2009 Program Agenda
Election Reform
Colorado Common Cause is focused on ensuring that our elections are accessible for all eligible voters and that our voting systems are accurate and reliable. In 2009, we will work to address key problems identified during the 2008 election cycle. To resolve the problems with voter registration, we need to advance proactive reforms such as Election Day voter registration. CCC is also working with the Election Reform Commission to develop effective policies to ensure secure voting systems and improve our overall elections administration.
Budget Reform
The passage of TABOR in 1992 has placed the state in a fiscal vise, resulting in deep cuts to critical state services. With the expiration of Ref. C approaching, we must reform the nation’s most restrictive tax and expenditure limitation. CCC opposed the original passage of TABOR and will work with numerous allies to support a long-term TABOR fix in the future.
Open and Ethical Government
An open democratic process is necessary for a responsive democracy. CCC will continue to act as a resource for individuals and organizations about our state’s open government laws, and work to increase awareness about these laws so all Coloradans can participate fully in our state democratic process. Amendment 41 set the framework for strong ethical standards for those in public service and the Independent Ethics Commission is the vehicle that provides clear guidance for covered officials and interested citizens. CCC will also continue to advocate for increased resources for legislators, including additional staff and salary increases.
Initiative and Referendum Reform
The initiative and referendum process is a popular and critical component of Colorado’s governance. It serves as an important safety valve to allow citizens to deal with issues that elected officials cannot or will not address. Colorado Common Cause supports proposals that encourage and incentivize the use of the statutory initiative process, such as creating a 7 year protection before the Legislature can make substantive amendments.
Money in Politics
We are working to level the playing field and advance campaign finance reform that will allow all Coloradans to participate on the basis of their ideas, not the size of their contribution checks. Fair elections, or the public financing of political campaigns, are a proven reform to give voters more control over government, make politicians accountable to constituents rather than campaign contributors, save taxpayers money and level the playing field by giving all citizens a fair shot at getting elected.
Redistricting
In 1974, Coloradans approved a constitutional amendment to establish an 11-member Reapportionment Commission to draw the boundaries for state legislative districts. In contrast, congressional redistricting is performed by the General Assembly and this process is overly politicized and rarely fails to gain adoption without the assistance of the Supreme Court. Colorado Common Cause will work to advance a discussion on potential changes to our redistricting process; these changes may include the establishment of neutral criteria to guide the process, the creation of an independent commission to draw the districts, and a more robust and inclusive public process.
Media Reform
Increasingly, the media's failure to provide diverse viewpoints and unbiased information is undermining the strength of our democracy. Colorado Common Cause is working to ensure that the media meet their obligations to serve the public by promoting diversity, accessibility, and accountability among media corporations and the government agencies that regulate the media. CCC is working to advance universal broadband access for all Coloradans, so they can be effective participants in the new information age.