Vail Symposium partners with Vail Valley Partnership to discuss Tabor, Gallagher and Colorado Proposition CC
VAIL, Colo.—Sept. 20, 2019—In preparation for the upcoming elections on November 5, it seems as if it would be helpful to have a primer on the various state measures on the ballots. But with so many different elements that ultimately impact these measures, getting the whole story can be difficult. On Thursday, Oct. 3 at Colorado Mountain College in Edwards, Vail Symposium and Vail Valley Partnership are bringing together a panel of experts to discuss Colorado Proposition CC, what it could mean for our state constitution, and provide background on Tabor and Gallagher in the process.
“Every time Tabor and Gallagher is explained to me, I think I will finally understand it. Each time, I’m wrong and I’m not alone,” said Claire Noble, programming manager of the Vail Symposium. “This is why we gathered experts on this topic who will not only help us to make sense of the legal framework of taxation and spending in Colorado, but also explain the implications of Colorado Proposition CC, which will be on the ballot this November.”
Colorado Proposition CC, the “Allow State to Retain Excess Revenue for Transportation and Education Measure,” is on the ballot in Colorado as a legislatively referred state statute on November 5, 2019. Brown will explain the history and intent of the Gallagher and TABOR amendments to our state constitution and review how they impact our quality of life, both individually and collectively, and in both positive and negative ways. Because these are amendments to our state constitution, only the voters — not their elected representatives — can amend them if they ever desire such change.
“State legislators have long struggled to find ways to properly fund education and transportation. I am looking forward to hearing from Reeves on how Gallagher & TABOR work, and from Colglazier and Ragland to understand if Proposition CC is the right answer to this long-time funding challenge” said Chris Romer, president & CEO of Vail Valley Partnership.
This will be a facilitated panel discussion. Each panelist will provide a brief introduction and overview, followed by a moderated Q&A with the audience. The audience is encouraged to come prepared with questions.
About the speakers
Reeves Brown is an independent public policy consultant and Project Coordinator for the “Building a Better Colorado” project. Reeves served on Governor John Hickenlooper’s cabinet as Executive Director of the Colorado Department of Local Affairs (DOLA) from 2011-2015. As Director of DOLA, Brown led the Department’s 170 employees in providing technical assistance on all aspects of local government administration, housing solutions, and property tax administration.
Nicholas Colglazier is the director of the Colorado Competitive Council. As director of the Colorado Competitive Council (C3), Colglazier works to make Colorado one of the best places in the country to do business. Prior to joining C3, Colglazier was the director of public policy and state affairs for Colorado Farm Bureau, where he oversaw its lobbying efforts and covered the rules and regulations that impact agriculture at the state level.
Luke Ragland is the President of ReadyCO. Prior to joining ReadyCO, he served as Vice President of Policy at Colorado Succeeds, a coalition of business leaders focused on improving the state’s education system. Ragland led the organization’s legislative, judicial and policy strategies. He played a key role in developing and passing policies that increased school choice, protected taxpayer accountability and defended tenure reforms.
Moderator Jon Stavney, as Executive Director of Northwest Colorado Council of Governments (NWCCOG), is a leader passionate about improving local government through sharing information, innovations and best practices. Since being hired in November of 2016, Stavney has worked closely with program directors at NWCCOG to develop clear goals and maintain the highest review levels from the state and federal agencies while increasing the visibility of NWCCOG services and of the organization as a whole.
IF YOU GO…
What: Tabor and Gallagher: Power to the People or Fiscal Stranglehold?
When: Thursday, Oct. 3. Doors open at 5:30 p.m.; program begins at 6 p.m.
Where: Colorado Mountain College | Edwards Campus
More information: Tickets for this special program are $25 in advance, $35 at midnight before the show and at the door. Visit www.vailsymposium.org for more information and to purchase tickets.