandemic, the government spending growth limitation of the TABOR formula has created more than $3.5B in anticipated taxpayer refunds over two years.’
Colorado Politics: April 28, 2022 by Luige Del Puerto
Read >>

Colorado lawmakers introduce legislation to put $600M into state unemployment insurance system
An analysis of the plan by the Common Sense Institute, a free-enterprise think tank, found that the investment could save Colorado businesses more than $560 million in additional premium payments. J.J. Ament, CEO of the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce, described the bill as ‘one of the most important pro-business and pro-economy bills that has been introduced this session. By putting this money into the system, it lowers the overall tax on businesses when they hire a new employee,’ Ament said.”
The Center Square: April 27, 2022 by Robert Davis
Read >>

GV plans to make misdemeanor drug possession a municipal violation to impose stiffer penalties
“Earlier in that city council study session, GV Police Chief Dustin Varney presented statewide crime statistics from a December 2021 report issued by the Common Sense Institute (CSI), whose website describes it as a non-partisan research organization dedicated to the protection and promotion of Colorado’s economy. Varney shared that the report said, in part, ‘Colorado has the highest increase in its property crime rate 2011-2020 among all the states,’ Colorado’s violent crime in 2020 was 35% higher than in 2011, nationally the rate grew 3%,’ and ‘Colorado has the highest motor vehicle theft rate among all states in 2020.’”
The Villager: April 27, 2022 by Freda Miklin
Read >>

Colorado lawmakers introduce legislation to put $600M into state unemployment insurance system
“First, as the Common Sense Institute observes, inflation is a driving cause of strong state revenue growth. Colorado’s economy is growing, but that’s in spite of Polis and the Democrats. Their pandemic policies and anti-business legislation and regulations have decimated Colorado businesses and further exacerbated inflation.”
Kiowa County Press: April 27, 2022 by Robert Davis
Read >>

SENGENBERGER | Colorado Dems flip-flop on TABOR?
“First, as the Common Sense Institute observes, inflation is a driving cause of strong state revenue growth. Colorado’s economy is growing, but that’s in spite of Polis and the Democrats. Their pandemic policies and anti-business legislation and regulations have decimated Colorado businesses and further exacerbated inflation.”
Colorado Politics: April 27, 2022 by Jimmy Sengenberger
Read >>

Colorado House advances mobile home protection bill without rent control provision
“A recent analysis of HB22-1287 by the Common Sense Institute, a free-enterprise think tank, found that the bill prior to the rent control provision’s removal, could have caused a reduction in the total supply of manufactured homes available and a reduction of state income tax revenue. The think tank said passage of the bill would have opened up ‘a Pandora’s Box allowing for expansion of rent control to other classes of private property, further impinging on private property owners’ rights.'”
The Center Square Colorado: April 25, 2022 by Robert Davis
Read >>

Polis, legislators say Coloradans will get $400 in tax refund this summer
“Chris Brown, vice president of policy and research at the Common Sense Institute, said pushing forward the timeline for getting the TABOR refund will help alleviate some of the pressure imposed by inflation. However, he added, the institute estimate that higher levels of inflation have cost the average Colorado household more than $4,460 since 2021.”
Colorado Politics: April 25, 2022 by Luige Del Puerto
Read >>

Colorado House advances mobile home protection bill without rent control provision
“A recent analysis of HB22-1287 by the Common Sense Institute, a free-enterprise think tank, found that the bill prior to the rent control provision’s removal, could have caused a reduction in the total supply of manufactured homes available and a reduction of state income tax revenue.”
KPVI: April 25, 2022 by Robert Davis
Read >>

Sondermann: Truth stranger than fiction
“This May 21, 2020 photo shows a parked car with a broken driver’s side window after a smash-and-grab break in. Property crimes such as these, along with stolen vehicles, are on the rise in Colorado, a 2021 Common Sense Institute report states.”
Colorado Politics: April 24, 2022 by Eric Sondermann
Read >>

Electrification: is the Juice Worth the Squeeze?
“As the state continues to regulate and legislate in favor of accelerated climate goals, it fails to acknowledge the global challenges to meeting its targets, which make the tradeoffs nearly impossible to fathom. The reality is, that unless we tell lawmakers to reassess their unrealistic race to electrification, many Coloradans already struggling will find it increasingly difficult to afford to live here.”
Colorado Biz: April 20, 2022 by Evelyn Lim
Read >>

What’s Working: Colorado gets closer to pre-pandemic economy as jobless rate falls to 3.7%
“So how does that translate to Coloradans? Try 44,467 in extra spending. That’s how much more the average Colorado household has spent in total since 2020 because of inflation, according to calculations by the Common Sense Institute, a conservative-leaning economic think tank in Greenwood Village. More than half of that amount is due to higher transportation costs, which includes buying or maintaining cars.”
The Colorado Sun: April 16, 2022 by Tamara Chuang
Read >>

Colorado’s unemployment rate drops to 3.7% as strong hiring continues in March
“But older workers are also influencing that number, said Steven Byers, a senior economist at the Common Sense Institute in a research note. ‘Inflation in metro Denver reached a 9.1% annual rate in March, the highest pace since 1982. Thats may be causing more retirement-age workers, 65 plus, to re-enter the labor force as they try to maintain their living standards,’ he said.”
The Denver Post: April 15, 2022 by Aldo Svaldi
Read >>

Colorado unemployment falls again, despite losses of construction jobs
“Leisure and hospitality – the sector that includes industries such as hotels and restaurants – once again led the growth of 5,800 new nonfarm payroll jobs in March with 4,200 new hires, though Common Sense Institute Senior Economist Steven Byers notes it remains 11,600 jobs below pre-pandemic levels.”
Denver Business Journal: April 15, 2022 by Ed Sealover
Read >>

Colorado adds 5,800 jobs in March; unemployment rate drops to 3.7%
“However, not all industries benefited from Colorado’s declining unemployment rate in March, according to an analysis of the data by the Common Sense Institute (CSI), a free-enterprise think tank. The construction industry lost more than 2,300 jobs last month. Other industries like arts, entertainment, and accommodation services have also struggled to regain their employment levels. Arts and entertainment is still missing more than 6,200 jobs when compared to its employment levels from January 2021.”
The Center Square Colorado: April 15, 2022 by Robert Davis Editorial
Read >>

Opinion Other Voices: Fentanyl’s collateral damage to our economy
“On Monday, the nonpartisan research organization [Common Sense Institute] detailed how not only did fentanyl-related deaths soar past 800 in 2021 – a 260% increase since 2019 – but since 2017, the share of opioid-related deaths attributed to fentanyl grew from 19% to 73%. It amounted to an $11.1 billion lifetime cost in 2021.”
Greeley Tribune: April 15, 2022 by Greeley Tribune Guest Editorial
Read >>

A very important look at the policy of electrification
“Looking through a worldwide prism, Evelyn Lim, a Mike A. Leprino Fellow, pointed out that, ‘Cheap and reliable energy is the key to economic growth, security and general prosperity throughout the world. There are 7.5 billion people in the world and 1.1. billion do not have any access to energy, while 2.9 billion still use solid fuels, such as wood, charcoal, coal and even dung for cooking and heating.'”
The Villager: April 14, 2022 by Freda Miklin
Read >>

Fentanyl’s collateral damage to our economy
“‘We don’t have to look any further than the daily news headlines to understand that this is the most tragic public policy issue facing our state today,’ former Denver district attorney and Common Sense Institute Criminal Justice Fellow Mitch Morrissey said in a news statement. ‘In addition to lives, fentanyl overdoses are costing us billions of dollars. We simply cannot ignore this issue.'”
The Gazette: April 14, 2022 by The Gazette editorial board
Read >>

Save the American Dream – Make housing affordable
“A recent study by the Common Sense Institute finds the cost of an average starter home has increased by 83% since 2015.”
Colorado Politics: April 14, 2022 by Hugh McKean
Read >>

Denver’s cashless bond system being ‘abused,’ citizens are ‘suffering,’ former DA says
“‘This PR bond system, it’s being abused,’ a fellow with the Common Sense Institute, Mitch Morrissey, told Fox News. ‘It’s being abused by the individuals that are getting the bond, it’s being abused by the magistrates that are issuing the PR bonds. The people of Denver and the state of Colorado are suffering as a result of what they’re doing.'”
Yahoo! News: April 13, 2022 by Lisa Bennatan
Read >>

Denver’s cashless bond system being ‘abused,’ citizens are ‘suffering,’ former DA says
“‘We have about 5,000 people put on PR [personal recognizance] bonds in Denver and that’s what’s going on. Either PR bonds or $1 bonds, you’re going to see an increase in crime because it doesn’t stop the criminal behavior. An important part of setting a bond is protecting the community and it seems in Denver that the courts have lost that factor when it comes to giving PR bonds. They are giving PR bonds to repeat offenders, violent offenders, and people that have criminal records that are caught and arrested with guns, to drug dealers. Those people get arrested and released the next day on a promise to return. Part of the problem is that they do not return, about a third of them don’t come back to court. And when we talk about drug dealers, about half of them don’t come back to court,’ said Mitch Morrissey, a Common Sense Institute Criminal Justice Fellow. ‘That’s a big problem but it’s not the main problem. What’s happening is these individuals are reoffending at a very high rate. Currently in the last two years, four of these offenders have murdered people. They got PR bonds or $1 bonds and they went right out and murdered people.'”
Fox News: April 13, 2022
Read >>

Brauchler 4-13-22 7 am
“‘Well, there are some theories that I happen to agree with. The loose monetary policy we’ve had over the last few years combined with huge fiscal spending at the federal level has resulted in this increased inflation’ said senior economist Steven Byers from the Common Sense Institute. ‘It’s hard to say whether or not it was necessary because we have not had another situation where we’ve locked down the economy, but the Fed thought it was necessary to avoid a huge economic meltdown.'”
The George Brauchler Show (710 KNUS): April 13, 2022 by George Brauchler
Read >>

Officials push for fentanyl felony charge
“According to an analysis from the Common Sense Institute in 2020, Colorado experienced 540 fentanyl related deaths, that’s a 143% increase from 2019. In 2021, there were more than 800 fentanyl related deaths, up 260% from 2019. Now Colorado’s law officials worry if we don’t act now, the numbers will only get worse. With the rising increase in fentanyl related deaths, experts at the Common Sense Institute say, we are losing nearly three Coloradan’s a day to fentanyl, ‘Look fentanyl kills period, more than any other drug that we have seen in a long time,’ George Brauchler, CSI Criminal Justice Fellow says.”
Western Slope Now: April 12, 2022 by Austin Sack
Read >>

Consumer inflation tops 9% in March, metro Denver’s highest rate since 1982
“‘The average Colorado household spent $4,467 more since 2020 because of inflation,’ said Steven Byers, a senior economist with the Common Sense Institute, in an analysis of the inflation numbers.”
The Denver Post: April 12, 2022 by Aldo Svaldi
Read >>

Inflation hits 9.1 percent in Denver metro area
“According to an analysis of the data by the Common Sense Institute (CSI), a free-enterprise think tank, the Denver metro area ranks 8th highest in the nation for total inflation since 2020…. ‘Wage growth is not keeping up with inflation and Coloradans’ budgets are being squeezed, causing many people to return to the labor force,’ said Steven Byers, CSI’s chief economist.”
Kiowa County Press: April 12, 2022 by Robert Davis
Read >>

Inflation continues to spike in Denver metro
“The increases in the Denver-Aurora-Lakewood metro ranked eighth out of 23 urban areas since the end of 2020, according to Steven Byers, an economist at the business advocacy organization Common Sense Institute.”
AXIOS Denver: April 12, 2022 by John Frank
Read >>

JJ Ament with The Common Sense Institute on the toll of fentanyl in Denver
“‘The numbers are staggering and the Common Sense Institute report was written in part by two former district attorneys, a republican and a democrat. So bipartisan to address what is an issue we can no longer ignore…. Our employees and employers want a safe and productive work environment. And when that’s impaired when you have illegal drug use sometimes happening just outside the office, sometimes happening on the light rail train to work, and sometimes your walk to work. It’s a workforce issue, a perception issue, a brand issue and a issue for anybody who is considering growing their business or even relocating.'”
KOA Radio: April 12, 2022 by April Zesbaugh and Marty Lenz
Read >>

UTIF & PERA: Lawmakers have yet to address two largest fund deficits in state budget, think tank says
“The analysis by the Common Sense Institute (CSI), a free-enterprise think tank, says that lawmakers have not decided on how they will address the funding shortages in the Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund (UITF) and the Public Employees’ Retirement Association (PERA), both of which were heavily taxed during the pandemic.”
The Chronicle-News: April 12, 2022
Read >>

Report: Cost of opioid overdose deaths in Colorado topped $15.2B last year
“The total cost of deaths from opioid overdoses in Colorado topped $15.2 billion last year, according to a new report. In all, Colorado recorded 1,104 opioid-related overdose deaths in 2021, a 127% increase from previous estimates that were released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in 2017, according to a report by the Common Sense Institute (CSI). Of those deaths, more than 800 were related to fentanyl, a 260% increase from 2019, the report said.”
The Center Square Colorado: April 11, 2022 by Robert Davis
Read >>

Former DAs push for harder fentanyl penalties
“According to the Common Sense Institute, in 2021 there were about 800 fentanyl-related deaths in Colorado, and that is a 260% increase from 2019… ‘We’re almost at three Coloradans a day who die from a fentanyl overdose. Treating this think like its marijuana, or treating it like it’s a speeding ticket, is offensive to the value of human life,’ said former District Attorney George Brauchler, who is now a CSI Criminal Justice Fellow.”
FOX 31 Denver (KDVR): April 11, 2022 by Kim Posey
Read >>

Advocates for stricter penalties for fentanyl press their case
“‘Restoring to felony status the possession of such a deadly substance’ must be part of this bill, JJ Ament insisted…. Like the rest of the country, deaths from fentanyl are skyrocketing in Colorado – from just over 100 in 2018 to more than 800 in 2021, based on a new report released Monday from the Common Sense Institute, a nonpartisan institution that is guided by traditionally conservative principles.”
The Denver Gazette: April 11, 2022 by Marianne Goodland
Read >>

Law enforcement and business leaders discuss fentanyl crisis in Colorado
“Statewide, fentanyl related deaths have risen of the last few years at an alarming rate. This according to data from the Common Sense Institute which says 540 people died statewide from fentanyl use from 2019 to 2020, an increase of 143 percent. But when it came to 2021, that number jumped to more than 800 people, an increase of 260 percent. ‘I think we really need to treat fentanyl differently,’ said Mitch Morrissey, former Denver District Attorney. ‘Fentanyl is a deadly and dangerous substance and it needs to be treated as such.'”
KKCO 11 News: April 11, 2022 by Adam Woodbrey
Read >>

South and West lead in recovery of jobs lost during COVID-19. See where your state ranks
“In February, Colorado became the latest to join the club. It has trailed its Mountain West neighbors in jobs growth in part because its Democratic governor imposed tougher social distancing restraints, says Steven Byers, an economist at the Common Sense Institute, a nonpartisan research group. Colorado, he says, also passed strict limits on oil and natural gas drilling, intensifying layoffs in the energy-producing state as crude prices crashed in 2020.”
USA Today: April 11, 2022 by Paul Davidson
Read >>

Romer: The intersection of business and public safety
“The Common Sense Institute recently released an update to their “Crime Wave Report” to reflect numbers from 2021. The correlation of increasing crime rates to the public policy decisions of the legislature in recent years is unquestionable. The result, of course, is unhealthy communities across the state — unhealthy economically and an unhealthy sense of security — resulting in an overall diminishment of quality of life.”
Vail Daily: April 7, 2022 by Chris Romer
Read >>

Report: Colorado’s older workers will become more economically important
“The report, conducted by the Common Sense Institute (CS), a free-enterprise think tank, found that Colorado workers over the age of 54 are expected to increase from 20 percent of the workforce in 2020 to more than 25 percent by 2040.”
Kiowa County Press: April 7, 2022 by Robert Davis
Read >>

The cost of crime in Colorado
“On March 29, Common Sense Institute Criminal Justice Fellows Mitch Morrissey and George Brauchler, along with Louisville Police Chief Dave Hayes, participated in a panel discussion on the economic impact of crime in Colorado during 2021. In a report prepared by the Common Sense Institute, research and modeling produced a statewide cost of crime in 2021 of $31 billion. “
The Villager: April 7, 2022 by Freda Miklin
Read >>

Lawmakers have yet to address two largest fund deficits in state budget, think tank says
“The analysis by the Common Sense Institute (CSI), a free-enterprise think tank, says that lawmakers have not decided on how they will address the funding shortages in the Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund (UITF) and the Public Employees’ Retirement Association (PERA), both of which were heavily taxed during the pandemic.
The Daily Sentinel: April 6, 2022 by Robert Davis
Read >>

PERSPECTIVE: Adapting to our aging workforce
“Colorado has the second-fastest aging population in the United States….In the coming years, mature and older workers will play an increasing role in Colorado’s workforce. Consider, between 2010 and 2040, the category of Colorado workers over the age of 54 is expected to grow from one in every five workers, to nearly one in every four. Although Colorado is not unique in facing this changing dynamic, the impacts of the pandemic and the continued labor force shortages have only sharpened the focus of needing a sea change approach to both public and corporate policy to harness the full benefits of the aging workforce.”
The Gazette: April 3, 2022 by Karen Brown and Alexa Eastburg
Read >>

COVER STORY | Unsustainable? Colorado’s government keeps growing
“Data from the Common Sense Institute, which tracks government employment information, show that the state has added more than 10,000 employees from fiscal year 2013 to fiscal year 2022. The high point in the last ten years occurred in fiscal year 2020, when Colorado’s government broke the 60,000 employee mark. In the pervious year, the state funded 58,982 workers. A year later, that rose to 60,986.”
Colorado Politics: April 2, 2022 by Marianne Goodland
Read >>

 

2022 | April

Polis, legislators say Coloradans will get $400 in tax refund this summer
“‘And while higher inflation is putting pressure on all household budgets, it is contributing to strong state revenue growth in combination with the economic recovery from the pandemic, and large federal spending,’ Chris Brown said. ‘So, at a time when General Fund spending is expected to grow 12.7% in next year’s budget, when state reserves are more than double where they were heading into the pandemic, the government spending growth limitation of the TABOR formula has created more than $3.5B in anticipated taxpayer refunds over two years.’
Colorado Politics: April 28, 2022 by Luige Del Puerto
Read >>

Colorado lawmakers introduce legislation to put $600M into state unemployment insurance system
An analysis of the plan by the Common Sense Institute, a free-enterprise think tank, found that the investment could save Colorado businesses more than $560 million in additional premium payments. J.J. Ament, CEO of the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce, described the bill as ‘one of the most important pro-business and pro-economy bills that has been introduced this session. By putting this money into the system, it lowers the overall tax on businesses when they hire a new employee,’ Ament said.”
The Center Square: April 27, 2022 by Robert Davis
Read >>

GV plans to make misdemeanor drug possession a municipal violation to impose stiffer penalties
“Earlier in that city council study session, GV Police Chief Dustin Varney presented statewide crime statistics from a December 2021 report issued by the Common Sense Institute (CSI), whose website describes it as a non-partisan research organization dedicated to the protection and promotion of Colorado’s economy. Varney shared that the report said, in part, ‘Colorado has the highest increase in its property crime rate 2011-2020 among all the states,’ Colorado’s violent crime in 2020 was 35% higher than in 2011, nationally the rate grew 3%,’ and ‘Colorado has the highest motor vehicle theft rate among all states in 2020.’”
The Villager: April 27, 2022 by Freda Miklin
Read >>

Colorado lawmakers introduce legislation to put $600M into state unemployment insurance system
“First, as the Common Sense Institute observes, inflation is a driving cause of strong state revenue growth. Colorado’s economy is growing, but that’s in spite of Polis and the Democrats. Their pandemic policies and anti-business legislation and regulations have decimated Colorado businesses and further exacerbated inflation.”
Kiowa County Press: April 27, 2022 by Robert Davis
Read >>

SENGENBERGER | Colorado Dems flip-flop on TABOR?
“First, as the Common Sense Institute observes, inflation is a driving cause of strong state revenue growth. Colorado’s economy is growing, but that’s in spite of Polis and the Democrats. Their pandemic policies and anti-business legislation and regulations have decimated Colorado businesses and further exacerbated inflation.”
Colorado Politics: April 27, 2022 by Jimmy Sengenberger
Read >>

Colorado House advances mobile home protection bill without rent control provision
“A recent analysis of HB22-1287 by the Common Sense Institute, a free-enterprise think tank, found that the bill prior to the rent control provision’s removal, could have caused a reduction in the total supply of manufactured homes available and a reduction of state income tax revenue. The think tank said passage of the bill would have opened up ‘a Pandora’s Box allowing for expansion of rent control to other classes of private property, further impinging on private property owners’ rights.'”
The Center Square Colorado: April 25, 2022 by Robert Davis
Read >>

Polis, legislators say Coloradans will get $400 in tax refund this summer
“Chris Brown, vice president of policy and research at the Common Sense Institute, said pushing forward the timeline for getting the TABOR refund will help alleviate some of the pressure imposed by inflation. However, he added, the institute estimate that higher levels of inflation have cost the average Colorado household more than $4,460 since 2021.”
Colorado Politics: April 25, 2022 by Luige Del Puerto
Read >>

Colorado House advances mobile home protection bill without rent control provision
“A recent analysis of HB22-1287 by the Common Sense Institute, a free-enterprise think tank, found that the bill prior to the rent control provision’s removal, could have caused a reduction in the total supply of manufactured homes available and a reduction of state income tax revenue.”
KPVI: April 25, 2022 by Robert Davis
Read >>

Sondermann: Truth stranger than fiction
“This May 21, 2020 photo shows a parked car with a broken driver’s side window after a smash-and-grab break in. Property crimes such as these, along with stolen vehicles, are on the rise in Colorado, a 2021 Common Sense Institute report states.”
Colorado Politics: April 24, 2022 by Eric Sondermann
Read >>

Electrification: is the Juice Worth the Squeeze?
“As the state continues to regulate and legislate in favor of accelerated climate goals, it fails to acknowledge the global challenges to meeting its targets, which make the tradeoffs nearly impossible to fathom. The reality is, that unless we tell lawmakers to reassess their unrealistic race to electrification, many Coloradans already struggling will find it increasingly difficult to afford to live here.”
Colorado Biz: April 20, 2022 by Evelyn Lim
Read >>

What’s Working: Colorado gets closer to pre-pandemic economy as jobless rate falls to 3.7%
“So how does that translate to Coloradans? Try 44,467 in extra spending. That’s how much more the average Colorado household has spent in total since 2020 because of inflation, according to calculations by the Common Sense Institute, a conservative-leaning economic think tank in Greenwood Village. More than half of that amount is due to higher transportation costs, which includes buying or maintaining cars.”
The Colorado Sun: April 16, 2022 by Tamara Chuang
Read >>

Colorado’s unemployment rate drops to 3.7% as strong hiring continues in March
“But older workers are also influencing that number, said Steven Byers, a senior economist at the Common Sense Institute in a research note. ‘Inflation in metro Denver reached a 9.1% annual rate in March, the highest pace since 1982. Thats may be causing more retirement-age workers, 65 plus, to re-enter the labor force as they try to maintain their living standards,’ he said.”
The Denver Post: April 15, 2022 by Aldo Svaldi
Read >>

Colorado unemployment falls again, despite losses of construction jobs
“Leisure and hospitality – the sector that includes industries such as hotels and restaurants – once again led the growth of 5,800 new nonfarm payroll jobs in March with 4,200 new hires, though Common Sense Institute Senior Economist Steven Byers notes it remains 11,600 jobs below pre-pandemic levels.”
Denver Business Journal: April 15, 2022 by Ed Sealover
Read >>

Colorado adds 5,800 jobs in March; unemployment rate drops to 3.7%
“However, not all industries benefited from Colorado’s declining unemployment rate in March, according to an analysis of the data by the Common Sense Institute (CSI), a free-enterprise think tank. The construction industry lost more than 2,300 jobs last month. Other industries like arts, entertainment, and accommodation services have also struggled to regain their employment levels. Arts and entertainment is still missing more than 6,200 jobs when compared to its employment levels from January 2021.”
The Center Square Colorado: April 15, 2022 by Robert Davis Editorial
Read >>

Opinion Other Voices: Fentanyl’s collateral damage to our economy
“On Monday, the nonpartisan research organization [Common Sense Institute] detailed how not only did fentanyl-related deaths soar past 800 in 2021 – a 260% increase since 2019 – but since 2017, the share of opioid-related deaths attributed to fentanyl grew from 19% to 73%. It amounted to an $11.1 billion lifetime cost in 2021.”
Greeley Tribune: April 15, 2022 by Greeley Tribune Guest Editorial
Read >>

A very important look at the policy of electrification
“Looking through a worldwide prism, Evelyn Lim, a Mike A. Leprino Fellow, pointed out that, ‘Cheap and reliable energy is the key to economic growth, security and general prosperity throughout the world. There are 7.5 billion people in the world and 1.1. billion do not have any access to energy, while 2.9 billion still use solid fuels, such as wood, charcoal, coal and even dung for cooking and heating.'”
The Villager: April 14, 2022 by Freda Miklin
Read >>

Fentanyl’s collateral damage to our economy
“‘We don’t have to look any further than the daily news headlines to understand that this is the most tragic public policy issue facing our state today,’ former Denver district attorney and Common Sense Institute Criminal Justice Fellow Mitch Morrissey said in a news statement. ‘In addition to lives, fentanyl overdoses are costing us billions of dollars. We simply cannot ignore this issue.'”
The Gazette: April 14, 2022 by The Gazette editorial board
Read >>

Save the American Dream – Make housing affordable
“A recent study by the Common Sense Institute finds the cost of an average starter home has increased by 83% since 2015.”
Colorado Politics: April 14, 2022 by Hugh McKean
Read >>

Denver’s cashless bond system being ‘abused,’ citizens are ‘suffering,’ former DA says
“‘This PR bond system, it’s being abused,’ a fellow with the Common Sense Institute, Mitch Morrissey, told Fox News. ‘It’s being abused by the individuals that are getting the bond, it’s being abused by the magistrates that are issuing the PR bonds. The people of Denver and the state of Colorado are suffering as a result of what they’re doing.'”
Yahoo! News: April 13, 2022 by Lisa Bennatan
Read >>

Denver’s cashless bond system being ‘abused,’ citizens are ‘suffering,’ former DA says
“‘We have about 5,000 people put on PR [personal recognizance] bonds in Denver and that’s what’s going on. Either PR bonds or $1 bonds, you’re going to see an increase in crime because it doesn’t stop the criminal behavior. An important part of setting a bond is protecting the community and it seems in Denver that the courts have lost that factor when it comes to giving PR bonds. They are giving PR bonds to repeat offenders, violent offenders, and people that have criminal records that are caught and arrested with guns, to drug dealers. Those people get arrested and released the next day on a promise to return. Part of the problem is that they do not return, about a third of them don’t come back to court. And when we talk about drug dealers, about half of them don’t come back to court,’ said Mitch Morrissey, a Common Sense Institute Criminal Justice Fellow. ‘That’s a big problem but it’s not the main problem. What’s happening is these individuals are reoffending at a very high rate. Currently in the last two years, four of these offenders have murdered people. They got PR bonds or $1 bonds and they went right out and murdered people.'”
Fox News: April 13, 2022
Read >>

Brauchler 4-13-22 7 am
“‘Well, there are some theories that I happen to agree with. The loose monetary policy we’ve had over the last few years combined with huge fiscal spending at the federal level has resulted in this increased inflation’ said senior economist Steven Byers from the Common Sense Institute. ‘It’s hard to say whether or not it was necessary because we have not had another situation where we’ve locked down the economy, but the Fed thought it was necessary to avoid a huge economic meltdown.'”
The George Brauchler Show (710 KNUS): April 13, 2022 by George Brauchler
Read >>

Officials push for fentanyl felony charge
“According to an analysis from the Common Sense Institute in 2020, Colorado experienced 540 fentanyl related deaths, that’s a 143% increase from 2019. In 2021, there were more than 800 fentanyl related deaths, up 260% from 2019. Now Colorado’s law officials worry if we don’t act now, the numbers will only get worse. With the rising increase in fentanyl related deaths, experts at the Common Sense Institute say, we are losing nearly three Coloradan’s a day to fentanyl, ‘Look fentanyl kills period, more than any other drug that we have seen in a long time,’ George Brauchler, CSI Criminal Justice Fellow says.”
Western Slope Now: April 12, 2022 by Austin Sack
Read >>

Consumer inflation tops 9% in March, metro Denver’s highest rate since 1982
“‘The average Colorado household spent $4,467 more since 2020 because of inflation,’ said Steven Byers, a senior economist with the Common Sense Institute, in an analysis of the inflation numbers.”
The Denver Post: April 12, 2022 by Aldo Svaldi
Read >>

Inflation hits 9.1 percent in Denver metro area
“According to an analysis of the data by the Common Sense Institute (CSI), a free-enterprise think tank, the Denver metro area ranks 8th highest in the nation for total inflation since 2020…. ‘Wage growth is not keeping up with inflation and Coloradans’ budgets are being squeezed, causing many people to return to the labor force,’ said Steven Byers, CSI’s chief economist.”
Kiowa County Press: April 12, 2022 by Robert Davis
Read >>

Inflation continues to spike in Denver metro
“The increases in the Denver-Aurora-Lakewood metro ranked eighth out of 23 urban areas since the end of 2020, according to Steven Byers, an economist at the business advocacy organization Common Sense Institute.”
AXIOS Denver: April 12, 2022 by John Frank
Read >>

JJ Ament with The Common Sense Institute on the toll of fentanyl in Denver
“‘The numbers are staggering and the Common Sense Institute report was written in part by two former district attorneys, a republican and a democrat. So bipartisan to address what is an issue we can no longer ignore…. Our employees and employers want a safe and productive work environment. And when that’s impaired when you have illegal drug use sometimes happening just outside the office, sometimes happening on the light rail train to work, and sometimes your walk to work. It’s a workforce issue, a perception issue, a brand issue and a issue for anybody who is considering growing their business or even relocating.'”
KOA Radio: April 12, 2022 by April Zesbaugh and Marty Lenz
Read >>

UTIF & PERA: Lawmakers have yet to address two largest fund deficits in state budget, think tank says
“The analysis by the Common Sense Institute (CSI), a free-enterprise think tank, says that lawmakers have not decided on how they will address the funding shortages in the Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund (UITF) and the Public Employees’ Retirement Association (PERA), both of which were heavily taxed during the pandemic.”
The Chronicle-News: April 12, 2022
Read >>

Report: Cost of opioid overdose deaths in Colorado topped $15.2B last year
“The total cost of deaths from opioid overdoses in Colorado topped $15.2 billion last year, according to a new report. In all, Colorado recorded 1,104 opioid-related overdose deaths in 2021, a 127% increase from previous estimates that were released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in 2017, according to a report by the Common Sense Institute (CSI). Of those deaths, more than 800 were related to fentanyl, a 260% increase from 2019, the report said.”
The Center Square Colorado: April 11, 2022 by Robert Davis
Read >>

Former DAs push for harder fentanyl penalties
“According to the Common Sense Institute, in 2021 there were about 800 fentanyl-related deaths in Colorado, and that is a 260% increase from 2019… ‘We’re almost at three Coloradans a day who die from a fentanyl overdose. Treating this think like its marijuana, or treating it like it’s a speeding ticket, is offensive to the value of human life,’ said former District Attorney George Brauchler, who is now a CSI Criminal Justice Fellow.”
FOX 31 Denver (KDVR): April 11, 2022 by Kim Posey
Read >>

Advocates for stricter penalties for fentanyl press their case
“‘Restoring to felony status the possession of such a deadly substance’ must be part of this bill, JJ Ament insisted…. Like the rest of the country, deaths from fentanyl are skyrocketing in Colorado – from just over 100 in 2018 to more than 800 in 2021, based on a new report released Monday from the Common Sense Institute, a nonpartisan institution that is guided by traditionally conservative principles.”
The Denver Gazette: April 11, 2022 by Marianne Goodland
Read >>

Law enforcement and business leaders discuss fentanyl crisis in Colorado
“Statewide, fentanyl related deaths have risen of the last few years at an alarming rate. This according to data from the Common Sense Institute which says 540 people died statewide from fentanyl use from 2019 to 2020, an increase of 143 percent. But when it came to 2021, that number jumped to more than 800 people, an increase of 260 percent. ‘I think we really need to treat fentanyl differently,’ said Mitch Morrissey, former Denver District Attorney. ‘Fentanyl is a deadly and dangerous substance and it needs to be treated as such.'”
KKCO 11 News: April 11, 2022 by Adam Woodbrey
Read >>

South and West lead in recovery of jobs lost during COVID-19. See where your state ranks
“In February, Colorado became the latest to join the club. It has trailed its Mountain West neighbors in jobs growth in part because its Democratic governor imposed tougher social distancing restraints, says Steven Byers, an economist at the Common Sense Institute, a nonpartisan research group. Colorado, he says, also passed strict limits on oil and natural gas drilling, intensifying layoffs in the energy-producing state as crude prices crashed in 2020.”
USA Today: April 11, 2022 by Paul Davidson
Read >>

Romer: The intersection of business and public safety
“The Common Sense Institute recently released an update to their “Crime Wave Report” to reflect numbers from 2021. The correlation of increasing crime rates to the public policy decisions of the legislature in recent years is unquestionable. The result, of course, is unhealthy communities across the state — unhealthy economically and an unhealthy sense of security — resulting in an overall diminishment of quality of life.”
Vail Daily: April 7, 2022 by Chris Romer
Read >>

Report: Colorado’s older workers will become more economically important
“The report, conducted by the Common Sense Institute (CS), a free-enterprise think tank, found that Colorado workers over the age of 54 are expected to increase from 20 percent of the workforce in 2020 to more than 25 percent by 2040.”
Kiowa County Press: April 7, 2022 by Robert Davis
Read >>

The cost of crime in Colorado
“On March 29, Common Sense Institute Criminal Justice Fellows Mitch Morrissey and George Brauchler, along with Louisville Police Chief Dave Hayes, participated in a panel discussion on the economic impact of crime in Colorado during 2021. In a report prepared by the Common Sense Institute, research and modeling produced a statewide cost of crime in 2021 of $31 billion. “
The Villager: April 7, 2022 by Freda Miklin
Read >>

Lawmakers have yet to address two largest fund deficits in state budget, think tank says
“The analysis by the Common Sense Institute (CSI), a free-enterprise think tank, says that lawmakers have not decided on how they will address the funding shortages in the Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund (UITF) and the Public Employees’ Retirement Association (PERA), both of which were heavily taxed during the pandemic.
The Daily Sentinel: April 6, 2022 by Robert Davis
Read >>

PERSPECTIVE: Adapting to our aging workforce
“Colorado has the second-fastest aging population in the United States….In the coming years, mature and older workers will play an increasing role in Colorado’s workforce. Consider, between 2010 and 2040, the category of Colorado workers over the age of 54 is expected to grow from one in every five workers, to nearly one in every four. Although Colorado is not unique in facing this changing dynamic, the impacts of the pandemic and the continued labor force shortages have only sharpened the focus of needing a sea change approach to both public and corporate policy to harness the full benefits of the aging workforce.”
The Gazette: April 3, 2022 by Karen Brown and Alexa Eastburg
Read >>

COVER STORY | Unsustainable? Colorado’s government keeps growing
“Data from the Common Sense Institute, which tracks government employment information, show that the state has added more than 10,000 employees from fiscal year 2013 to fiscal year 2022. The high point in the last ten years occurred in fiscal year 2020, when Colorado’s government broke the 60,000 employee mark. In the pervious year, the state funded 58,982 workers. A year later, that rose to 60,986.”
Colorado Politics: April 2, 2022 by Marianne Goodland
Read >>

 

2022 | March

WATCH: Colorado Conversations panel discusses solutions to state’s affordable housing problem
“‘Inventory is devastatingly low, with only 1,486 homes actively listed in the seven-county metro Denver area. That’s down 71% from a year ago,’ said Elizabeth Peetz, vice president of government affairs for the Colorado Association of Realtors. ‘One house’s value jumped from $555,000 to $659,000 from just January to February this year. That’s 84,000 in just 30 days! And it’s not just a Front Range problem — it’s statewide.’ The causes range from the large influx of new residents in recent years, many of whom came during the pandemic since working from home in Colorado can be appealing with its outdoors and active lifestyle, to millennials delaying home buying under the burden of student loans and high rent prices, said Peter LiFari, executive director of Maiker Housing Partners and a former fellow at the Common Sense Institute.”
The Denver Gazette: March 31, 2022 by Dennis Huspeni
Read >>

FLAIR! George Brauchler enlightens and entertains Cherry Creek Republican Women
“Most appropriately he [George Brauchler] talked about crime (not just due to the pandemic, but surging for the last ten years), its cost and the fact government has no long term solution. He called our state ‘Crimerarado.’ Murder. Sexual assault. Car theft – 213% of the national average. Crimes changed to misdemeanors – making it hard to become a convicted felon in Colorado.”
The Villager: March 30, 2022 by The Villager
Read >>

Bill would create program to provide tax-related educational resources
“Inflation has also increased in Colorado in nearly every month since March 2021, according to an analysis by Common Sense Institute, a free-enterprise think tank. The only two months where inflation didn’t decrease were August and September 2021.”
The Center Square Colorado: March 29, 2022 by Robert Davis
Read >>

George Brauchler busca ser Gobernador de Colorado
“El Fiscal del Distrito Judicial 18 dijo en entrevista con Noticias Univision Colorado, el por qué quiere ser Gobernador de Colorado y su agenda política.”
Noticias Ya – Denver: March 29, 2022
Read >>

Colorado crime cost $31 billion in 2021
“Colorado policy think tank Common Sense Institute put a dollar figure on the costs of Colorado crime in 2021 in a new report…. In 2021, the state lost $31 billion in medical, mental health, lost economic productivity, property, public services, adjudication and sanctioning, perpetrator work loss and quality of life. This is 12.9% more than the same costs of crime in 2021, although record inflation levels mean the two years are roughly the same in real dollar value.”
KDVR Fox 31: March 28, 2022 by DJ Summers
Read >>

Colorado crime rates spiked across the board with 3 exceptions
“Colorado policy think tank the Common Sense Institute put a dollar figure on the costs and trends of crime in 2021 in a new report. The report was bipartisan, written by former Republican District Attorney George Brauchler and former Democratic District Attorney Mitch Morrissey. Colorado’s crime rates have gone up in a dozen categories but only gone down in three between 2020 and 2021.”
KDVR Fox 31: March 28, 2022 by DJ Summers
Read >>

Report: Colorado’s Crime Wave Grew Stronger in 2021
“According to a new study released from the Common Sense Institute, Colorado’s crime wave grew stronger in 2021, with an increase of 8.7% – more than double of 2020’s 4% increase. In 2021, the total cost of crime in Colorado reached over $31 billion, a 12.9% increase from the cost in 2020. That averages out to $5,320 per Coloradan.”
Campfire Colorado: March 28, 2022
Read >>

Tune in to the Colorado Conversations on housing affordability on March 31
“The Common Sense Institute said the state needs to build 54,190 new housing units annually over the next five years just to get back to the average housing to population ratio between 1986 and 2008. But Peter LiFari, a 2021 Terry J. Stevinson Fellow at the Common Sense Institute and executive director of the affordable housing developer Maiker Housing Partners, argues that the causes of Colorado’s housing crisis are far more nuanced than supply and demand.”
Colorado Politics: March 25, 2022 by Luige Del Puerto
Read >>

What is going on with our criminal justice system?
“‘We don’t have to go back ten years to see what took place in 2014 and the years subsequent have led to this crime tsunami, in my opinion. That doesn’t have to be shared by everyone…. While we’ve watered down motor vehicle theft laws, we saw a spike in motor vehicle theft. Such that ten years ago we were below the national average and now, no state in America has a higher rate of motor vehicle theft than your beloved Colorado… My thought is we have got to tackle some of these things by creating a disincentive while also embracing the fact that rehabilitation is our ultimate goal for these offenders.’ Said George Brauchler, CSI’s Criminal Justice Fellow.”
The George Show with George Brauchler: March 25, 2022 by George Brauchler
Read >>

Report: Colorado’s older workers will become more economically important 
“Older workers in Colorado will play a bigger part in the state’s economic future if demographic trends continue, according to a new report. The report, conducted by the Common Sense Institute (CSI), a free-enterprise think tank, found that Colorado workers over the age of 54 are expected to increase from 20% of the workforce in 2020 to more than 25% by 2040.”
The Chronicle-News: March 25, 2022
Read >>

Editorial: Police staffing at crisis levels. A new Boulder academy will help
“Boulder County’s violent crime has risen 27% in recent years between 2019 and 2021, according to the Colorado Bureau of Investigation. And according to a study by the nonpartisan Common Sense Institute, we are experiencing a crime wave in Colorado with dire economic consequences.”
Boulder Daily Camera: March 26, 2022 by Daily Camera Editorial
Read >>

Report: Total cost of crime in Colorado increased to $31B last year
“The Common Sense Institute’s (CSI) updated report found that crime in the state cost taxpayers an estimated $31 billion last year, up nearly 13% from 2020. The total amounts to $5,320 per Coloradan, an increase of $560 year-over-year.”
The Center Square Colorado: March 25, 2022 by Robert Davis
Read >>

Colorado unemployment rate dips to 4% as state adds 14,100 jobs
“According to an analysis of CDLE’s data by the Common Sense Institute, a free-enterprise think tank, Colorado ranks 11th among the states in terms of its February 2022 job levels relative to its January 2020 levels.”
The Center Square Colorado: March 25, 2022 by Robert Davis
Read >>

Tune in to the Colorado Conversations on housing affordability on March 31
“Data from the Common Sense Institute paint a dispiriting landscape: In May 2021, home listings in the Denver metro area stood at a record low 2,075, when the monthly average hovered at 15,563. The 12-month price of the average single-family home sold spiked by 29% – closing at $700,559!… The Common Sense Institute said the state needs to build 54,190 new housing units annually over the next five years just to get back to the average housing to population ratio between 1986 and 2008.”
Colorado Politics: March 25, 2022 by Luige Del Puerto
Read >>

Opinion: Mobile home park residents will suffer is rent is capped
If park owners can no longer afford to operate, they may be forced to sell or close, putting this affordable housing option at risk. Furthermore, the average mobile home rent increases are far below increases in other types of housing options. According to the Common Sense Institute, inflation rates have risen in the Denver metro area to 7.9%. But even amid inflation, mobile home rents remain affordable.”
The Denver Post: March 23, 2022 by Tawny Peyton
Read >>

Report: Colorado’s older workers will become more economically important
“The report also cites an AARP study that found the economic impact of the state’s aging workforce could increase to $513 billion in 2040, up from $153 billion in 2018. CSI’s report comes as Colorado’s economy continues to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. According to data from Connecting Colorado, a partner of the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment (CDLE), there are nearly 150,000 available jobs in Colorado.”
Kiowa County Press: March 22, 2022 by Robert Davis
Read >>

Report: Colorado’s older workers will become more economically important
“The report conducted by the Common Sense Institute (CSI), a free-enterprise think tank, found that Colorado workers over age of 54 are expected to increase from 20% of the workforce in 2020 to more than 25% by 2040. ‘In many ways Colorado’s demographic make-up is catching up with the national trend and averages of an aging population. The impact of this trend is that a larger and larger share of the labor pool will be workers over the age of 55, with those over the age of 65 growing at the fastest rate,’ said Chris Brown, CSI’s vice president of policy and research.”
The Center Square Colorado: March 21, 2022 by Robert Davis
Read >>

Republican lawmakers in Colorado urge ramping up of oil production to combat high energy prices
“Sen. Jerry Sonnenberg added that inflation, under the failed policies of the Democratic governor and the Biden administration, is going to cost everyone more money. He cited a recent Common Sense Institute study that said the average hike in costs per family in 2021 was bout $2,900 more for food, recreation, housing, transportation and medical care over 2020 prices. ‘The cost of living has reached a crisis point,’ Sonnenberg said.”
Colorado Politics: March 16, 2022 by Marianne Goodland
Read >>

Denver Lags Behind the State Average of Economic Recovery
“While Colorado’s taxable sales in 2021 have surpassed pre-pandemic levels, according to a new study from the Common Sense Institute, Denver County reported a decrease in taxable sales…’Taxable sales are one gage of economic recovery and by that measure, Colorado has reached recovery. State and local sales tax revenue has grown well beyond pre-pandemic levels,’ said Senior Economist at the Common Sense Institute, Steven Byers, in a press release.”
Campfire Colorado: March 16, 2022
Read >>

Colorado unemployment rate declines to 4.1%
“For comparison, the national unemployment rate increased by 0.1% to 4% in January. According to an analysis of the data by the Common Sense Institute, a free-enterprise think tank, Colorado ranks 12th among states for its January job level compared to two years ago.”
The Center Square Colorado: March 14, 2022 by Robert Davis
Read >>

Colorado has recovered 98% of jobs lost in pandemic, as unemployment rate drops to 4.1%
“While more people are part of the state’s labor force, Bureau of Labor Statistics data shows there are still around 132,000 Coloradans who are unemployed, compared with 86,000 who were unemployed in February 2020. That only counts people who are working or actively looking for a job, said Steven Byers, a senior economist for Common Sense Institute, a Greenwood Village think tank focused on the state’s fiscal policies.”
The Colorado Sun: March 14, 2022 by Tamara Chuang
Read >>

Amid rising violent crime, Colorado bill aims to improve lighting in high-crime areas 
“The bills introduced comes at a time of rising crime. Colorado experienced a 15% increase in crime from 2019-2021, and the average monthly crime rate in 2021 is 28% higher than it was in 2011, according to a study by the Common Sense Institute.”
Colorado Springs, Colo. (KRDO): March 12, 2022 by Sean Rice
Read >>

Report: Colorado taxable sales total points to full economic recovery 
“Taxable sales in Colorado have already fully recovered from the pandemic, a new report by the Common Sense Institute found. According to the report, Colorado recorded more than $131 billion in nominal annual taxable sales – which includes taxable goods and services – last year. That total exceeded the state’s total from 2020 by more than $20 billion, representing a 18.8% year-over-year increase.”
The Center Square Colorado: March 9, 2022 by Robert Davis
Read >>

Common Sense Institute and taxable sales
“There was a new report that came out of the Common Sense Institute that said that of all of the major counties in and around Denver, Denver is the only one that has lower sales tax revenue than they did two years ago. Everyone else’s work more than recovered but not whatever is going on in Denver.”
KAO-AM Radio (Denver, CO): March 9, 2022 by Ross Kaminsky
Read >>

Common Sense Institute expanding in Arizona
“A nonpartisan Colorado think tank focused on protecting and promoting the economy is expanding right here in Arizona. Strategic adviser Daniel Scarpinato says the Common Sense Institute Arizona will have a different focus from other think tanks. Common Sense Institute is focused on ‘if you pass that, here’s the impact it would have on our economy over the next year.’ Said Scarpinato.”
KFYI-AM Radio (Phoenix, AZ): March 8, 2022
Read >>

Don’t Colorado My Arizona
“A think tank with roots in Colorado will launch in Arizona tomorrow. The Common Sense Institute plans to ‘examine the fiscal impacts of policies, initiatives, and proposed laws so that Arizonans are educated and informed on issues impacting their lives.’ Common Sense Arizona identifies itself as a nonpartisan research organization. T. Scott Martin, managing partner at Rivercrest Capital Management, the founding chair of the board, said in a statement that the current ‘partisan and divisive political atmosphere’ makes it difficult to get basic facts. ‘At CSI, we are guided by non-partisan dynamic research,’ Martin stated. ‘We don’t advocate – we educate.'”
Yellow Sheet Report – Arizona: March 7, 2022 by Bridgetower Media
Read >>

State task force refers 17 unemployment fraud cases for prosecution
“According to an analysis of the state’s unemployment trust fund by the Common Sense Institute (CSI), a free-enterprise think tank, the system became overwhelmed during the pandemic because of the number of unemployment claims it received.”
The Center Square Colorado: March 7, 2022 by Robert Davis
Read >>

Common Sense Institute expands Operations to Arizona
“Kristin Strohm said that – not to engage in electioneering or lobby for or against a legislative proposal – makes CSI’s work unique and valuable, particularly at a time when legislatures often contend with partisan rancor. ‘We’ve proven to be a much needed resource at the state level,’ Strohm said, noting CSI’s research into a wide array of public policy matters, notably education, the economy and state budget.”
Colorado Politics: March 7, 2022 by Luige Del Puerto
Read >>

Colorado committee advances legislation addressing retail theft, online crime
“The rising crime rate has also taken a toll on taxpayers in the state, according to a study by the Common Sense Institute, a free-enterprise think tank, which found that crime cost Colorado more than $27 billion in 2020, or more than $4,700 per taxpayer.”
The Center Square Colorado: March 3, 2022 by Robert Davis
Read >>

Colorado must curb inflation now
“A recent report by the Common Sense Institute confirms what families cross Colorado already know; unprecedented inflation is sweeping across out state. Families, already stretched thin by the pandemic, are now at a breaking point trying to make ends meet. According to the Common Sense Institute (CSI) report, Coloradans spent almost $3,000 more on essentials like food, housing, medical care, and transportation in 2021 than in 2020.”
The Gazette: March 2, 2022 by Kelly Maher
Read >>

Crime and Justice: The Colorado Challenge
“‘Well in the Common Sense Institute study that we did on crime, we went back about 10 years. One of the questions we wanted to know was ‘Did the pandemic cause this crime wave?’… ‘Colorado in that period of time is not only number one in auto thefts, but it’s also number one in the increase in property crimes.’ Said Mitch Morrissey, Common Sense Institute’s Criminal Justice Fellow in a panel lead by The Gazette and Colorado Politics.”
The Gazette: March 2, 2022 by Luige del Puerto
Read >>

Discussion about crime continues with ‘Colorado Conversations’
“Law enforcement officials are concerned with recidivism, especially among people who have committed violent crimes. Mitch Morrisseyu, Denver’s district attorney until 2017 and a fellow at the Common Sense Institute, said that since a relatively small group of people who are repeat offenders tend to commit a disproportionate share of serious crimes, focusing on incarceration of habitual offenders helps reduce recidivism.”
The Gazette: March 1, 2022 by Julia Cardi
Read >>

2022 | February

Jimmy Sengenberger Show – February 26, 2022 – HR 2
“‘I think the most obvious thing it will do is have me focus on data related solutions instead of opinion type solutions. If you can analyze a policy or situation unbiased and come to conclusions or solutions that are supportable by the data then I think you have a really good chance in moving the argument in a way that benefits Colorado.’ Said Steven Byers, Common Sense Institute’s Senior Economist in an interview with Jimmy Sengenberger.”
710 KNUS Jimmy Sengenberger Show: February 26, 2022 by Jimmy Sengenberger
Read >>

Fentanyl is a killer; let’s make it a felony
“If there is any doubt where such public policies are leading us, just look at the numbers. A recent study by Colorado’s Common Sense Institute found that violent crime in our state soared 35 percent from 2011 to 2020 while rising only 3 percent nationwide in that time. Colorado’s 2020 murder rate was 106 percent higher than it was in 2011. Assaults surged 40 percent in that same time. Rape rose 9 percent. We’ve also become the No. 1 state for auto thefts.”
Colorado Politics: February 25, 2022 by Gregory M. Knott, Anthony Mazzola and Stephen Schulz
Read >>

Rise in crime impacting Denver area businesses
“‘A Common Sense Institute study found that there were just two bonds, a dollar or less pre-pandemic in 2019 that were given to people. There were 500 plus given to people in 2021. And these are the things that people are saying need fixed’ said Ed Sealover, a Senior Reporter with the Denver Business Journal.”
9News: February 22, 2022 by Ryan Frazier
Read >>

Colorado Conversations: Why is crime out of control? What can be done about it?
“A recent study found that violent crime in our state skyrocketed 35% in the last decade – while rising only 3% nationwide… And those experts promise to bring a variety of informed perspectives to this debate. They are Paul Pazen, Chief of the Denver Police Department; Sen. Rhonda Fields, chair of the Senate Health & Human Services Committee; former district attorney Mitch Morrissey, a Criminal Justice Fellow at the Common Sense Institute; and, Dr. Lisa Pasko, Chair of the Department of Sociology and Criminology, University of Denver.”
The Gazette: February 22, 2022 by Vince Bzdek
Read >>

Toward a statewide consensus on affordable housing
“Transformation means disrupting the status quo, which requires articulating a clear problem statement, and in this regard the [housing task force committee] report gets it half right. Colorado does have an affordable housing supply shortage. The results have impacted all Coloradans. And we have a significant allocation of federal funding to help us address it…We commend the chair and the sponsors for engaging in the amendment process, which narrows the bill to focus solely on outlawing local anti-growth laws.”
Colorado Politics: February 16, 2022 by Peter LiFari and Evelyn Lim
Read >>

Colorado looking to take statewide approach to homelessness
“An August report from the Common Sense Institute and the University of Colorado Denver’s Inworks initiative found that area governments and nonprofit agencies spend at least $481.2 million annually on services for individuals experiencing homelessness, ranging from shelters to transitional housing and including food provision, health care and case management. But it also found that those organizations sometimes operated in silos, putting the same resources to overlapping services without research as to whether the efforts were working optimally.”
Denver Business Journal: February 14, 2022 by Ed Sealover
Read >>

Colorado governor tries to fight highest inflation in nation with cuts on gas, services
“‘High inflation erodes savings and increases that costs of daily commutes, groceries and other consumer goods. This threatens the financial health of Colorado citizens and the strength and swiftness of the state’s ongoing economic recovery,’ Chris Brown, vice president of policy and research at Common Sense Institute, told the Colorado Sun.”
FOX Business: February 13, 2022 by Peter Aitken
Read >>

Sondermann | The crime-induced winter of our discontent
“Welcome to Colorado in early 2022 and the winter of our discontent. This time, the downcast spirit has less to do with a virus or gas price or even a potential conflicting eastern Europe than with a sense, supported by abundant evidence, that serious crime is rampant and our basic security is at some rick. The murder rate across Colorado in 2020 was more than double that of ten years prior. The largest spike was in 2019 and 2020 with an average monthly increase of over 20 percent.”
The Gazette: February 13, 2022 by Eric Sondermann
Read >>

What’s Working: Colorado’s inflation rate is higher than the nation’s
“‘High inflation erodes savings and increases the costs of daily commutes, groceries and other consumer goods. This threatens the financial health of Colorado citizens and the strength and swiftness of the state’s ongoing economic recovery,’ according to CSI’s report.”
The Colorado Sun: February 12, 2022 by Tamara Chuang
Read >>

Colorado Inside out: Live Stream
‘I 100% do. I do want to give a shoutout to CSI fellows George Brauchler and Mitch Morrissey for their groundbreaking work, it’s important for viewers to know the facts. The facts are that the total cost of crime, in this state in 2020, was over $27 billion. Colorado had the highest increase in property crime rate, our 2020 murder rate is 106% higher than it was ten years ago and we had the highest motor vehicle theft rate. Those are the facts. However, some policymakers and even some media outlets say crime isn’t as bad as we think and they’ve flushed over this data,’ said Kristin Strohm, CSI President and CEO.”
Colorado Inside Out PBS 12: February 11, 2022 by Dominic Dezzutti
Read >>

Consumer inflation heats up to nearly 8% a year in metro Denver
“‘The average Colorado household spent $2,900 more on food, housing, transportation, medical care, recreation and education over the past 12 months than in 2020. The 2022 impact on spending will be even more,’ said Chris Brown, vice president of policy and research at the Common Sense Institute, a business-funded think tank, in a research note on the latest numbers from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.”
The Denver Post: February 11, 2022 by Aldo Svaldi
Read >>

Inflation in the Denver metro area reached a record high in January
“Inflation in the Denver metro area reached 7.9% in January, the highest ever recorded total, according to the latest data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Households across the metro area paid more than $2,900 more on average for housing, transportation, and food last year compared to 2020. These items account for more than 80% of average household expenditures, according to an analysis of the data by the Common Sense Institute, a free-enterprise think tank.”
The Center Square Colorado: February 11, 2022 by Robert Davis
Read >>

Inflation in the Denver metro area reached a record high in January
“Households across the metro area paid more than $2,900 more on average for housing, transportation, and food last year compared to 2020. These items account for more than 80% of average household expenditures, according to an analysis of the data by the Common Sense Institute, a free-enterprise think tank.”
The Daily Sentinel: February 11, 2022 by Robert Davis
Read >>

Inflation in Denver metro hits record high, outpaces U.S.
“By the numbers: The average Colorado household spent $2,900 more on food, housing, transportation, medical care and education in 2021 compared to 2020, according to a report from Chris Brown at the conservative-leaning Common Sense Institute.”
AXIOS Denver: February 10, 2022 by John Frank
Read >>

Law enforcement groups withhold support for Polis’ public safety pitch
“The package comes as Colorado and particularly areas such as downtown Denver has seen a spike in crimes over the past three years, with a Common Sense Institute study finding that motor vehicle theft in the state jumped 39% in 2020 alone.”
Denver Business Journal: February 10, 2022 by Ed Sealover
Read >>

Law enforcement groups withhold support for Polis’ public safety pitch
“Republican Colorado Springs Mayor John Suthers said the 2022 legislative session is likely to produce more proposals that would ‘undermine public safety,’ citing a study from the Denver-based Common Sense Institute, which found that the average monthly crime rate in Colorado is 15% higher in 2021 than the year before, and 28% higher than it was a decade ago.”
The Denver Gazette: February 10, 2022 by Luige Del Puerto
Read >>

Colorado bill takes aim at online marketplace after big-box stores sound alarm on crime
“The business-focused Common Sense Institute found in a report it released in early December on the cost of crime that 67% of all property asset managers in Colorado reported a moderate to severe increase in property crimes – the kinds that most affect business – in 2020. CSI Vice President of Policy and Research Chris Brown pegged the overall cost of crime to Colorado business in that year at $27.49 billion.”
Denver Business Journal: February 9, 2022 by Ed Sealover
Read >>

Murrey: State government outpaces private sector under one-party rule
“A new report by the Common Sense Institute reveals how one-party control of Colorado has ballooned the growth in state government as private sector employment has stagnated. According to the report, the number of people employed by the government of Colorado has grown nearly eight times as much as private employment since the state fell under single-party control in 2019.”
Complete Colorado: February 9, 2022 by Ben Murrey
Read >>

As Colorado sees an increase in violent crime, some elected officials differ widely on thoughts as to why
“Leaders in law enforcement and elected officials in the Pikes Peak region recently raised the alarm about increasing rates of violent crime both locally and statewide. The concern stems from a report by the Denver-based Common Sense Institute that puts the blame for the increase on changes in legislation.”
Colorado Public Radio: February 9, 2022 by Abigail Beckman
Read >>

Colorado car theft statistics the worst in the country, according to report  
“In December 2021, an economic analysis of crime in Colorado, by the Common Sense Institute, reported that only other places in the U.S. with higher auto theft rates was Washington D.C.. The analysis found that the annual cost of these thefts approaches $1 billion.”
Out There Colorado: February 8, 2022 by Tamera Twitty
Read >>

Editorial: As criminals go free, killings soar in Denver
“A recent, groundbreaking study on the crime wave by two prominent former district attorneys for Colorado’s Common Sense Institute found the number of convicts behind bars at Colorado prisons had dropped an astounding 23% from 2008 to this year – while the total number of crimes per year exploded by 47%. Is it any wonder?”
The Denver Gazette: February 6, 2022 by the Gazette editorial board
Read >>

Top priority: Stop Colorado’s Crime wave
“Consider crime. It’s an issue at the top of the list for many Coloradans. According to a study released by the non-partisan Common Sense Institute (CSI) we are living in the midst of a crime wave. In fact, some news headlines have gone so far to call this a ‘crime tsunami’. Colorado had the highest increase in its property crime rate between 2011 and 2020, among all states. Colorado’s violent crime rate in 2020 was 35% higher than 2011, and the 2020 murder rate was also 106% higher than 2011. The rape rate was 9%, higher with assault up 40%. Even more staggering, Colorado ranks number one in the nation when it comes to auto theft.”
Colorado Politics: February 4, 2022 by Hugh McKean
Read >>

Report: State government employment has grown 20% over last decade
“The governor’s last budget request would increase state government employment by 0.85% overall, though several agencies would see growth rates of 6% or higher, according to the report by the Common Sense Institute, a free-enterprise think tank…’Over the past 10 years, there has been a significant difference in the employment growth across the state government agencies,’ said Chris Brown, CSI’s vice president of policy and research. ‘Examining which departments are slated for the largest growth curve in terms of full-time equivalent (FTE) employment can help us understand long-term commitments on our state budget.'”
The Center Square Colorado: February 3, 2022 by Robert Davis
Read >>

2022 | January

Sharf: Catalytic converter bill hits wrong target
“The reasons aren’t hard to pin down. Insurance companies link much of the increase to organized crime, with rings subsidizing the thieves’ drug habits. A recent report by Colorado’s Common Sense Institute linked the crime wave to lenient law enforcement by district attorneys including proliferation of $1 personal recognizance bonds. We can agree about the need to reform an unfair cash bail system, but right now, the average citizen is paying the price for this blinkered version of social justice.”
Complete Colorado: January 31, 2022 by Joshua Sharf
Read >>

Perspective: Will unemployment insurance crush Colorado’s job creators?
“According to a new analysis issued by Common Sense Institute (CSI), a non-partisan research organization, between 2023 and 2027, Colorado employers stand to pay $5.3 billion more in state and federal unemployment insurance taxes than they would at the pre-pandemic 2020 baseline.”
The Gazette: January 30, 2022 by Loren Furman and Kristin Strohm
Read >>

Crime on the rise? As Perception and reports of crime in downtown Denver rise, leaders spread blame
“A criminal justice report released in December by the nonpartisan, business-focused Common Sense Institute pinned the cost of crime in Colorado at $27.49 billion – $8.51 billion in direct costs and $19.2 billion in intangible costs like reduced quality of life and setbacks in job development. That’s $4,762 for each Colorado resident and equal to 77% of the annual state budget…’There has been an increasingly permissive approach to violations of the law. We’ve made it so difficult to be kept in jail or sentenced to prison for these crimes that over time it makes a zero-deterrent effect,’ said former 18th Judicial District Attorney George Brauchler.”
Denver Business Journal: January 28, 2022 by Ed Sealover
Read >>

Romer: Why replenishing unemployment insurance trust fund is important
“From the Common Sense Institute: Colorado’s unemployment levels spiked in early 2020 and caused the state’s unemployment insurance trust fund to become deeply insolvent. As of July 2021, the fun’s balance is $1.014 billion and is not projected to become solvent until the 2024 fiscal year. Because employers are responsible for paying payroll taxes to the trust fund, a depleted fund forces Colorado businesses to pay high payroll taxes on each employee and incur financial harm as a result.”
Colorado Politics: January 27, 2022 by Chris Romer
Read >>

Colorado’s job recovery lags behind neighboring states
“Chris Brown, Vice President of Policy and Research at the Common Sense Institute, said a few factors might help explain Colorado’s lag. First, he noted that Colorado experienced a steeper employment decline in 2020 compared to the four states. Employment declined 13.3% in April 2020 in Colorado… Second, Brown noted, that among the five states, Colorado is the only one whose employment declined at the end of 2020.”
Colorado Politics: January 25, 2022 by Luige Del Puerto
Read >>

Business leaders call for state to replenish unemployment fund
“Compared to 2020, employers in Colorado could face $5.3 billion more in state and federal payroll taxes between 2023 and 2027, according to a Jan. 17 report published by the Common Sense Institute, a non-partisan research group that examines state fiscal policy. The $600 million state allocation that Polis proposed would save employers in the state $560 million over that period, the report said… Colorado is one of nine states in outstanding debt to the federal government after taking a loan to pay unemployment claims after the state’s Unemployment Insurance Fund was depleted.”
The Colorado Springs Business Journal: January 25, 2022 by Greta Anderson
Read >>

Report: Denver saw significant increase in unsheltered homelessness in 2021
“A recent study of Denver’s homeless service ecosystem by the Common Sense Institute, a free-enterprise think tank found that Denver has more than 85 service organizations directed towards reducing homelessness. Another study by the organization found that the city spends more than half a billion dollars on services for people experiencing homelessness.”
The Center Square Colorado: January 24, 2022 by Robert Davis
Read >>

Building Homes In Fire Zones + INC Meeting Today + Car Theft Up
“Metro Denver is one of the worst places in the country for auto theft. A new report from the Common Sense Institute, shows that auto theft is on the rise in the Denver area. There were more than 27,000 motor vehicle thefts across the metro areas in 2020, the most in over a decade.”
Patch: January 22, 2022 by Brad K. Evans
Read >>

Home Products: The Best Gear to Defend Your Home | Home & Hood
“Overall, crime rates in Colorado continue to increase, according to the Common Sense Institute, ‘Colorado had the highest increase in its property crime rate between 2011 and 2020. Partly due to the pandemic, policy restrictions and resulting economic disruptions brought further stress to society, which exacerbated problems related to crime.’ Nonetheless, Colorado’s crime rate had continued to climb before the pandemic hit.”
Yellow Scene Magazine: January 20, 2022 by Laurenz Busch
Read >>

75 Colorado businesses urge Legislature to pass unemployment relief plan
“The urgent letter came just six days after the beginning of the 2022 legislative session, but it also came one day after the Common Sense Institute released an analysis estimating the cost to employers from increased fees and taxes needed to refill the UITF (Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund). The report determined that putting Polis’ proposed plan into place would save companies $560 million because of the way it would avert some fees and lower other employer costs, and that move could preserve 4,700 in jobs in 2025, the business-focused think0tank determined.”
Denver Business Journal: January 20, 2022 by Ed Sealover
Read >>

Republicans and Democrats roll out plans for affordability, public safety and education
“‘It has been very frustrating for law enforcement in Colorado over the last several years to watch criminal consequences being reduced and serious offenders being released early with little or no regard for consequences to public safety. Despite a growing population and rising crime rates, our prison population has been reduced by 23 percent over the last decade. That is a recipe for chaos, when you consider that during that same period the total number of annual crimes increased by 47 percent. A significant percentage of our crimes in Colorado are being committed by people out on bond or on probation or parole.’ said Mayor John Suthers. The statistics Suthers cited come from a December 2021 report from the Common Sense Institute, co-authored by George Brauchler and Mitch Morrissey.”
Colorado Springs INDY: January 19, 2022 by Heidi Beedle
Read >>

Colorado businesses press state lawmakers for $600 million in unemployment relief
“Employers face $5.3 billion in extra unemployment insurance payroll taxes between 2023 and 2027, compared to the baseline in 2020, according to the Common Sense Institute, a research group funded by the chamber. ‘The impacts of this tax are tremendous, and though necessary to rebuild our unemployment insurance system, they will slow the efforts to revive our economy,’ said CSI vice president of policy and research Chris Brown, who authored the study.”
The Lamar Ledger: January 19, 2022 by Megan Ulu Lani Boyanton
Read >>

Colorado businesses worry about looming unemployment insurance hike
“The chamber cited a study by the Common Sense Institute ‘indicating that compared to a 2020 baseline, Colorado employers face $3.5 billion in additional state and federal unemployment insurance payroll taxes between 2023 and 2027.'”
The Denver Gazette: January 18, 2022 by Dennis Huspeni
Read >>

Colorado Governor Waxes Optimistic in ‘State of the State’ Speech
“Democrats also plan to address increasing crime rates this year as they counter Republicans’ narrative that their policies are making the state less safe. Colorado had the highest rate of motor vehicle theft among all states in 2020, according to FBI data analyzed by the conservative-leaning Common Sense Institute. During a part of his speech that addressed public safety, Polis discussed initiatives planned to address ‘root causes’ of crime, such as homelessness and substance use disorders, to prevent people from breaking the law.”
Pagosa Daily Post: January 18, 2022 by Post Contributor
Read >>

Report: Governor’s unemployment insurance fund proposal could save Colorado employers over $560M
“The report by the Common Sense Institute (CSI), a free-enterprise think tank, found that the governor’s proposed investment could return savings of more than $560 million for businesses over the next six years. Colorado business owners are on the hook for more than $5.3 billion in state and federal unemployment insurance payroll taxes from 2023 to 2027, with more than $73 million resulting from fraudulent claims, the report said.”
The Center Square Colorado: January 18, 2022 by Robert Davis
Read >>

Gov. Polis in optimistic State of the State speech: ‘I’m feelin’ ’22’
“Democrats also plan to address increasing crime rates this year as they counter Republicans’ narrative that their policies are making the state less safe. Colorado had the highest rate of motor vehicle theft among all states in 2020, according to FBI data analyzed by the conservative-leaning Common Sense Institute. During a part of his speech that addressed public safety, Polis discussed initiatives planned to address ‘root causes’ of crime, such as homelessness and substance use disorders, to prevent people from breaking the law.”
Colorado Newsline: January 14, 2022 by Faith Miller
Read >>

Crime rate in Colorado soars
“According to a recent report violent crime has increased by 30% over the last decade in Colorado. The report produced by the Common Sense Institute a nonpartisan research organization also showed Colorado had the highest increase in property crime rate between 2011 and 2020 in the nation. The report published last month acknowledged the fact pandemic-related policies and restrictions that resulted in economic disruptions brought further stress to society as a whole which ‘exacerbated problems related to crime’.”
Berthoud Weekly Surveyor: January 13, 2022 by Amber Mclver-Traywick
Read >>

Colorado Springs Gazette: Job No. 1 for Colorado lawmakers – fight crime
“Our state in fact ranks first in the nation for auto theft. We also have been awash in a wave of violence. A recent, groundbreaking study by Colorado’s Common Sense Institute found the monthly crime rate in Colorado was 15% higher in 2021 than two years earlier – and 28% higher than it was a decade ago. The 2020 murder rate was 106% higher than in 2011. Alongside skyrocketing crime in Colorado is the fact that the number of criminals behind bars in our state has been plummeting at a similarly alarming rate.”
Colorado Politics: January 13, 2022 by Colorado Springs Gazette editorial board
Read >>

Editorial: Job No. 1 for Colorado lawmakers – fight crime
“Our state in fact ranks first in the nation for auto theft. We also have been awash in a wave of violence. A recent, groundbreaking study by Colorado’s Common Sense Institute found the monthly crime rate in Colorado was 15% higher in 2021 than two years earlier – and 28% higher than it was a decade ago.”
The Gazette: January 13, 2022 by The Gazette editorial board
Read >>

Polis won’t say if he met with Kardashian, others over controversial commutation
“‘Where is it written that they get to have secrets about who gives them advice?’ said George Brauchler, who served as the District Attorney for the 18th Judicial District and co-authored a study from the Denver-based Common Sense Institute about soaring crime rates in the state.”
Colorado Politics: January 12, 2022 by Luige Del Puerto
Read >>

Western States College of Construction is an Exciting New Trade School
“In a recent panel discussion at the Common Sense Institute (CSI), Dave Davia, CSI board member and CEO of the Rocky Mountain Mechanical Contractors Association, talked about the WSSC [Western States College of Construction], where he is also a board member. Davia said ‘It’s no secret that in the 1980’s and 1990’s, shop class, wood class, automotive…were taken out of our K-12 (education) system, so the visibility to the trades was diminished. The only way that someone would learn about the possibility of a career path in the trades was to have an uncle or aunt or somebody in the profession.”
The Villager: January 12, 2022 by Freda Miklin
Read >>

Pikes Peak law enforcement, Mayor Suthers criticize Colorado legislators’ approach to crime
“In a news briefing, Colorado Springs Mayor John Suthers said the 2022 legislative session is likely to produce more proposals that would ‘undermine public safety,’ citing a study from the Denver-based Common Sense Institute, which found that the average monthly crime rate in Colorado is 15% higher in 2021 than the year before, and a stunning 28% higher than it was a decade ago….State Senator Pete Lee said the Common Sense Institute report looks at an outcome that has many causes, not just legislation, much of it so new it hasn’t had time to affect the dire numbers.”
Colorado Politics: January 11, 2022 by Jessica Snouwaert
Read >>

Colorado legislature convene this week, with ambitious, competing goals
“A recent report from the Common Sense Institute said Colorado’s crime rates are soaring, notably in property crimes and auto thefts. Colorado, the report noted, led the nation in its rates of increased property crimes and, separately, auto thefts in 2020. Meanwhile, the violent crime rate spiked 35% over the figure from 2011, while nationally, the increase was just 3%.”
The Gazette: January 10, 2022 by Marianne Goodland
Read >>

Local law enforcement, Mayor Suthers criticize Colorado legislators’ approach to crime
“In a news briefing, Colorado Springs Mayor John Suthers said the 2022 legislative session is likely to produce more proposals that would ‘undermine public safety,’ citing a study from the Denver-based Common Sense Institute, which found that the average monthly crime rate in Colorado is 15% higher in 2021 than the year before, and a stunning 28% higher than it was a decade ago.”
The Gazette: January 10, 2022 by Jessica Snouwaert
Read >>

Colorado’s crime wave and marijuana policies
“Coloradans’ concerns about public safety are growing, and for good reason. Former District Attorneys George Brauchler and Mitch Morrissey recently pointed out startling increases in crime from 2011-2020: a 35% jump in violent crime, and a historic rise in property crimes.”
Greeley Tribune: January 8, 2022 by Luke Niforatos
Read >>

“Common Sense Institute” on 600 KCOL – Denver, CO
“…as a state-level advocate on economic issues that affect ordinary citizens and small businesses here and that’s a fairly wide range, you’re probably familiar with the Common Sense Institute, which is some really, really sober data-based studies on a number of issues. And, you know, crock crime and homelessness, which you don’t normally consider to be part of the treasurer’s purview nonetheless have a huge impact on the economic viability of the state…”
KCOL: January 7, 2022
Read >>

COVER STORY | Legislative leaders set agenda, priorities for 2022 session
“A recent report from the Common Sense Institute said Colorado’s crime rates are soaring, notably in property crimes and auto thefts, and the criminal justice reformers in elected office and their policies aren’t helping. Colorado, the report noted, led the nation in its rates of increased property crimes and, separately, auto thefts in 2020. Meanwhile the violent crime rate spiked 35% over the figure from 2011, whil nationally, the increase was just 3%.”
Colorado Politics: January 7, 2022 by Marianne Goodland
Read >>

Common Sense Institute Holds Inaugural free enterprise summit
“Kristin Strohm, president and CEO of CSI, told the audience that, as the state continues to recover from the impact of the health pandemic, the key to economic expansion is a free enterprise system ‘where individuals looking to provide for their families as well as businesses striving to meet the needs of their community, together, and free from intrusive oversight, lead to fuller bellies, bigger paychecks, and greater economic prosperity. The free enterprise system has proven to be the greatest economic engine in history and has lifted billions of people out of extreme poverty.””
The Villager: January 6, 2022 by John Frank by Freda Miklin
Read >>

Colorado Bankers Association’s first female CEO takes the helm a year early
“The Colorado Bankers Association named Jenifer Waller as CEO and president of the organization effective Jan. 1, concluding a two-year transition of its executive leadership…In addition to her work with Colorado Bankers Association (CBA), Waller participates in civic and educational programs. She is a board member for Colorado Civil Justice League, Compliance Alliance and Common Sense Institute.”
Denver Business Journal: January 5, 2022 by Jensen Werley
Read >>

Denver business leaders wary as Colorado lawmakers return to Capitol
“And the sentiment is being echoed by other business leaders affiliated with the Common Sense Institute, which held a summit last month to look at obstacles to free enterprise in Colorado.”
Axios Denver: January 3, 2022 by John Frank
Read >>

Opinion: Crime is up, and Democratic lawmakers aren’t helping
“The results of these record high numbers are damaging to communities, individuals, businesses and the state economy. Chris Brown, the vice president of research and policy at The Common Sense Institute, who collected data on arrests and court records, said ‘rising crime has a high price tag, the research shows: $27 billion in total, an amount equal to 77% of the state budget, which works out to an average cost of $4,762 a year for every Coloradan.'”
The Colorado Sun: January 2, 2022 by Mary Bradfield
Read >>

Colorado’s 3 big issues in 2022: Public safety, affordability, education
“Colorado is in the midst of a crime tsunami. According to a recent study by the Common Sense Institute, crime is 28% higher than it was in 2011. Property crime rates and auto thefts are among the highest in the entire country. And violent crime is at a 25-year high.”
The Durango Herald: January 2, 2022 by Michael Fields
Read >>

2021

Colorado health care policy experts brace for another Covid-19-focused year at Capitol
“The Common Sense Institute said that they’ll be monitoring how state and federal legislation approaches address cost. ‘Federal policy changes regarding price transparency, initiated under President Trump and continued under the Biden administration, have potential to resolve a huge problem in the healthy functioning of the market not just in Colorado, but across the country,’ said Chris Brown, Common Sense Institute Vice President of Policy & Research. ‘The public option, on the other hand, could have significant impacts on the small group market, and it will remain to be seen if there are any spillover impacts, in the form of higher prices, onto the commercial payer plans.'”
Denver Business Journal: December 29, 2021 by Jensen Werley
Read >>

THE EYES HAVE IT – Colorado’s “Crime Tsunami”
“Their [Common Sense Institute’s] research calculates the crime cost for Colorado at $27 billion last year. Former 18th Judicial District Attorney George Brauchler describes it, ‘We are awash in a crime tsunami.’… As George Brauchler, one of the study authors noted, ‘The Legislature has focused on being offender-friendly vs. victim-friendly.’ That may be the take home message regarding this disturbing Denver crime trend.”
The Villager: December 29, 2021 by Brian C. Joondeph
Read >>

Kafer: Like Aurora’s pole cat, 2021 has left us stranded without a ladder
“This year, crime all over the state rose 10% from the year before. Crime rates are 28% higher than they were a decade ago according to a new study by the Common Sense Institute. Theft, assault, rape and murder rates have all increased while the state correctional population has actually decreased. Less incarceration, more crime, there’s got to be a connection there somewhere.”
The Denver Post: December 27, 2021 by Krista Kafer
Read >>

The big three issues for the new year
“Colorado is in the midst of a crime tsunami. According to a recent study by the Common Sense Institute, crime is 28% higher than it was in 2011. Property crime rates and auto thefts are among the highest in the entire country. And violent crime is at a 25-year high. Before this study came out, nobody knew exactly how bad it was. That’s because we don’t have a statewide data dashboard. How can these problems be fixed if policymakers and the public don’t even have access to the data?”
The Daily Sentinel: December 26, 2021 by Michael Fields
Read >>

EDITORIAL: Colorado’s DAs must protect the public
“The tsunami is stigmatizing us nationwide: Colorado’s bears the dubious distinction of ranking first among all states for auto theft. Meanwhile incarceration in our state has plummeted over the past decade even as crime has soared – as documented recently in a new study by Colorado’s Common Sense Institute. The correlation is clear: Fewer lawbreakers in jail has meant more havoc on our streets.”
The Gazette: December 23, 2021 by The Gazette editorial board
Read >>

Putting lived experience at forefront, Feet Forward impacts homelessness in Boulder
“A study conducted by the Common Sense Institute identified Feet Forward as a recommended practice in-trust building. ‘The model helps build trust quickly and speeds up the path to engagement and furthers the continuity by transitioning these individuals out of homelessness with a built-in network of support,’ according to the study.”
Daily Camera: December 23, 2021 by Deborah Swearingen
Read >>

Report: Denver’s average rent increased 17% year-over-year
“According to research by the Common Sense Institute, a free enterprise think tank in Colorado, inflation has caused housing costs in the Denver metro area to increase by 3.8% so far in 2021 compared to the 2.8% increase the metro area saw in 2019.”
The Center Square: December 21, 2021 by Robert Davis
Read >>

A DIFFERENT POINT OF VIEW: Common Sense and Criminal Justice
“The op-ed by Quentin Young that appeared in the Daily Post on December 20 – criticizing the Common Sense Institute ‘Colorado Crime Wave’ report – is an example of political rhetoric posing as scholarship. That is evident from the following excerpt from the column: [T]he ‘Crime Wave’ report is a cascade of suspect conclusions and conspicuous omissions. The author of the column fails to demonstrate any ‘suspect conclusions’ or ‘conspicuous omissions’, other than that they disagree with a political agenda. The author provides no evidence whatsoever that any of the conclusions in the ‘Report’ are wrong.”
Pagosa Daily Post: December 21, 2021 by Gary Beatty
Read >>

OPINION | A Dubious Crime Wave Report
“Released by the Greenwood Village-based Common Sense Institute, and co-authored by former Denver District Attorney Mitch Morrissey, a Democrat, the report details rising rates of crime in Colorado over the last decade, calculates the monetary cost of that crime, and insinuates that what caused it are progressive policies that ‘discourage the jailing of those arrested for committing crimes’ and ‘reduce the severity of punishment for those convicted.’” 
Pagosa Daily Post: December 20, 2021 by Post Contributor
Read >>

PERSPECTIVE: Flawed policies cause a crippling crime wave
“Initially, we sought to understand the breadth and depth of the issue. Earlier this summer, we joined forces with Common Sense Institute, a highly respected, non-partisan research organization dedicated to the protection and promotion of Colorado’s economy. Together with CSI, we performed an exhaustive search of available data to identify the facts and separate them from the hype.” 
The Gazette: December 19, 2021 by George Brauchler and Mitch Morrissey
Read >>

HUDSON | Discerning when to listen to think tanks
“Following a decade of labor on the center right, Colorado’s Common Sense Institute (CSI) is making a bid to assume the position the Heritage Foundation has won for itself in Washington. You may not agree with Heritage’s positions, but it can be relied on to get its statistics right.” 
Colorado Politics: December 19, 2021 by Miller Hudson
Read >>

Insights | Crime, justice and cost are mounted on victims
“The Common Sense Institute released a grim report on Dec. 9 about Colorado’s state of public safety and the astronomical costs it inflicts. We lead the nation in the rate of increase in property crimes over the last decade, with Democrats in the governor’s office, while violent crime has risen 35%, though the increase nationally was just 3%… Morrissey didn’t agree, to a small extent, when I asked him about that. He said the one-size-fits-all approach takes the decisions out of the hands of prosecutors and judges, which results in criminals getting the opportunity to do more crime.” 
The Gazette: December 19, 2021 by Joey Bunch
Read >>

What’s Working: Colorado Springs is the only metro area that has recovered all jobs lost in the pandemic
“‘All four of those states were in the top 10 in terms of lowest percent of jobs lost in April 2020. Colorado ranked 24th.’ Brown said. ‘So the fact that they now have employment levels above January 2020 is a combination of stronger job growth since the worst of the jobs losses, along with the fact that they didn’t have as large of a deficit to dig out of.’” 
The Colorado Sun: December 18, 2021 by Tamara Chuang
Read >>

SLOAN | The cost of the crime problem
“The Common Sense Institute recently released a study that adds to this mountain of data, offering an analysis from the angel of economic impacts. The study’s principal authors, George Brauchler and Mitch Morrissey, are particularly well-suited to comment on criminal matters, having dedicated their professional lives to quarterbacking society’s response to them as district attorneys. The partnership with CSI’s resources has resulted in a paper that is as edifying as it is bleak.” 
The Gazette: December 17, 2021 by Kelly Sloan
Read >>

Colorado hiring stays strong in November, despite a slow start to ski season
“Accounting for population growth, the state will need to average 8,923 jobs per month through December 2022 in order to get back to a pre-pandemic employment-to-population ratio, said Chris Brown, vice president of policy and research at the Common Sense Institute, in an analysis of the state report.” 
Greeley Tribune: December 17, 2021 by Aldo Svaldi
Read >>

FOR COPO PRINT!!! COLORADO EDITORIALS
“The hard data is in; it’s alarming and grim. The price Colorado has paid for going soft on crime is startling, as a Gazette banner headline on Thursday made clear. It’s all in a landmark study released this week by Colorado’s Common Sense Institute… Alongside its human toll, Colorado’s crime wave – really, a tsunami – took a tremendous toll in dollars and cents. The Common Sense Institute’s research pegs it at $27 billion in both tangible and intangible costs for 2020. It averages to $4,762 a year per Colorado – or 77% of the state’s annual budget.” 
The Gazette: December 17, 2021 by Denver Gazette editorial board
Read >>

Two reports paint declining picture of Colorado’s economic competitiveness
“And the Common Sense Institute, in producing its first Free Enterprise Report, graded six of eight policy areas in the state as a three of four on a scale of five, giving marks of 4 to Colorado’s health care infrastructure, jobs/economic progress and taxing/fees structure… ‘I don’t have a solution for you,’ Brown said when asked what policy changes could make the biggest impact. ‘But I think the overall theme we see is that the state’s not enabling the free-enterprise system but rather trying to control it more and having these disproportionate effects across the state.’” 
Denver Business Journal: December 16, 2021 by Ed Sealover
Read >>

Former Denver DA Mitch Morrissey “Colorado Crime Wave”
“‘Some of the things that we found are startling. The increase in property crime, the increase in violent crime, Colorado being number one for instance in auto theft in the nation, [Colorado being] number one in the last ten years in property crime in the nation. I think this report really is a wake up call to the citizens of Colorado that they need to touch base with the policymakers in this state to see exactly what we can do to get a handle on this crime rate.’ Morrissey said.

‘No matter where you live. This is costing the citizens of Colorado an extra $5,000 a year. It doesn’t matter if you’re in a completely safe area or not…We are talking about over  $27 billion last year, is what it cost the state of Colorado last year. And that’s both tangible and intangible costs.'” 
KOA 850 AM & 94.1 FM: December 16, 2021 by Ross Kaminsky
Read >>

Prices in Denver up 6.4% through November
“Prices in Colorado’s largest metro area are up 6.4% so far this year, according to an analysis of Consumer Price Index data. That’s slightly lower than the 6.8% average price increase on all items nationally, according to the Common Sense Institute’s (CSI) analysis, which said that a ‘resurgence of growth’ between September and November suggest that inflation could persist longer than expected.” 
Kiowa County Press: December 16, 2021 by Robert Davis, The Center Square contributor
Read >>

INSIGHTS: Ganahl pins fentanyl surge on Polis’ policies
“Ganahl, like Republicans nationally, is teeing up concerns about rising crime. Colorado Politics told you about a report showing scary increases released last week by the Denver-based Common Sense Institute, where Ganahl is a former board member.” 
Colorado Politics: December 16, 2021 by Joey Bunch
Read >>

A splash of truth about Colorado’s ‘crime wave’
“Released by the Greenwood Village-based Common Sense Institute, and co-authored by former Denver District Attorney Mitch Morrissey, a Democrat, the report details rising rates of crime in Colorado over the last decade, calculates the monetary cost of that crime, and insinuates that what cause it are progressive policies that ‘discourage the jailing of those arrested for committing crimes’ and ‘reduce the severity of punishment for those convicted.’” 
Colorado Newsline: December 16, 2021 by Quentin Young
Read >>

Common Sense Institute Analyzes the State Budget Over Time
“It has become an annual tradition for the Common Sense Institute to analyze the way our state government allocates its resources from year to year. These charts show that, over the past 14 years, the total operating appropriations for all state departments have increased by 110% while the amount allocated to Health Care Policy and Financing (HCPF) has gone up 267%. In FY2008, HCPF absorbed 21% of the state’s resources. By FY2022, that share had shot up to 36%.” 
The Villager: December 15, 2021 by Freda Miklin
Read >>

The Steffan Tubbs Show
“‘The total cost of crime in Colorado exceeded $27 billion in 2020. While costs are disproportionately felt by victims, this implies an average cost per Coloradan of $4,762 per year. The 2021 costs will grow as the violent crime rate is on pace to be the highest since 1994, a 10% annual increase.’ said the report.” 
710 KNUS (The Steffan Tubbs Show): December 15, 2021 by Steffan Tubbs
Read >>

Denver Gazette: Lock ’em up, curb Colorado crime
“You’d think it would go without saying. Yet, as the Common Sense Institute’s blockbuster study, released last week, points out, Colorado’s policymakers have been ignoring that straightforward logic for years. We are all now reaping what they have sown.” 
Colorado Politics: December 14, 2021 by Denver Gazette editorial board
Read >>

Car theft in Denver – and across Colorado – is among worst in U.S.
“Of note: The findings are bolstered by a new report from the Common Sense Institute that found Colorado had the highest auto theft rate of all states, and that only the city of Washington, D.C. was higher.” 
Axios Denver: December 14, 2021 by Alayna Alvarez
Read >>

Brauchler: How crime got so bad in Colorado
“A brand-new report on crime and its costs, which I co-authored through the Common Sense Institute gives a comprehensive answer to the size of the crime wave, some of its origins, and its measurable costs. The numbers are historic and staggering. The Broncos only wish they could have put up the numbers criminals have in Colorado… These policies have failed. That failure comes with a hefty price tag. The total cost of crime in Colorado, including tangible and intangible costs, exceeds $27 billion.” 
Journal Advocate: December 13, 2021 by George Brauchler
Read >>

RISING CRIME RATES: Former Colorado DA On ‘Restorative Justice’ Driving Crime
“To give some more perspective to this study, this was not just a republican district attorney for the largest part of Colorado, my partner [Mitch Morrissey] was a democrat district attorney for Denver who had been in charge for twelve years…The biggest surprise to me was how much Colorado leads in all the categories you don’t want to be a leader in.” 
The Dana Show: December 13, 2021 by Dana Loesch
Read >>

Increase in Colorado’s property crime rate bucks national trend, report says
“From 2010 to 2020, Colorado’s property crime rate increased more than that of almost any other state, and its motor vehicle theft rate more than doubled. That’s according to a new report from the Common Sense Institute, a nonprofit, nonpartisan, conservative-leaning think tank based in Greenwood Village… ‘The amount of money that’s involved in terms of the cost to Colorado is breathtaking in terms of the annual amount,’ Brauchler said. The report estimated tangible costs associated with crime in 2020 at $8.5 billion.” 
The Durango Herald Regional News: December 13, 2021 by Faith Miller
Read >>

Increase In Colorado’s Property Crime Rate Bucks National Trend, Report Says
“The report, released Thursday, sought to quantify the so-called ‘crime wave’ in Colorado. Its lead authors were George Brauchler, a Republican who until this year served as the district attorney for Colorado’s 18th Judicial District, and Mitch Morrissey, a Democrat who formerly served as Denver district attorney. Both are currently criminal justice fellows with Common Sense Institute.

‘During the first year of the pandemic, the difference was exacerbated. Nationally, the property crime rate fell by another 8%,’ the report says. ‘Colorado went the opposite direction, increasing by 8%.'” 
Patch: December 12, 2021 by Faith Miller, Colorado Newsline
Read >>

Report: Crime has $27B price tag for Coloradans last year
“An economic analysis of crime in Colorado found it cost the state approximately $27 billion last year. The report, compiled by the free enterprise think tank Common Sense Institute (CSI), compared crime data from the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Colorado Crime Statistics, a database that is funded by the Colorado Auto Theft Prevention Authority.” 
Washington Examiner: December 10, 2021 by Robert Davis, The Center Square
Read >>

‘Crime Tsunami’: New Study By Two Former District Attorneys Finds Colorado’s Crime Rate Worse Than Other States
“A new study finds violent crimes and property crimes are rising faster in Colorado than nationally. Common Sense Institute, a non-partisan research organization, says violent crime jumped 10% in the state last year, compared to 5% nationally, and property crime increased 8%, while it dropped 8% nationally… ‘We are awash in a crime tsunami’, says former 18th Judicial District Attorney George Brauchler. He and former Denver District Attorney Mitch Morrissey conducted the study found that crime has been on the rise in Colorado for the last 10 years.” 
CBS4 Denver: December 10, 2021 by CBS4 Political Specialist Shaun Boyd
Read >>

No, Legal Firearm Ownership Isn’t To Blame For Increased Homicides in American Cities
“New data from Colorado highlights how this is ultimately playing out in every state. The Common Sense Institute studied the crime rate in Colorado and crime rates across the country and compared…CSI argues that ‘trends in these outcomes across the criminal justice system reflect how one-sided policy changes over the years have altered the system’ and ‘as a result of multiple reforms, the trends across bond practices, parole rates, and incarceration levels, all point to a system tipping further away from accountability.’” 
Dana Loesch’s Chapter and Verse: December 9, 2021 by Dana Loesch
Read >>

Report: Crime has $27B price tag for Coloradans last year
“The think tank [Common Sense Institute] said two issues are contributing to the state’s crime increase: the policy trend toward de-carceration of criminals and reduced severity of punishments…. The report’s authors said they hope the analysis will inspire ‘practical solutions to what is, in part, an economic issue.’” 
The Center Square contributor: December 9, 2021 by Robert Davis
Read >>

Former district attorneys link soft crime policies, high Colorado crime rates, in new report
“The Common Sense Institute released a study Thursday on crime in Colorado and its potential causes. Former district attorneys George Brauchler and Mitch Morrisey co-authored the study. The former prosecutors said the problem is with the state’s current judges and district attorneys who have kept risky offenders out of jail. Both are urging lawmakers to act. The report says the crimes are costing taxpayers an estimated $27 billion.

‘The judicial branch could [take action] if they were motivated to do so, but why would they want to create metrics that hold their feet to the fire and show some of the results of their poor decision-making?’ Brauchler said. ‘I agree with Mitch, this is driven by the legislature and the governor. They’re the ones that control the laws in this state that govern things like transparency and reporting. They could do it and they do it in the next session.'”
Denver (KDVR): December 9, 2021 by DJ Summers, Gabrielle Franklin
Read >>

Report: Crime has $27B price tag for Coloradans last year
“The report, compiled by the free enterprise think tank Common Sense Institute (CSI), compared crime data from the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Colorado Crime Stats, a database that is funded by the Colorado Auto Theft Prevention Authority. ‘Given the concerning trends and high costs, it is imperative that policymakers implement timely, transparent, and actionable accountability metrics, that allow them to diagnose specific system level problems and individual policy decisions across the multiple dimensions of criminal justice in Colorado,’ the report said.” 
Grand Junction Daily Sentinel: December 9, 2021 by Robert Davis
Read >>

Editorial: Blame ‘justice reform’ for our crime WAVE
“The price Colorado has paid going soft on crime is startling, as a Gazette banner headline on Thursday made clear. It’s all in a landmark study released this week by Colorado’s Common Sense Institute, which reveals: Violent crime in our state skyrocketed 35% from 2011 to last year – while rising only 3% nationwide. The state’s crime rate for 2021 is on track to be highest since 1994. Colorado’s 2020v murder rate was 106% higher than in 2011. Assault was up 40% in that same time. Rape was 9% higher.
The Denver Gazette: December 10, 2021
Read >>

New report links Colorado’s rising crime to criminal-friendly public policy
“The Common Sense Institute, the economy-oriented Denver think tank, collected sometimes hard-to-obtain data, according to the authors, on arrests and court records. The pair worked with Chris Brown, the vice president of research and policy at the institute, who normally crunches data on taxing and spending… ‘ There is a cost to this that is damaging to communities, that is damaging individuals, for businesses in the future for our state economy mainly. And so absolutely this is a business issue,’ Brown said in a Zoom call with Morrissey and Colorado Politics on Wednesday.”
Colorado Politics: December 9, 2021 by Joey Bunch
Read >>

2021 Violent Crime rate on pace to be highest since 1994 in Colorado, according to new report
“Across Colorado, crime overall is on the rise, and it’s not just because of the pandemic. Thursday the Common Sense Institute (CSI) released information on how the state as a whole was doing when it came to crime rates. Former DA for the 18th Judicial District, George Brauchler and Former DA for the 2nd Judicial District, Mitch Morrissey presented the data during a press conference.

‘Violent crime is at 30% over the last decade which is very disturbing to somebody like me who is a prosecutor since the early 80’s,’ said Morrissey. ‘Colorado is number one auto theft in the country. It’s the number one place in crime rate for auto theft. Also over that period of time that we looked at property crimes, we are number one in property crimes in Colorado.'”
Colorado Springs KKTV: December 9, 2021 by Nicole Heins
Read >>

Mitch Morrissey Criminal Justice Fellow at Common Sense Institute
“‘We looked at trends that usually went back ten year periods. And we did that to make sure that we weren’t just look at trends during this [pandemic] strange time. Colorado crime costs citizens an awful lot amount of money, it’s over $27 billion in 2020. So of the most disturbing things when you look at that period of time, increases in auto theft, increases in property crime and one of the most concerning things we found was the increase in violent crime.’ said Mitch Morrissey.
KOA 850 AM & 94.1 FM: December 9, 2021 by April Zesbaugh and Marty Lenz
Read >>

Inflation & ‘Quit Rates’ Causing Concerns as Colorado Economy Is Slowly Rebounding
“‘Colorado is still a little over two percent down in terms of employment levels relative to pre-pandemic and so we still have a long way to go,’ said Chris Brown, Vice President of Policy and Research for the Common Sense Institute. ‘What has been incredible over just the last couple months has been seeing the sort of continued and lingering aftershocks of the economic shutdown and hardship we saw in 2020, and that is resonated in the labor market, and Colorado has faced very high levels of separation particularly people quitting their jobs now,’ Brown said.”
CBS Denver: December 6, 2021, by Jamie Leary
Read >>

Report maps Colorado’s budgetary changes over two decades
“A new report by the Common Sense Institute shows how Colorado’s budgetary spending has changed over the past two decades. The free enterprise think tank’s report analyzed the annual appropriations reports compiled by staff of the Colorado Joint Budget Committee, a bipartisan group state lawmakers who write the state’s budget… CSI said its methodology was designed to ‘reflect the shifting priorities brought on as a direct result of the laws and budgets passed each legislative session.’
The Center Square Colorado: December 3, 2021, by Robert Davis
Read >>

What’s Working: Colorado was tied for nation’s 4th highest rate of job quitters in September
“But for the number of job openings or hiring to decline seems puzzling, especially as Colorado saw even higher quit rates in September than in August, said Chris Brown, vice president of policy and research at Common Sense Institute, a think tank on economic research and policy in Greenwood Village.

‘It could just be inconsistency in reporting, or given new business formation is up, these new companies are not yet captured in the JOLTS survey,’ Brown said. ‘It makes sense that both the employment survey and this JOLTS survey won’t align 100%, however they don’t seem to be pointing in the same overall direction.'”
The Colorado Sun: November 27, 2021, by Tamara Chuang
Read >>

Despite Boulder’s vocal support for Indigenous people, data and residents tell a different story
“Boulder has a night shelter, Boulder Shelter for the Homeless, but Indigo doesn’t stay there. When he returned to Boulder last year after a decades-long absence, he tried to access the shelter, but says he was told to leave the city because he hadn’t lived here for six months — a process called diversion that still disproportionately funnels homeless people of color out of the city, per data provided by Firnhaber. These sorts of barriers, say researchers from Common Sense Institute’s Homelessness Ecosystem Analysis team, reduce the likelihood that someone will use services in the future.
Boulder Weekly: November 24, 2021, by Sam Becker and Nick LaBerge
Read >>

Colorado added 10,600 jobs in October; Unemployment fell to 5.4%
“Colorado’s total employment levels are approximately 2.2% below its pre-pandemic employment levels. At this pace, Colorado needs to add 9,529 jobs each month to reach its pre-pandemic levels by May 2022, according to an analysis of CDLE’s data by the Common Sense Institute (CSI), a free-enterprise think tank.
The Center Square Colorado: November 22, 2021, by Robert Davis
Read >>

What’s Working: Colorado’s job recovery rate is the nation’s 10th fastest. So why is our jobless rate the 15th highest?
“‘Colorado’s job market is still recuperating, so it’s not that surprising that a high labor force participation rate is fueled by high unemployment rights now,’ said Erik Gamm, a research analyst with Common Sense Institute, an economic research organization established to promote Colorado’s economy. ‘It would be more worrisome if the unemployment rate was low and the participation rate was as well, because that would imply that people aren’t seeking jobs and portend a very slow recovery.’
The Colorado Sun: November 20, 2021, by Tamara Chuang
Read >>

Colorado unemployment falls, job creation reaches highest levels since July
“At the current pace of recovery, Colorado is likely to achieve pre-pandemic employment numbers by May, estimated the Common Sense Institute, a business-focused think tank. So far, just two states, Idaho and Utah, have reported that they have a larger number of people working in them now than they did in February 2020.
Denver Business Journal: November 19, 2021, by Ed Sealover
Read >>

Colorado’s tax system could be headed for a major shakeup
“Tax policy panel member Chris Brown, vice president of policy and research at the business-focused Common Sense Institute, estimated in September that the difference between FTI and AGI in Colorado is $47.8 billion – a total that would produce around $2.1 billion in extra tax revenue under the state’s 4.55% income tax. While the impact on individuals and businesses would vary greatly, Brown suggested that some taxpayers would see their bills rise by as much as a third – a boost that is large enough for the task force to question what they would be looking to get out of such a move.
Denver Business Journal: November 12, 2021, by Ed Sealover
Read >>

Pinnacle Award Winner Robin Wise brings financial literacy to the masses
“You were recognized as a Denver-area power player in our pages in 2021 – a time many see as the beginning of Denver’s current period of rapid growth and change. What’s surprised you most over the past decade, and what do you find most encouraging in that change? ‘This region seems to have some of the largest charitable events and unique nonprofit programs in the country – Colorado Gives Day, the one-of-a-kind Young Americans Bank, the exceptional Common Sense Institute. That speaks to not only the spirit of the West, but the kind of people who live here who want to support vision that benefits the community.’
Denver Business Journal: November 12, 2021, by Jonathan Rose
Read >>

Murrey: Governor Polis crippled small business, now offers crutches
“A large portion of the proposed ‘fee relief’ is intended to reduce payroll taxes. But Colorado had no state-level payroll taxes a year ago. We do now, thanks to a Democrat-backed ballot measure that the nonpartisan Common Sense Institute estimates will cost employers over $1.3 billion dollars per year by 2025.
Complete Colorado – Page Two: November 12, 2021, by Ben Murrey
Read >>

Denver courts administering high number of personal recognizance bonds 
“‘It’s time we look at the system because this system is failing,’ said former Denver District Attorney Mitch Morrissey, who served in the post from 2005-2017. ‘There are way too many of these [PR bonds], and that’s causing Denver to not be the safe place that is should be.'”

George Brauchler, a former District Attorney for the 18th Judicial District that spans mainly Arapahoe and Douglas counties, said the data was shocking. Brauchler left office earlier this year. ‘It’s reckless,’ Brauchler said, ‘I don’t understand it. The numbers you are talking about are significant.'”
Denver7: November 10, 2021, by Tony Kovaleski
Read >>

EDITORIAL: ‘Denver’s Road Home’ is still a dead end
“A groundbreaking report Colorado’s Common Sense Institute released in August concluded that nearly half a billion – billion – dollars a year is spent on the homeless in combined public and private funding in metro Denver area. As the institute’s repor.t noted, that’s $41,613 to $104,038 per homeless person in Denver based on homeless population estimates that have ranged anywhere from around 4,000 to over 10,000.”
The Denver Gazette: November 10, 2021, by Gazette editorial board
Read >>

Colorado’s topsy-turvy job market, explained
“What’s happening: The state led the nation for layoffs and separations in August and ranked NO. 7 for people quitting jobs, well above the national average, according to a newly released federal report that breaks down the state’s labor data for the first time….’This new data series at the state level continues to add evidence that the labor market is highly volatile in the midst of recovery,’ said Chris Brown, an economist at the Common Sense Institute.
AXIOS Denver: November 9, 2021, by John Frank
Read >>

5 Cannabis Storylines of 2021 General Election
“Colorado voters rejected an attempt to raise taxes on adult-use cannabis sales with a 54.5% majority saying ‘no” to Proposition 119, which called for a 5% increase by 2024 on the state’s 15% sales tax at retail, according to results from the Colorado Secretary of State website.

The increase sought to raise $137.6 million a year for out-of-school education programs, with a priority on children from low-income households. About $20 million a year would also go toward the enrichment programs from the Colorado Land Board Trust, according to a Common Sense Institute report, though that number could fluctuate depending on state land revenue, according to The Denver Post.”
Cannabis Business Times: November 3, 2021, by Tony Lange
Read >>

Colorado voters nix raising and lowering taxes, as well as limiting tax-spending power
“The after-school plan also would have gotten about $22 million from the state land board that normally would go to the Public Education Permanent Fund, investments that ultimately benefit K-12 education. ‘The principle and interest that otherwise would be invested in the fund represents a $40 million loss over a decade but in 20 years will be three times that,’ said Chris Brown, an analyst for the Common Sense Institute in Denver.
The Denver Gazette: November 2, 2021, by Joey Bunch
Read >>

Gov. Jared Polis proposes $1.3 billion more in next year’s budget to address effects of pandemic
“The business-minded Common Sense Institute issued a report this year citing some addressed by the spending ideas the governor presented. ‘It is encouraging to see the governor’s proposed budget at least partially addresses three of the four large fiscal challenges we identified in our April report,’ Chris Brown, the institute’s vice president of policy and research, said Monday. ‘Committing $600 million to partially pay off the loans to the federal unemployment insurance trust fund will go a long way in reducing the payroll tax increases for years to come.’
Colorado Politics: November 1, 2021, by Marianne Goodland
Read >>

Seeing the problem: Homelessness in the Denver metro
“The Common Sense Institute, a business-focused organization, partnered with the University of Colorado Denver’s Inworks program, the Downtown Denver Partnership and Together Denver to pin down spending and outcomes. The report’s estimates group the spending from Denver Health, Denver Police Department, Denver Fire Department, Denver’s Homelessness Resolution Fund and charitable organizations.

The City and County of Denver disputes the Common Sense Institute’s findings, however, saying the study double counts what the city grants to non-profits and what the non-profits spend, among other issues.”
Denver (KDVR): November 1, 2021, by DJ Summers, Lori Jane Gliha, Rob Low
Read >>

Homelessness: How can metro Denver grapple with problem?
“The report includes several other ideas that researchers at the Common Sense Institute and University of Colorado Denver identified as successful in other communities and help promise for us locally. ‘There are a variety of programs doing impactful work in meeting the different needs of people experiencing homelessness,’ said Kristin Strohm, CEO and president of the Common Sense Institute, a research organization dedicated to protecting and promoting Colorado’s economy, which partnered with CU Denver to produce the report.
The Colorado Sun: October 31, 2021, by Tatiana Flowers
Read >>

PERSPECTIVE: Vote Yes on Prop 120, defend the rights of all Coloradans
“On the nonresidential side, the assessment rate has been fixed at 29% for 40 years. This means Colorado’s commercial property rate is almost twice as high as Utah’s and three times as high as Wyoming’s, according to a study by the Common Sense Institute.
The Denver Gazette: October 31, 2021, by Michael Fields
Read >>

Colorado had the nation’s highest rate of layoffs and job separations in August
“‘People are intentionally moving jobs because they’re seeking a different role, better pay. I would usually interpret that as very positive,’ Brown said. ‘But what I think is most interesting is that while there’s a lot of churn and activity in the labor market, the overall job growth levels at least over the last two months are slowing.’
The Colorado Sun: October 28, 2021, by Tamara Chuang
Read >>

Homelessness in metro Denver isn’t waning. But research from CU Denver and a private think tank offers ideas to help.
“Common Sense Institute and CU Denver researchers looked at programs working in the seven-county metro region in hopes of exporting the concepts to other communities…. A major recommendation by the researchers studying homelessness in Adams, Arapahoe, Boulder, Broomfield, Denver, Douglas and Jefferson counties is adding more affordable housing options.

‘There are a variety of programs doing impactful work in meeting the different needs of people experiencing homelessness,’ said Kristin Strohm, CEO and president of the Common Sense Institute, a research organization dedicated to protecting and promoting Colorado’s economy, which partnered with CU Denver to produce the report.

The researchers are also urging community leaders to find additional ways to support providers, who are short-staffed, yet offer critical support to people who are homeless or at risk for homelessness. Amplifying awareness of providers and their work can help achieve that goal. Encouraging formerly homeless people to become entrepreneurs, who offer peer services in the system, can also help address the crisis, study leaders said.”
The Colorado Sun: October 27, 2021, by Tatiana Flowers
Read >>

Denver voters will weigh whether to lower and cap sales taxes
“By the numbers: The city estimates the lower rate will lead to a $49 million reduction in tax revenue for the 2022 fiscal year, impacting discretionary services and dedicated programs already approved by voters, such as preschool, college affordability, mental health and parks. A separate analysis by the conservative Common Sense Institute puts the fiscal impact at $69 million, or a 6.4% cut in annual spending.
AXIOS Denver: October 26, 2021, by John Frank
Read >>

Denver metro has 85 organizations serving the homelessness, think tank analysis finds
“The Denver metro area has at least 85 organizations that help serve people experiencing or exiting homelessness, an analysis from the Common Sense Institute (CSI) found. The analysis, released on Monday, marks the second phase of the free market think tank’s deep-dive into the systemic factors that impact homelessness in metro Denver.

Phase two ‘seeks to understand, and visualize, the ecosystem of factors that contribute to furthering homelessness as well as those factors that contribute to the prevention of homelessness or supporting those experiencing homelessness to move into stable housing,’ according to the analysis.

‘There are a variety of programs doing impactful work in meeting the different needs of people experiencing homelessness,’ CSI CEO Kristin Strohm said in a statement. ‘Our goal with this phase was to document what’s working, where there are opportunities, where there might be gaps, and ultimately learn from them to solve this crisis.'”
The Center Square: October 25, 2021, by Robert Davis
Read >>

Common Sense Institute takes second bite at homelessness issue
“The solutions need to be as varied as the problems that cause homelessness in the seven-county Denver metro area, according to the second phase of a Common Sense Institute analysis released Monday morning.

‘There are a variety of programs doing impactful work in meeting the different needs of people experiencing homelessness,’ stated Kristin Strohm, the institute’s CEO and president. ‘Our goal with this phase was to document what’s working, where there are opportunities, where there might be gaps, an ultimately learn from them to solve this crisis.'”
Colorado Politics: October 25, 2021, by Joey Bunch
Read >>

Common Sense Institute takes second bite at homelessness issue
“The solutions need to be as varied as the problems that cause homelessness in the seven-county Denver metro area, according to the second phase of a Common Sense Institute analysis released Monday morning.

The Denver-based business think tank released the back half of a report titled ‘The Economic Footprint of Homelessness in Metro Denver,’ a follow up to an August release that looked at how taxpayers’ money is spent on the issue that has eluded the city for years.

On a conference call with reporters Monday morning, the paper’s authors said more research is needed, as well as more collaboration between the organizations involved and leadership to find solutions on housing accessibility and affordability, rather than doing more of the same.

‘There are a variety of programs doing impactful work in meeting the different needs of people experiencing homelessness,’ stated Kristin Strohm, the institute’s CEO and president. ‘Our goal with this phase was to document what’s working, where there are opportunities, where there might be gaps, and ultimately learn from them to solve this crisis.'”
The Denver Gazette: October 25, 2021, by Joey Bunch
Read >>

POINT | Coloradans need property tax relief
“Proposition 120 would not only cut residential property taxes, but also commercial property taxes. According to the Common Sense Institute, Colorado’s effective commercial property rate is almost twice as high as our neighboring state of Utah – and three times as high as Wyoming.”
Colorado Politics: October 24, 2021, by Bob Beauprez
Read >>

Colorado unemployment rate drops to 5.6% in September, gains lag
“If the state economy keeps adding jobs around last month’s pace, Colorado won’t reach pre-pandemic employment counts until January 2023, said Chris Brown, vice president of policy and research at the Common Sense Institute, in a research note Thursday.”
Journal-Advocate, The Denver Post: October 23, 2021, by Aldo Svaldi
Read >>

Colorado unemployment drops to lowest since start pandemic, but labor force dropping too
“While the overall labor force is dropping, however, the number of mothers actively working or seeking work returned for the first time in September to pre-pandemic levels, according to the Common Sense Institute, a business-focused research organization. Their labor force participation rate rose last month to 76.5%, according to the organization, leaving fathers as the primary group between the ages of 25 and 64 that are seeking or occupying jobs at a lower rate than they did in January 2020.

While the leisure and hospitality sectors have gained 41,800 jobs since September 2020, it remains down about 28,600 jobs from pre-pandemic levels, according to numbers supplied by CDLE and the Common Sense Institute”
Denver Business Journal: October 22, 2021, by Ed Sealover
Read >>

Colorado’s employment rate lacks what’s needed for a full recovery by 2023
“For the second straight month, job growth indicates pace of recovery in Colorado slowing, according to numbers and analysis released Friday by the Common Sense Institute, a Denver-based business think tank.

‘While September job levels are 48% lower than what is needed to see a full recovery by January 2023, there was an important milestone in the labor force data,’ Chris Brown, the institute’s vice president of policy and research, said in an email. ‘Throughout the pandemic, women, and mothers in particular, have left the labor force at higher rates.’

Brown noted, however, that Bureau of Labor Statistics numbers in September indicated the workforce participation rate for mothers surpassed pre-pandemic levels for the first time. ‘While the monthly data will remain volatile, this is an important signal that conditions are continuing to improve,’ Brown said.”
Colorado Politics: October 22, 2021, by Joey Bunch
Read >>

Colorado 2021 Election: Some Ballot Measures Create Controversy, Confusion 
“An analysis by Common Sense Institute found that the program could provide two and a half hours of tutoring a week for about 95,000 students if each one received the full $1,500. Students would choose from a list of providers certified by a new state board appointed by the governor.”
CBS Denver: October 18, 2021, by Shaun Boyd
Read >>

POINT | Prop 119 is a lifeline for our students 
“A recent study by the Common Sense Institute found that Prop 119 would provide financial aid to fund tutoring for 98,000 kids. The financial aid program would be administered by an independent board of education experts, not by politicians.”
Colorado Politics: October 17, 2021, by Bob Gardner
Read >>

Colorado 2021 Election: Some Ballot Measures Create Controversy, Confusion 
“The Common Sense Institute, in a report on 303, said the measure would result in higher costs to take care of Denver’s homeless population. The business-leaning think tank noted, however, that ballot measure Denver voters passed year, Initiative 2B, would likely cover new costs arising from expenses related to designated camping areas.

‘Denver voters passed Initiative 2B: Homelessness Resolution Fund in 2020, which increased the city sales tax by .25% to raise an estimated $40 million annually for homeless related priorities,’ the institute stated last month. ‘Initiative 2B funding creates more resources for those who are unhoused through combining housing and services, restoring lost shelter capacity, and improving health and services.’

The Common Sense Institute also took a look at 304, and said that a cut in sales tax would save the average household about 4120 per year. And the reductions in city revenue would still keep the tax rate 12.1% above what it was in 2019.”
Colorado Politics: October 17, 2021, by Colorado Politics staff
Read >>

What’s Working: People are quitting their jobs in record numbers. Here’s what happened in Colorado.
“The new JOLTS data – which also shared that the number of job openings, hires and layoffs were down in August – could mean workers are feeling more confident about employment, especially if they already have a job, said Chris Brown, with Common Sense Institute, an economic think tank in Greenwood Village.

‘Higher rate of quits in itself doesn’t necessarily indicate a problem, as workers may be seeking other jobs,’ Brown said, adding that August is typically a high quit rate month. ‘It seems like while there are normal seasonal factors driving a higher number of quits in August, the current pandemic-related labor force factors have pushed even more people to quit this August.'”
The Colorado Sun: October 16, 2021, by Tamara Chuang
Read >>

ENDORSEMENT: YES on Denver bonds – except 2B
“2B would spend an additional $38.6 million on housing and shelter projects, including acquiring a building the city already leases for use as a shelter. Yet, Colorado’s Common Sense Institute recently released a report tallying the total public and private dollars spent serving the homeless in the metro area, and it turned out to be just shy of a stunning half billion dollars a year. That’s $41,613 to $104,038 per homeless person in Denver based on homeless population numbering anywhere from around 4,000 to over 10,000.”
The Denver Gazette: October 15, 2021, by Editorial Board
Read >>

Bob Gardner: Colorado’s kids need educational resources – vote yes on Prop. 119 
“A recent study by the Common Sense Institute found that Prop 119 would provide financial aid to fund tutoring for 98,000 kids. The financial aid program would be administered by an independent board of education experts, not by politicians.”
Greeley Tribune Guest Columns: October 13, 2021, by Bob Gardner
Read >>

Election 2021: Prop 120 will drop property taxes – at least for some
“If the lawsuit is successful, it’s not clear if Proposition 120 would then reduce the assessment rates for all property and residential taxes in Colorado. However, that’s what the Common Sense Institute believes would happen.”
The Colorado Sun, Centennial Citizen: October 12, 2021, by Jesse Paul
Read >>

Yes or No Proposition 119 
“‘It is actually intentionally created to be an independent board that can be agile and responsive to the needs of parents and really just be a way to get money into parents hands’ says Brenda B. Dickhoner, the education fellow for Common Sense Institute and President of Ready Colorado. ‘Parents know their children best and they are able to direct these funds however they see fit for their child… There is a Common Sense Institute ballot guide on this issue that shows the potential reach of this upwards of 95,000 students at 150% of the poverty level could receive this funding. And I think that’s a huge number of students who have long be underserved by our current system’ said Dickhoner.”
KOA 850 AM & 94.1 FM: October 12, 2021, by Ross Kaminsky
Read >>

Denver election 2021: Voters will be asked whether to cap sales tax rate
“Flicker pointed to an analysis of Ordinance 304 by the Common Sense Institute (a politically unaffiliated but business-focused think tank) that found Denver’s sales tax rate has risen almost 23% since 2018 because of six voter-approved measures.

The analysis found that if the sales tax rate was cut from 4.81% to 4.5% next year, tax collections would fall by $69.2 million but city revenue in total would only fall by 0.5% and still be well above 2019 levels. The Common Sense Institute noted that individuals’ savings would vary based on spending habits, but estimated the average Denver household would save $120 a year if 304 passed.
The Denver Post: October 10, 2021, by Joe Rubino
Read >>

Support Prop 119 and close the achievement gap 
“A study by the Common Sense Institute says Prop. 119 would fund tutoring for 98,000 students. The financial aid dollars would be administered by an independent board of education experts, not by the Legislature.”
The Daily Sentinel: October 10, 2021, by Matt Soper
Read >>

Time to push back at smug school boards 
“Voters must always emphasize improving educational outcomes – especially in the wake of COVID lockdowns – and properly budgeting K-12 education. According to a new report from the Common Sense Institute, among the $13.22 billion in total revenue, only 35.6% of Colorado’s education spending goes to teacher salaries – a drop of 41% 10 years ago. Meanwhile, the share of administrative and support services skyrockets.”
The Gazette (Colo. Springs): October 8, 2021, by Jimmy Sengenberger
Read >>

Proposition 120 sparks a debate over property tax cuts. Here’s why it’s complicated by a recent bill 
“But Proposition 120 is more complex than it seems…’There might be the case of what voters see on their ballot and what they vote on is not the final outcome in terms of the impact of their tax bill’, said Chris Brown, who works at the Common Sense Institute in Greenwood Village. ‘Very intentionally, the state legislature this year passed Senate Bill 293, which intentionally changed and altered some of the property tax classifications.

‘If voters approve this, it will likely be the final impact will be determined in courts through different legal arguments’, Brown said.”
KUNC: October 6, 2021, by Scott Franz
Read >>

Other Voices: State spending plenty – but not wisely – on schools 
“Colorado’s public education system starts almost every year with all the resources you’d think it would need to achieve better outcomes for its students. Yet it never manages to arrive at that goal. A telling new report from Colorado’s Common Sense Institute underscores the point. The nonpartisan, nonprofit institute tracked public ed spending by the state over time; its research findings challenge conventional wisdom.

Among the report’s findings is that, ‘funding for K-12 education is at an all-time high, even as education continues to be crowded out of the state budget by spending on other areas such as health care…’ The Common Sense findings offer some compelling clues, if not definitive answers. It comes down at least in part, to how the money is being spent.

As the Common Sense report points out, ‘By 2022, the contributions to PERA from the school division just to pay down the unfunded liability will be more than $900 million… The more than $900 million in funds could be available for other spending priorities if it were not committed to pay down the growing unfunded liability…’ The 33-page report also zeros in on mission creep…’There has been a decrease in spending on staff and services related to instruction over the past 10 years… Operations, school and district administration and supports for students all saw increases as a share of total spending from 2010 to 2020.'”
Greeley Tribune Guest Editorial: October 6, 2021
Read >>

Denver City Council unanimously adopts resolutions opposing pair of Republican-backed initiatives 
“A recent study by the Common Sense Institute estimates that $434.6 million is spent annually on homelessness, which includes $217 million spent on charitable groups.”
The Colorado Center Square: October 5, 2021, by Robert Davis
Read >>

Editorial: Spending plenty, but not wisely, on schools
“Colorado’s public education system starts almost every year with all the resources you’d think it would need to achieve better outcomes for its students. Yet it never manages to arrive at that goal. A telling new report from Colorado’s Common Sense Institute underscores the point. The nonpartisan, nonprofit institute tracked public ed spending by the state over time; its research findings challenge conventional wisdom.

Put more succinctly, the input of funding doesn’t seem to match the output in student achievement. Why? The Common Sense findings offer some compelling clues, if not definitive answers. It comes down, at least in part, to how the money is being spent.

As the Common Sense report points out, ‘By 2022, the contributions to PERA from the school division just to pay down the unfunded liability will be more than $900 million… The more than $900 million in funds could be available for other spending priorities if it were not committed to pay down the growing unfunded liability…’ The 33-page report also zeros in on mission creep…’There has been a decrease in spending on staff and services related to instruction over the past 10 years… Operations, school and district administration and supports for students all saw increases as a share of total spending from 2010 to 2020.'”
The Gazette: October 5, 2021, by The Gazette Editorial Board
Read >>

Proposition 120: Voter will decide if Colorado property taxes will go down – at least for some
“If you want to know how big of a hit your county would take if Proposition 120 passes, check out the chart below that was created using data from the Common Sense Institute.”
The Colorado Sun: October 5, 2021, by Jesse Paul
Read >>

Proposition 119 asks voter to raise recreational marijuana taxes for out-of-school enrichment programs
“The measure calls for a 5 percentage point increase by 2024 on the state’s 15% sales tax for recreational marijuana by 2024 (starting with a 3% rate increase in 2022 and 4% in 2023). If passed, about $20 million a year would also go toward the enrichment programs from the Colorado Land Board Trust, according to a Common Sense Institute report, though that number would fluctuate depending on state land revenue.”
The Denver Post: October 4, 2021, by Saja Hindi
Read >>

Brenda on the George Brauchler Show, KNUS 
“Common Sense Institute fellow, Dr. Brenda Bautsch Dickhoner, PhD., joins Jimmy discuss CSI’s new report on Colorado’s K-12 education spending. Callers offer thoughts on what’s happening in public schools, and a listener challenges Jimmy over election integrity.”
Jimmy Sengenberger Show: October 2, 2021, by Jimmy Sengenberger
Read >>

Opinion: Colorado lawmakers are increasing the cost of running a business
“In 2020 the Common Sense Institute projected the impact of Proposition 118 on Colorado companies and reported that profit margins could decline by anywhere from 2% to 10%. The direct cost of the premium – a cost divided between employer and employee – would amount to an effective increase in personal income tax of between 8% and 18%.”
Colorado Sun: October 2, 2021, by Greg Fulton
Read >>

Common Sense Institute finds school dollars rising, teacher salaries falling
“The Common Sense Institute think tank drew that conclusion in a report released Thursday called ‘Dollars and Data 2021, a Look at K-12 Education Funding in Colorado.’… ‘If Colorado is to have a substantive public discourse about how to improve educational outcomes, there needs to be a common understanding of how K-12 public education is funded in the state,’ education fellow Dr. Brenda Bautsch Dickhoner states in the report after analyzing statewide and regional trends in K-12 budgets and state spending over the past decade.

‘The state average, however, masks the wide variation in salaries that occurs at the regional and school district level,’ the institute noted. Meanwhile, the state is putting in more than $900 million into the Public Employees Retirement Association from the school division to pay down the unfunded liability, which works out to $16,117 per teacher, Dickhoner found…. ‘There is a downward trend in the share of dollars being spent on instruction, and more specifically, on teacher salaries,’ the institute found.

The difference includes local mill levy overrides passed by local voters, as well as state and federal grant programs. That doesn’t include the proceeds from bond sales, ‘which are volatile year to year,’ according to the Common Sense Institute.”
Colorado Politics: October 1, 2021, by Joey Bunch
Read >>

Colorado school dollars rising while teacher salaries falling: Report 
“While school funding is at an all-time high in Colorado, classrooms still face a hard time getting more attention in the state education budget, as lawmakers invest in health care and state employees’ retirement among other priorities, the Common Sense Institute think tank found in a report released this month.

The report called ‘Dollars and Data 2021, a Look at K-12 Education Funding in Colorado’, found that unless the state modernizes the formula used to pay for education that’s found in the School Finance Act student outcomes are unlikely to improve. ‘If Colorado is to have a substantive public discourse about how to improve educational outcomes, there needs to be a common understanding of how K-12 public education is funded in the state,’ education fellow Dr. Brenda Bautsch Dickhoner states in the report…”
The Gazette: October 1, 2021, by Joey Bunch
Read >>

Annual Western Colorado Economic Summit happening today
“Among the topics discussed today; sustainability of local agriculture, the future of K-12 education, workforce retention, housing needs and many more. Some of the speakers and panelists include, Chris Brown, Vice President of Policy and Research at the Common Sense Institute, Dan Spiegel, Managing Director of Coldwell Banker Commercial.”
KKCO 11 News: September 30, 2021, by Adam Woodbrey
Read >>

Mayor Hancock proposes $190 million towards homelessness in new Denver budget 
“These figures are not a straight comparison, as the Common Sense Institute study includes services like medical care, police and legal resources and others. According to an accounting by the Common Sense Institute, the Denver metro spends just under a half billion dollars a year on homelessness: $481 million. Most of that is spent in Denver, with the city spending $435 million.”
Fox 31 News: September 15, 2021, by DJ Summers
Read >>

Common Sense Institute publishes ballot guide on Denver, statewide questions
‘In less than one month, Colorado voters will receive their ballots. Our goal is to cut through the political spin and provide voters with facts and data,’ Kristin Strohm, CSI’s president and CEO, said in a statement. She added, ‘The impact of these measures will have a significant and lasting impact on our economy. From property taxes to education to homelessness, these issues will shape policy for years to come.'”
Colorado Politics: September 15, 2021, by Joey Bunch
Read >>

Common Sense Institute publishes ballot guide on Denver, statewide questions
“The business-minded Common Sense Institute has some advice on state and local issues on the ballot this November. The Denver-based think tank released its election guide Wednesday morning, analyzing three questions, among 13, that appear on the city and county of Denver ballot and two that will be voted on statewide.

‘In less than one month, Colorado voters will receive their ballots. Our goal is to cut through the political spin and provide voters with facts and data,’ Kristin Strohm, CSI’s president and CEO, said in a statement. She added, ‘The impact of these measures will have a significant and lasting impact on our economy. From property taxes to education to homelessness, these issues will shape policy for years to come.'”
The Denver Gazette: September 15, 2021, by Joey Bunch
Read >>

Former DAs Morrissey and Brauchler named Common Sense fellows
“‘The issues surrounding crime and criminal justice are complex, yet the recent trends are clear. From property destruction to car theft to murder rates, Colorado is facing rising rates of crime,’ the institute’s president and CEO, Kristin Strohm, said in a statement. ‘Our fellows, George Brauchler and Mitch Morrissey, will explore data driven solutions that address the growing individual, societal and economic cost of this concerning trend.’
Colorado Politics: September 9, 2021, by Joey Bunch
Read >>

Colorado Gov. Favors Eliminating State Income Tax
Chris Brown, vice president of policy and research for the Common Sense Institute, a free-market nonprofit, told Law360 that it welcomed efforts to fund state government through a ‘more simple, effective and pro-growth tax code.’ Brown said that ‘reducing or eliminating the state income tax in combination with other reforms could certainly prove to be the winning formula, however the details will matter… The governor is spot on that coalescing around ways to move our system of taxation away from hitting the creation and generation of income should be in the interest of all Coloradans.'”
Law360: August 31, 2021, by James Nani
Read >>

Service Providers Challenge Report on Homelessness Spending in Metro Denver
On August 5, the Common Sense Institute, a Colorado “free enterprise” think tank, released ‘The Economic Footprint of Homelessness in Metro Denver,’ a report that suggested that governmental, quasi-governmental and nonprofit entities spend an estimated $434.6 million annually on homelessness in the Denver area… But local service providers and a national advocacy organization argue that the Common Sense report is inaccurate and misleading.”
Westword: August 22, 2021, by Conor McCormick-Cavanaugh
Read >>

COLUMN: Currently choosing — not ‘experiencing’ — homelessness
This is the Denver created by Mayors John Hickenlooper and Michael Hancock, and a progressive city council by encouraging by their constant financial incentives and lack of law enforcement. What you subsidize increases. And as the Common Sense Institute’s latest report attests, Denver spends at least a half billion dollars a year encouraging homeless.
The Gazette: August 22, 2021, by Jon Caldera
Read >>

Colorado unemployment remains high as 94,000 residents about to lose benefits
According to an analysis by the business-focused Common Sense Institute, Colorado remains on pace to reach pre-pandemic employment levels by January. The CDLE report noted that the state has regained 77% of the 375,800 jobs it lost in March and April 2020 and 80% of the private-sector jobs, which ranks it 16th in the U.S. for rate of recovery.
Denver Business Journal: August 20, 2021, by Ed Sealover
Read >>

INSIGHTS | Top dollar for homelessness demands real solutions
“My friends over at the Common Sense Institute think tank joined up with a bunch of other informed do-gooders to tally up the massive amounts of cash spent to get people off the streets. You might want to sit down for this. In the seven-county Denver metro area last year, the tab came in at $481.2 million to pay for shelters, police and fire response, health care and support from charities.”
Colorado Politics: August 16, 2021, by Joey Bunch
Read >>

INSIGHTS | Top dollar for homelessness demands real solutions
“My friends over at the Common Sense Institute think tank joined up with a bunch of other informed do-gooders to tally up the massive amounts of cash spent to get people off the streets. You might want to sit down for this. In the seven-county Denver metro area last year, the tab came in at $481.2 million to pay for shelters, police and fire response, health care and support from charities.”
The Gazette: August 15, 2021, by Joey Bunch
Read >>

PERSPECTIVE: We can do better to tackle homelessness
“To that end, Common Sense Institute has partnered with several local organizations and leaders to launch a three-phase project to understand the many challenges and types of homelessness. Through a multifaceted approach, Common Sense Institute and its partners hope to identify the systematic issues that contribute to a person’s experience with homelessness and find the network of people and organizations working to make change.”
The Gazette: August 14, 2021, by Brenda Bautsch Dickhoner and Kristin Strohm
Read >>

August 14, HR 2
The George Show: August 14, 2021
Listen>>>

Kristin Strohm (Common Sense Inst)-Denver area spending $$$ on the homeless
The Ross Kaminsky Show: August 12, 2021
Listen>>>

Ready Colorado taps Dr. Brenda Dickhoner to be president and CEO
“Dr. Brenda Dickhoner is joining conservative education advocacy group Ready Colorado to serve as the organization’s president and chief executive officer. ‘I strongly believe that our education system can, and must, do better to meet the varied needs of all kids,’ she said in a statement. ‘I’m honored to lead Ready Colorado in its advocacy of better educational opportunities.’ Dickhoner joins Ready Colorado from Common Sense Institute where she focused on the intersection of educational policies and the state’s economy. Prior to that, she served as a policy expert for the state Department of Education and supported education policy efforts at the state Department of Higher Education and the Denver-based National Conference of State Legislatures.”
Colorado Politics: August 12, 2021, by Pat Poblete
Read >>

Aurora camping ban fails after tie vote
“Aurora currently clears encampments under an Interim Business Policy Memorandum from the city attorney’s office. The temporary policy allows camps to be cleared for public health or safety reasons, but will be rescinded once the COVID-19 state of emergency ends. Government entities and charitable organizations spend an estimated $7.8 million a year on resources to combat homelessness in Aurora, according to a recent report from the Common Sense Institute, a free enterprise think tank. Coffman will be allowed to bring the legislation back before City Council after six months, according to a report by the Aurora Sentinel. However, City Council will likely look different by the time the ordinance is reintroduced.
The Center Square: August 10, 2021, by Robert Davis
Read >>

Common Sense Institute President and CEO Kristin Strohm on Homelessness
KOA Colorado Morning News: August 9, 2021
Listen>>>

LETTERS: Only $302 million; democracy is best left at home
“How many know of the recent finding by the ‘Common Sense Institute’, that the recently concluded 2021 Session of our rapacious Legislature will (for 2023) be extracting an extra $302 million in fees and so-called ‘enterprises’ from uninformed Colorado taxpayers and their state’s economy? Shouldn’t such widespread chicanery have been presented to the voters for their approval, as was originally intended by TABOR (the Taxpayer Bill of Rights)?
The Gazette: August 8, 2021
Read >>

EDITORIAL: An eye-opener on funding for the homeless
“Those and other questions arise anew with the release of a sobering new report last week by the Common Sense Institute. The Colorado think tank has done a deep dive into the subject and crunched the numbers. The institute’s findings are eye opening to say the least. As reported by The Gazette, it turns out that public and private spending on shelters, services, emergency response and health care for homeless people — just in the Denver metro area alone — is close to $500 million. Yes, nearly half a billion dollars a year. As the report notes, that’s $41,613 to $104,038 per homeless person in Denver based on a homeless population numbering anywhere from around 4,000 to over 10,000. And the population has been growing.
The Denver Gazette: August 8, 2021, by David Mullen
Read >>

Denver Unveils Five-Year Homelessness, Housing Plan
“The city unveiled the draft plan for homelessness and housing on August 4. That same day, the Common Sense Institute, a Colorado “free enterprise” think tank, released a study titled “The Economic Footprint of Homelessness in Metro Denver,” which indicated that governmental, quasi-governmental and nonprofit entities spend an estimated $434.6 million annually on homelessness in Denver.
Westword: August 7, 2021, by Conor McCormick-Cavanaugh
Read >>

Denver Pushes Back Against Report That Claims $41,000-$104,000 Is Spent On Each Homeless Person
CBS 4 Denver: August 7, 2021
Watch>>

Democrat-Run Denver Spends More On Homelessness Than K-12 Students, Veterans
“According to a study conducted by the University of Colorado Denver and the advocacy group Common Sense Institute, “the city reportedly spends between $41,679 and $104,201 on each person experiencing homelessness in a year while only $19,202 on each K-12 public school student over the same period of time,” Fox News reported.
Breitbart: August 6, 2021, by Katherine Hamilton
Read >>

Report Shows Denver Spends $481 Million Annually Combating Homelessness
“A recent study done by Common Sense Institute in partnership with another metro Denver organization found that homelessness remains an issue of concern, especially in the Denver Metro Area. The study highlighted that within the Metro Denver region at least $481.2 million is spent annually on shelters, services, emergency response & healthcare for individuals experiencing homelessness. Within the City of Denver, expenditures range from $41,613 – $104,038 per person experiencing homelessness. KGNU’s Rossana Longo-Better speaks with Education Fellow Dr. Brenda Bautsch Dickhoner about the preliminary study that concentrated on finding out the amount of money and people invested in dealing with the complex issue.
KGNU: August 6, 2021, by KGNU News Team
Read >>

Report: Denver metro area spends nearly a half billion dollars on homeless resources
“The Denver metropolitan area spends at least $481.2 million a year on resources to combat homelessness, a new economic analysis found. The analysis, conducted by the Common Sense Institute (CSI), a free-enterprise think tank, and the University of Colorado Denver, collected data from federal, state and local governments, as well as charitable organizations, to estimate expenditures on resources for the homeless such as shelters, supportive services, and emergency response.
The Center Square: August 6, 2021, by Derek Draplin
Read >>

Report Shows 25% Increase In Homelessness In Denver Metro Area In 4 Years Before Pandemic Began
“A new report from a non-partisan research organization shows a 25% increase in people living on the streets in the Denver metro area in the last four years. The report from the Common Sense Institute looks into Colorado’s economic spending and planning to accommodate those experiencing homelessness.
Patch: August 6, 2021, by CBS Denver Staff
Read >>

Homelessness in Denver to come to a head this fall
“Meanwhile, a report released Thursday by the conservative-leaning Common Sense Institute found the city is spending more than $434 million a year on homeless services. That’s based on data gathered from Denver Health, the city’s police and fire departments, charitable organizations and the homeless resolution tax fund city voters passed last November. The group calculated that Denver agencies annually spend between $41,613 to $104,038 for each homeless person — at least twice as much as renting a one-bedroom apartment in the city for a year. The large margin reflects a lack of available figures from several city agencies.
Axios Denver: August 6, 2021, by Alayna Alvarez
Read >>

Denver is spending more than TWICE as much per homeless person than it does on a public school student, new report claims
“According to a report released Thursday by the Common Sense Institute in collaboration with researchers at the University of Colorado Denver, the City of Denver spends anywhere from $41,679 to $104,201 per homeless person, compared to $19,202 per K through 12 student. The report also compared the figure to the average yearly rent for an apartment in Denver, which is $21,156 and the per capita income for an individual living in the Metro Denver area, which is $4,806.
The Daily Mail: August 6, 2021, by Peter Belfiore
Read >>

The Steffan Tubbs Show, (HR 1)
710 KNUS: August 5, 2021
Listen>>>

More than $481M is spent annually on efforts to help homeless in Denver area, report finds
“The findings, produced by the business-focused Common Sense Institute and reviewed by the University of Colorado Denver’s Inworks initiative, come as more encampments have grown in high-profile areas around downtown Denver during the coronavirus pandemic. They also come one day after Denver’s Department of Housing Stability issued a draft review of its five-year strategic plan that includes goals to reduced unsheltered homelessness by 50% and to increase the percentage of individuals and families in shelters that are moved to permanent housing.
The Denver Business Journal: August 5, 2021, by Ed Sealover
Read >>

Homeless: Nearly $500 million spent on homelessness services in Denver metro region
“The Common Sense Institute, a pro-business policy organization, examined nonprofits’ tax filings, financial data from charitable organizations and municipal expenditures to estimate that $481.2 million is spent on homelessness assistance programs, much of it within the city of Denver. The estimate, however, does not include all organizations or government spending, nor does it cover all medical providers.”
The Denver Gazette: August 5, 2021, by Michel Karlik
Read >>

Report Shows 25% Increase In Homelessness In Denver Metro Area In 4 Years Before Pandemic Began
A new report from a non-partisan research organization shows a 25% increase in people living on the streets in the Denver metro area in the last four years. The report from the Common Sense Institute looks into Colorado’s economic spending and planning to accommodate those experiencing homelessness. The increase in homelessness was recorded from January 2017 to January 2020, before the pandemic even began. That number is expected to be higher now. The report also shows 10% of the homeless population in the Denver metro area are veterans, 30% have a substance abuse concern and 36% have a mental health concern.”
CBS4 Denver: August 5, 2021
Read >>

Study: Denver metro spends at least double on each homeless person what it does for a K-12 student
“The first phase of a new report report detailed a conservative estimate on what organizations in the Denver metro and the City and County of Denver spend on healthcare, housing and other services for homelessness. To solve the information gaps, the Common Sense Institute, a business-focused organization, partnered with the University of Colorado Denver’s Inworks program, the Downtown Denver Partnership and Together Denver to pin down spending and outcomes.”
FOX31 Denver: August 5, 2021, by DJ Summers
Read >>

Report: Denver’s annual per-person spending on homeless is twice the cost of a 1-bedroom apartment
“Denver’s annual per-capita spending on the unhoused is at least twice as high as the cost of rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city, a new report finds. Researchers at the University of Colorado Denver and the business-oriented, “free-enterprise” advocacy group Common Sense Institute said Thursday that Denver spends between $42,000 and $104,000 each year per person experiencing homelessness. That total includes city government spending and spending on homelessness by charitable groups and Denver Health.
The Denver Post: August 5, 2021, by Alex Burness
Read >>

Report: Almost half a billion dollars spent on homeless services in Denver metro region
“Spending on shelters, services, emergency response and healthcare for people experiencing homelessness in the Denver metropolitan region is close to half a billion dollars annually, a new report estimates. The Common Sense Institute, a pro-business policy organization, examined nonprofits’ tax filings, financial data from charitable organizations and municipal expenditures to estimate that $481.2 million is spent on homelessness assistance programs, much of it within the city of Denver. The estimate, however, does not include all organizations or government spending, nor does it cover all medical providers.
Colorado Politics: August 5, 2021, by Michael Karlik
Read >>

Denver spends far more on homelessness per person than K-12 students, veterans affairs: reports
“The study was conducted by the University of Colorado Denver and the advocacy group Common Sense Institute. The amount includes spending by the city, Denver Health and charities, according to the Denver Post. Brenda Dickhoner, a co-author of the report, said she believes it may have undercounted the spending on homelessness because charitable money is difficult to track. She added that it focuses only on direct spending and not related funding from police, fire or parks, according to the Post.
Fox News: August 5, 2021, by Brie Stimson
Read >>

As Colorado Housing Costs Soar, These Builders Look To Shipping Containers As A Solution
“This past legislative session, partly thanks to American Rescue Plan funding, state lawmakers passed hundreds of millions of dollars in bills aimed at ramping up construction of new types of affordable housing. Gov. Jared Polis signed them all. ‘There’s always a way out of it,’ said Evelyn Lim, a housing researcher with Common Sense Institute. ‘But we need people to act now with a sense of urgency because in order for us to attack this deficit, we really have to start implementing some of these ideas.’
KUNC: August 1, 2021, by Matt Bloom
Read >>

Can Colorado’s new homes catch up with future job hikes? – CBS Denver
“It’s hard to hate economic development and job growth, but there are many aspects to it. “New jobs are causing more cost increases, which are putting pressure on our low-wage households,” she said. Recently, the Common Sense Institute estimates that the state will need to add more than 54,000 homes each year over the next five years to meet demand.
Illinois News Today: June 30, 2021, by Amber Lamitie
Read >>

Can New Housing In Colorado Keep Up With An Upcoming Surge In Job Growth?
“Recently the Common Sense Institute estimated the state will need to add more than 54,000 homes every year for the next 5 years to meet demand. “I do think we could reach those numbers. I think it would take a concerted regional effort in the (Denver) metro area to do that,” said Jennie Rodgers Vice President and Denver Market Leader for the nonprofit Enterprise Community Partners. “We need to look at all the tools that we have at our fingertips and that means creativity.” They’ve been thinking about using unused public land or parking lots, higher height limits on transit corridors and housing close with other housing.”
CBS4: June 30, 2021, by Alan Gionet
Read >>

Solution to lack of affordable, available housing proposed in Colorado Springs
“The Common Sense Institute, a nonpartisan research organization dedicated to promoting the state’s economy, spoke during an afternoon Housing for All forum attended by local leaders and held at Centennial Hall… According to the CSI, Colorado has the nation’s fourth-worst housing shortage — mainly because construction hasn’t kept up with demand since the 2008 recession — and the eighth-highest rent for a two-bedroom apartment.
KRDO: June 29, 2021, by Scott Harrison
Read >>

New report details extent of Colorado’s housing affordability crisis
“A new report details just how dire Colorado’s affordable housing crisis has become. The Common Sense Institute (CSI), a free-enterprise think tank, on Friday released a report saying the state needs to develop more than 51,000 new housing units annually to meet demand. New residential construction in the state is 46% behind the national average, according to the report.
The Daily Sentinel: June 28, 2021, by Robert Davis
Read >>

Colorado’s affordable-housing shortfall needs a crisis response, study urges
“Colorado is on the verge of an affordable-housing crisis so severe that it could derail the state economy and contribute to a significant deterioration in the quality of life for those priced out of the market. But addressing the shortfall will require unprecedented actions and intense coordination among the public, private and nonprofit sectors, a new white paper the Common Sense Institute released on Friday argues.
The Greeley Tribune: June 27, 2021, by Aldo Svaldi
Read >>

Colorado’s affordable-housing shortfall needs a crisis response, study urges
“Colorado is on the verge of an affordable-housing crisis so severe that it could derail the state economy and contribute to a significant deterioration in the quality of life for those priced out of the market. But addressing the shortfall will require unprecedented actions and intense coordination among the public, private and nonprofit sectors, a new white paper the Common Sense Institute released on Friday argues.
The Denver Post: June 26, 2021, by Aldo Svaldi
Read >>

Capitol Diary: Working moms
“According to the nonpartisan Common Sense Institute, working moms’ participation in the Colorado labor force is 6.8 percentage points less than in January 2020. The rate for women without kids is also down by 5 percentage points just in the last month. That wasn’t the case for working dads or men without kids. Kristin Strohm, president and CEO of the Common Sense Institute, said leaders need to find out what is going on in Colorado that is making it so hard for women to get back to work.
The Denver Post: June 26, 2021, by Saja Hindi
Read >>

New Report Calls on State Lawmakers to Outlaw Anti-Growth Policies, Adopt Uniform Building Code To Address Housing Crisis
“A first-of-its-kind study says Colorado’s affordable housing crisis is reaching a breaking point and a statewide building code is needed. Last month, in all of the Denver metro area, only 2,075 homes were for sale – a record low – while the average sale price hit a record high of $700,000… Lim and LiFari will be releasing their report Friday at a panel discussion by Common Sense Institute.”
CBS4: June 24, 2021, by Shaun Boyd
Read >>

Common Sense Institute to release one of its most important studies, home affordability, Friday
“A report the Common Sense Institute forecasts to be one of the ” one of the most important and impactful studies” in the business think tank’s 11-year history will be released Friday. “Conflict to Compassion: Colorado Housing Development Blueprint For Transformational Change” addresses the housing affordability crisis that the institute fears is reaching a breaking point in markets across Colorado, noting that May saw a record-low number of home listings — 2,075 compared to the monthly average of 15,563. The problem isn’t new, researchers noted.”
Colorado Politics: June 23, 2021, by Joey Bunch
Read >>

Golden: Polis gets it wrong on paying people not to work
“If this keeps up, things will continue to get worse for struggling Colorado businesses, not better. Colorado’s Unemployment Insurance (UI) trust fund deficit is enormous already. This legislative session produced no plan to pay it down, which means businesses will have to backfill the trust fund through higher payroll taxes. The $300-per-week in extra unemployment benefits, which encourage otherwise capable workers to stay unemployed, will also drive up the UI deficit. The bigger the debt gets, the more the state will have to tax businesses to pay it back, according to the Common Sense Institute. It’s a double whammy for businesses attempting to recover from Polis’s shutdowns and mandates.”
Complete Colorado: Page Two: June 21, 2021, by Jack Golden
Read >>

New law will help Colorado employers build on-site child care facilities
“A Common Sense Institute study early in the pandemic found that women left the workforce at about twice the rate of men in order to stay home with children while their schools were closed — a number likely exacerbated by a shortage of child care that predated coronavirus. And state leaders who have resorted to offering incentives to get workers to leave unemployment and return to jobs have cited a lack of child care options as a motivator for some females who aren’t going back to old jobs.”
Denver Business Journal: June 19, 2021, by Ed Sealover
Read >>

Study: Colorado schools received ‘incredible influx’ of federal funding from stimulus
“”Colorado has seen an incredible influx of funding for education as a result of the pandemic,” said the report’s author, Dr. Brenda Bautsch Dickhoner, a fellow at the Common Sense Institute. “Leaders at the state level and at school districts are having to make choices on how to use the $2.5 billion of one-time funding in a way that maximizes impact and contributes to sustainable improvements in the system.””
The Center Square: June 18, 2021, by Robert Davis
Read >>

Friednash: With Polis’ signature, Colorado will finally compete with Utah on infrastructure
“Colorado leaders were looking to flip the script and struggling with the realities of our transportation challenge. Last year, transportation and finance experts Ben Stein and Henry Sobanet authored a paper for the Common Sense Institute that highlighted the challenge and sketched out a possible way forward. I wrote that the paper was evidence that thought leaders were not giving up.”
The Denver Post: June 16, 2021, by Doug Friednash
Read >>

Common Sense Institute measures federal dollars for Colorado schools
“Colorado schools reaped the rewards of federal dollars that flowed because of COVID-19, according to a white paper released Wednesday by the Denver-based Common Sense Institute. Colorado’s K-12 school districts collectively received about $2.5 billion, at least 10 times the federal funding they normally would receive through the Title I formula, according to the paper by the institute’s education fellow, Dr. Brenda Bautsch Dickhoner. That doesn’t include other earmarked dollars for private schools, students with disabilities, homeless students, as well as library services and technology, the institute notes.”
Colorado Politics: June 16, 2021
Read >>

2021 GENERAL ASSEMBLY INSIGHTS | A session of strife still helped Democrats
“My friend Chris Brown, the vice president of policy and research at the Common Sense Institute, gets flabbergasted, as much as a wonky brainiac can, over the right-brain logic, or lack thereof, of what’s going on.”
Colorado Politics: June 14, 2021, by
Read >>

Golden: Polis, legislature fail to shore up unemployment insurance
“The Colorado UI Trust Fund, which pays out benefits to the state’s unemployed, had nearly $1.1 billion dollars in reserves before the pandemic, according to Common Sense Institute. By August 2020, that reserve had been completely exhausted, and the state started borrowing from the federal government to maintain benefits to the unemployed.”
Complete Colorado: Page Two: June 12, 2021, by
Read >>

INSIGHTS | Colorado public option isn’t what you probably think it is
“Chris Brown over at the Common Sense Institute ran the numbers on what cuts in payments to doctors and hospitals would mean, back when the bill’s reduction target was set at 20%. He said that would cost health care providers $830 million to $1 billion by 2024, which equates to losing 3,900 to 4,900 jobs.”
Colorado Politics: June 7, 2021, by
Read >>

The Deborah Flora Show June 6
Common sense and common ground with Common Sense Institute, President of Public Policy, Chris Brown. 
The Deborah Flora Show, 710KNUS: June 6, 2021
Read >>

Colorado public option isn’t what you probably think it is
“Chris Brown over at the Common Sense Institute ran the numbers on what cuts in payments to doctors and hospitals would mean, back when the bill’s reduction target was set at 20%. He said that would cost health care providers $830 million to $1 billion by 2024, which equates to losing 3,900 to 4,900 jobs.”
The Gazette: June 6, 2021, by
Read >>

THE ROLE OF HIGHER EDUCATION IN COLORADO’S ECONOMIC SUCCESS
“Opening the discussion, Debbie Brown, CBR’s president, explained that in the summer and fall of 2020, CBR began working closely with Kristin Strohm and the Common Sense Institute on the Road to Recovery (ROR) Initiative, a vehicle “to formulate and influence public policy through collaboration and research in response to the pandemic’s economic realities.” The group of “thought leaders from diverse industry backgrounds” who led the ROR Initiative identified “three pillars for a sustainable, growing, and global economy that will position Colorado for long-term economic success.” Those pillars are 1) prioritize a competitiveness agenda; 2) reimagine Colorado’s workforce; and 3) invest in a future-forward infrastructure.”
The Villager: June 2, 2021, by
Read >>

Increased fees could wipe out benefits of tax cuts from Colorado’s legislative session, study says
“Using data from the nonpartisan Legislative Council, Common Sense Institute estimated the cost of the 2021 session to be $302 million in the tax year that begins next July 1 — $699 million in new fees and tax changes, offset by $397 million in tax cuts. The findings come as a growing chorus of business leaders from groups like the Colorado Chamber of Commerce and the Metro Denver Economic Development Corp. are saying the tilt in fiscal and regulatory policies is beginning to have a negative effect on its ability to attract jobs.
Denver Business Journal: July 28, 2021, by Ed Sealover
Read >>

SONDERMANN | A session that showed the best and worst of time
“The business-centered Common Sense Institute estimates that new or increased fees passed into law this year will total more than $255 million annually. That number surpasses the revenue lost as a result of the minor income tax reduction approved by voters last November. A centerpiece of this session and a generator of many of these fees was the long-elusive transportation fix. Included are fees on gasoline and diesel purchases (as opposed to a gas tax) as well as on ride-shares, deliveries and virtually anything that moves on wheels.
Colorado Politics: July 25, 2021, by Eric Sondermann
Read >>

STATE OF RECOVERY As Colorado’s economy improves, experts are eyeing some key indicators
“According to Common Sense Institute, the monthly labor force participation rate for women in Colorado increased from 59.1% in May to 59.8% in June. However, labor force participation for women is still down 4.3 percentage points from the pre-pandemic level, according to the report. If the pre-pandemic level for Colorado remained, the Denver-based think tank estimates about 101,730 more women would be in the workforce.
Denver Business Journal: July 23, 2021, by Jensen Werley
Read >>

Colorado’s leading indicators point to challenges
“The cost of doing business is increasing. The business climate is less friendly and our education system is struggling. Colorado is not OK! Need more evidence? Common Sense Institute tallied the total number of taxes and fees facing Coloradans, and it’s staggering. New fee increases have completely wiped out income tax cuts voters passed in 2020.
The Gazette: July 19, 2021, by Heidi Ganahl
Read >>

COLUMN: Now, to implement Colorado’s transportation plan
“What’s the answer to our seemingly never-ending transportation woes? As a state, we’ve been contemplating that question for years. To explore that question, last year we published: ‘A Path Forward: A Common Sense Strategy for the Continued Viability of Colorado’s Transportation Network.’ It’s no surprise that in our initial findings we determined that Colorado’s surface transportation infrastructure and the way we finance those systems are in dire need of reform.
The Denver Gazette: July 18, 2021, by Henry Sobanet & Ben Stein
Read >>

Colorado still lags pre-pandemic employment, but current pace could change that in January
“Colorado added 10,800 total non-farm jobs in June, but the state still has a ways to go to call the labor market healed from COVID-19. Common Sense Institute calculated that at its current pace Colorado won’t fully recover its job losses until next April. Total employment in Colorado still lags by 3.5% compared to January of last year, which represents 99,900 jobs, the Denver business think tank reported Friday.
Colorado Politics: July 17, 2021
Read >>

Polis tells congressional leadership to consider path to citizenship
“In February, Common Sense Institute, a free-enterprise think tank, found that immigrant communities in Denver paid approximately $781.4 million in taxes and have a spending power of over $2.4 billion. The study also found there are 5,879 immigrant entrepreneurs in Denver.
The Center Square: July 15, 2021, by Robert Davis
Read >>

Report: 2021 legislative session to result in $302 million increase in tax burden
“Laws passed during Colorado’s 2021 legislative session will result in a net tax burden increase of $302 million for Coloradans in fiscal year 2023, according to a new report. The report, compiled by Common Sense Institute (CSI), a free-enterprise think tank, said new fees account for a $255 million increase annually. Overall, the session increased taxes by nearly $700 million, according to the study. However, these gains are offset by $397 million in tax incentives.
The Center Square: July 15, 2021, by Robert Davis
Read >>

CNBC: Colorado is eighth best state for business
“Since 2018, Colorado lawmakers have passed taxes and fees that amount to a $2.1 billion increase on direct costs, according to a recent study by Common Sense Institute. During the 2021 session, the Democratic-controlled Legislature passed a $5.4 billion transportation bill funded by $3.4 billion in new fees on things like gasoline to food delivery.
The Center Square: July 15, 2021, by Robert Davis
Read >>

Grand Junction small business suing over paid family leave program’s premium
“Common Sense Institute (CSI) estimated the program would cost the state $39 to $94 million per year just to provide its own employees the required 12 weeks of paid sick time. The Colorado Department of Labor and Employment, which the lawsuit lists as a defendant, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Kiowa County Press: July 15, 2021, by Derek Draplin
Read >>

Grand Junction small business suing over paid family leave program’s premium
“Common Sense Institute (CSI) estimated the program would cost the state $39 to $94 million per year just to provide its own employees the required 12 weeks of paid sick time. The Colorado Department of Labor and Employment, which the lawsuit lists as a defendant, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
The Center Square: July 14, 2021, by Derek Draplin
Read >>

Common Sense Institute finds fee increases wipe out Colorado tax cuts
“What the state is giving Coloradans in a tax break, they’re more than taking back in fees, according to an analysis released Wednesday by the Denver-based Common Sense Institute. Coloradans will shell out $255 million to cover fees approved by the General Assembly this year. Granted, the business think tank points out a 0.08% reduction in the state income tax approved by voters last year under Proposition 116 will help, but not nearly enough.
Colorado Politics: July 14, 2021, by Joey Bunch
Read >>

TRANSFORMING THE BLUEPRINT FOR HOUSING DEVELOPMENT IN COLORADO
“Common Sense Institute (CSI) is a non-partisan issue-driven non-profit organization of local business leaders that brings together experts of varied backgrounds to support Colorado’s economic vitality through sound fiscal and economic research. On June 25, CSI president Kristin Strohm presented CSI’s two 2021 Terry J. Stevinson Fellows, who summarized their research on the topic of what to do about the severe housing shortage in Colorado.”
The Villager: July 7, 2021, by Freda Miklin
Read >>

Carroll: The common-sense, unpopular ways to ease Colorado’s housing crisis
“We are not building enough housing in the suburbs, we are not building enough housing in our cities, we’re not building enough entry-level, single-family homes, often referred to as starter homes, and we are not building enough affordable housing,” declares a new study from Common Sense Institute, a business-oriented research outfit.”
The Denver Post: July 7, 2021, by Vincent Carroll
Read >>

17% of Colorado residents are behind on rent. A few new laws might help.
“Colorado is on the verge of an affordable housing crisis that’s going to require unprecedented action from the public, private and nonprofit sectors, according to a white paper from the nonpartisan Common Sense Institute released last week.”
Canon City Daily Record: July 6, 2021, by Saja Hindi
Read >>

Kafer: We need tough love for those living on the streets
“In a 2019 study, Common Sense Institute estimated that Denver spends more than $26,000 per homeless person. The 2021 amount is likely higher given additional new funding sources, including a tax adopted in 2020 that is estimated to bring in $40 million a year for homeless programs. Two years prior, city denizens approved a tax that brings in an estimated $35 million a year for mental health and substance abuse programs. Supported by other taxes and fees Denver has created a fund with $150 million over 10 years to support affordable housing.”
The Denver Post: July 6, 2021, by Krista Kafer
Read >>

COLUMN: Colorado drops out of the jobs race
“It’s time that our elected officials realize the laws they pass have real-life impacts. Every onerous regulation comes with a cost — lost jobs, more red tape and money taken from the family budget. The costs are taking a toll. In fact, earlier this year, Common Sense Institute estimated the cumulative cost of new taxes and fees will reach a whopping $1.8 billion in the next three to five years. That’s another huge bill coming to small business and families across Colorado.”
The Gazette: July 5, 2021, by Heidi Ganahl
Read >>

Colorado’s ‘Governor Unemployment’
“According to analysis by the nonpartisan Common Sense Institute, ‘Total premiums to be paid by employers could total over $1.34 billion . . . an effective increase of the corporate income tax of 204%.’ Economic modeling from the institute shows that personal income taxes for a worker earning $50,000 a year could rise between 8 and 18 percent because of the law.”
National Review: July 2, 2021, by Ben Murrey
Read >>

Colorado Senate advances legislative package that would overhaul state tax code
“Chris Brown, Vice President of Policy and Research at the Common Sense Institute, a free enterprise think tank, said it’s important to ask why lawmakers consider the tax increases necessary. Earlier this week, Democrats unveiled their “plan” to spend $3.8 billion in federal stimulus dollars that Colorado would receive if the American Jobs Plan passed through Congress. However, the details of the plan were scant. Meanwhile, an analysis of state tax revenue by Pew Trusts, a nonpartisan think tank, found that Colorado’s tax revenue has returned to its pre-pandemic levels. “This is about a $200M net tax increase starting amidst an economic recovery with no clear reason for needing the additional state revenue,” Brown told The Center Square in an emailed statement. “State taxes have more than recovered and both state and local governments have billions of federal dollars yet to be spent.”
The Daily Sentinel: May 27, 2021, by
Read >>

COVID recovery is leaving working women behind 
“In human terms, this means more than 54,400 Colorado women aren’t even looking for work. For some, their jobs haven’t come back. For others, they cannot realistically go back to work when child care and in-person learning is so unpredictable. Moms need certainty. Either way, the COVID-19 recovery is failing women, and our leaders are not treating this crisis with the urgency they should. Women are losing a generation of progress. It has to stop, now. Our economy cannot recover without women getting back to work.”
The Gazette: May 27, 2021, by
Read >>

Survey: Most Colorado business owners concerned about unemployment insurance premium hikes
“A study by the Common Sense Institute, a free enterprise think tank, found that insurance premiums could rise to from 0.7% to 13.1% of an employee’s wages by 2023 if the state does not address its ailing unemployment insurance tax fund.”
Kiowa County Press: May 21, 2021, by
Read >>

Colorado business leaders want a ‘tomorrow ready’ workforce. Can Colorado deliver?
“Colorado business leaders met on Wednesday to discuss how to make the state’s workforce “tomorrow ready.” The group identified three areas of opportunity for Colorado to help make its workforce adjust for the state’s rapidly digitized economy. The areas include bolstering education, creating stronger workforce training pipelines, and increasing opportunities to work. The event was sponsored by the Colorado Business Roundtable, a business advocacy organization, and the Common Sense Institute, a free enterprise think tank.”
The Center Square: May 20, 2021, by
Read >>

Common Sense Institute analyzes updated government insurance controls
“The Common Sense Institute business think tank issued its latest analysis around premiums and the proposed public option before the legislature, finding that proposed caps on premiums are well below the projected growth of of medical costs. That translates to being unlikely that insurance carriers will be able to meet the 18% target over three years before the state steps in to issue fines or dictate medical reimbursement rates that the Colorado option plan pays to medical providers.”
Colorado Politics: May 13, 2021, by
Read >>

OPINION: Public Option or Colorado Option? HB-1232 is still not rural Colorado friendly.
“The idea of the bill is to reduce health care costs for the individually-insured sector. Some say it would be an opening to a single-payer model. Washington state so far is the only state to have passed public option insurance. Passed last year, the reviews are mixed, according to data used by the Common Sense Institute. The data shows the Affordable Care Act marketplace average premium has lowered 6% nationally, and 30% in Colorado, while Washington has a 15% increase since 2018.”
Montrose Daily Press: May 12, 2021, by
Read >>

HIGH-QUALITY AFFORDABLE CHILDCARE IS THE KEY TO KEEPING WOMEN IN THE WORKPLACE
“Kristin Strohm, president and CEO of CSI, said that in 1958, women made up less than one-third of the workforce. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), in 2018, “57 percent of all women participated in the work force.” BLS also points to the significant increase in the education level of working women, noting, “from 1970 to 2018, the proportion of women ages 25 to 64 in the labor force who held a college degree quadrupled. Since the pandemic began, Strohm pointed out, women accounted for 55 percent of all jobs lost in our state. The overall workforce in Colorado is down 4.4 percent, compared to 1.7 percent nationally, she explained. As of March, Colorado’s unemployment rate remained flat at 6.4 percent. When asked why they were not working, the majority of Colorado moms said that it was because schools were closed. “
The Villager: May 12, 2021, by
Read >>

Report: $500 million investment into PERA could save Colorado taxpayers millions
“A one-time investment into Colorado’s Public Employees’ Retirement Association (PERA) using funds from the state’s increased revenue could mean substantial long-term savings for taxpayers over the next decade, according to a new report from Common Sense Institute (CSI). In 2018, legislative reform put the retirement program on an improved financial path by committing an $225 million a year from the state into the association, but it also increased contribution rates for employees and taxpayers, the report from the free enterprise think tank noted.”
Kiowa County Press: May 11, 2021, by
Read >>

Revised public option bill clears another hurdle after hours-long debate in Colorado House
“Some studies showed the original bill could have had a chilling effect on Colorado’s health care industry. The Common Sense Institute, a free-market think tank, estimated the public option would have reduced hospital revenues by as much as $1 billion annually.”
Kiowa County Press: May 8, 2021, by
Read >>

‘She-cession’ fueled by the pandemic, sidelining moms who want to work
“We are at stake of losing generations of progress for the working woman in our country,” said Kristin Strohm, the president and CEO of the Common Sense Institute in Colorado.Nicole Riehl and Kristin Strohm are working moms themselves and studying how the pandemic is hurting women in the workforce. “We know that in the Great Recession, our last major recession as a country, women accounted for 30 percent of the jobs lost. Flash forward to today: women this last year have lost over 55 percent of the total jobs,” said Strohm. “We’ve dubbed this the ‘she-cession.’
The Denver Channel: May 7, 2021, by
Read >>

Common Sense Institute weighs benefit of investing windfall in PERA
“The Common Sense Institute released a study Friday with time-honored advice on money: invest it, don’t just spend it.The report, “Spend Now, Save Later: Impacts of $500M to PERA,” looks at the benefits of putting a combination of money from the state budget surplus and federal stimulus directly into the state’s Public Employees’ Retirement Association, or PERA, which manages the retirement money for roughly 620,000 Coloradans.”
Colorado Politics: May 7, 2021, by
Read >>

As the Colorado Option evolves, stakeholders weigh potential business impacts
“The Common Sense Institute, a nonpartisan research organization focused on the economy, has been following the potential economic impacts of the Colorado Option. Chris Brown, vice president of policy and research at CSI, said that it has been good to see the negotiation between bill sponsors and stakeholders. But he added there are a lot of details about how the plan would work and what it would cost that remain unknown. Those details could drastically change the impact of the bill.”
Denver Business Journal: May 6, 2021, by
Read >>

THE PODIUM | Lawmakers will squander windfall
“As the federal government continues to administer the relief legislation, billions more will flow into the state. The Common Sense Institute, a Colorado-based non-partisan research organization, reports that Colorado’s share of the three pandemic-related federal relief packages will total approximately $65.2 billion all told.”
Colorado Politics: May 5, 2021, by
Read >>

Unemployment taxes are becoming burdensome, but Colorado government could help if it wants
“The Common Sense Institute, a business-focused think tank, estimated in an April 14 study that replenishing the UITF will require revenue to the fund to grow at an average annual rate of 24.8% through 2023 — money that will come from employers. By 2023, an employee’s total UI premium could increase from 0.07% of their wages to as much as 13.1% when the wage-base hike, solvency surcharge and rate increases are factored in — and companies that have had higher layoff rates will get hit harder than those that haven’t, CSI vice president of policy and research Chris Brown said.”
Denver Business Journal: April 29, 2021, by
Read >>

Weekly ag briefs: Lower Ark Valley Basin tour announced, new Colorado state vet announced and more
“The Colorado Livestock Association will hold its annual meeting June 2-3 at the DoubleTree Hotel in Greeley. Speakers will include Mike Thoren, of Five Rivers Cattle Feeding, beef columnist Amanda Radke and Colorado State University animal science specialist Keith Belk, as well as Chris Brown, representing the Common Sense Institute. A lead-off panel on Wednesday will address the topic of how to “reach beyond the choir.” The event also includes a trade show and business meeting.”
AG Journal: April 28, 2021, by
Read >>

Colorado lawmakers amend public option bill for health insurance
“A study by the Common Sense Institute, a free-market think tank, said the the public option could cost the state thousands of jobs and would reduce revenue for the businesses by over $1 billion annually. In total, the study estimated between 3,900 to 4,900 health care jobs could be lost.”
Kiowa County Press: April 28, 2021, by
Read >>

Colorado lawmakers amend public option bill for health insurance
“A study by the Common Sense Institute, a free-market think tank, said the the public option could cost the state thousands of jobs and would reduce revenue for the businesses by over $1 billion annually. In total, the study estimated between 3,900 to 4,900 health care jobs could be lost.”
The Center Square: April 27, 2021, by
Read >>

Working moms disproportionately impacted by COVID-19 pandemic
“Our economy, we cannot talk about recovery, we cannot begin to recover until we find a way to get women back to work,” said Kristen Strohm, president and CEO of the Common Sense Institute.” Strohm is also a mother of four, and she worries the pandemic could lead to a major setback for women. “For perspective, the Great Recession, which we all remember, women only account for 30% of the total jobs lost. What we’re seeing today is that in this recession, women account for over 55% of the jobs lost,” Strohm said.”
The Denver Channel: April 27, 2021, by
Read >>

Transit advocates measure the impact of investing in roads
“I think the underlying issue that they identify is that better highway systems make it easier to live farther away from an urban core and given housing and land prices are much cheaper there, more people are willing to move farther from work and then commute,” said Chris Brown, the vice president of policy and research for the Common Sense Institute, a Denver-based business think tank. He wondered about the effect of COVID, which might mean more people continue to do their jobs from home rather than trek to downtown Denver every work day.
Colorado Politics: April 21, 2021, by
Read >>

THE PODIUM | ‘Public option’ imperils our kids
Real jobs are at risk with the public bill. The Common Sense Institute’s study found that “between 3,900 to 4,900 healthcare jobs could be lost … including employment for doctors, nurses, and patient care professionals.” Losing their job is the last thing doctors and nurses need after getting us through the COVID-19 pandemic. It’s baffling that Democrats in the legislature don’t understand this.
Colorado Politics: April 21, 2021, by
Read >>

Attention lawmakers: Let’s build back stronger
For many, the economic uncertainty that accompanied the pandemic was as devastating as the virus itself. As we approach the midpoint of 2021, there is a light at the end of the tunnel. The good news: recovery is in reach. The challenging news, we’re lagging behind.
The Gazette: April 18, 2021, by
Read >>

Colorado’s unemployment rate stays flat for March
State officials expect the state’s total jobs to return to pre-pandemic levels in 2022, but with the job growth calculated for March, that recovery could be extended into 2023, according to a Common Sense Institute (CSI) analysis. 
Kiowa County Press: April 17, 2021, by
Read >>

Doctors will leave, hospitals close and patients suffer
The Common Sense Institute (CSI) just released a report that found HB-1232 “would impose top-down government price mandates for health care services in Colorado, without actually lowering the cost of delivering those services.” The result? According to CSI, the bill could result in up to $1 billion less in payments to doctors, nurses and other health-care providers. CSI also estimates a loss of 3,900 to 4,900 health care jobs.
The Gazette: April 17, 2021, by
Read >>

Colorado ranks 9th highest for federal unemployment insurance loans, analysis says
As of the end of March, Colorado had a total outstanding loan balance of over $1 billion, according to the Common Sense Institute’s analysis. That’s approximately $174 per Coloradan.
Kiowa County Press: April 15, 2021, by
Read >>

Colorado ranks 9th highest for federal unemployment insurance loans, analysis says
As of the end of March, Colorado had a total outstanding loan balance of over $1 billion, according to the Common Sense Institute’s analysis. That’s approximately $174 per Coloradan.
The Center Square: April 15, 2021, by
Read >>

Researchers peer into the deep debts of Colorado unemployment aid
The Common Sense Institute released an analysis Thursday that examines the strain even a minor recession put on the Colorado Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund. The Denver-based think tank said historic demand and “prevailing financial instability” of the state unemployment insurance fund meant the money ran out quickly and slipped into the red. 
Colorado Politics: April 15, 2021, by
Read >>

Researchers peer into the deep debts of Colorado unemployment aid
The Common Sense Institute released an analysis Thursday that examines the strain even a minor recession put on the Colorado Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund. The Denver-based think tank said historic demand and “prevailing financial instability” of the state unemployment insurance fund meant the money ran out quickly and slipped into the red. 
The Gazette: April 15, 2021, by
Read >>

’Public option’ undermines workers’ group plans
According to a new study from Common Sense Institute, the proposed public option would impose price mandates for health care services in Colorado, without actually lowering the cost of delivering those services. As a result, payments to doctors, nurses, hospitals and other health-care providers for treating patients could be cut by as much as $1 billion by 2024. That’s $1 billion — with a “b” — in a system that has been pushed to the brink fighting the COVID pandemic.
The Gazette: April 9, 2021, by
Read >>

Report recommends priorities for Colorado relief spending
Authored by the Common Sense Institute (CSI), a free market think tank based in Greenwood Village, the report says paying down the state’s debt now would free up future dollars to be spent on education, households, and transportation.
The Center Square: April 9, 2021, by
Read >>

After months of negotiations, public option bill finally heading to its first hearing
Common Sense Institute drops latest analysis on public option costs 
Colorado Politics: April 9, 2021, by
Read >>

Common Sense Institute urges lawmakers to pay down debt first
Colorado lawmakers have more than $71 billion in federal and state relief aid burning a hole through the state’s pocket, according to a new analysis of the windfall from the Common Sense Institute.
Colorado Politics: April 8, 2021, by
Read >>

They bungled unemployment, will wreck health care
Common Sense Institute projects that if implemented, this bill would cut payments to doctors, nurses, hospitals and other health care providers by $830 million to $1 billion by 2024. This could lead to the loss of 3,900 to 4,900 health care jobs. And if this 20% price cut doesn’t happen, the government will then create a “public option.”
Colorado Politics: April 8, 2021, by
Read >>

Third Time is No Charm
Over the last three years, Common Sense Institute has followed the public option debate and released multiple studies and analysis on the topic.
The Villager: April 8, 2021
Read >>

Denver Metro Chamber Of Commerce: What’s The Truth About The Public Health Insurance Option Bill?
MYTH #1: The private industry has a chance to compete to lower premiums before a public option is implemented.
MYTH #1: TRUTH: Common Sense Institute
Patch: April 6, 2021, by
Read >>

Colorado needs more home-based child care
Last summer, we worked with Common Sense Institute to bring together a diverse group of Colorado leaders to develop a plan for Colorado’s long-term economic success. The result of that effort is “The Road to Recovery,” a plan that identifies key policy areas that are essential to economic recovery.
The Gazette: April 5, 2021, by
Read >>

Colorado mothers aren’t returning to the workforce as quickly as everyone else
Women in the U.S. and Colorado were unemployed during the pandemic at high rates — women of color and mothers in even higher numbers. The rate of women participating in the labor force in Colorado is 1.2 percentage points lower in February than it was in January 2020, compared with a 0.8 percentage point increase for men, according to a report by the nonpartisan Common Sense Institute.
Greeley Tribune: April 5, 2021, by
Read >>

Colorado mothers aren’t returning to the workforce as quickly as everyone else
Women in the U.S. and Colorado were unemployed during the pandemic at high rates — women of color and mothers in even higher numbers. The rate of women participating in the labor force in Colorado is 1.2 percentage points lower in February than it was in January 2020, compared with a 0.8 percentage point increase for men, according to a report by the nonpartisan Common Sense Institute.
The Denver Post: April 4, 2021, by
Read >>

Opinion: A Colorado public option for health care is a backwards step
According to a recent study from the Common Sense Institute, the cumulative cost of new taxes and fees in Colorado will be approximately $1.8 billion per year within the next three to five years.
Colorado Sun: April 4, 2021, by
Read >>

Op-Ed: Colorado lawmakers treat health care heroes like they’re villains
According to the Common Sense Institute, where I’m a fellow, complying with this price mandate could trigger $1 billion in pay cuts for health care providers and the loss of up to 4,900 health care jobs.
Colorado Politics: April 1, 2021, by
Read >>

Common Sense report shows Polis-induced insurance savings
The Common Sense Institute recently released a report on what has been happening with Colorado insurance rates recently. It appears that Polis has been pretty darn effective in reducing costs while improving care.
Colorado Politics: April 1, 2021, by
Read >>

Op-Ed: Colorado lawmakers treat health care heroes like they’re villains
According to the Common Sense Institute, where I’m a fellow, complying with this price mandate could trigger $1 billion in pay cuts for health care providers and the loss of up to 4,900 health care jobs.
The Center Square: March 31, 2021, by
Read >>

Common Sense report shows Polis-induced insurance savings
Colorado went from having the 27th lowest average benchmark premiums to the sixth lowest between 2019 and 2021. The average fell by 28%, or $137, the Common Sense Institute said, based on data from the Colorado Division of Insurance.
Colorado Politics: March 31, 2021, by
Read >>

Colorado public option proposal could cost thousands of jobs, report says
The report, by the free enterprise think tank Common Sense Institute (CSI), found that the plan could result in up to $1 billion less in payments to doctors, nurses, hospitals and other health care providers. As a result, between 3,900 to 4,900 health care jobs could be lost, the report estimated, including employment for doctors, nurses, and patient care professionals.
The Center Square: March 26, 2021, by
Read >>

Healthier Colorado ad campaign designed to fight ‘misinformation’ from public option opponents
The Thursday statement also warned that hospitals would either have to cut services and access to care, or pass along the costs of the Colorado Option to private plans in the individual and employer-provided insurance markets, based on a Common Sense Institute analysis from March, 2020.
Colorado Politics: March 25, 2021, by
Read >>

Common Sense Institute drops latest analysis on public option costs
A week after the Colorado public option health insurance dropped at the state Capitol, the Denver-based Common Sense Institute dropped its latest economic analysis on a plan it says is laden with unintended consequences.
Colorado Politics: March 25, 2021, by
Read >>

Time to get state’s financial house in order
It’s not fair. Small businesses fighting to recover are facing huge taxes to keep the fund afloat. In a recent report, the Common Sense Institute (CSI) projected unemployment insurance taxes to increase by more than 84% within the next two years. Guess who pays the bill? Small businesses.
The Gazette: March 22, 2021, by
Read >>

Colorado public health option to be announced Thursday
A study by the Common Sense Institute (CSI), a free market think tank based in Greenwood Village, estimated that a public option would increase the cost of care 2.6% by 2022, 2.71% by 2023, and 5.21% by 2024.
The Center Square: March 18, 2021, by
Read >>

How the pandemic is affecting the gender pay gap
We’re huge economic contributors to our state’s economy. So when women are sidelined, this is an economic issue and crisis that Colorado will face as a state,” Kristin Strohm, the President and CEO of Common Sense Institute said.
KKTV 11 News: March 18, 2021, by Megan Hiler
Read >>

Colorado public health option to be announced Thursday
Skeptics, including the Denver-based Common Sense Institute, point to the experience of Washington, which adopted the first and only state-level public option in May 2019 and has not seen the lower prices advocates promised.
Colorado Politics: March 17, 2021, by Joey Bunch
Read >>

THE PODIUM | Infrastructure pivotal to recovery
Colorado’s statewide transportation system has suffered from chronic underinvestment for years. We need to invest in our roads — for both residents and our overall state economy. A new study released by the Common Sense Institute revealed Colorado’s economy is recovering much more slowly than other states with the fourth-highest unemployment rate in the country. 
Colorado Politics: March 17, 2021, by Mike Kopp
Read >>

Campaign to advocate for the Colorado Health Benefit Option bill launches
Tuesday, that included a news release on a report by the conservative business-advocacy group Common Sense Institute. The statement said the report, which compared Colorado health insurance premiums to Washington state’s public option plan, “should raise the alarm to Colorado lawmakers considering a similar approach that a state government option is not a good deal for health insurance.”
Colorado Politics: March 16, 2021, by Marianne Goodland
Read >>

Working women pay highest price in economy crushed by COVID
Working moms left the workforce during the pandemic faster than other women, working dads and other men. And just more than 20,000 haven’t returned to work, with the number of moms back at work in December registering 6% lower than in February 2020, according to Common Sense Institute, a think tank that promotes the Colorado economy.
The Durango Herald: March 15, 2021, by Jennifer Brown and Tamara Chuang The Colorado Sun 
Read >>

PERSPECTIVE: Political polarization hinders housing solutions
This immense pull on our psyche as humans is why we are here. We are two newly appointed Terry J. Stevinson Common Sense Institute Fellows charged with examining the affordability of housing in Colorado. 
The Gazette: March 14, 2021, by Peter Lifari and Evelyn Lim
Read >>

PERSPECTIVE: Political polarization hinders housing solutions
This immense pull on our psyche as humans is why we are here. We are two newly appointed Terry J. Stevinson Common Sense Institute Fellows charged with examining the affordability of housing in Colorado. 
The Denver Gazette: March 14, 2021, by Peter Lifari and Evelyn Lim
Read >>

The ‘She-Cession:’ more and more women leaving workforce amid pandemic
Nationally, women accounted for 54.5 percent of all the jobs lost in 2020, yet women make up just 47 percent of the labor force–staggering statistics that were uncovered in a study done by EPIC and the Common Sense Institute. Colorado is no exception.
KKTV 11 News: March 14, 2021, by Megan Hiler
Read >>

HUDSON | Who’ll pay for Colorado’s nice things?
Listening to the pro-business Common Sense Institute’s complaints last week that the Colorado business community faces an additional $1.8 billion in taxes, levies and fees authorized by voters and the Legislature, it became apparent no one seems ready to step up and pay for the nice things we say we deserve — not Colorado property owners, not voters, not our politicians and now not our businesses.
Colorado Politics: March 14, 2021, by
Read >>

Working women pay highest price in economy crushed by COVID
Working moms left the workforce during the pandemic faster than other women, working dads and other men. And just more than 20,000 haven’t returned to work, with the number of moms back at work in December registering 6% lower than in February 2020, according to Common Sense Institute, a think tank that promotes the Colorado economy.
CTPost: March 14, 2021, by Jennifer Brown and Tamara Chuang
Read >>

The George Show – Hour 3
CSI’s Vice President of Policy & Research, Chris Brown sits down with George Brauchler to discuss the public option debate.
The George Show: March 13, 2021, by George Brauchler
Read >>

The George Show – Hour 2
CSI’s CEO & President, Kristin Strohm sits down with George Brauchler to discuss our most recently released competitiveness report.
The George Show: March 13, 2021, by George Brauchler
Read >>

Pending ‘benchmarking’ bill could backfire
According to a new study from the Common Sense Institute, insufficient data exist to accurately project the economy-wide costs and consequences of the draft bill’s performance standards. This is frightening. We all aspire to combat climate change and we all want to do our part. Unfortunately, in the wake of COVID-19, the cost is simply too high to get it wrong.
Colorado Politics: March 11, 2021, by Kathie Barstnar and Dave Davia
Read >>

Common Sense report: Colorado premiums beat Washington without a public option
As Colorado lawmakers move closer to a public option insurance program, the Denver-based Common Sense Institute keeps finding apt comparison in Washington state.
Colorado Politics: March 10, 2021, by Joey Bunch
Read >>

Colorado business groups say new taxes, fees burdening economy’s recovery
Businesses is the state are still “under duress,” according to the Common Sense Institute, which calculated that new policies adopted during the pandemic — such as paid family leave program and energy regulations — will result in more than $1.8 billion annually in new taxes and fees for businesses in the state over the next three to five years.
Kiowa County Press: March 10, 2021, by Robert Davis
Read >>

Colorado business community asks Legislature for a timeout on new regulations and higher taxes
The Common Sense Institute, a group formed by the business community in the wake of the Great Recession, released a study that estimates Colorado businesses face $1.8 billion in additional costs in the next three to five years because of earlier laws passed, as well as the fallout from the pandemic, primarily a depleted state unemployment insurance trust fund.
Loveland Reporter-Herald: March 10, 2021, by
Read >>

Colorado’s economic recovery won’t match 2008, business groups say
“We emerged stronger, created jobs faster because we fostered a strong business climate,” and it made Colorado the envy of the nation, said Kristin Strohm of the Common Sense Institute, who was joined by leaders from the state’s largest chambers of commerce: Kelly Brough of Metro Denver, Loren Furman from the Colorado Chamber of Commerce and Rachel Beck from the Colorado Springs Chamber.
The Gazette: March 10, 2021, by Marianne Goodland
Read >>

Denver drivers spent 39 fewer hours in traffic in 2020
“Colorado’s primary source of transportation revenue, the per-gallon tax on motor fuels, has not seen a rate change since 1991,” the Greenwood Village-based Common Sense Institute reported in July. “The resulting loss of purchasing power from higher fuel efficiency and construction inflation has been only slightly offset by inconsistent state General Fund dollars [income and sales taxes] and higher registration fees.”
Denver Business Journal: March 10, 2021, by Ethan Nelson
Read >>

Colorado business community asks legislature for a timeout on new regulations and higher taxes
The Common Sense Institute, a group formed by the business community in the wake of the Great Recession, released a study that estimates Colorado businesses face $1.8 billion in additional costs in the next three to five years because of earlier laws passed, as well as the fallout from the pandemic, primarily a depleted state unemployment insurance trust fund.
Denver Post: March 10, 2021, by
Read >>

New study shows Colorado’s economy is recovering slower than other states
A new study by the Common Sense Institute of Colorado has found some troubling statistics about the state’s economy. In 2019, Colorado’s unemployment rate sat at 2.5 percent –– the fourth lowest rate in the country. Today, the state’s unemployment rate is around 8.4 percent, which is currently the third highest unemployment rate in the United States.
KKCO 11 News: March 9, 2021, by Simon Lehrer
Read >>

Chamber: Colorado economic recovery challenged under $1.8 billion in new taxes, regulations
The Colorado Chamber of Commerce made the announcement during a news conference Tuesday morning, featuring a recent report from the Common Sense Institute, a non-partisan research organization dedicated to the protection and promotion of Colorado’s economy.
KRDO: March 9, 2021, by
Read >>

Arvada Chamber of Commerce launches ‘Badass Women of Arvada’ Campaign
Chamber of Commerce President Kami Welch said that the campaign aims to celebrate the role that women play in the community — especially during the Coronavirus pandemic. A study conducted by the Common Sense Institute, a nonpartisan research group that studies Colorado’s economy — found that women accounted for 54.4 percent of all jobs lost in 2020 despite making up 47% of the workforce.
Arvada Press: March 9, 2021, by Ryan Dunn
Read >>

Schwenke urges legislature prioritizes jobs after economic report
A report from the Common Sense Institute, a nonpartisan group that advocates for a free market, shows potential roadblocks on Colorado’s path to economic recovery.
The Daily Sentinel: March 9, 2021, by James Burky
Read >>

Colorado business leaders mount early campaign against bills raising costs, regulations
During a media briefing Tuesday, groups from the Colorado Chamber of Commerce to local economic-development organizations pointed to a recent Common Sense Institute report documenting $1.8 billion in increased fees and regulations employers have faced since 2018.
Denver Business Journal: March 9, 2021, by
Read >>

Business groups say Colorado’s economic recovery won’t match 2008
“We emerged stronger, created jobs faster because we fostered a strong business climate,” and it made Colorado the envy of the nation, said Kristin Strohm of the Common Sense Institute, who was joined by leaders from the state’s largest chambers of commerce: Kelly Brough of Metro Denver, Loren Furman from the Colorado Chamber of Commerce and Rachel Beck from the Colorado Springs Chamber.
Colorado Politics: March 9, 2021, by Marianne Goodland
Read >>

Colorado business advocates to state legislators: Slow your roll
The study by the Common Sense Institute shows new rules and regulations including measures like increased paid family leave, full-day kindergarten and soaring unemployment insurance will cost Colorado businesses an additional $1.8 billion annually in coming years.
The Denver Gazette: March 9, 2021, by Dennis Huspeni
Read >>

New report adds up cost of new fees, taxes to Colorado businesses
Ahead of a Colorado Chamber of Commerce announcement on the impact of new taxes, the Denver-based Common Sense Institute added up the costs in an analysis obtained by Colorado Politics Monday morning.Whether they are fees, which the legislature can authorize, or taxes that must be approved by voters, current proposals would ring up $1.8 billion a year in each of the next three to five years, analysts estimated.
Colorado Politics: March 8, 2021, by Joey Bunch
Read >>

THE PODIUM | Five caveats to a ‘public option’
Last year, amid the economic and COVID-19 health-care crisis, the state legislature pressed pause on the previous public option bill. Before moving forward with the next round of the public-option discussion, I wanted to highlight the recommendations completed in the recent study by the Common Sense Institute (CSI), “5 Things Lawmakers Should Consider Before the Next Round of Public Option Debate.”
Colorado Politics: March 3, 2021, by Chris Brown
Read >>

In Colorado’s uneven coronavirus economic recovery, some thrive while others can’t make ends meet
“There’s just some areas of our workforce that in our economy you can’t pull out with different (charts),” said Kristin Strohm, president and CEO of Common Sense Institute, a nonpartisan policy think tank focused on Colorado’s business economy.
The Colorado Sun: March 2, 2021, by
Read >>

‘She-Cession’ In Colorado: COVID-19 Pandemic Hitting Working Moms Disproportionally Hard
Researchers say the economic fallout from the pandemic is hitting women harder– especially mothers. That’s according to a study from the Common Sense Institute. In 2020, more than 20,000 Colorado mothers left the work force and have not yet re-entered. Researchers have dubbed it a “she-cession.”
CBS Denver: March 1, 2021, by Anica Padilla
Read >>

Opinion: Amid COVID-19, our health-care heroes and hospitals are putting our communities first
That’s a shocking claim when you consider today’s reality. The costs of fighting COVID-19 have demolished hospital budgets all across the country. Here in Colorado, hospitals are dealing with losses of between $4.6 billion and $7.1 billion from the past year, according to  the Greenwood Village-based Common Sense Institute.
The Colorado Sun: March 1, 2021, by Jeff Keener
Read >>

Opinion: Intervention is needed for Colorado’s superintendent crisis
Business and education may seem like two separate discussions. However, according to the 2018 “What if Colorado’s Schools were #1?” report by Colorado Succeeds, Common Sense Institute, and partners, 72% of voters said business should play a greater role in efforts to improve the state’s education system, like ensuring students develop relevant skills, have access to work-based learning opportunities, and develop digital literacy.
The Denver Post: February 27, 2021, by
Read >>

The George Brauchler Show
George Brauchler speaks with Nichole Riehl on the “she-cession,” and CSI’s most recent study on the topic.
The George Brauchler Show: February 27, 2021
Read >>

‘Public option’ would make ‘she-cession’ worse
The public option is a government-controlled health plan that, among other things, pays health care providers much less than private insurance companies do. Under these payment cuts, as many as 4,800 Coloradans who work in health care could lose their jobs and hospitals could lose $536 million to $1.1 billion in annual revenues, according to the Common Sense Institute, where I’m a fellow.
Colorado Politics: February 26, 2021, by Simon Lomaz
Read >>

Op-Ed: Cutting health care budgets will make this recession worse for working women – and everyone else too
The public option is a government-controlled health plan that, among other things, pays health care providers much less than private insurance companies do. Under these payment cuts, as many as 4,800 Coloradans who work in health care could lose their jobs and hospitals could lose $536 million to $1.1 billion in annual revenues, according to the Common Sense Institute, where I’m a fellow.
The Center Square: February 25, 2021, by Simon Lomaz
Read >>

Colorado Democrats are leaving people behind
Women are outpacing men in initial unemployment claims, which is unheard of in normal years. And an analysis by the Common Sense Institute found that the labor participation for mothers is 6% lower than last year — which represents 20,000 fewer working moms in our state. Mothers have also seen their total work hours reduced more than fathers.
The Gazette: February 25, 2021, by Michael Fields
Read >>

Kafer: Lawmakers’ tinkering threatens our health care
Right now Colorado enjoys “some of the lowest average insurance premiums on the individual market in the country” according to a report by the nonpartisan Common Sense Institute.
The Denver Post Opinion: February 21, 2021, by
Read >>

Working women disproportionately impacted by pandemic, report finds
According to findings released by Colorado based research group, Common Sense Institute, women accounted for more than 54% or 5.26 million U.S. jobs lost since January 2020. In comparison, men accounted for 4.4 million.
KRDO: February 19, 2021, by
Read >>

New report offers suggestions for ‘She-Cession’
Two non-partisan groups have been studying this issue for the past year. Common Sense Institute and Executives Partnering to Invest in Children noticed the trend that women were not returning to the work force as quickly as men. They have some ideas that could help. President and CEO of Common Sense Institute, Kristin Strohm said, “Economists across the nation and in Colorado have dubbed it the ‘she’-cession.”
Fox Denver 31: February 18, 2021, by
Read >>

Common Sense Institute updates grim outlook for Colorado’s working women
The Denver-based Common Sense Institute updated its ongoing analysis of women in the workforce Thursday, and the picture isn’t getting better.
Colorado Politics: February 18, 2021, by Joey Bunch
Read >>

What the shecession reveals about how we value women’s work
In the Colorado retail sector alone, women made up for 89% of the total job loss in 2020, while they make up just 48% of jobs in the industry, according to a new Common Sense Institute (CSI) report.
Boulder Weekly: February 18, 2021, by Angela K. Evans
Read >>

Coronavirus in Colorado: The latest numbers
Common Sense Institute updates its grim outlook for Colorado’s working women during the COVID-19 pandemic. 
Colorado Politics: February 18, 2021, by Hannah Metzger
Read >>

INSIGHTS | Working women pay the pandemic’s highest prices
The problem is staring us in the face, but the solutions elude us. The Common Sense Institute first laid it out last month: Call this pandemic’s economic toll a “shecession.”
Colorado Politics: February 18, 2021, by Joey Bunch
Read >>

CAPITOL CONVERSATION | Legislative leaders clash on fee hikes, public trust
Scott Wasserman, president of the left-leaning Bell Policy Center think tank; Jon Caldara, president of the conservative Independence Institute; Kristin Strohm, president and CEO of the Common Sense Institute think tank; and Hannah Collazo, state director of Environment Colorado, seek answers to what their constituents want most.
Colorado Politics: February 12, 2021, by Pat Poblete
Read >>

CAPITOL CONVERSATION | Legislative leaders clash on fee hikes, public trust
Scott Wasserman, president of the left-leaning Bell Policy Center think tank; Jon Caldara, president of the conservative Independence Institute; Kristin Strohm, president and CEO of the Common Sense Institute think tank; and Hannah Collazo, state director of Environment Colorado, seek answers to what their constituents want most.
9News: February 12, 2021, by Pat Poblete
Read >>

Study details impact of public option for health care in Colorado
The study, by the Common Sense Institute (CSI), a free market think tank, says those concerns include cuts to hospital funding during a global pandemic, increasing costs of insurance premiums, and the state’s hospital reimbursement rates.
The Center Square: February 11, 2021, by Robert Davis
Read >>

Common Sense report measures cost of proposed Colorado insurance options
In its latest legislative analysis, the Denver-based Common Sense Institute is out with a look at a proposed public option insurance plan Thursday.
Colorado Politics: February 10, 2021, by Joey Bunch
Read >>

Common Sense Institute’s Terry J. Stevinson fellows to look at affordable housing
Evelyn Lim and Peter LiFari are the Denver-based Common Sense Institute Terry J. Stevinson fellows, president and CEO Kristin Strohm, said Tuesday morning.
Colorado Politics: February 9, 2021, by Joey Bunch
Read >>

CAPITOL CONVERSATION | Lawmakers to chat live with Colorado Politics, 9News on Feb. 12
Scott Wasserman, president of the left-leaning Bell Policy Center think tank; Jon Caldara, president of the conservative Independence Institute; Kristin Strohm, president and CEO of the Common Sense Institute think tank; and Hannah Collazo, state director of Environment Colorado, are expected to seek answers to what their constituents want most.
9News: February 5, 2021, by 9News
Read >>

CAPITOL CONVERSATION | Lawmakers to chat live with Colorado Politics, 9News on Feb. 12
Scott Wasserman, president of the left-leaning Bell Policy Center think tank; Jon Caldara, president of the conservative Independence Institute; Kristin Strohm, president and CEO of the Common Sense Institute think tank; and Hannah Collazo, state director of Environment Colorado, are expected to seek answers to what their constituents want most.
Colorado Politics: February 5, 2021, by Colorado Politics
Read >>

Denver and Aurora are facing millions in budget shortfalls. Here’s how they’re addressing the gap.
Monthly sales tax figures started creeping up from there in July and were down 15% from 2019 in August, according to an October report from the Common Sense Institute. About 45% of the city’s general revenue came from sales and use taxes in 2019.
The Denver Business Journal: February 4, 2021, by Ethan Nelson
Read >>

Economic Experts believe 2021 will be a good year
Sobanet continued, “In a study at Common Sense Institute that I was a part of, we determined that the gap between transportation needs and fundraising has grown to $640 billion as of June, 2019.”
The Villager: February 4, 2021, by Frieda Miklin
Read >>

INSIGHTS | Health care price caps are a problem that can wait
Next week, Denver’s Common Sense Institute, one of my go-to think tanks, is releasing an analysis of current and proposed health care measures. I got hold of some of their data a little early, and I look forward to reading it in full. 
Colorado Politics: February 4, 2021, by Joey Bunch
Read >>

Common Sense Institute’s Dickhoner named the first Mike A. Leprino Free Enterprise fellow
Dr. Brenda Bautsch Dickhoner is the first Mike A. Leprino Free Enterprise fellow, the Common Sense Policy Institute announced Monday.
Colorado Politics: February 1, 2021, by Joey Bunch
Read >>

Other Voices: Transit tiff reminds us — fund our highways
“Committing as a state to reinvest in our infrastructure not only will get cars and trucks moving on our highways again but also could yield an additional dividend. Citing groundbreaking research in the Road to Recovery Initiative, published by Colorado’s Common Sense Institute.”
The Greeley Tribune: January 27, 2021, by The Greeley Tribune guest editorial
Read >>

EDITORIAL: Transit tiff reminds us: fund highways
“Committing as a state to reinvest in our infrastructure not only will get cars and trucks moving on our highways again but also could yield an additional dividend. Citing groundbreaking research in the Road to Recovery Initiative, published by Colorado’s Common Sense Institute, Milo notes: “In the wake of economic upheaval caused by the pandemic, investing in infrastructure can put our economy back on the road to recovery. Consider, every $1 billion invested in nonresidential construction creates and sustains more than 28,000 jobs and another $1.1 billion in personal earnings.”
The Gazette: January 26, 2021, by The Gazette editorial board
Read >>

Compounding COVID’s travails — a ‘shecession’
“CSI also found that Colorado’s economy worsened over the holidays, recording higher unemployment insurance claims, lower average monthly wages for women and the total number of jobs.”
The Gazette: January 25, 2021, by Heidi Ganahl
Read >>

PERSPECTIVE: Road to Recovery: This is just the beginning
“In partnership, the Colorado Business Roundtable and Common Sense Institute were able to develop data-backed strategies for success and forward momentum. Together, we marshaled an influential group of Coloradans: leaders in energy, aerospace, tech, finance, real estate and more, as well as thought leaders on economic development and the future of work.”
The Gazette: January 17, 2021, by Debbie Brown and Kristin Strohm
Read >>

Paving the road — literally — to recovery
“The recently launched Road to Recovery Initiative, published by the Common Sense Institute and Colorado Business Roundtable examines the issue of infrastructure funding. Alongside a group of thought leaders from across the state, the report suggests we can’t unlock Colorado’s competitive potential without the help of Coloradans from various sectors and industries who work together to invest in our infrastructure and secure sustainable transportation funding. We agree and we remain optimistic about our chances in 2021.”
Colorado Politics: January 15, 2021, by Tony Milo
Read >>

As Colorado Legislature convenes, talk of a ‘gas fee’ holds road-funding opportunities and obstacles
“While there is likely to be some opposition to any kind of fee, Henry Sobanet, who served as a transportation fellow for the Common Sense Institute and co-authored a road-funding report that said fees should be considered, said such fees typically are less controversial than taxes.”
Denver Business Journal: January 13, 2021, by Ed Sealover
Read >>

The news on Colorado’s unemployment trust fund is bad, says Common Sense Institute
“A day ahead of the launch of the new legislative session Wednesday and as jobless numbers mount, the Common Sense Institute released an analysis of Colorado’s Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund on Tuesday.”
Colorado Politics: January 12, 2021, by Joey Bunch
Read >>

‘Shecession’ a lingering economic side effect of COVID-19, says Common Sense Institute
“When the tab is added up on COVID-19, women in the workforce will have paid dearly, according to a new labor force analysis by the Denver-based Common Sense Institute. “According to the latest numbers, the ‘shecession’ continues,” Kristin Strohm, the business policy think tank’s president and CEO said in a statement. “For months, the economic realities of the pandemic have served as a siren call to policy makers and elected officials. Without intentional action to address the barriers that are keeping women out of the work force, our economy cannot fully recover.”
Colorado Politics: January 11, 2021, by Joey Bunch
Read >>

2020

Health care panel describes challenges and opportunities of COVID-19 pandemic
“Chris Brown shared a chart on how financial pressure has increased on the commercial medical insurance sector as a result of the expansion of Medicaid and Medicare in Colorado. Then he moved to the topic of a potential low-cost Colorado public health insurance option…”
The Villager: December 31, 2020, by Frieda Miklin
Read >>

Opinion: After demanding restraint from regular Coloradans, politicians need to dial it back too
“Business leaders have come to the table with a report called Road to Recovery, which was produced by the Colorado Business Roundtable and the Common Sense Institute, where I’m a fellow. The two organizations brought together leaders from across the state economy – including the aerospace, education and construction sectors – to recommend strategies for “a faster and more sustainable” economic comeback…”
Steam Boat Pilot & Today: December 30, 2020, by Simon Lomaz
Read >>

EDITORIAL: Kudos to Colorado’s can-do entrepreneurs
“Chris Brown, director of policy and research at the Common Sense Institute, a Denver-based business policy think tank, called it, “truly a phenomenon…”
The Gazette: December 29, 2020, by the Gazette Editorial Board
Read >>

CALDARA | Put your money where your beliefs are
“The Common Sense Institute provides much-needed dynamic modeling of policy proposals, sounding the alarm of fiscally ruinous bills and initiatives, like the recently passed family leave initiative…”
Colorado Politics: December 27, 2020, by Jon Caldara
Read >>

Colorado Legislature 2021 preview | As lawmakers return to Denver, recovery is king
“Dave Davia, executive vice president and CEO of the Rocky Mountain Mechanical Contractors Association, is one of the co-authors of a sweeping new plan called “Road to Recovery,” put out by the Colorado Business Roundtable and the Common Sense Institute think tank…”
The Gazette: December 26, 2020, by Joey Bunch
Read >>

Colorado Business and Health Care Leaders Call for Solutions that ‘Build on What’s Working’
“Chris Brown, Director of Policy & Research at the Common Sense Institute provided an overview of the current & future healthcare policy landscape plus information & research on the implications of public policy issues throughout Colorado…”
EIN Press Wire: December 22, 2020, by Deborah Radman
Read >>

Colorado state workers eligible for paid family leave next year: Polis announces
“In November, Colorado voters approved a measure establishing a paid family and medical leave program that offers 12 weeks leave and is funded by a payroll tax, but the program won’t fully take effect until 2024. The program could cost Colorado employers $1.34 billion in premiums in 2025, according to the Common Sense Institute…”
Washington Examiner: December 22, 2020, by Derek Draplin
Read >>

Colorado state workers eligible for paid family leave next year, Gov. Jared Polis announces
“In November, Colorado voters approved a measure establishing a paid family and medical leave program that offers 12 weeks leave and is funded by a payroll tax, but the program won’t fully take effect until 2024. The program could cost Colorado employers $1.34 billion in premiums in 2025, according to the Common Sense Institute…”
Kiowa County Press: December 22, 2020, by Derek Draplin
Read >>

LEGISLATIVE PREVIEW 2021 | When lawmakers return — eventually — to Denver, recovery will still be king
“Dave Davia, executive vice president and CEO of the Rocky Mountain Mechanical Contractors Association, is one of the co-authors of a sweeping new plan called “Road to Recovery,” put out by the Colorado Business Roundtable and the Common Sense Institute think tank…”
Colorado Politics: December 20, 2020, by Joey Bunch
Read >>

Business leaders present economic road to recovery initiative
“As the COVID-19 pandemic took hold in Colorado and throughout the United States, the Colorado Business Roundtable (CORBT) and the Common Sense Institute (CSI) worked together to “provide a forum to formulate and influence public policy through collaboration and research…”
The Villager: December 17, 2020, by Frieda Miklin
Read >>

The Ross Kaminksy Show with Debbie Brown
Debbie Brown joins Ross Kaminksy to discuss CORBT’s and CSI’s new collaborative project: The Road to Recovery.
630 KHOW: December 17, 2020, with Debbie Brown and Ross Kamnisky
Listen >>

Brainstormers create ‘Road to Recovery’
“The project collected the skill, insights and hard data from 30 business leaders affiliated with the Colorado Business Roundtable and the economists and supporters of the Common Sense Institute think tank in Denver…”
Centennial Citizen: December 16, 2020, by Joey Bunch
Read >>

Brainstormers create ‘Road to Recovery’
“The project collected the skill, insights and hard data from 30 business leaders affiliated with the Colorado Business Roundtable and the economists and supporters of the Common Sense Institute think tank in Denver…”
Centennial Citizen: December 16, 2020, by Joey Bunch
Read >>

THE PODIUM | Road to recovery is paved with potential
“The Common Sense Institute and Colorado Business Roundtable partnered to answer a simple question: What policies would enable a faster and more sustainable Colorado economic recovery?”
Colorado Politics: December 16, 2020, by Debbie Brown and Kristin Strohm
Read >>

Common Sense Institute analyzes Denver’s new sales tax to fight climate change
“Common Sense Institute found that Denver’s newly passed sales tax will bring in $40 million to combat climate change, but it’s not clear how it will fight it…”
Colorado Politics: December 15, 2020, by Joey Bunch
Read >>

Colorado businesses start Road to Recovery Initiative to get employees working again
“This week marks the launch of The Road to Recovery Initiative developed by the Colorado Business Roundtable and Common Sense Institute…”
KRDO: December 15, 2020, by Julia Donovan
Read >>

Common Sense Institute analyzes Denver’s new sales tax to fight climate change
“The Common Sense Institute found that Denver’s newly passed sales tax will bring in $40 million to combat climate change, but it’s not clear how it will fight it…”
The Gazette: December 15, 2020, by Joey Bunch
Read >>

Project initiative outlines recommendations, ideas to position Colorado for future economic success
“As news of a potential vaccine rollout in Colorado emerged this week, Colorado Business Roundtable (CBR), a nonprofit advocate for business, and Common Sense Institute (CSI) announced the launch of “The Road to Recovery,” an initiative that gathers dozens of Colorado’s leaders from different professional backgrounds who will develop recommendations to return the economy to pre-pandemic levels…”
Montrose Daily Press: December 11, 2020, by Josue Perez
Read >>

Business leaders present economic road to recovery initiative
“Common Sense Institute (CSI) of Greenwood Village studied the broader economic impact of an earlier version of the rules for protection of wildlife. Simon Lomax, CSI free enterprise fellow, told The Villager, “Before the publication of the CSI study, the COGCC was under pressure to make setbacks from wildlife habitats and other restrictions as rigid as possible, without room for exceptions, and with very little idea about how this could impact jobs, tax revenues and the broader state economy.”
The Villager: December 10, 2020, by Frieda Miklin
Read >>

New report from Colorado business leaders charts Road to Recovery
“The project collected the skill, insights and hard data from 30 business leaders affiliated with the Colorado Business Roundtable and the economists and supporters of the Common Sense Institute think tank in Denver…”
Colorado Politics: December 10, 2020, by Joey Bunch
Read >>

Carrie Coors Tynan joins Common Sense Institute board
“Carrie Coors Tynan, executive director of Adolph Coors Foundation, is the newest member of the Common Sense Institute Board of Directors, the Denver-based business policy think tank said Tuesday morning…”
Colorado Politics: December 8, 2020, by Joey Bunch
Read >>

Can Colorado emerge from COVID into a new Roaring Twenties?
“The Colorado Business Roundtable and the Common Sense Institute have assembled an influential group of Colorado leaders in energy, aerospace, tech, finance and real estate, and thought leaders on economic development and the future of work to do just that, build a roadmap for our sustained recovery…”
The Gazette: December 5, 2020, by Vince Bzdek
Read >>

Common Sense Institute studies past, present of Colorado’s budget as uncertain future looms
“The state’s current annual budget is $30.6 billion. About $10 billion of that is federal money that passes through the state budget, according to the Common Sense Institute report. The state’s operating budget, called the general fund, is $10.8 billion…”
Colorado Politics: December 4, 2020, by Joey Bunch
Read >>

“If we close, you can’t go to work”: Colorado child care centers poised for a big infusion of state money
“Women more often than men are leaving their jobs to care for children who are at home logging into online school, economic experts said. Just from February to September, the size of the labor force of women with kids shrank by 42,000 in Colorado, according to a report from the conservative-leaning Common Sense Institute…”
Colorado Sun: December 2, 2020, by Jennifer Brown
Read >>

How Colorado Got Even Libertarians to Support Paid Family Leave
“Opponents disagree, pointing to a report by the Common Sense Institute, a business-backed organization, which predicted more residents may take advantage of the program than its supporters estimated, causing it to run out of money…”
Slate: December 2, 2020, by Jennifer Oldham
Read >>

Colorado lawmakers reconvene to consider stimulus plan, but experts question the cost to the state
“If the goal is to get the state’s labor force back to work, then the $50 million earmarked in the proposal for child-care providers makes a lot of sense to experts because it allows families to continue making a living, said Brown at the conservative-leaning Common Sense Institute. ‘One area that in our research that has consistently shown up is the struggles of parents, and particularly mothers, who left the labor force in large numbers following the March stay-at-home orders,’ Brown said. ‘If we’re facing a potentially similar situation (as the spring), it’s really critical for policy and potential funding to be able to support working parents and working mothers to stay in the labor force and address the childcare and schooling needs…’” 
Colorado Sun: November 30, 2020, by Tamara Chuang & John Frank
Read >>

Boulder County, Front Range businesses weigh impact of paid family leave
“No on 118 has referenced a study throughout the election season from the Common Sense Institute that said, “If the program starts at a claims rate of 6.2% and an average length of leave of 9.5 weeks, the 2023 premium collections will not be sufficient to cover benefits and administrative costs in the first year of the program in 2024…”
Daily Camera: November 29, 2020, by Ali C.M. Watkins
Read >>

Colorado oil and gas regulators overhaul rules amid mission change
“In a recent study, analysts with the Denver-based Common Sense Institute (CSI) estimated COGCC’s new setback requirements could create a $9 billion loss in cumulative tax revenue for Colorado. CSI estimated ripple effects could include a $2.7 billion hit to the state’s gross domestic product, up to 22,000 jobs lost outside the energy industry, and further hits to Denver’s commercial real estate industry…”
The Center Square: November 24, 2020, by Robert Davis
Read >>

Q&A with Chris Brown | He makes it all make sense
“Chris Brown is the director of policy and research for the Denver-based Common Sense Institute, a think tank that applies hard numbers to hard questions facing Colorado policymakers and taxpayers. He is a man of logic and numbers, a creative problem solver who doesn’t have to win every argument. He only has to have the most informed argument…”
Colorado Politics: November 23, 2020, by Joey Bunch
Read >>

Opinion: Colorado Targets Oil and Gas
“Colorado voters rejected a similar scheme in 2018 when they voted down Prop. 112, which would have imposed a 2,500-foot setback on energy development. That ballot measure would have put 85% of all non-federal land off limits, and it would also have cost up to $1.1 billion in lost annual tax revenue by 2030, according to an analysis from the Common Sense Institute, reviewed by faculty from the Colorado School of Mines. Coloradans weren’t willing to bear these costs..”
The Wall Street Journal: November 20, 2020, by The Editorial Board
Read >>

Proposed restrictions on Colorado oil and gas could ‘significantly impact’ industry, economy
“Potential ripple effects include a $2.7 billion hit to the state’s gross domestic product (GDP), up to 22,000 jobs lost outside of the energy industry, and further damage to the commercial real estate industry. CSI found 14% of office space in downtown Denver is rented by energy companies..”
The Washington Examiner: November 19, 2020, by Robert Davis
Read >>

Colorado’s proposed restrictions on oil and gas development could ‘significantly impact’ industry, state economy, think tank says
“Proposed setback restrictions on energy development in environmental areas in Colorado could “significantly impact” the state’s oil and gas industry and take hundreds of millions out of the state economy, according to a recent report by the Common Sense Institute (CSI)…”
The Center Square: November 18, 2020, by Robert Davis
Read >>

Study finds big economic impacts from proposed Colorado oil and gas wildlife rules
“The Common Sense Institute, a Denver-based free-market think tank, modeled the impact of rules proposed to state regulators to protect the habitat of high-priority species of big game, predators, raptors and fish…”
Denver Business Journal: November 13, 2020, by Greg Avery
Read >>

Another tax on Colorado’s job creators
“Critics have been warning that the program’s financial stability will be short-lived. According to an analysis by Colorado’s Common Sense Institute, the new program will face the very real prospect of insolvency almost from startup. The analysis assumes a real-world claims rate of 6.2% and an average length of leave of 9.5 weeks among employees who seek paid leave and projects 2023 premium collections would not be sufficient to cover benefit and administrative costs in the program’s first year…”
The Gazette: November 8, 2020, by The Gazette Editorial Board
Read >>

Here’s how Colorado’s tax-related measures fared at the ballot box
“The paid family leave program, known as Proposition 118, could take more money out of school than both of these measures add, according to an analysis by the Common Sense Institute (CSI), a free enterprise research organization. CSI found the measure would increase state expenses by up to $94 million to provide its employees the required 12 weeks of paid sick time per year. The program is funded through premiums that employers and employees split 50/50…”
The Center Square: November 6, 2020, by Robert Davis
Read >>

Coloradans send mixed financial message to state with election results
“While [the Gallagher Amendment repeal] will stabilize local government revenue and will stop the recent trends in increasing taxes for commercial property taxpayers, it will likely over the long run lead to increasing faster growing residential property taxes for homeowners that, if we don’t see any long-term alternatives, could have a significant impact again for years to come,” said Chris Brown, the director of policy research at the Common Sense Institute….”
The Denver Channel 7: November 4, 2020, by Meghan Lopez
Read >>

Coloradans vote themselves an income tax cut, consent over big new state fees
“According to a study this year by the Colorado-based Common Sense Institute: “In 2018, state enterprise fee revenues were more than double what they were in 2008 on a per-Coloradan basis as total revenue from enterprise fees has grown faster than general fund revenue…”
Complete Colorado: Page 2: November 4, 2020, by Mike Krause
Read >>

Charters give DPS parents, students a choice
“A Common Sense Institute report found that charter schools have higher graduation rates for students of all races and ethnicities than non-charter high schools. Looking at data over the past three years from the Colorado Department of Education, performance on statewide English and mathematics assessments was higher at charter schools than at non-charter schools — both for students overall and for students of color, low-income students, English language learners, and students with disabilities…”
The Denver Gazette: November 3, 2020, by Gloria Zamora and Brenda Bautsch Dickhoner
Read >>

Charters give DPS parents, students a choice
“A Common Sense Institute report found that charter schools have higher graduation rates for students of all races and ethnicities than non-charter high schools. Looking at data over the past three years from the Colorado Department of Education, performance on statewide English and mathematics assessments was higher at charter schools than at non-charter schools — both for students overall and for students of color, low-income students, English language learners, and students with disabilities…”
The Gazette: November 3, 2020, by Gloria Zamora and Brenda Bautsch Dickhoner
Read >>

ELECTION 2020 | Denver voters approve pair of sales tax increases to fight climate change, tackle homelessness
“The city spends about $26,000 per person experiencing homelessness every year, according to a 2019 report by the Common Sense Institute, a Denver-based, business-focused think tank. The new sales tax increase would add another $10,000 a year, according to Chris Brown, CSI’s policy and research director…”
Colorado Politics: November 3, 2020, by Alayna Alvarez
Read >>

Women Leave The Workforce Amidst COVID-19
“For a generation, women have made tremendous gains in the workforce. In the late 1950s, only one third of women worked, and now, it’s fifty percent of women the last few years that were in the workforce. But our ongoing research really paints a grim picture for women in Colorado with kids. The pandemic, this recession, really threatened all of that progress for Colorado’s working woman….”  –  Kristin Strohm
Colorado Public Radio: November 2, 2020, by Ryan Warner
Listen >>

Denver Post urges a ‘no’ on Prop 118; others predict paid family leave program insolvent in year one
“In a recent interview, Kristin Strohm, President and CEO of the Common Sense Institute (CSI), a “non-partisan research organization dedicated to the protection and promotion of Colorado’s economy,” told Independence Institute* President Jon Caldara that the levy, “effectively equates to a 10% to 18% state income tax increase for an individual. And on the employer side its even bigger, it’s effectively a 200% corporate income tax increase…”
Complete Colorado Page Two: October 27, 2020, by Scott Weiser
Read >>

Opinion: Don’t raise taxes; vote ‘no’ on Proposition 118
“Finally, this program simply doesn’t add up. An independent study from the Common Sense Institute predicts the program will be bankrupt from the beginning. In other words, after paying into the program, an employee won’t have access to the benefits they have been promised and taxpayers will be left to contemplate a bailout…”
Summit Daily: October 26, 2020, by Lauren Grosch
Read >>

The case for Proposition 117; voter approval for big state fees
“So how bad has the fee problem gotten? The Common Sense Institute recently put out a study finding that since 2000, enterprise fees have risen four times faster than the General Fund. When TABOR was implemented in 1993, 46% of our state budget was exempted from it. Now, a whopping 69% of our $30 billion budget is exempt…”
Complete Colorado: October 26, 2020, by Lindsey Singer
Read >>

Common Sense Institute looks at jobs trends, and it’s bad news for moms
“The Common Sense Institute sees troubles for working parents in an analysis released Thursday called ‘Colorado’s Labor Force and Jobs Report COVID-19.’ The report flags the growing gap — 14% in February to 19% in September — in the labor force participation rate between men and women with kids: 93% participation for men with kids and a 74% for women with kids…”
Colorado Politics: October 22, 2020, by Joey Bunch
Read >>

Proposition 116 benefits all Colorado taxpayers
“Outside analysis by the non-partisan Common Sense Institute finds that this tax cut will expand the state’s economy and create new jobs. Instead of causing a budget crisis, a vote for Proposition 116 will create new jobs and economic opportunity while helping to offset some of the new taxes and fees the legislature does not let you vote on…”
Complete Colorado: October 22, 2020, by Jerry Sonnenberg
Read >>

Proposition 116 is an equal tax cut for all taxpaying Coloradans at a time of need
“Outside analysis by the non-partisan Common Sense Institute finds that this tax cut will expand the state’s economy and create new jobs. Instead of causing a budget crisis, a vote for Proposition 116 will create new jobs and economic opportunity while helping to offset some of the new taxes and fees the legislature does not let you vote on…”
Denver Post: October 19, 2020, by Jerry Sonnenberg
Read >>

Kristin Strohm – Common Sense Institute
“Kristin Strohm, President & CEO of the Common Sense Institute, is a leading voice for free enterprise and economic opportunity in Colorado. Kristin sits down with Jon Caldara to talk about Colorado Prop 118, a new payroll tax that is meant to fund a new state-run “paid family leave” insurance program. A program which, according to Kristin, will be bankrupt in a year…”
IITV: October 19, 2020
Watch >>

State on a course to hit Gallagher’s iceberg
“The Iceberg Ahead analysis doesn’t fly alone, building on similar cautionary analysis provided by the state’s own Department of Local Affairs and on research from the Common Sense Institute…”
The Gazette: October 16, 2020, by Tony Gagliardi
Read >>

Opinion: Prop 116 would help families and small businesses
References Common Sense Institute’s 2020 Ballot Guide
Steamboat Pilot & Today: October 16, 2020, by Jesse Mallory
Read >>

State on course to hit gallagher’s iceberg
“The Iceberg Ahead analysis doesn’t fly alone, building on similar cautionary analysis provided by the state’s own Department of Local Affairs and on research from the Common Sense Institute…”
The Gazette: October 16, 2020, by Tony Gagliardi
Read >>

Capitol Review – By Mark Hillman
References Common Sense Institute’s 2020 Ballot Guide
Julesburg Advocate: October 13, 2020, by Mark Hillman
Read >>

Breaking down the arguments on Colorado’s paid family leave initiative
“A Common Sense Institute study released in September predicted that if 7% of all workers utilize the program for an average of 10 weeks — a usage rate this is higher than in pioneer states New Jersey and California but in line with actuarial-study predictions — the benefits paid by the state would be higher than the previous year’s fee collection in both 2024 and 2025. And in that scenario, the state would have to raise the fees, cut benefits or sell bonds to cover costs…”
Denver Business Journal: October 12, 2020, by Ed Sealover
Read >>

How Proposition 117 could limit Colorado’s ability to create new enterprises
“A Common Sense Institute study noted that of the $17.9 million in fees the state collected in the 2017-18 fiscal year, $11.6 billion came from tuition and fees to public colleges and universities — an area that no fiscal hawk has ever griped about being outside the TABOR cap. Fees to programs like the UITF, the state lottery and the Division of Parks and Wildlife also generate little controversy, as Coloradans can avoid them by not visiting parks or playing the lottery, for example…”
Denver Business Journal: October 12, 2020, by Ed Sealover
Read >>

Proposition 118: Paid Family and Medical Leave Insurance Program, Explained
“Critics argue the fees being advertised are too low to support the program. A Colorado-based group known as the Common Sense Institute argues that the program could become insolvent as workers rush to take leave. It modeled different scenarios and found that in a “high” usage scenario, the program would quickly run out of money…”
Colorado Public Radio: October 12, 2020, by Colorado Pubic Radio Staff
Read >>

Jimmy Sengenberger Show with Kristin Strohm on Prop 118
“This is going to be a new government run 1.3 billion dollar program where employees and employers will both pay into the program. Employees will actually be charged a tax, a premium, that will be deducted from their paycheck to pay in. But just as you alluded to, it sounds nice, but there’s a reason why this hasn’t passed the several last legislative sessions, even when one party controls all levels of power, and that’s because the family leave numbers in this program just don’t add up…” – Kristin Strohm
Jimmy Sengenberger Show: October 10, 2020
Read >>

Jimmy Sengenberger Show with Chris Brown on Prop 116 and 117
“In 1993, the first year the TABOR passed, about 46% of all state spending was exempt from TABOR. So a little less than half of state spending was exempt, that included federal spending as well that is exempt. In 2019, that number grew to 69% of total state spending was exempt from TABOR. So over two-thirds of total Colorado state spending is now exempt from TABOR. Again, largely due to this growth in fee-based revenue…” – Chris Brown
Jimmy Sengenberger Show: October 10, 2020
Read >>

Over 160 Colorado businesses endorse ballot measure establishing paid family leave program
“A report released last month by the Common Sense Institute, a free-enterprise think tank, estimated that employers would pay an estimated $1.34 billion in premiums once the program is matured in 2025. ‘This would be an effective increase of the corporate income tax of 204 percent,’ the report said…”
Kiowa County Press: October 9, 2020, by Derek Draplin, The Center Square
Read >>

VOTER GUIDE 2020: DENVER BALLOT QUESTION 2B | Denver asked to pay extra sales tax to fund homeless services
“The city spends about $26,000 per person experiencing homelessness every year, according to a 2019 report by the Common Sense Institute, a Denver-based, business-focused think tank. The new sales tax increase would add another $10,000 a year, according to Chris Brown, CSI’s policy and research director…”
Colorado Politics: October 9, 2020, by Alayna Alvarez
Read >>

Business organizations split over support for income-tax cut on Colorado’s November ballot
“A report from the Common Sense Institute also predicted that state-government revenue will fall between $171 million and $176 million annually versus a baseline projection if voters approve the tax cut. But it argued that the dynamic effects of the tax cut also will generate significant new tax revenue as the lowered tax rate increases spending by residents and firms…”
Denver Business Journal: October 8, 2020, by Ed Sealover
Read >>

ELECTION 2020 | What you need to know to answer the Colorado ballot’s big questions
“The ballot is long this year. Chris Brown, the policy and research director for the Common Sense Institute, a business-driven public policy institute, wondered out loud to Colorado Politics and ballot policy experts about ballot fatigue this year, and whether the costly, impactful issues will get the cool consideration they deserve in a landscape of pandemic, politics and economic crises…”
The Gazette: October 8, 2020, by Joey Bunch Colorado Politics
Read >>

What’s Colorado Proposition 117: New state fees
“According to the Common Sense Institute, 69% of the state’s spending was exempt from TABOR in 2019 compared to 46% in 1993…”
Denver Post: October 7, 2020, by Saja Hindi
Read >>

Caldara: Have progressives muzzled business?
“According to analysis by the non-partisan Common Sense Institute this new state-run insurance plan could quickly become insolvent, requiring the tax to grow to 1.7%. In other words, this is going to be devastating for any business surviving on tight marginal profits…”
Complete Colorado Page 2: October 7, 2020, by Jon Caldara
Read >>

1st hour guests CO State Rep Matt Gray & Dave Davia discuss Prop 118.
CSI’s Board Member Dave Davia joins the Mandy Connell on the Mandy Connell Show Podcast to discuss Prop. 118.
The Mandy Connell Podcast: October 7, 2020
Read >>

Proposition 118: Statewide paid family and medical leave question on Colorado’s November ballot
“It’s a $1.34 billion insurance program. That’s a huge chunk of change,” said Kristin Strohm, the president and CEO of the Common Sense Institute. “Every single Coloradan who is employed will be paying into this program and employers will be paying into this program…”
The Denver Channel 7: October 6, 2020, by Meghan Lopez
Read >>

Silence is complicity
“Outside analysis by the non-partisan Common Sense Institute finds that this tax cut (Prop. 116) will expand the state’s economy and create new jobs…”
The Daily Sentinel: October 5, 2020, by Jerry Sonnenberg
Read >>

Silence is complicity
“Outside analysis by the non-partisan Common Sense Institute finds that this tax cut will expand the state’s economy and create new jobs. The only downside to the measure is that it won’t even come close to giving Coloradans back all the money the state has taken from them in recent years without consent. In recent years, the Legislature has repeatedly created billions of dollars in new fees on Coloradans without a ballot vote by the people…”
The Daily Sentinel: October 6, 2020, by Dan Ford
Read >>

ELECTION 2020 | What you need to know to answer the Colorado ballot’s big questions
“The ballot is long this year. Chris Brown, the policy and research director for the Common Sense Institute, a business-driven public policy institute, wondered out loud to Colorado Politics and ballot policy experts about ballot fatigue this year, and whether the costly, impactful issues will get the cool consideration they deserve in a landscape of pandemic, politics and economic crises…”
The Gazette: October 5, 2020, by Joey Bunch Colorado Politics
Read >>

Has the left silenced business?
“According to analysis by the nonpartisan Common Sense Institute this new state-run insurance plan could quickly become insolvent, requiring the tax to grow to 1.7%. In other words, this is going to be devastating for any business surviving on tight marginal profits….”
The Gazette: October 5, 2020, by Jon Caldara
Read >>

Proposition 118 will make hard times harder for Coloradans
“According to an analysis by the nonpartisan Common Sense Institute, the rate might need to be raised further to cover demands of the benefit; Coloradans could see their state taxes rise by 18%. A worker making $50,000 annually will pay several hundred dollars more each year for a benefit he or she may never use. That’s not fair. Sadly, that’s not the worst of it…”
The Denver Post: October 5, 2020, by Krista Kafer
Read >>

Proposition 118 explained: Paid-leave measure would give Colorado workers time off but cost big money
“Opponents, however, have countered with a study by the Common Sense Institute, a conservative-leaning, business-backed organization, that said the program could run out of money. That September report, which criticized the Colorado plan for providing some of the most generous benefits in the country, predicted that more Coloradans may take advantage of paid leave than supporters are expecting…”
The Colorado Sun: October 2, 2020, by Jennifer Brown
Read >>

Colorado fiscal policy groups outline their support for, opposition to income tax reduction ballot measure
“A report published by the Common Sense Institute, a free enterprise think tank, found that if passed, the income tax reduction “will have the effects of reducing state revenue and adding private-sector wealth,” adding that “the true impact of the tax cut will depend upon the extent to which the state government manages a tighter budget by reducing the growth in government jobs…”
The Center Square: October 1, 2020, by Derek Draplin
Read >>

Common Sense Institute drops its business-minded ballot guide
“Colorado’s Common Sense Institute rolled out the full version of its ballot guide Thursday to help business-minded voters interpret the policy questions…”
Colorado Politics: October 1, 2020, by Joey Bunch
Read >>

OPINION: Proposition 116 is an Equal Tax Cut For All Taxpayers
“Outside analysis by the non-partisan Common Sense Institute finds that this tax cut will expand the state’s economy and create new jobs. The only downside to the measure is that it won’t even come close to giving Coloradans back all the money the state has taken from them in recent years without consent…”
Pagosa Daily Post: September 30, 2020, by Jerry Sonnenberg
Read >>

Opinion – Proposition 116: An equal tax cut for all taxpayers
“Outside analysis by the non-partisan Common Sense Institute finds that this tax cut will expand the state’s economy and create new jobs. The only downside to the measure is that it won’t even come close to giving Coloradans back all the money the state has taken from them in recent years without consent…”
Kiowa County Press: September 29, 2020, by Jerry Sonnenberg
Read >>

OPINION: Sonnenberg calls Proposition 116 an equal tax cut for all taxpayers
“Outside analysis by the non-partisan Common Sense Institute finds that this tax cut will expand the state’s economy and create new jobs. The only downside to the measure is that it won’t even come close to giving Coloradans back all the money the state has taken from them in recent years without consent…”
The Fort Morgan Times: September 29, 2020, by Jerry Sonnenberg
Read >>

No on Prop 118; reject more bureaucracy, higher taxes, empty promises
“If the cost to employees is not compelling enough, consider the cost to employers. According to an analysis from the non-partisan Common Sense Institute (CSI), the 2019 corporate income tax net collections on businesses was $655 million. In 2025, the total premiums to be paid by employers could total over $1.34 billion. This would be an effective increase of the corporate income tax of 204%…”
Complete Colorado: September 28, 2020, by Dave Davia
Read >>

Why it May Be the Ideal Time to Repair Colorado’s Broken Transportation Funding System
“We’re probably at a risk of having the transportation system not support growth in the way it has in the past, if you leave it alone,” said Henry Sobanet, who served as budget director to both Republican and Democratic governors and has spent a yearlong fellowship at the Common Sense Institute studying transportation issues…”
Denver Business Journal: September 24, 2020, by Ed Sealover
Read >>

Colorado’s Paid Family Leave Plan Faces Scrutiny Over Cost, But Advocates Say Benefit Is Overdue
“The Common Sense Institute is a non-partisan research group that recently studied the economics behind Proposition 118. Chris Brown, the group’s research director, said his study revealed some concerns he thinks voters should be aware of….”
High Plains Public Radio: September 24, 2020, by Scott Franz
Read >>

Proposition 118 Would Raise Taxes, Hurt Businesses, According to Report
“According to a study by the nonpartisan Common Sense Institute (CSI), the insurance program could run out of money in its first year and raise taxes on Coloradans by up to nearly two percent…”
Western Wire: September 23, 2020, by Western Wire Staff
Read >>

Letter: Proposition 117 to the rescue
“According to The Common Sense Institute, a business-oriented coalition, the state budget was spending 46% or $2,403 per taxpayer outside of TABOR limits in 1993…”
Vail Daily: September 23, 2020, by Tom Henderson
Read >>

Armstrong: Payroll taxes hurt workers; the case against Prop 118
“For detailed critical analysis of Prop.118, see Dave Davia’s column and Ross Kaminsky’s radio discussion with Lisa Strunk. Here my aim is to discuss the relevant issues in more-general terms…”
Complete Colorado Page 2: September 22, 2020, by Ari Armstrong
Read >>

Could RTD’s new rail line be its last as officials debate the future of the agency?
“Ben Stein, a former Colorado Department of Transportation finance director and current Common Sense Institute fellow, questioned, however, whether the changing work patterns that have left some Denver office buildings nearly vacant change RTD’s mission too…”
Denver Business Journal: September 22, 2020, by Ed Sealover
Read >>

Gallagher repeal proponents kick off bipartisan campaign late in the game
“Regardless of the assessment rate, we pay more in property taxes every single year,” Michael Fields, the executive director of Colorado Rising State Action, told the Common Sense Institute on a panel on the amendment last Thursday…”
Colorado Politics: September 22, 2020, by Joey Bunch
Read >>

Take the Time to Learn About Ballot Issues 
“I recently appeared on the Common Sense Institute podcast to talk ballot measures with my former Rocky Mountain News partner-in-crime, Ed Sealover, who works for the Denver Business Journal. Few reporters understand policy as well as Sealover and he did a great job of explaining the measures for CSI, a nonpartisan research institute “with the goal to educate and inform Coloradans on the facts related to policy proposals…”
The Denver Gazette: September 20, 2020, by Lynn Bartels
Read >>

Chris Brown on the George Brauchler Show
The George Show: September 19, 2020
Listen >>

Proposition 118 Provides Colorado Voters With Important Choice On Paid Family, Medical Leave In November
“Analysts at the Common Sense Institute think that the utilization will be higher because Colorado’s program is the most generous in the country. The Institute found that if 6.5% of workers use the benefit in the first year, taking an average leave of nine and a half weeks, the program would be insolvent…”
CBS Denver: September 18, 2020, by Ryan Mayer
Read >>

Common Sense Institute release new study examining the impacts of prop.118
“We want to help inform the policy discussion around Prop. 118 to help voters and lawmakers understand the direct and indirect economic impacts” – Lisa Strunk
The Villager: September 17, 2020
Read >>

THE PODIUM | ‘Family leave’ = hefty payroll tax
“The CSI analysis finds that the new program will be insolvent almost from day one. If the program starts at a claims rate of 6.2% and an average length of leave of 9.5 weeks, the 2023 premium collections will not be sufficient to cover benefit and administrative costs in the first year of the program in 2024…”
Colorado Politics: September 16, 2020, by Dave Davia
Read >>

Register now for CWCC: State of Women in Business 2020
“This year’s State of Women in Business event will look at data showing the staggering impact this pandemic has had and will continue to have on women in business, as well as what recovery looks like. The event will feature a panel moderated by Rep. Leslie Herod (Colorado House of Representatives, District 8) and including Debbie Brown, Colorado Business Roundtable; Kristin Strohm, Common Sense Institute; Monicque Aragon, Colorado Department of Labor; and Virginia Santy, Women in Kind and S&V Partners…”
Denver7: September 16, 2020, by Denver7
Read >>

POINT | Mandated leave would sock it to employees
“According to a recent report by the non-partisan Common Sense Institute, if the program starts at a claims rate of 6.2% and an average length of leave of 9.5 weeks, the 2023 premium collections will not be sufficient to cover benefit and administrative costs in the first year of the program in 2024…”
Colorado Politics: September 15, 2020, by Mari Medrano Mejia
Read >>

Common Sense Institute to answer ballot questions online Thursday morning 
“Panelists and leaders of the Common Sense Institute will discuss the November ballot questions in a free online program Thursday morning at 7:30…”
Colorado Politics: September 15, 2020, by Colorado Politics
Read >>

POINT/COUNTERPOINT: Proposition 118: Should Colorado voters approve state-run family and medical leave insurance?
“The solvency of the program is also in question. According to a recent report by the nonpartisan Common Sense Institute, if the program starts at a claims rate of 6.2% and an average length of leave of 9.5 weeks, the 2023 premium collections will not be sufficient to cover benefit and administrative costs in the first year of the program in 2024…”
The Gazette: September 13, 2020, by Tracy duCharme and Mari Medrano Mejia
Read >>

Murrey: Yes on Proposition 116; lower income taxes for all Coloradans
In addition, outside analysis by the non-partisan Common Sense Institute estimates that the tax cut would grow the state economy by about $200 million if adopted…”
Complete Colorado: September 12, 2020, by Ben Murrey
Read >>

Report: Paid family leave program could have $1.34 billion price tag for employers in 2025
In 2025 once the program is matured, Colorado employers would pay an estimated $1.34 billion in premiums, said the report, presented Wednesday by the Common Sense Institute, a free-enterprise think tank…”
Center Square: September 9, 2020, by Derek Draplin
Read >>

Common Sense Institute finds cost high for Colorado’s paid family leave program
The nonpartisan Common Sense Institute, which doesn’t endorse or oppose ballot issues politically, crunched the numbers outside the spin on both sides and presented the analysis in a webinar attended by the business leaders who make up its membership…”
Colorado Politics: September 9, 2020, by Joey Bunch
Read >>

POINT | A Colorado tax cut? Now, more than ever
“Outside analysis by the non-partisan Common Sense Institute estimates that the tax cut would grow the state economy by about $200 million if adopted. Instead of causing a budget crisis, a vote for Proposition 116 will create new jobs and economic opportunity while helping to offset some of the new taxes the legislature does not let you vote on…”
Colorado Politics: September 9, 2020, by Ben Murrey
Read >>

Common Sense Institute to discuss paid leave online Wednesday morning
The Common Sense Institute will talk about paid family and medical leave — and what Proposition 118 could mean to Coloradans — online Wednesday morning..”
Colorado Politics: September 8, 2020, by Joey Bunch
Read >>

Colorado income tax reduction measure would boost private sector, ‘magnify’ public sector’s budget woes, report says
“The report, published by the Common Sense Institute, a free enterprise think tank, developed two scenarios using “dynamic economic and state fiscal impact” modeling to estimate how many jobs would be lost or gained in the private and public sectors…”
The Center Square: September 3, 2020, by Derek Draplin
Read >>

Common Sense Institute finds net economic gain from income tax reduction
“The business-minded Common Sense Institute added up the costs and savings of Proposition 116 to reduce the state’s income tax levy from 4.63% to 4.55%…”
Colorado Politics: September 3, 2020, by Joey Bunch
Read >>

Denver’s sales-tax revenue falling more steeply than other Front Range cities, study says
“According to a paper released Wednesday by the Common Sense Institute, sales- and use-tax revenues in Colorado’s largest city fell 12.9% year over year between January and June, a cumulative total of $46.2 million…”
Denver Business Journal: August 27, 2020, by Ed Sealover
Read >>

Opinion | Ballot issue gives voters a veto on runaway fees
“The Common Sense Institute recently put out a study that found that since 2000, enterprise fees have risen four times faster than the General Fund…”
Colorado Politics: August 26, 2020, by Michael Fields
Read >>

Common Sense Institute finds moms paying the price for volatile Colorado job market
“Moms continue to bear the brunt of Colorado’s volatile job market, according to new research from the Common Sense Institute, which calls the recession a “shesession” as a result…”
Colorado Politics: August 26, 2020, by Joey Bunch
Read >>

Mixed signals coming from Colorado unemployment numbers
“A study from the Common Sense Institute showed that a disproportionate number of female workers have left the workforce as schools have gone to distance learning and kids are at home during the day…”
Denver Business Journal: August 21, 2020, by Ed Sealover
Read >>

Op-Ed: Could the Great American Outdoors Act pave the way for a bigger deal on infrastructure?
“The recently passed Great American Outdoors Act has won high praise from across the political spectrum…”
The Center Square: August 20, 2020, by Simon Lomax
Read >>

A new rival to costly college – apprenticeship
“This month, high school graduates across Colorado will head off to college in what many view as a rite of passage. As we all know, however, due to the impact of COVID-19, this year is different…”
Colorado Politics: August 19, 2020, by Dave Davia
Read >>

Insights | Denver’s homeless solution faces the reality of recovery
“Denver’s need is not in question. Everything else is.City leaders are prepared to let November voters decide on a $40 million-a-year-sales tax to combat homelessness…”
Colorado Politics: August 12, 2020, by Joey Bunch
Read >>

Cifra de desempleo en mujeres enciende las alarmas
“Desde principios del siglo 19 empezó a ser normal que las mujeres hicieran parte de la fuerza laboral.”
Noticias Ya: August 12, 2020, by noticiasya.com
Watch >>

Study: Coronavirus recession hitting Colorado’s female workers harder than males
“A new report argues that the economic effects of the coronavirus pandemic in Colorado are affecting women far more than men.”
9news: August 5, 2020, by 9news.com
Watch >>

Study: Coronavirus recession hitting Colorado’s female workers harder than males
“In an analysis of unemployment data, the Common Sense Institute found twice the number of women as men — roughly 179,000 female professionals — have dropped out of the state’s labor force since February…”
9news: August 4, 2020, by Denver Business Journal
Read >>

HUDSON | Transportation, health care issues loom
“The week before last the pair of Federal Reserve Board Chairs who served during the recovery from the Great Recession of 2009, Republican Ben Bernanke and…”
Colorado Politics: August 3, 2020, by Miller Hudson
Read >>

Educating Through a Pandemic: From a Kansas Showdown Over Campus Closures to California’s New Tool to Measure Learning and New York’s Surge in Homeschooling Families, 11 Ways Schools & States Are Adapting to COVID-19
“As the coronavirus pandemic continues into the final months of summer, pressure is building on school districts nationwide to formulate their reopening plans.”
The 74: August 2, 2020, by Erika Ross
Read >>

The George Show
CSI Fellow Henry Sobanet joins The George Brauchler Show to discuss A Path Forward: A Common Sense Strategy for the Continued Viability of Colorado’s Transportation Network
710 KNUS: August 1, 2020, by George Brauchler
Listen >>

Paid family leave backers turn in signatures to put initiative on Colorado’s November ballot
“Two measures also appear headed to the ballot after supporters turned in petitions this week.”
The Denver Business Journal: July 31, 2020, by Ed Sealover
Read >>

At last, a plan to address Colorado’s crumbling roads
“Despite what the Chinese calendar says, 2020 is the year of the bat, not the rat. And while the year of the bat will be defined by COVID-19, battleground election states, and battles in our nation’s streets, there are other pressing issues that require our attention too.”
Upnewsinfo: July 30, 2020, by Matilda Coleman
Read >>

Both Cory Gardner and John Hickenlooper claim credit for Colorado’s economy. But how much do they deserve?
“The state’s economy has boomed over the past decade. The reasons behind that growth are complicated.”
The Colorado Sun: July 30, 2020, by Even Ochsner
Read >>

Friednash: At last, a plan to address Colorado’s crumbling road
“Despite what the Chinese calendar says, 2020 is the year of the bat, not the rat.  And while the year of the bat will be defined by COVID-19, battleground election states, and battles in our nation’s streets, there are other pressing issues that require our attention too.”
The Denver Post: July 30, 2020, by Doug Friednash
Read >>

Guest Commentary: COVID-19 could reverse a generation of progress for Colorado women
“As the effects of COVID-19 on the workforce began to emerge in the early stages, we knew based on the struggling voices of our membership at the Colorado Women’s Chamber of Commerce, that women were going to be disproportionately affected by the virus.”
The Denver Post: July 27, 2020, by Kristin Strohm and Kristen Blessman
Read >>

The George Show
CSI Fellow Henry Sobanet joins The George Brauchler Show to discuss the latest CSI transportation study
710 KNUS: July 25, 2020, by George Brauchler
Listen >>

Report: Colorado’s transportation infrastructure not keeping up
The state of Colorado transportation Covered by reporter Eric Lupher, the story aired throughout the morning news.
KMGH 7: July 23, 2020, by Eric Lupher
Watch >>

Colorado highway experts untie knots in transportation’s future
“Colorado’s transportation system has been idling at the crossroads of growth and politics for a long time.”
Colorado Politics: July 23, 2020, by Joey Bunch
Read >>

The $600 federal unemployment benefit is ending. Here’s what that means for out-of-work Coloradans.
“The state added 100,000 workers to the labor force in June, a recovery of about 37% of jobs lost between February and April. But coronavirus infections are on the rise, and new safety restrictions are being enacted.”
The Colorado Sun: July 22, 2020, by Tamara Chuang
Read >>

INSIGHTS | Charter schools are a mixed bag for Colorado learning and politics
“The case for charter schools in Colorado is one of the heart more than the mind, more your tastes and wants than needs and numbers.”
Colorado Politics: July 20, 2020, by Joey Bunch
Read >>

POINT/COUNTERPOINT: Should schools reopen for full-time in-person instruction this fall?
“We can reopen schools in a way that keeps students, teachers, and the broader…”
The Gazette: July 19, 2020, by Monica Colbert and Anton Schulzki
Read >>

The George Show
CSI President Kristin Strohm joins host George Brauchler to discuss the latest unemployment numbers and the economic impact on women in the workforce
710 KNUS: July 18, 2020, by George Brauchler
Listen >>

Digging Into the Data on Colorado Charter Schools
“Researchers across the country have found that charter schools can be particularly effective at raising student achievement and improving outcomes for students of color, and Colorado’s graduation rates data reflects this as well.”
The Villager: July 16, 2020, page 9, by Dr. Brenda Bautsch Dickhoner
Read >>

The George Show
Dr. Brenda Bautsch Dickhoner joins The George Brauchler Show to discuss the latest CSI study, Digging into the Data on Charter Schools.
710 KNUS: July 11, 2020, by George Brauchler
Listen >>

CO charter schools produce excellent results for minority kids
CSI Fellow Dr. Brenda Bautsch Dickhoner joins the Ross Kaminsky show to discuss Digging Into the Data on Colorado Charter Schools, an in-depth look at graduation rates for students of color.
630 KHOW Talk Radio: July 10, 2020, by Ross Kaminsky
Listen >>

Common Sense Institute report to examine role of charter schools
“The Common Sense Institute will hold a webinar Thursday on its latest financial analysis of public policy. ‘Digging into the Data on Colorado Charter Schools’ is authored by the Colorado think tank’s education fellow, Dr. Brenda Bautsch Dickhoner.”
Colorado Politics: July 8, 2020, by Joey Bunch
Read >>

Colorado’s Working Women Being Affected Disproportionately By Coronavirus
“A new study out of Greenwood Village is painting a grim picture. It shows the COVID-19 pandemic has disproportionately affected Colorado’s working women.”
CBS Denver 4: July 8, 2020, by Mekialaya White
Read >>

Report: Colorado women hit twice as hard by unemployment during pandemic
“More than twice as many women than men dropped out of the labor force in Colorado while the COVID-19 pandemic forced business closures and layoffs earlier this year, according to a new analysis.”
Colorado Politics: July 7, 2020, by Michael Karlik
Read >>

POINT/COUNTERPOINT: Initiative 295: Yes or no?
“The cost of living in Colorado is on the rise.”
The Gazette: July 5, 2020, by Michael Fields and Marc Snyder
Read >>

Independents Day: A holiday salute to those Colorado leaders who march to their own beat
“These days in politics, there are few surprised. Party doctrine guides the votes of government.”
Colorado Politics: July 4, 2020, by Joey Bunch and Alayna Alvarez
Read >>

Common Sense Institute Examines Initiative 295
“This month, Common Sense Institute launched a series of studies to examine the 2020 ballot.”
The Villager: July 2, 2020, page 11
Read >>

As Colorado counties debate welcoming visitors, they also get the chance to opt out of tourism promotion
“In an unprecedented move, counties can opt out of Colorado’s tourism-promotion efforts if they are not ready to receive visitors again.”
The Denver Business Journal: June 20, 2020, by Ed Sealover
Read >>

Kafer: Voters need to end the Taxpayer Bill of Rights runaround
“Initiative 295 would stop the most egregious abuses of fees”
The Denver Post: June 26, 2020, by Krista Kafer
Read >>

LEGISLATURE WRAPUP | In a bizarre, broken session, Colorado lawmakers make history
“The 71st Colorado General Assembly completed its abbreviated session on Monday, marked by masks, protests, outside the building and angst over losing ground on programs and…”
Colorado Politics: June 19, 2020, by Marianne Goodland and Joey Bunch
Read >>

Common Sense Institute charts the rise in fees against taxes
“The Common Sense Institute applied its calculations to a potential November ballot question on requiring voter approval for raising major fees — those that would generate $100 million or more in the first five years — under the state Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights.”
Colorado Politics: June 18, 2020, by Joey Bunch
Read >>

Colorado’s coronavirus outbreaks and economic hardships locally disjointed, study says
“Coronavirus and economic hardships aren’t necessarily next-door neighbors in Colorado, according to an analysis this week by the Common Sense Institute think tank.”
The Gazette: June 17, 2020, by Joey Bunch
Read >>

OPINION | Keeping Colorado business friendly depends on strong policies
“As CEOs of chambers of commerce, our work boils down to one goal: putting Coloradans to work. Unfortunately, the Colorado Legislature has made that very difficult right now.”
Colorado Politics: June 15, 2020, by Dirk D. Draper and Kelly Brough
Read >>

Proposals that could mean $4 billion in new taxes, fees draw concern from business groups
“Several potential ballot measures and legislative proposals being considered in Colorado could result in a $4 billion total increase in taxes and fees, according to an analysis by the Common Sense Institute.”
Kiowa County Press: June 12, 2020, by Derek Draplin | The Center Square
Read >>

More taxes, regs & fees will stifle our recovery
“Since the start of the pandemic, Colorado’s unemployment rate has climbed to over 11%, and nearly 250,000 are filing for unemployment insurance.”
Colorado Politics: June 12, 2020, by Buz Koelbel
Read >>

Proposals that could mean $4 billion in new taxes, fees draw concern from business groups
“Several potential ballot measures and legislative proposals being considered in Colorado could result in a $4 billion total increase in taxes and fees, according to an analysis by the Common Sense Institute.”
The Center Square: June 11, 2020, by Derek Draplin
Read >>

Business community protests slew of bills before Legislature
“The state’s business leaders lashed out at Colorado lawmakers Wednesday over a slew of bills they are considering that they say could lead to job losses and business closures.”
Grand Junction Daily Sentinel, June 11, 2020, by Charles Ashby
Read >>

Legislature plans to bury us in taxes
“Never has one simple fact been so clear. Businesses fund everything. When shut down to slow the spread of COVID-19, the state government went …”
Colorado Springs Gazette: June 10, 2020, by The Gazette editorial board
Read >>

26 business groups implore Colorado lawmakers to hit brakes on bills that could bring ‘eye-popping costs’ to employers
“A Common Sense Institute study identifies $4.16 billion in potential new costs to businesses from just two bills, two ballot initiatives and a coming increase in unemployment-insurance fees.”
Denver Business Journal: June 10, 2020, by Ed Sealover
Read >>

Statewide chamber leaders air concerns about pending Colorado legislation
“Statewide chamber leaders air concerns about pending Colorado legislation”
Colorado Politics: June 10, 2020, by Joey Bunch
Read >>

Colorado business leaders express concern about lawmakers’ impact on COVID-19 financial recovery
“With only two scheduled days remaining in the 2020 legislative session, state lawmakers are scrambling to push proposed bills through the process — and that worries the statewide business community.”
KRDO TV: June 10, 2020, by Scott Harrison
Read >>

Economic forecast presents lots of challenges
“On May 21, the Common Sense Institute (CSI), held its regular Eggs and the Economy breakfast meeting remotely. CSI provided important facts and figures to help understand what lies ahead for business and government in the next two years.”
The Villager: May 28, 2020, page 2, by Freda Miklin
Read >>

Colorado Gets A Reprieve From The Public Option. All Americans Should Be So Lucky.
“Amid the COVID-19 crisis, Colorado lawmakers have shelved their plan to overhaul the state’s healthcare system and implement a public health insurance option.”
Forbes: May 26, 2020, by Sally Pipes
Read >>

State budget cuts will impact Aspen schools
“With the state eying $3.3 billion in cuts that will include education funding, leaders at the Aspen School District are backing off previously planned capital expenditures as well as the purchase of new buses, while employment attrition also is on the table.”
The Aspen Times, May 17, 2020, by Rick Carroll
Read >>

Colorado lawmakers face gargantuan task: Find $3.3B in budget cuts
“Where do you find $3.3 billion?”
The Gazette: May 17, 2020, by Marianne Goodland and Joey Bunch
Read >>

ROAD TO RECOVERY | Next steps: testing; convening the best minds
“When legislators converge on the Capitol for an extraordinary convening of the General Assembly later this month, it won’t just be lobbyists and reporters paying attention. History will be watching, too.”
Colorado Politics: May 11, 2020, by Kristin Strohm
Read >>

ROAD TO RECOVERY | An altered terrain for transportation
“Although we don’t yet know when we will emerge from its economic and health disruptions, we do know that COVID-19 has dramatically reshaped transportation in two major ways: behavior and resources.”
Colorado Politics: May 11, 2020, by Henry Sobanet and Ben Stein
Read >>

Report: Colorado public health coverage option could lead the service cuts, diminished access to care
“A newly released report by a Colorado policy think tank found that a public health coverage option for the state could restrict access to care and diminish the overall quality of care.”
The Center Square: May 8, 2020, by Michael McGrady
Read >>

GUEST COLUMN: The new norm in education: Uncertainty
The Gazette: May 6, 2020, by Brenda Bautsch Dickhoner and Luke Ragland
Read >>

Dr. Brenda Bautsch Dickhoner on The George Show
710 KNUS The George Show: May 2, 2020, with George Brauchler
Listen >>

Common Sense Policy Roundtable weighs pandemic’s blow to learning
“The Colorado-based Common Sense Policy Roundtable are looking at the global pandemic’s impact on education in a white paper called ‘Putting Students First: Strategies to Mitigate the COVID Slide’ Thursday morning.”
Colorado Politics: April 30, 2020, by Joey Bunch
Read >>

Colorado lawmakers are looking at how to close a $3 billion budget shortfall. Here’s the roadmap.
“The Joint Budget Committee will begin reviewing recommendations for spending cuts this week to rewrite the $30 billion state budget”
The Colorado Sun: April 27, 2020, by John Frank
Read >>

Colorado lawmakers are looking at how to close a $3 billion budget shortfall. Here’s the roadmap.
“The Joint Budget Committee will begin reviewing recommendations for spending cuts this week to rewrite the $30 billion state budget”
The Colorado Sun: April 27, 2020, by John Frank
Read >>

Common Sense Policy Roundtable takes a fresh look at Colorado’s economy
“The Common Sense Policy Roundtable put some numbers and analysis to the question on a lot of people’s minds these days: Is Colorado built for a recession?”
Colorado Politics: April 15, 2020, by Joey Bunch
Read >>

Op-Ed: Colorado led the nation out of the last recession. We can do it again
“Thanks to the heroism of hospital workers, grocery store staff, warehouse employees, delivery drivers and so many others, we are slowly but surely winning the war against COVID-19.”
The Center Square: April 13, 2020, by Simon Lomax
Read >>

What’s next? Lawmakers, industry leaders and officials give their best guess
“It’s not hyperbolic to say that the coronavirus pandemic has upended every aspect of Colorado life.”
Colorado Politics: April 12, 2020, by the Colorado Politics Staff
Read>>

Bennet, experts examine fiscal gains and losses under coronavirus
“U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet says Colorado is in the same plight as the nation when it comes to problems and solutions related to the global pandemic.”
Colorado Politics: April 3, 2020, by Joey Bunch
Read >>

Colorado sees more than 200% increase in unemployment claims
“Unemployment claims in Colorado increased by more than 200 percent in one week, according to federal data released Thursday.”
The Center Square: April 2, 2020, by Derek Draplin
Read >>

Chris Brown on the economic impact of #coronavirus on Colorado
630 KHOW, March 26, 2020, The Ross Kaminsky Show
Listen >>

Colorado unemployment claims increase by over 17,000 in one week
“The number of unemployment claims filed in Colorado last week increased by over 17,000 claims from the prior week, according to seasonally unadjusted numbers from the U.S. Department of Labor. “
The Center Square: March 26, 2020, by Derek Draplin
Read >>

Coronavirus could cost Colorado 180,000 jobs, report says
“The economic fallout from the coronavirus outbreak could lead to 180,000 jobs lost in Colorado, according to a scenario in a recent report.”
The Center Square: March 25, 2020, by Derek Draplin
Read >>

The effects of coronavirus on Colorado businesses may be underestimated, study says
“A 50% drop in sales in just four sectors could reduce personal income by more than $9 billion in Colorado.”
The Denver Business Journal: March 25, 2020, by Ed Sealover
Read >>

COVER STORY | The women behind the women who lead
“March is Women’s history Month, but the women who inspire Colorado aren’t just in the history books. They walk among us every day.”
Colorado Politics: March 25, 2020, by Colorado Politics Staff
Read >>

Boulder-area officials gaining clarity on upcoming public health, economic impacts of coronavirus
“Boulder and regional officials are beginning to see a clearer picture of the impacts on health care systems and local economies likely to be hammered by the novel coronavirus pandemic in the coming weeks and months.”
Boulder Daily Camera: March 24, 2020, by Sam Lounsberry
Read >>

Boulder-area officials gaining clarity on upcoming public health, economic impacts of coronavirus
“Boulder and regional officials are beginning to see a clearer picture of the impacts on health care systems and local economies likely to be hammered by the novel coronavirus pandemic in the coming weeks and months.”
Colorado Daily: March 24, 2020, by Sam Lounsberry
Read >>

Coronavirus in Colorado | Full Coverage
“Novel coronavirus, also known as COVID-19, arrived in Colorado earlier this month, with the first positive case being reported in Summit County on Thursday, March 5.”
The Gazette: March 24, 2020
Read >>

Coronavirus in Colorado | Live updates – 192 new cases reported; second EPCSO deputy tests positive
“This article is updated multiple times a day with coronavirus news from Colorado Springs, the Pikes Peak region and elsewhere in Colorado — and along with other COVID-19-related stories is free as a public service to non-subscribers of The Gazette.”
The Gazette: March 24, 2020
Read >>

‘A time of incredible uncertainty’: Roundtable estimates a 183K job loss from coronavirus
“Colorado could lose half its jobs in retail, recreation and entertainment, according to a new analysis of the coronavirus fallout from the Common Sense Policy Roundtable.”
Colorado Politics: March 24, 2020, by Joey Bunch
Read >>

Catastrophic job losses in Colorado forecast in retail, recreation and entertainment
“Colorado could lose half its jobs in retail, recreation and entertainment, according to a new analysis of the coronavirus fallout from the Common Sense Policy Roundtable.”
Out There Colorado: March 24, 2020, by Joey Bunch
Read >>

Research & Commentary: The closer a Colorado resident lives to a drill site, the more likely they are to support hydraulic fracturing
“Those Living Closest To Drill Sites Have Best Understanding Of What Those Sites Entail”
The Heartland Institute: March 6, 2020, by Tim Benson
Read >>

Op-Ed: In Colorado, public-option sales pitch hides higher costs
“If you follow national politics, you’ve heard a lot about the so-called public option in the Democratic presidential primary. It’s a government-controlled health plan designed to undercut private insurance.”
The Center Square: February 6, 2020, by Simon Lomax
Read >>

Legislature aims for changes to help reduce health care costs
“MaryAnne Brown couldn’t be more pleased with the new cost of her health care plan.”
The Daily Sentinel: February 2, 2020, by Charles Ashby
Read >>

Common Sense Policy Roundtable examines public option
“The Common Sense Policy Roundtable put its eyes on Colorado proposed public option health insurance to see who could save and who could spend more through untintended…”
Colorado Politics: January 29, 2020, by Joey Bunch
Read >>

Politics Unplugged-Common Sense Policy Roundtable
“Henry Sobanet and Kristin Strohm from the Common Sense Policy Roundtable join Anne Trujillo for a discussion on CSPR’s focus for the year—transportation infrastructure.”
Yahoo! News: January 27, 2020, KMGH – Denver Scripps
Watch >>

Megan Garn, Community Engagement Manager at Common Sense Policy Roundtable
“In her new position, Garn will focus on promoting CSPR research and managing events for the organization.”
The Denver Business Journal: January 22, 2020
Read >>

Rep. Roberts braces for public-option insurance battle
“AVON — With a pitched battle brewing in the state legislature over his signature “public option” health insurance bill…”
Steamboat Pilot & Today: January 21, 2020, by David O. Williams
Read >>

Avon’s Dylan Roberts braces for public-option insurance battle
“With a pitched battle brewing in the state legislature over his signature ‘public option’ health insurance bill (HB19-1004) from last session, state Rep. Dylan Roberts, D-Avon, is urging calm before the coming storm.”
Vail Daily: January 20, 2020, by David O. Williams
Read >>

4 Denver-area mayors talk solutions to the metro’s growing pains
The annual Denver Business Journal event was held on Jan. 15 and featured the mayors of Denver, Aurora, Lakewood and Thornton.
The Denver Business Journal: January 15, 2020, by Ed Sealover
Read >>

The State of the Cities: Mayors Forum
“Join us for a candid conversation with metro-area mayors in an unscripted panel discussion addressing the challenges and opportunities of the region’s explosive growth, including affordability, land use regulation and quality of life.”
The Denver Business Journal: January 15, 2020 at 7:00am
Read >>

Colorado Legislature convenes under shadow of growth-halting initiative
“While leaders at the Capitol won’t try to address Initiative 122 directly, they will be mindful of passing bills that address issues created by growth.”
The Denver Business Journal: January 8, 2020, by Ed Sealover
Read >>

Henry Sobanet, Ben Stein named Common Sense fellows
“Two veteran Colorado government money managers are joining the Common Sense Policy Roundtable as Terry J. Stevinson Fellows, who are tasked with examining the critical issues facing Colorado and coming up with achievable solutions.”
Colorado Politics: January 7, 2020, by Joey Bunch
Read >>

5 key issues for businesses in the 2020 Colorado legislative session
“From paid family leave to planned legal reforms around sexual harassment, business leaders expect to be on the defensive this year.”
The Denver Business Journal: January 6, 2020, by Ed Seealover
Read >>

EDITORIAL: Legislators seek to impose a state health care plan
“Expect to hear a lot about the “public option” for health insurance, after the Colorado Legislature convenes Wednesday.”
The Gazette: January 3, 2020, by The Gazette editorial board
Read >>

TRANSPORTATION ‘TIPPING POINT’
“After three ballot failures in two years, the conversation is evolving to include new funding options. But are they enough to produced a solution for an outdated, overcrowded transportation infrastructure?”
The Denver Business Journal, January 2, 2020, by Ed Sealover
Read >>

Politicos gaze into their best crystal ball to predict 2020
“What’s on tap for 2020? We asked dozens of Colorado politicos to give us their best — or, at least, most entertaining — notions of what’s to come.”
Colorado Politics: January 1, 2020, by Colorado Politics staff
Read >>

2019
PERSPECTIVE: Lawmakers poised to give oil and gas a rest in 2020
“The 2019 legislative session was about passing laws that could indirectly throttle oil and gas production in Colorado.”
The Gazette: December 29, 2019, by Joey Bunch and Marianne Goodland
Read >>

2020 Session – Colorado Legislative Policy Briefs: Healthcare
“Brief #1: Opposing the Colorado Public Option Bill; Brief #2: Proposals to Boost Patient Access to Care”
Millennial Policy Center: December 27, 2019
Read >>

LEGISLATIVE PREVIEW | Lawmakers poised to give oil and gas a rest in 2020
“The 2019 legislative session was about passing laws that could indirectly throttle oil and gas production in Colorado.”
Colorado Politics: December 24, 2019, by Joey Bunch and Marianne Goodland
Read >>

Coloradans promised lower health care costs, but it’s not as simple as it sounds
“Gov. Jared Polis is pulling every lever to save people money on health care, one of his signature promises to win office last year.”
The Gazette: December 21, 2019, by Joey Bunch
Read >>

Think tank: Polis executive order sets less aggressive emissions goals for state government than private sector
“This is exactly what’s wrong with government.”
NoCo Today
Read >>

Think tank: Polis executive order sets less aggressive emissions goals for state government than private sector
“Colorado Gov. Jared Polis signed an executive order that he says will reduce state government’s carbon footprint while saving taxpayer dollars.”
The Center Square: December 19, 2019, by Derek Draplin
Read >>

Colorado state government ‘spending more money per person,’ think tank says of 20-year review
“Colorado’s budget has grown significantly over the last 20 years, according to a budget analysis from a Colorado think tank.”
The Center Square: December 18, 2019, by Derek Draplin
Read >>

COVER STORY | Cutting Colorado healthcare costs promises a legislative fight
“Gov. Jared Polis is pulling every lever to save people money on health care, one of his signature promises to win office last year.”
Colorado Politics: December 18, 2019, by Joey Bunch
Read >>

Common Sense Policy Roundtable drops 20-year CO state budget analysis
“The Common Sense Policy Roundtable has a smart, concise look at how the Colorado state budget has evolved over the last two-decades.”
My Mountain Town: December 11, 2019, by Joey Bunch
Read >>

Common Sense Policy Roundtable drops 20-year budget analysis
“The Common Sense Policy Roundtable has a smart, concise look at how the Colorado state budget has evolved over the last two-decades.”
Colorado Politics: December 11, 2019, by Joey Bunch
Read >>

Guest Commentary: A public option health insurance program could cost Coloradans too much
“Last month the Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Financing submitted to lawmakers a final proposal for a public option insurance program run by the state.”
The Denver Post: December 9, 2019, by Rob Hernandez and Scott McInnis
Read >>

SPONSORED CONTENT: Plan puts Colorado Health care at risk
“Introduced by Gov. Jared Polis’ administration in October, the public option is a new type of insurance plan that will significantly expand the role of state government within Colorado’s health care industry.”
Colorado Politics: November 21, 2019, by Tim Brown
Read >>

Northern Colorado business community discusses health care, environment and more at Regional Issues Summit
“Members of the region’s business community discussed health care, energy, transportation and other issues crucial to Colorado at the Regional Issues Summit, hosted by the Northern Colorado Legislative Alliance at the Embassy Suites in Loveland on Tuesday.”
Loveland Reporter-Herald: November 21, 2019, by Carina Julig
Read >>

Health care public option debated at NoCo forum
“Colorado legislators will see a public option for health care when the session ramps up in January, but it would be a mistake to call the plan a single-payer, Medicare-for-all plan.”
BizWest: November 19, 2019, by Ken Amundson
Read >>

The Colorado Springs Gazette: Teachers and schools need more oil and gas
“Coloradans want better K-12 schools and higher teacher pay. The greatest promise of more school funding comes directly from the production of traditional energy.”
Colorado Politics: November 15, 2019
Read >>

EDITORIAL: Teachers and schools need more oil and gas
“Coloradans want better K-12 schools and higher teacher pay. The greatest promise of more school funding comes directly from the production of traditional energy.”
The Gazette: November 15, 2019, by The Gazette Editorial Board
Read >>

Oil and gas development would mean more property tax revenue for Front Range local governments, study says
“Oil and gas developments in several Front Range municipalities could mean up to $1.85 billion in new property tax revenue over the next decade, according to a study released this week.”
The Center Square: November 13, 2019, by Derek Draplin
Read >>

Common Sense Policy Roundtable figures up tax loss of curbing oil and gas
“The Common Sense Policy Roundtable put a price tag on limiting oil and gas development in five Front Range municipalities Tuesday: up to $1.85 billion in new local property taxes over the next 10 years.”
Colorado Politics: November 12, 2019, by Joey Bunch
Read >>

Common Sense Policy Roundtable figures up tax loss of curbing oil and gas
“The Common Sense Policy Roundtable put a price tag on limiting oil and gas development in five Front Range municipalities Tuesday: up to $1.85 billion in new local property taxes over the next 10 years.”
Colorado Politics: November 12, 2019, by Joey Bunch
Read >>

Study: Oil And Gas Development To Boost Front Range Property Tax Revenue By Up To $2 Billion In Coming Decade
“Up to nearly $2 billion in property taxes from oil and natural gas development is projected over the next decade for a handful of five municipalities along Colorado’s Front Range, according to a new study from the Common Sense Policy Roundtable (CSPR).”
Western Wire: November 12, 2019, by Michael Sandoval
Read >>

OPINION | Polis admin’s public option: how NOT to expand health coverage
“The distinction seems obvious, but is so infrequently made that it is necessary every now and again to state it — that is, between ‘heath care’ and ‘health insurance.'”
Colorado Politics: October 24, 2019, by Kelly Sloan
Read >>

Colorado’s think tanks put ideas into action
“George Sparks still carries himself like a titan of industry—a straight spine, a firm handshake and a purposeful gait as he greets a journalist and makes his way through…”
Colorado Politics: October 23, 2019, by Joey Bunch
Read >>

See who’s made the biggest contributions to support and oppose Proposition CC 
“The bill putting Proposition CC onto the ballot passed the Legislature earlier this year on an almost completely party-line vote, and funding for the “No on CC” campaign shows a similar split along party lines.”
Denver Business Journal: October 15, 2019, by Ed Sealover
Read >>

Proposition CC: The TABOR debate hits the ballot
“Over the next few weeks, Coloradans will decide if they’re willing to put more of their tax money into education and transportation.”
Colorado Politics: October 15, 2019, by Joey Bunch and Marianne Goodland
Read >>

Prop CC study says restrained government spending ‘more useful’ in recession than increased funding
“A new study detailing the Colorado Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights and an upcoming ballot measure claims that restrained government spending from the constitutional amendment would be “more useful” in a recession than increased funding for government programs.”
The Center Square: October 14, 2019, by Derek Draplin
Read >>

Chris Brown on a “public option” insurance plan in Colorado
“Here’s the important research report about the likely harmful impact of Democrats’ “public option” plan, and how it will likely do great damage to private health insurance in Colorado”
630 KHOW, The Ross Kaminsky Show: October 14, 2019
Listen >>

Governor weighs in, for the better, on paid-leave proposals
“Having absorbed so many bullets last legislative session, it’s difficult for business owners in the state to recall the ones which were dodged.”
Colorado Politics: October 10, 2019, by Kelly Sloan
Read >>

Colorado officials hold 1st hearing on public health-insurance plan
“State officials began efforts Tuesday to show off Colorado’s first public option health insurance plan, starting with an 8:30 a.m. presentation in Denver at the History Colorado Center.”
Colorado Politics: October 8, 2019, by Marianne Goodland
Read >>

Colorado officials hold first hearing on public health-insurance option
“State officials began efforts Tuesday to show off Colorado’s first public option health insurance plan, starting with an 8:30 a.m. presentation in Denver at the state history museum.”
The Gazette: October 8, 2019, by Marianne Goodland
Read >>

Colorado health organizations split between praise and criticism for new public-option plan
“Some see the plan as promising, while others worry it will ‘significantly damage’ the health insurance market in the state.”
Denver Business Journal: October 8, 2019, by Jensen Werley
Read >>

Colorado officials reveal public option proposal during meeting with hospitals, providers
“Colorado health officials revealed the state’s proposal to develop a public health insurance option in Colorado.”
Fox 31/Channel 2: October 8, 2019, by Joe St. George
Read >>

Simon Lomax named energy fellow for Common Sense Policy Roundtable
“A former journalist who has been doing research for business interests, particularly on oil-and-gas issues, is joining the Common Sense Policy Roundtable think tank.”
Colorado Politics: September 27, 2019, by Joey Bunch
Read >>

Denver City Council to weigh in on Proposition CC targeting TABOR revenue
“The Denver City Council could make an official push next Monday for the passage of a statewide ballot measure that would result in more funding for transportation and education in Colorado.”
Colorado Politics: September 25, 2019, by Rachel Riley
Read >>

New report finds that public health care option may hurt Colorado economy
“A new report from the REMI Partnership finds that a public-insurance option may cost thousands of Colorado health care workers their jobs and harm the state’s economy.”
State of Reform: September 20, 2019, by Emily Viles
Read >>

Dr. Brenda Bausch Dickhoner on education funding problems in Colorado
The Ross Kaminsky Show: September 20, 2019
Listen >>

Colorado public health care option could hurt economy, says business group’s report
“A public-insurance option could cost thousands of Colorado health care workers their jobs and harm the state’s economy, a study by a business-affiliated group says.”
Colorado Politics: September 12, 2019, by Caitlin Curley
Read >>

Colorado public-option insurance plan could cost health-care jobs, study argues
“State officials say, however, that the study is based on the assumption that a plan they are drafting will limit compensation to health-care providers — a decision that hasn’t been made yet.”
Denver Business Journal: September 10, 2019, by Ed Sealover
Read >>

Study Assesses State Health Care Option Impact on Business
“A study was released today by a Colorado group called the REMI Partnership (Regional Economic Models, Inc.) that projects some of the possible impacts on business of the so-called public option for health care.”
Fort Collins Chamber of Commerce: September 10, 2019
Read >>

Common Sense Policy Roundtable releases education funding study
“While K-12 education funding is at an all-time high in Colorado, structural flaws in the system create inequities for local taxpayers and the amount of funding distributed to school districts.”
Colorado Children’s Campaign: September 6, 2019, by Leslie Colwell
Read >>

How do school funding and student readiness match up in Colorado?
“K-12 funding in Colorado is at an all-time high, but still more than one-third of students entering higher education are ill-prepared.”
The Gazette: August 31, 2019, by Joey Bunch
Read >>

How do school funding and student readiness match up in Colorado?
“K-12 funding in Colorado is at an all-time high, but still more than one-third of students entering higher education are ill-prepared.”
Colorado Politics: August 28, 2019, by Joey Bunch
Read >>

COPO SPECIAL REPORT | Shaping Colorado’s energy future
“At a long table in Greenwood Village’s Il Fornaio restaurant, Charlie McNeil sketched out a diagram showing how the technology of drilling for oil and gas is making it safer, cheaper and more productive than ever.”
Colorado Politics: July 31, 2019, by Joey Bunch
Read >>

People on the Move: Dave Davia
“’We are pleased to announce Dave Davia as a new CSPR Board Member,’ said Kristin Strohm, CSPR President and CEO.”
Denver Business Journal: July 8, 2019
Read >>

Growth-control measure passes in Lakewood
“Now that local voters have passed a 1% cap on growth in Lakewood, Question 200’s chief proponent, Cathy Kentner, says it’s time to prove those with doomsday warnings were completely wrong.”
Colorado Politics: July 3, 2019, by Joey Bunch
Read >>

Lakewood Residents to Vote on Initiative 200
“This week, Lakewood residents will receive ballots for a July 2 election to vote on Initiative 200, a measure that would impose a 1 percent growth-cap on its city of roughly 155,000 people and also require city approval for larger projects.”
Mile High CRE: June 12, 2019
Read >>

Opponents blast proposed Lakewood growth cap, say it would scare away investment and increase home prices
“Proponents of the initiative say the cap will keep the cost of living in check, but business leaders say the opposite will occur.”
Denver Business Journal: June 12, 2019, by Andrew Dodson
Read >>

Lakewood growth initiative will be costly to taxpayers, says business group’s study
“A new study supported by a metro Denver business partnership says Lakewood’s July 2 ballot question to limit growth to 1% a year will lead to higher property taxes to pay for city services.”
Colorado Politics: June 11, 2019, by Joey Bunch
Read >>

INSIGHTS | Colorado GOP is losing the war for women
“The ‘war on women’ began as more pomp than circumstance in the political theater, but if there’s a war for women, the Republican Party is losing.”
Colorado Politics: June 10, 2019, by Joey Bunch
Read >>

Latest emissions mandates would repeal the Industrial Revolution
“Democratic lawmakers promised their base that they would Do Something regarding climate change.”
Colorado Politics: June 6, 2019, by Kelly Sloan
Read >>

Experts speak to ‘Common Sense’ about Colorado legislature, economy
“The Common Sense Policy Roundtable took a pragmatic review of the past legislative session during a breakfast in Greenwood Village on Tuesday.”
Colorado Politics: May 21, 2019, by Joey Bunch
Read >>

Despite the defeat of Initiative 300, homelessness in Denver remains a top business concern
“The initiative, defeated this week, would have reversed the camping ban in Denver. But homelessness remains a problem for local businesses.”
Denver Business Journal: May 9, 2019, by Monica Vendituoli
Read >>

Denver’s controversial Initiative 300 fails in early election results
“The ‘Right to Survive’ initiative would have reversed the city’s camping ban.”
Denver Business Journal: May 7, 2019, by Monica Vendituoli
Read >>

COVER STORY 2 | Meet key influencers at the Colorado Capitol
“Who stands out among the Capitol’s influencers?”
Colorado Politics: April 30, 2019, by Joey Bunch
Read >>

Meet 13 key Colorado Capitol influencers
“Who stands out among the Capitol’s influencers?”
The Gazette: April 28, 2019, by Joey Bunch
Read >>

Colorado business leaders gear up for next family-leave battle as sponsors pledge ‘homework up front’
“Sponsors of the bill turned it from a mandatory new program to a series of studies Wednesday.”
Denver Business Journal: April 25, 2019, by Ed Sealover
Read >>

Colorado Democratic senators pump brakes on paid family leave program
“Senators had concerns about whether the proposed paid family leave program could pay for itself”
The Colorado Independent: April 24, 2019, by John Herrick
Read >>

Colorado Senate Democrats shelve family leave program for study
“Faced with business opposition, Democrats behind a paid family leave proposal for Colorado have pulled the program to opt for a study.”
Colorado Politics: April 24, 2019, by Joey Bunch
Read >>

Business leaders cheer as sponsors put brakes on Colorado paid-family-leave bill
“The bill was seen originally as a slam dunk for Democrats, but the level of pushback was surprising to some more moderate members of the Senate caucus.”
Denver Business Journal: April 24, 2019, by Ed Sealover
Read >>

Major changes could be coming to Colorado paid-family-leave bill in vote Wednesday
“Sponsors scramble to assure skeptics of the soundness of the program as business groups pressure potential swing votes.”
Denver Business Journal: April 24, 2019, by Ed Sealover
Read >>

Polis expresses concerns about funding of Colorado’s proposed paid-family-leave program 
“Senate Bill 188 is expected to be debated Tuesday on the Senate floor.”
Denver Business Journal: April 23, 2019, by Ed Sealover
Read >>

New memo increases debate over potential insolvency of Colorado’s paid-family-leave program
“A bill to create the program is slated for debate on the Senate floor Thursday.”
Denver Business Journal: April 18, 2019, by Ed Sealover
Read >>

CU Regent Heidi Ganahl Endorses Trump
“The red meat was indeed raw and juicy at the Colorado Republican Central Committee meeting last month.”
Colorado Times Recorder: April 10, 2019, by Erik Maulbetsch
Read >>

New report highlights financial risks of the FAMLI Leave bill
“A new report released today by the REMI Partnership analyzes the cost and risk of financial insolvency for Senate Bill 188, the paid family leave bill.”
The Colorado Chamber Blog: April 9, 2019
Read >>

New version of paid family leave proposal has employees paying more
“DENVER — A paid family leave bill is one the major pillars of Democratic agenda at the Colorado State Capitol this year. With fewer than 20 days to go in the session, lawmakers are re-writing the bill.”
Fox31: April 9, 2019, by Joe St. George
Read >>

Bill to create state run insurance program to help employees
Buz Koelbel talks to Reporter Shaun Boyd
KCNC News4: April 9, 2019, by Shaun Boyd
Read >>

Paid family leave plan advances in Colorado Senate after rocky rollout
“The bill looks different after a crucial committee vote. Changes include a bigger employee contribution.”
The Denver Post: April 9, 2019, by Nic Garcia
Read >>

Business leaders speak out on Denver’s controversial Initiative 300
The ordinance would allow homeless camps, sparking fiery debate within the community.
Denver Business Journal: April 9, 2019, by Monica Vendituoli
Read >>

Questions surround Tuesday’s crucial vote on Colorado paid-family-leave bill
“As backers and opponents question each other’s numbers, a new study asks if funding assumptions are too conservative.”
Denver Business Journal: April 9, 2019 by Ed Sealover
Read >>

Senate Bill 181: REMI Study from CSPR
“Chris Brown, Director of Policy and Research at Common Sense Policy Roundtable (CSPR) joins us to talk about the latest REMI Study CSPR released on Senate Bill 181.”
Colorado Business Roundtable: April 2, 2019, by Alex Hopkins
Listen >>

COVER STORY | Debate over Denver’s streets: As homelessness grips the city, voters ponder scrapping camping ban
“Denver voters are set to decide a groundbreaking referendum that would repeal the city’s ban on homeless camping and allow people to live on the street.”
Colorado Politics: April 2, 2019, by John C. Ensslin
Read >>

OPINION | Well-intended Initiative 300 will backfire on Denver’s homeless — and on the rest of us
“300 represents unprecedented and broad sweeping policy changes that will tangibly restrict our ability to deliver critical resources to homeless people and would have an immense impact on Denver and our state.”
Colorado Politics: March 29, 2019, by Sabrina Zunker and Jack Graham
Read >>

EDITORIAL: Denver Issue 300 leaves our homeless in the cold
“Denver’s deceptive “Right to Survive” Issue 300 threatens to harm the homeless, the state’s economy and some of Colorado’s finest urban spaces.”
The Gazette: March 26, 2019, by The Gazette editorial board
Read >>

EDITORIAL: Denver Issue 300 leaves our homeless in the cold
“Denver’s deceptive “Right to Survive” Issue 300 threatens to harm the homeless, the state’s economy and some of Colorado’s finest urban spaces.”
Colorado Politics: March 26, 2019, by The Gazette editorial board
Read >>

Krista talks to Walter “Buz” Koelbel Jr on Senate Bill 181 pending in CO GA
630 KHOW: March 25, 2019, Krista Kafer Show
Listen >>

What will oil and gas reform mean for Colorado?
“Two scenarios: One of harmony, another of economic devastation”
The Journal: March 20, 2019, by Ryan Maye Handy
Read >>

New Colorado Regulatory Push Could Again Imperil State Jobs, Economy
“Though Colorado has set the gold standard for state regulation of natural gas and oil, some don’t think that’s enough.”
Energy API: March 20, 2019, by Mark Green
Read >>

Chris Brown, of the CSPR, on the economic impacts of SB-181 in Colorado
The team sits down with Chris Brown, director of policy & research at Common Sense Policy Roundtable, to discuss what the passage of SB-181 could mean for energy producers in Colorado and consumers around the country.
Institute for Energy Research: March 20, 2019
Listen >>

What will oil and gas reform mean for Colorado?
Two scenarios: One of harmony, another of economic devastation
The Durango Herald: March 19, 2019, by Ryan Maye Handy
Read >>

Buz Koelbel with The Common Sense Policy Roundtable joins Ross Kaminsky
630 KHOW: March 18, 2019
Listen >>

How would new regulations impact the oil and gas industry in Colorado? Here’s what we know.
One of the most debated points of the Colorado legislation is its economic impact, but both sides acknowledge they don’t know all the answers
The Colorado Sun: March 18, 2019, by John Frank
Read >>

Research & Commentary: Oil and Gas Regulation Overhaul Bill would have Deleterious Effect on Colorado Economy
Proposal Would Be De Facto Moratorium On All New Drilling Activity
The Heartland Institute: March 12, 2019, by Tim Benson
Read >>

Will legislature ignore the will of the voters — and wreck our energy economy?
“Just four short months ago, voters said no to a ban that would have devastated the oil and gas industry in Colorado. Proposition 112 was defeated by a decisive margin of 12 points.”
Colorado Politics: March 11, 2019, by Robin Wise
Read >>

‘This is a job killer’: Colorado oil and gas reform threatens to slow state economy, industry says
Outcry spreads as sweeping drilling reforms clear another committee.
Denver Business Journal: March 8, 2019, by Greg Avery
Read >>

Elizabeth PeetzThe Ross Kaminsky Show, 630 KHOW
Elizabeth Peetz, Vice President of Government Affairs, Colorado Association of REALTORS® and a REMI Partner joined host Ross Kaminsky on his show to discuss the latest REMI study, Denver Initiative 300: Impacts on the Homeless and Society by Granting Unimpeded Access to Public Space.
iHeart Radio: March 4, 2019, 65:00-76:30
Listen >>

 

Legislative assault on oil and gas would betray voters, devastate economy
“Last November, Coloradans voted decisively to reject Proposition 112, the ballot initiative that would have effectively ended new oil and gas development in the state.”
Colorado Politics: March 1, 2019, by Sarah MacQuiddy and Rich Werner
Read >>

Does Denver’s urban camping ban need to go? Voters decide this May
“Initiative 300 would reverse ban put in place in 2012”
The Denver Channel: February 19, 2019
Read >>

Carroll: We can help homeless without sacrificing public spaces
“The most important vote that Denver residents cast this year may not be for mayor. A better candidate is a ballot measure most voters probably haven’t even heard of yet: Initiative 300, which would overturn the city’s ordinance that outlaws camping in parks or on sidewalks, or setting up residence in a car.”
Denver Post: December 15, 2019, by Vincent Carroll
Read >>

2018
Editorial: Frustration following Proposition 112 defeat will continue to gush
Daily Camera: November 10, 2018, by Quintin Young
Read >>

A Green Ballot Trouncing
Wall Street Journal: November 8, 2018, by The Editorial Board
Read >>

Proposition 112 Oil & Gas Setbacks: 7 Big Questions Answered
Patch: November 6, 2018, by Colorado Independent, News Partner
Read >>

Most major Colorado newspapers fail to mention climate change in editorials about fracking-related ballot initiative
Media Matters for America: November 5, 2018, by Ted MacDonald
Read >>

Depending on election outcome, Gov. Hickenlooper may call special session to save Colorado’s energy industry
Colorado Watchdog: November 5, 2018, by Bethany Blankley
Read >>

Guest Post: The oil and gas tech industry votes no on Proposition 112
The Colorado Independent: November 1, 2018, by Dirk McDermott, Altira Group
Read >>

Research & Commentary: Proposition 112 Would Shrink Colorado’s Economy
The Heartland Institute: November 1, 2018, by Tim Benson
Read >>

Proposition 112 has empty promises, big implications for Colorado
Montrose Daily Press: October 26, 2018
Read >>

Proposition 112: Is it realistic?
DU Clarion: October 22, 2018, by Megan Cooney
Read >>

Prop 112 and Colorado’s economy
Journal-Advocate: October 21, 2018, by John Aguilar
Read >>

Colorado’s Anti-Fracking Measure: What’s At Stake for Future Oil & Gas Production?
Oil and Gas Investor: October 17, 2018, by Ryan Long and Chad Bourne
Read >>

Ask the Indy: Analyzing seven big questions about Colorado’s ballot fight over oil-and-gas setbacks
The Colorado Independent: October 17, 2018, by Lars Gesing
Read >>

Proposition 112 seeks greater oil and gas buffer zone on Colorado landscape
Vail Daily: October 17, 2018, by Alex Zorn
Read >>

Oil’s Rocky Mountain High Threatened by $39 Million Vote
Bloomberg: October 17, 2018, by Catherine Traywick
Read >>

Denver Post Editorial: No On Proposition 112
Breaking Energy: October 17, 2018, by Energy Tomorrow Blog
Read >>

How would Proposition 112 impact Colorado’s economy? Two sides with two different stories about well setbacks.
The Denver Post: October 17, 2018, by John Aguilar
Read >>

Colorado interest groups offer up ballot guides
9News: October 17, 2018, by Joey Bunch
Read >>

Common Sense Policy Roundtable: Coloradans Would Lose $1 Billion in Tax Revenue if Initiative 97 Passes
Coloradans for Responsible Energy Development
Read >>

Colorado Proposition 112, Minimum Distance Requirements for New Oil, Gas, and Fracking Projects Initiative (2018)
Ballotpedia
Read >>

Proposition 112: Dissecting the science behind the oil and gas setbacks initiative
The Denver Post: October 16, 2018, by John Aguilar
Read >>

The Problem Solvers guide to 2018 Colorado election
Fox 31 News: October 15, 2018, by Joe St. George
Read >>

Your Questions About Proposition 112 And Oil & Gas, Answered
Colorado Public Radio: October 15, 2018, by Grace Hood
Read >>

Colorado election: What to know about Proposition 112, proposed oil and gas setbacks
The Coloradoan: October 12, 2018, by Jacy Marmaduke
Read >>

No on Amendment 73: It’s a $1.6 billion tax increase disguised as a boon to schools
The Denver Post: October 12, 2018, by Dave Davia
Read >>

CON | Prop 112 would ban energy development, shatter Colorado’s economy
Colorado Politics: October 11, 2018, by Tracee Bentley
Read >>

Letter: Vote no on Proposition 112
Fort Morgan Times: October 11, 2018, by Vaneta Winberg
Read >>

Prop 112 seeks greater oil and gas buffer zone on Colorado landscape
The Aspen Times: October 11, 2018, by Alex Zorn
Read >>

Denver Post Editorial: No On Proposition 112
Energy API: October 11, 2018, by Mark Green
Read >>

Editorial: Vote no on Proposition 112 because it’s a ban on oil and gas
The Denver Post: October 10, 2018, by The Denver Post Editorial Board
Read >>

Proposition 112: Will it protect or harm Colorado?
The Denver Channel: October 10, 2018, by Jennifer Kovaleski
Read >>

Pueblo would suffer from Proposition 112
The Pueblo Chieftain: October 9, 2018, by Tracee Bentley
Read >>

Letter to the editor: Vote no on Proposition 112
Lone Tree Voice: October 9, 2018, by Robert Golden
Read >>

Letter to the editor: Vote no on Proposition 112
Castle Rock News-Press: October 9, 2018, by Robert Golden
Read >>

Letter to the editor: Vote no on Proposition 112
Englewood Herald: October 9, 2018, by Robert Golden
Read >>

Letter to the editor: Vote no on Proposition 112
Elbert County News: October 9, 2018, by Robert Golden
Read >>

Letter to the editor: Vote no on Proposition 112
Parker Chronicle: October 9, 2018, by Robert Golden
Read >>

Oil and Gas Setbacks, Just Compensation Measures Take Center Stage on the Colorado Ballot
American Bar Association: October 9, 2018, by John L. Watson
Read >>

Letter to the editor: 112 is too extreme
Centennial Citizen: October 9, 2018, by Brian Bolton
Read >>

Tracee Bentley: Proposition 112 would destroy Weld County’s way of life
The Tribune: October 9, 2018
Read >>

Letter to the editor: Vote no on Proposition 112
Centennial Citizen: October 9, 2018, by Robert Golden
Read >>

Prop 112 threatens our economic future
The Daily Sentinel: October 7, 2018, by Robin Brown and Diane Schwenke
Read >>

Critics of tax hike amendment say it would cost Colorado jobs, investment
Colorado Watchdog: October 5, 2018, by Noell Evans
Read >>

Three “Green” ballot initiatives to shut down fossil fuels this November
CFact: October 4, 2018, by Adam Houser
Read >>

Houston oil companies fight anti-fracking measure in Colorado
Houston Chronicle: October 4, 2018, by Ryan Maye Handy
Read >>

No on 112 rally draws more than 1,000; get out the vote effort underway
The Complete Colorado: October 4, 2018, by Sherrie Peif
Read >>

Vote No on 112: Don’t Set Colorado Back
Greeley Chamber of Commerce: October 3, 2018, by Tracee Bentley
Read >>

Voters Will Decide On Strict New Oil and Gas Setbacks
Rocky Mountain PBS: October 12, 2018, by Brittany Freeman
Read >>

If the Setback Measure Wins, Colorado Loses
South Side Business: October 1, 2018, by Laura Lollar
Read >>

Op-Ed: How Two Ballot Initiatives Could Affect Colorado Business
Colorado Biz Magazine: September 30, 2018, by John L. Watson
Read >>

Advocates say Proposition 112 will protect people. Critics claim it’ll destroy a vital trade
The Daily Sentinel: September 30, 2018, by Dennis Webb
Read >>

Colorado’s Initiative 97 Unwisely Blocks Oil And Natural Gas Development
Forbes: September 30, 2018, by Jude Clemente
Read >>

Editorial: The case for expanded oil and gas setbacks and Proposition 112
Daily Camera: September 29, 2018, by Quentin Young
Read >>

Is Colorado High?
Clear Energy Alliance: September 28, 2018
Watch >>

Opinion: Amendment 73 = crippling tax hikes + no accountability
Colorado Politics: September 27, 2018, by Buz Koelbel
Read >>

Truth Test: Even reverends need to cite their sources
9News: September 26, 1018, by Marshall Zelinger
Read >>

A Fractured State: Counties Divide Over Proposition 112
Boulder Patch: September 23, 2018, by Mara Abbott
Read >>

Colorado’s Fracking Fright – Proposition 112 would prohibit almost all new oil and gas production
Wall Street Journal: September 20, 2018, by The Editorial Board
Read >>

Truth Check: Impossible to predict true economic impact of oil and gas measure right now
Fox 31 News: September 17, 2018, by Joe St. George
Read >>

Ballot issue to roll back drilling would kill jobs across Colorado
Colorado Politics: September 17, 2018, by Robin Wise
Read >>

Colorado initiatives draw big bucks
The Journal: September 14, 2018, by John Herrick and Shannon Mullane
Read >>

Colorado Initiative To Ban Drilling Costing Producers Billions
Oil and Gas Investor: September 14, 2018, by Ellen Chang
Read >>

Colorado City: Prop 112 ‘Too Extreme,’ Civic And Business Coalition Opposes ‘Ban’ On Oil & Gas
Western Wire: September 12, 2018, by Michael Sandoval
Read >>

“It is going to be very messy”: Opposing oil and gas ballot measures respond to Colorado’s contentious drilling climate
The Colorado Sun: September 22, 2018, by Mark Jaffe
Read >>

Key Colorado ballot initiatives have corporations spending tens of millions for your vote
The Colorado Independent: September 11, 2018, by John Herrick & Shannon Mullane
Read >>

Critics of setback measure Proposition 112 speak out
The Daily Sentinel: September 8, 2018, by Sentinel Staff
Read >>

Impending chaos: Colorado initiatives 97 and 108 both make the November 2018 ballot
Lexology.com: September 7, 2018, by Vinson & Elkins LLP
Read >>

Colorado Initiative 97 Hands Local Governments the Power to Bar Drilling
Oil & Gas 360: September 4, 2018
Read >>

Colorado Anti-Energy Initiative Looms Large For State, Nation
Breaking Energy: August 31, 2018, by Energy Tomorrow Blog
Read >>

Colorado Voters Could Ban Drilling in Most of the State—Energy Journal
The Wall Street Journal: August 30, 2018, by Neanda Salvaterra
Read >>

Initiative 97 could have big impact on Colorado’s economy
Fox31 & Channel 2 Denver: August 30, 2018, by Matt Mauro
Read >>

Colorado To Vote In November On Proposal To Toughen Oil Drilling Rules
Oil and Gas Investor: August 29, 2018, Reuters
Read >>

Colorado Measure Would Make Most of State Off Limits to Drillers
The Wall Street Journal: August 29, 2018, by Rebecca Elliott
Read >>

Anti-oil & gas Initiative 97 asks us to vote against our own best interests
Colorado Politics: August 23, 2018, by Simon Lomax
Read >>

GUEST COLUMN: Initiative 97 would cut education funding
The Gazette: August 17, 2018, by Dana Svendsen
Read >>

Initiative 97 would gut oil and gas development, devastate Colorado’s economy
Colorado Politics: August 16, 2018, by Dan Haley
Read >>

Colorado oil and gas stocks hit hard by anti-fracking ballot initiative news
Denver Business Journal: August 10, 2018, by Greg Avery
Read >>

Fields: Initiative 97 would destroy Colorado’s oil and gas industry
The Complete Colorado: August 10, 2018, by Michael Fields
Read >>

Bentley: Colorado energy, Initiative 97 and the case for bipartisan dialogue
The Tribune: August 9, 2018, by Tracee Bentley
Read >>

Colorado Petroleum Council challenges effort to limit oil, gas development
Daily Energy Insider: August 8, 2018, by Chris Galford
Read >>

New study defines the economic and fiscal impacts of Initiative 97
Colorado Politics: August 7, 2018, by Tim Brown
Read >>

Insidious Initiative 97 would destroy Colorado’s oil and gas economy
Colorado Politics: August 3, 2018, by Kevin Hougen and Robert Golden
Read >>

Looking For Supporters of Initiative 97 in Colorado? You’ll Hear Mostly Crickets
Energy In Depth: August 1, 2018, by Seth Whitehead
Read >>

Sustaining U.S. Energy Through Right Policies
Energy Tomorrow: July 31, 2018, by Mark Green
Read >>

New Study Details: The Cost of Colorado Initiative #97
Colorado Business Roundtable: July 31, 2018, with Chris Brown and Dan Haley
Listen >>

PEOPLE ON THE MOVE IN DENVER – Robin Wise
Denver Business Journal: July 31, 2018
Read >>

Study cites costs of oil and gas measure; Ken Salazar calls it unconstitutional
Colorado Politics: July 27, 2018, by Joey Bunch
Read >>

Colorado’s next governor must help bridge the skills gap with better schools
Colorado Politics: July 9, 2018, by Taylor Merritt
Read >>

Would rural Colorado make the endangered species list?
The Pueblo Chieftain: June 30, 2018, by Sara Blackhurst
Read >>

Viewpoint: Making Colorado’s schools No. 1 should be the next governor’s priority
Denver Business Journal: June 6, 2018, by Earl Wright and Phil Kalin
Read >>

What if Colorado Schools Were #1?
Colorado Business Roundtable: May 30, 2018, with Jamie Trafficanda and Chris Brown
Listen >>

New Study underscores need to fix education opportunity gaps
The Daily Sentinel: May 25, 2018, by Christian Reece
Read >>

Simon Lomax, co-author of our PERA study, penned the following column
Price of PERA bailout gouges Colorado Taxpayers
Colorado Politics: May 14, 2018, by Simon Lomax
Read >>

A closer look at the survey that quantifies what if Colorado schools were No. 1 in the U.S.
Denver Business Journal: May 16, 2018,, by Jonathan Rose
Read >>

Gov. candidates talk education plans at Denver Chamber forum
Colorado Politics: May 16, 2018, by Marianne Goodland
Read >>

First look: Colorado education survey shows billions at stake in boosting education
Denver Business Journal: May 14, 2018, by Jonathan Rose
Read >>

Colorado Business Groups to tell candidates of the value of education
Colorado Politics: May 12, 2018, by Joey Bunch
Read >>

State Pension Continues Treading Water
Colorado Springs Gazette: May 11, 2018, by The Gazette editorial board
Read >>

The Gazette published the CSPR open letter to legislators in full on the editorial page
Suggested reforms to put PERA on a sound footing
Colorado Springs Gazette: May 8, 2018
Read >>

Business groups urge specific steps in pension system reform
9News: May 3, 2018, by Ed Sealover
Read >>

Business groups urge specific steps in pension system reform
Denver Business Journal: May 3, 2018, by Ed Sealover
Read >>

PERA reform in trouble
The Pueblo Chieftain: April 24, 2018, by The Pueblo Chieftain editorial board
Read >>

CSPR Study underscores need for PERA reform
Colorado Politics: April 21, 2018, by Tim Brown
Read >>

Don’t Shield Colorado Employees from PERA Fix
The Gazette: April 20, 2018, by The Gazette editorial board
Read >>

Amended PERA Bill Would Worsen Colorado’s Public Pension Problem
The Complete Colorado: April 19, 2018, by Joshua Sharf
Read >>

A Wrong Turn on PERA Reform
The Denver Post: April 18, 2018, by The Denver Post editorial board
Read >>

SB 200 sponsor Senator Jack Tate authored the following column about his bill and referenced, “One Step Further on PERA Reform”
Fix PERA now–before its problems get worse
Colorado Politics: April 12, 2018, by Jack Tate
Read >>

CSPR Board Member Buz Koeble and CSPR Director of Research and Policy Chris Brown discuss “One Step Further on PERA Reform”
PERA in peril?
KDMT AM1690: April 2, 2018, with Buz Koeble and Chris Brown
Listen >>

Mike Kopp and John Ikard, CSPR REMI Partners, co-wrote the following column
PERA Reform Must Provide Budget Relief to Schools, Local Governments & Taxpayers
The Denver Post: March 23, 2018, by John Ikard and Mike Kopp
Read >>

The following editorial references the CSPR study, “One Step Further on PERA Reform”
EDITORIAL: Save teacher wages; put PERA on a diet
The Gazette: March 20, 2018, by The Gazette editorial board
Read >>

Business Groups Push More Ambitious PERA Reforms
Secure Futures Colorado: March 12, 2018
Read >>

Morningstar | Colorado Proposition 112 Threatens Statewide Fracking Operations
Morningstar: March 10, 2018, by Dave Meats
Read >>

PERA Bill Has Major Flaw
The Denver Post: March 10, 2018, by The Denver Post editorial board
Read >>

As PERA bill drops Wednesday, Common Sense Policy Roundtable offers advice
Colorado Politics: March 7, 2018, by Joey Bunch
Read >>

Colorado growth-control measure is a non-starter with candidates for Governor
Denver Business Journal: March 2, 2018, by Ed Sealover
Read >>

Denver-area growth-control measure gets go-ahead from Colorado Supreme Court
Denver Business Journal: March 1, 2018, by Ed Sealover
Read >>

What happened to “strategic growth” in Lakewood?
Rocky Mountain Real Estate Law: February 16, 2018
Read >>

Proposed initiative to limit new housing on Front Range ignites fears in real estate industry
The Denver Post: February 7, 2018, by Aldo Svaldi
Read >>

Sound Off: The Denver Post opinion newsletter: Jan. 22, 2018
The Denver Post: January 22, 2018, by Cohen Peart
Read >>

On PERA reform, finish the work Greg Smith started
The Denver Post: January 19, 2018, by Earl Wright
Read >>

2016
Drilling setbacks carry big price tag for Colorado economy
The Denver Post, July 14, 2016, by Aldo Svaldi
Read>>

Potential oil & gas setback initiative could cost Colorado up to 100,000 jobs and billions in GDP
Colorado Real Estate Journal, July 14, 2016
Read>>

1000s of oil & gas jobs at stake with Colorado ballot proposal, says CU study
Denver Business Journal, July 14, 2016, by Cathy Proctor
Read>>

Further Colorado Well Setbacks Would Cost 104,000 Jobs, $14.5B in GDP Through 2031, Study Finds
NGI’s Shale Daily, July 15, 2016, by Jeremiah Shelor
Read>>

CU Economists: Fracking Setback Initiative Could Cost Colorado 100,000 Jobs and Billions in Lost GDP
Energy In Depth, July 14, 2016, by Randy Hildreth
Read>>

Study: Proposed 2,500-foot well setback could cost Colorado 104,000 jobs
BizWest, July 14, 2016, by Doug Storum Read>>

Potential oil and gas setback initiative could cost Colorado up to 100,000 jobs
Rush To Reason, July 16, 2016
Read>>

2017
Fixing Our Broken Tax Code
Nation-wide coalition urging Congress to support the Unified Framework for Fixing our Broken Tax Code: October 18, 2017
Read >>

Business partnership looks at bigger picture of capping Lakewood’s growth
Colorado Politics: October 18, 2017 by Joey Bunch
Read>>

Chairman of the CSPR Board of Directors Earl Wright discusses the need for tax reform
Varney & Co. on FOX Business Network: October, 2017
Watch>>

Common Sense Policy Roundtable researches issues affecting Colorado jobs and economy
The Denver Channel: September 3, 2017 by Anne Trujillo
Watch>>

Common Sense Policy Roundtable hires research leader for ‘critical’ Colorado issues
Colorado Politics: August 25, 2017 by Joey Bunch
Read>>

City Pledges for ‘100% Renewable Energy’ Are 99% Misleading
The Wall Street Journal: August 4, 2017 by Charles McConnell
Read>>

Seattle’s Minimum-Wage Rise May Have Pushed Down Workers’ Hours, Study Finds
The Wall Street Journal; June 27, 2017 by Josh Zumbrun
Read>>

More Colorado high school graduates need remedial classes
The Denver Post; May 8, 2017 by Monte Whaley
Read>>

Construction Defects & CSPR Budget Comparison
Colorado Business Roundtable; April 27, 2017 Radio Broadcast
Listen>>

GUEST COLUMN: Solving the affordable housing crisis
The Gazette; March 25, 2017 by Earl Wright
Read>>

Home prices worry Denver
The Pueblo Chieftain; March 2, 2017
Read>>

2013
CSPR Board Member Lou Hutchison discusses our Amend 66 study on Capitol and Capital
KHOW Radio; November 4, 2013 on The Michael Brown Show
Listen >>

Country’s biggest school board race to be decided Tuesday in Douglas County
Fox 31 Denver; November 3, 2013 By Eli Stokols
Read >>

Douglas County School District is a leader in education
The Denver Post; October 30, 2013 By The Honorable Peter Groff
Read >>

REFORM: Former Dem Senate President Praises Dougco School District
Colorado Peak Politics; October 27, 2013
Read >>

Rocky Mountain High Taxes; Democrats and unions try to kill Colorado’s flat tax.
The Wall Street Journal; October 23, 2013
Read >>

Peter Groff, Former Senate President, Colorado – Douglas Country School Board election and reform
850 KOA; October 22, 2013 On-air with Mike Rosen
Listen >>

Amendment 66: Battle over Colorado school tax draws big money, heavy hitters
The Gazette; October 20, 2013 By Garrison Wells
Read >>

TAX HIKE STUDY: Amendment 66 Will Kill Jobs, Personal Income, Can’t Promise Improvements
Colorado Peak Politics; October 11, 2013
Read >>  

School tax measure would be a drag on Colorado’s economy, CU Leeds study finds
Denver Business Journal; October 9, 2013 By Heather Draper
Read >>

Amendment 66 means $4 billion economic gain for Colorado
KDVR 31; October 9,2013 By Eli Stokols
Read >>

Study: Amendment 66 a drag on Colorado’s economy – but not if it works
The Denver Post; October 9, 2013 By Kevin Simpson
Read >>

PRESS RELEASE: New study shows that without substantial improvement in student performance, Amendment 66 is drag on the Colorado economy
Leeds School of Business Report Uses State-of-the-Art Dynamic Model to Determine What Impact Amendment 66 Will Have on Our State’s Economy October 9, 2013
Read >>

Double Down: Obamacare Will Increase Avg. Individual-Market Insurance Premiums By 99% For Men, 62% For Women
Forbes, September 25, 2013, by Avik Roy
Read >>

Government Shutdown 101: What Happens When The Lights Go Off?
Forbes, September 20, 2013, by Kelly Phillips Erb
Read >>

$950 million Colorado school finance measure officially on ballot
The Denver Post, September 4, 2013, by Kevin Simpson
Read >>

Colorado schools tax campaign begins in earnest
The Associated Press, August 15, 2013, by The Associated Press
Read >>

Economic development groups deploy advanced model for Colorado issues
Denver Post, July 17, 2013, by Aldo Svaldi
Read >>

Dynamic modeling: The debate has just begun
Denver Business Journal, July 16, 2013, by Ed Sealover
Read >>

Econometric model to examine Init. 22 in debut study in CO
Colorado Space Coalition, July 16, 2013, author unreported
Read >>

PRESS RELEASE: Partnership Announces Dynamic Econometric Modeling Initiative for Colorado
Econometric Model to Provide in-Depth Analysis on the Economic Impacts of Public Policy
Read pdf >>

University of Colorado will help lawmakers weigh tax impact
Denver Business Journal, May 17, 2013
Read >>

CSPR Encourages Statewide Oil and Gas Regulations
Read pdf >>

CSPR Joins Business Coalition in opposition to HB13-1269
May 6, 2013
Read pdf >>

Uber Scores a Regulatory Victory
The Denver Post, March 3, 2013
Read >>

2012
Should Colorado opt out of the Medicaid expansion as outlined in the Affordable Health Care Act? Yes
The Denver Post, July 7, 2012, by Earl Wright
Read >>

Wyoming Trusts for Colorado Residents: Reduced Income Tax, Asset Protection, and Other Advantages
June 6, 2012
Read pdf >>

Letter to Senator Scheffel in support of SB12-83
February 23, 2012
Read pdf >>

2010
Incentives Spur Utah’s Growth
State’s Red-Carpet Treatment Toward Businesses Is a Catalyst for Job Gains The Wall Street Journal, November 27, 2010
Read >>

The “Secret Tax”
Denver Post, October 30, 2010
Read >>

2011
A job-killing stab at funding education
The Pueblo Chieftain June 12, 2011
Read >>

National Economist: Health Tax Increase Will Kill 119,000 Jobs
CSPR Press Release, May 26, 2011
Read pdf >>

CSPR Vows to Fight Tax Increases
CSPR Press Release, February 24, 2011
Read pdf >>

Revenue Forecasts Demand Caution
The Pueblo Chieftain, February 6, 2011
Read >>

An Opportunity for an Open, Thoughtful Budget Process
The Denver Post, February 5, 2011
Read >>