• Demographics are Destiny: Why are People Leaving Colorado?
    Oct 28 2024

    In this episode, DJ Summers is joined by Chris Brown, Vice President of Policy & Research, to tackle one of Colorado's hottest topics over the past 15 years: net migration. From legislative impacts to street-level experiences, they explore the reasons behind Colorado's population boom and the surprising shift that has everyone talking—people are no longer just moving to Colorado, they're starting to leave. What’s driving this change? And what does it mean for the state’s future?

    Read the full report here: https://www.commonsenseinstituteus.org/colorado/research/housing-and-our-community/2023-domestic-migration-data

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    12 mins
  • Understanding Inflation: How much misery is inflation causing?
    Oct 21 2024

    In this episode of Colorado Clarity, host DJ Summers sits down with Chris Brown, Vice President of Policy & Research at the Common Sense Institute, to break down the multi-year inflationary cycle that’s become a central issue in the presidential election. Together, they dive into CSI’s recently released Inflation Misery Index, with a focus on its impact on Colorado’s economy. How much misery are we facing when we address inflation?

    Read the full report: https://www.commonsenseinstituteus.org/colorado/research/jobs-and-our-economy/inflation-misery-index

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    10 mins
  • Maternal Care Matters: A Deep Dive into Health Equity
    Oct 7 2024

    In this episode of Colorado Clarity, we sit down with Dr. Reggie Washington to discuss the critical state of maternal healthcare. As an expert in the field, Dr. Washington sheds light on the challenges, disparities, and advancements in maternal care, both in Colorado and across the nation. Join us as we explore the vital role of equitable healthcare access for mothers and the work being done to improve outcomes for families.

    Read the full report here: https://www.commonsenseinstituteus.org/colorado/research/healthcare/colorados-ranking-on-maternal-healthcare-costs-and-options

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    10 mins
  • Fighting Crime: The Power of Proposition 130
    Sep 30 2024

    In this episode, DJ Summers is joined by Former Chief of Police Paul Pazen to discuss the pressing issue of rising crime rates and the upcoming November Ballot Initiative, Proposition 130.

    This critical measure aims to allocate funding to agencies across the state to enhance public safety and support law enforcement efforts. With his extensive experience and unique perspective, Paul Pazen is ideally suited to provide insights into the implications of this ballot measure and its potential impact on our communities.

    Join us for an in-depth conversation about the challenges we face and the solutions that Proposition 130 offers.

    Read the full report here: https://www.commonsenseinstituteus.org/colorado/research/ballot-issues/initiative-157-funding-for-law-enforcement

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    9 mins
  • Amendment 80: The Future of School Choice in Colorado
    Sep 16 2024

    In this episode, DJ Summers is joined by Kelly Caufield, CSI Colorado’s Executive Director, to discuss Amendment 80, a key proposition on the upcoming November ballot. If passed, this amendment would embed school choice into the Colorado Constitution.

    Tune in to learn what this could mean for education, families, and the future of schooling in the state.

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    12 mins
  • Big Cats, Bigger Debate: Colorado's Ballot Initiative 91
    Aug 19 2024

    Ballot Initiative 91, a bold move to ban big cat hunting in Colorado. The group "Cats Aren't Trophies" is leading the charge to stop the killing, wounding, pursuing, or trapping of mountain lions, bobcats, and lynxes. This quirky yet crucial issue is stirring up debates across the state, especially among rural residents and hunters.

    How will this impact Colorado's economy? Will taxpayers foot the bill? And what can we learn from California's experience with similar legislation? Tune in to explore the complexities and potential consequences of this contentious proposal.

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    10 mins
  • Meat, Morals, and Money: Colorado's Slaughterhouse Ban
    Aug 14 2024

    Deep diving into one of the most contentious issues on Colorado's 2024 state-wide ballot: the proposed ban on slaughterhouses. With only one slaughterhouse in Denver and a wave of complaints driving the proposal, we explore how this ban could impact Coloradans.

    Is there a tangible benefit to banning these establishments, or is the push fueled by emotion rather than economic sense? We also discuss the implications for Colorado's cattle industry and the broader economic effects of such a ban in a state that is more about cattle than crops.

    Read the full report as we unpack the facts beyond the rhetoric and consider what this decision means for the future of Colorado – https://commonsenseinstituteco.org/the-economic-impacts-of-the-proposed-denver-slaughterhouse-ban/

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    14 mins
  • Decoding PERA: The Essential Guide to Colorado's Public Pensions
    Aug 5 2024

    What exactly is PERA? Are state and public employees getting the short end of the stick? Is PERA financially sound? And how is Colorado managing these challenges?

    PERA obligations might sound dull at first, but this is a conversation that affects nearly 140,000 public employees in Colorado. Join us as we delve into these vital questions and more.

    For more information - visit www.commonsenseinstituteco.org

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    11 mins