LITA 3: Tackling Tabor & The Future of Colorado's Tax Policy with Chris deGruy Kennedy

In this episode of Left in the Attic hosts Ana and Deep dive into a detailed discussion on the Taxpayer Bill of Rights (TABOR) and the potential for a new tax policy to reshape Colorado's future. They welcome special guest Chris deGruy Kennedy, head of the Bell Policy Center, who shares insights into the historical context and challenges posed by TABOR. Chris and the hosts explore the impact of TABOR on public services, education, and healthcare. They also delve into the strategic efforts to reform TABOR, emphasizing grassroots organizing and the need for public engagement. The discussion touches on the bipartisan effort to release the Epstein files and the broader implications of money and power in politics.

Ana mentioned Next with Kyle Clark’s Word of Thanks micro-giving campaign found here: https://www.9news.com/thanks 

https://www.coloradogives.org/story/arapahoewordofthanks 

Chris mentioned these orgs to follow: https://bellpolicy.org/newsletter/ 

https://neweracolorado.org/join-the-movement/

https://www.greateducation.org/advocates-network/

00:00 Introduction and Special Guest Announcement

00:34 Parenting and Vaccination Discussion

03:30 Dating and Social Media Apps

04:54 Introduction to Chris and His Work

08:14 Understanding TABOR: The Taxpayer Bill of Rights

12:39 Challenges and Reforms in Colorado's Tax Policy

16:00 Dark Money and Political Influence

19:36 Future Plans for Colorado's Fiscal Policy

23:01 Funding Crisis at Denver Health

23:30 Proposed Tax Cuts and Funding Allocation

24:13 Challenges in Political Campaigns

25:39 Straightforward Proposal for Tax Reform

28:15 Mobilizing for Change

29:50 Ballot Measures and Signature Collection

32:19 Coalition Efforts and Community Involvement

36:25 Epstein Files and Political Courage

44:40 Economic Accountability and Data Transparency

47:43 Call to Action and Community Support

Meet Your Hosts

Ana Mitchell, Ph.D., is a former CDC scientist who was swept up in federal cuts and is now reinventing herself as a civic coach and creator. After a decade reducing disparities in health and education, she’s building Civically Fit to make civic engagement accessible, authentic, and sustainable. A proud Latina and Colorado native, Ana is focused on helping people build community and power through everyday civic action. According to Deep, Ana has a dating life that could probably be its own podcast segment.

Deep Singh Badhesha is an attorney, political strategist, and government affairs professional with over a decade of experience shaping political campaigns and policy in Colorado. A former public school math teacher, Colorado Supreme Court clerk, and senior policy analyst, he now works across campaigns, ballot initiatives, and legislative fights. He’s South Asian, a new dad, and a longtime organizer who believes community—not saviors—will rebuild the Left. He also has way too many hot takes on everything stemming from food and sports to politics.  

Links:

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