With Blue Books delivered and ballots coming out soon, I thought it might be a good time to talk about some of the upcoming ballot measures. Marking a ballot is the easy part. It’s researching the issues and coming to a position that’s the hard part. I’ve even struggled with wrapping my head around all the facets of some of the issues. Not everything that makes the ballot is clear-cut and some are down right confusing. 

While I do share my personal positions in the next section, I want to ask each of you to do some of your own homework. It’s essential that you make a decision that reflects your values, your personal needs and, in your own opinion, will do the most good for your neighbors across the street as well as across the state. I’ve included website links for both support and opposition to make your research as easy as possible.

It’s not a presidential election year, which means that fewer registered voters will take the time to make their voices heard. Sometimes it’s a staggering difference in turnout. Your participation this November is critical in deciding some pretty big issues. So try to encourage your neighbors to look into what’s on their ballot and mail it no later than October 31st or make sure to drop their ballots off at any of the convenient 24/7 ballot drop boxes all over Jeffco by November 8th. 

Happy voting!

Right now: Now is the time to update your registration! If you've moved recently, aren't yet registered, or aren't sure if your information is accurate, check your voter registration. 

Monday, October 17: Mail ballots dispersed to all active registered voters. 24-hour ballot drop boxes will be opened. 

Monday, October 24: First day some in-person vote centers open.

Monday, October 31: Halloween! Also, last day to return your ballot by mail to ensure it arrives in time.

Tuesday, November 8: Election Day! You can use any drop box up until 7 p.m., or if you need additional services (registering to vote, getting a replacement ballot, etc.), you can use any vote center up until 7 p.m. as well. 

In-person voting options are available through election day at voter service and polling centers. For a list of Voter Registration FAQs, visit GoVoteColorado.gov.

AMENDMENT D: New 23rd Judicial District Judges

Recommendation: SUPPORT

What it does: It requires the Governor to reassign judges from the existing 18th Judicial District to the new 23rd Judicial District on a one-time basis by Nov. 30, 2024.

Why it matters: This measure is a bipartisan effort to efficiently populate a new judicial district by transitioning existing judges. This will prevent disruptions and delays in casework and court proceedings. It will also help to offset costs and address other logistical concerns. 

“Yes” campaign website: No formal committee
“No” campaign website: No formal committee

AMENDMENT E: Extend Homestead Exemption to Gold Star Spouses

Recommendation: SUPPORT

What it does: Reduces property taxes for the surviving spouses of United States Armed Forces service members who died in the line of duty and veterans who died due to a service-related injury or disease. To claim the homestead exemption, the surviving spouse must own and live in the home and be determined qualified under federal law by the state Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA).

Why it matters: It assists Gold Star families whose spouses have lost their lives in service by providing a 50% decrease in annual property taxes. This can provide needed financial assistance to families who have often lost their primary source of income. 

“Yes” campaign website: No formal committee
“No” campaign website: No formal committee

PROPOSITION FF: Healthy School Meals for All

Recommendation: SUPPORT

What it does: This amendment creates the Healthy School Meals for All program to provide free access to meals for all public school students in Colorado, regardless of income. The program will provide grant funding to:

• Purchase products grown and processed locally;

• Increase wages or provide stipends for employees who prepare and serve school meals;

• Receive training, equipment, and technical assistance to prepare healthy school meals using nutritious ingredients and to support collaboration between schools, communities, and local food growers. 

The measure pays for the program by increasing taxes on households with more than $300,000 adjusted gross income per year. In addition, it requires the state and school meal providers to participate in specific federal programs to bring in additional federal funds.

Why it matters: This proposition allows all children to eat free in schools. The current income threshold for free meals does not capture all students who may face food insecurity. It will grow connections between schools and local farmers, providing healthier meals and improving the well-being and participation of all students in schools. The individuals preparing the meals are often underpaid; this proposition will assist in addressing disparities.

“Yes” campaign website: https://www.yesonff.org
“No” campaign website: No formal committee

PROPOSITION GG: Add Tax Information Table to Petitions and Ballots

Recommendation: SUPPORT

What it does: For any citizen-initiated measure that changes the state income tax rate, this proposition requires a tax information table to be included on petitions and later on the ballot. The table must list the average change in taxes owed in eight specific income categories. 

Why it matters: Tax policy can be complicated and confusing at times for most people! This proposition ensures that Colorado voters have access to clear, unbiased information about how a measure can financially affect their families and the state. 

“Yes” campaign website: www.yesongg.com
“No” campaign website: No formal committee
 

PROPOSITION 121: State Income Tax Reduction Rate

Recommendation: OPPOSE

What it does: Changes existing Colorado statute by reducing the state income tax rate from 4.55% to 4.40%. 

Why it matters: If passed, the new tax rate would go into effect for the tax year 2022 and future years. This measure primarily rewards Coloradans making over $500,000 a year (about 1% of taxpayers) who would each save thousands of dollars per year. 75% of taxpayers will receive a tax cut of less than $63 a year. If this proposition passes, the state is expected to lose around $400 million in tax revenue with public safety, education, and infrastructure budgets at risk of significant cuts. 

“Yes” campaign website: www.i2i.org
“No” campaign website: https://www.greateducation.org/ 

PROPOSITION 123: Dedicate Revenue for Affordable Housing Programs

Recommendation: SUPPORT

What it does: Funds affordable housing through an existing tax of one-tenth of one percent on federal taxable income and exempts these funds from the state’s revenue limit. Of these dedicated revenues, 60% would be allocated to affordable housing financing programs, and 40% would go towards programs that support affordable home ownership, serve those experiencing homelessness, and support increases in local planning capacity. This proposition would also require local governments that receive these funds to expedite development approvals for affordable housing projects and commit to increasing the number of affordable housing units by 3% annually. 

Why it matters: This sets aside already collected tax revenue to fund specific programs to help house our growing workforce and alleviate our homelessness crisis. The measure will create programs that will provide down-payment assistance for first-time homebuyers; grants and loans to assist mobile homeowners in helping purchase mobile home parks; provide additional rental and case management assistance for the unhoused; ensuring rent on dedicated affordable units is no more than 30% of the household’s income. This measure will ultimately increase affordable housing stock, expand pathways to homeownership, and assist Coloradans experiencing homelessness. 

“Yes” campaign website: www.yeson123co.com
“No” campaign website: No formal committee 

Since the last newsletter, I haven't just been on the campaign trail. I've been meeting with constituents around the district, taking meetings to help me with committee work, and supporting other advocates. Here's are a few other things I've done:

• JTC CDOT Tour
  The Joint Technology Committee was invited to see the sophisticated technology CDOT is using to keep our roads and tunnels safe. We visited the command center where roads are monitored to help prevent accidents. We also went up to the Eisenhower Tunnel to see the upgrades they are making to keep traffic moving and prevent problems which could arise. They do much of this through thousands of miles of fiber optic cable and high speed internet networks, lasers, sensors, cameras and artificial intelligence. 

• SIPA User Conference
  I serve on the board of the State Internet Portal Authority (SIPA) which handles most of the financial transactions for the state as well as hosting hundreds of websites for the state, counties, municipalities, and special districts. Each year, they hold a conference to help bring these entities together to learn about the latest tech and cyber security.

• BGOLDN site visit
  I like to check in with the non-profits who are delivering services in our district. I visited BGOLDN, a food pantry in south Golden, to see what their operation looks like and see if there are needs I can help address. I'll be helping them out with a food drive in the near future, so stay tuned for that!

• Golden Bike Cruise
  Golden hosts a community bike tour once a month. Elysia and I finally found some time to go. It was a zombie theme this month and had lots of families, local food and drinks, and entertainment!

• North Jeffco/Jeffco Foothills Town Halls
  The last two town halls I co-hosted were focused on upcoming ballot initiatives. We were joined by special guests with broad knowledge of the issues we'll be voting on next month. Watch our Foothills town hall recording for more information (see link below in my events section).

• Beers With Brianna
  Last time I held my beers event was at The Flats Beer Garden. I had a great time meeting with the owner and some constituents from Coal Creek Canyon.  Please consider joining me for the next one later this month! See details below in my events section.

• Coffee with Councilors
  I've been able to stop by the Golden City Council coffee events to keep up with local issues in the city. These meet ups are often great opportunities to find ideas that can turn into state bills. If you haven't been to one yet, they're held on the first Saturday of every month at 10am at rotating location. Visit https://www.cityofgolden.net/calendar/ for more information.

Upcoming "Meet Brianna" Events

• Capitol Coffee Talk:  October 17th, 8-9am @ Windy Saddle Cafe
• Beers With Brianna:  October 24th, 7-8pm @ Barrels & Bottles, Camp George West

What's Happening in Arvada?

Olde Town's Festival of Scarecrows
Saturday, Oct. 8, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

What's Happening in Golden?

LAST CHANCE!
Golden Farmers Market 
THIS SATURDAY, October 8th, 8am - 1pm

Summer is ending and so ends the Golden Farmers Market for the season. Be sure to shop locally and fresh from area farmers and vendors. The market also welcomes SNAP Benefits and offers Double Up Bucks for its patrons.