Right now, we are planning a December monthly meeting. Historically, we do not convene in December. Please “pencil in” Saturday, December 12, 2020. We will meet at the Almont Resort, 8:30 AM in the back bar/lounge area. If you wish to order breakfast, please arrive at 8:00 AM.
If you are not on our mailing list to receive monthly meeting announcements, agendas and minutes, please use the feature on this website to have your name added to that list! Cheers!
By Fae Davidson
Father,
Thank You that you are exposing long standing corruption in our nation.
Thank You that You are shining Your light of TRUTH on the manipulation that has
been done in secret.
Thank You that you are rooting out and dealing with that corruption.
We praise You that You established this nation and will continue to uphold it.
We praise You that You will uphold Donald J. Trump in office as our
45th President when all is said and done.
We rely on You to help us to:
STAND FIRM in these perilous times
Not become impatient while You work
Not give in to INTIMIDATION
Please guard us from FEAR – because You tell us we are not to be FEARFUL.
We pray for Your revelation to those who have been deluded by the enemy of our
souls and we bind every demonic force that is attempting to take down
America.
Not all of them realize that this is what is going on.
We lift up Donald Trump and his family, advisors and legal counsel, spiritual
counsel, the Department of Justice, the United States Supreme Court and all
others involved.
May they also:
STAND FIRM in these perilous times
Not become impatient while You work
Not give in to INTIMIDATION
Please guard them from FEAR – because You tell us we are not to be FEARFUL.
We humbly ask for Donald Trump to remain humble and sensitive to Your hand
in the resolution to this corruption and this election.
We thank you that he knows You and we pray for:
His continued reliance on You
His honorable demeanor even in times of inevitable frustration
8
Your word tells us:
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind…”
So we pray for a change in his demeanor that becomes evident to the entire
nation.
May he no longer give his enemies language to use as ammunition with which to
deride his character.
May this maturity of character be evident and undeniable to all.
And may he give YOU the credit for that change – that transformation of mind
away from conforming to this world that You have instructed ALL OF US to
embrace.
We thank You, look forward to and claim YOUR TRIUMPH that You are bringing
about in America in our day.
In the name of Yeshua HaMashiach, Your Son, our Messiah and Savior.
And God’s People say: AMEN!
On this inaugural National Day of Prayer and Return, The First Lady and I join millions of Christians here in the United States and around the world in prayer as we turn our hearts to our Lord and Savior.
Our great nation was founded by men and women of deep and abiding faith – a faith that has stood the test of time. Four hundred years ago early American settlers trusted their lives to His Providence and braved a voyage to a New World – from The Pilgrims who sought His protection aboard The Mayflower to the countless believers who today bow their heads to ask for His guidance.
During these unprecedented times sour country continues to turn to the Lord. Following in our ancestors’ footsteps we continue the firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence that provides us enduring strength and reassurance in our times of need.
The trials and tribulations the American people have faced over the past several months have been great. Yet, as we have seen time and again, the resolve of our citizenry fortified by our faith in God has guided us through these hardships and helped to unite us as one nation under God.
As we continue to combat the challenges ahead of us we must remember the sage words of President George Washington during his first Presidential Address:
“Propitious smiles of heaven can never be expected on a nation that disregards the eternal rules of order and right which Heaven itself has ordained.”
As a country and a people, let us renew our commitment to these abiding and timeless principles.
Today I am pleased to join my voice to yours in thanking God for blessing this nation with great power and responsibility. With reverence, humility and thanksgiving we beg for his continued guidance and protection.
Donald J. Trump
President of the United States of America
By Fae Davidson
This is a pivotal moment in American History.
It is tempting to be fearful.
Don’t be fearful.
Instead, we need to STAND FIRM in our spiritual authority given to us by God.
The corruption, fraud & manipulation we are seeing in our election process
nationwide is an attack from the pit of Hell.
It is a moment of potential INTIMIDATION.
The enemy of our souls is looking to devour this nation – always has from the
very beginning.
He’s been whittling away at it from the beginning and we’ve been letting him –
mostly out of lack of knowledge of what to do about it.
But God is now raising up a roar from His people who will pray in His
sudden demonstration of His justice – a tidal wave of His justice.
In prayer and in our hearts we must surrender this election to His hands,
not try to keep it in ours.
His ways are not our ways but He WILL give us strength to persevere.
HE is going to topple the arrogant villains.
But don’t blame the Earthly villains.
Blame the enemy of our souls who is behind their words and actions.
Reject the temptation to throw in the towel and say, “It’s over.”
2
Reject the voices that say we need to accept defeat and give in to manipulation –
a word that means “witchcraft”, by the way.
This is NOT about being obstinate about losing an election
(which we haven’t lost yet no matter how many fireworks were set off
in Delaware last night),
But some are already accusing us of being bad sports.
Respectfully STAND FIRM in ignoring that.
This is about so much more than one election.
This is about preservation of a nation God established for His purposes.
He’s not going to abandon us now!
Credit God with exposure of the corruption FINALLY coming to pass
and that exposure PROVES He is not done with America.
He will do it, not us, if we leave it in HIS hands.
When prayer was taken out of our schools –
WHERE WERE GOD’S PEOPLE?!
When abortion was legalized and we began being forced to pay for it –
WHERE WERE GOD’S PEOPLE?!
Our predecessors possibly didn’t act as one about these things because it seemed
so impossible that it could really happen.
So you can hardly blame them for that.
But it did happen.
However, we are wise to it now and we CAN say NO to it.
Ignore the voices that say God is done with America.
Now, with a Presidential Election hanging in the balance and when our
amazing founding principles and Constitution and entire system of governance is being threatened with annihilation –
GOD’S PEOPLE ARE HERE!
And we need to STAND FIRM and STAND UP to it.
We are NOT to keel over and whimper and say, “Go ahead, take it.”
Too many people have fought and died to come to, found and maintain this
nation for it to be said that our generation gave up and gave it over so easily.
NOT ON OUR WATCH!
3
This is not only about us and our ancestors, but also about our children and their
children and their children.
But what can each of us as individuals do?
Recognized the authority God has given to each and every one of us.
Our job is to STAND FIRM – each and every one of us.
Reject all vain imaginations when we hear the media reports.
No matter what any man declares, God’s declaration is above that.
God ultimately raises up our leaders and He has had ENOUGH of man’s
manipulations about it.
Let this storm pass while the corruption is being exposed.
If you have been declaring that it’s over – cut it out – it is NOT.
Instead declare that God is in control and His surprise is coming.
We’re all tired but we must not become impatient.
“We’re never as tired as we think we are.
We’re never as weak as we think we are!”
God is going to do what He is going to do.
But He’s looking for us to remain faithful to raising up a STAND-ARD for His
purposes and believing, declaring and decreeing that He will hear us
in this critical hour.
Really – He already HAS heard us.
He WILL act on our behalf.
You’ve heard this many times before but let us not consider it trite to
understand what He tells us, as God’s people, to do:
“if my people, who bear my name, will humble themselves, pray,
seek my face and turn from their evil ways, I will hear from heaven, forgive
their sin and heal their land.”
He is bringing us a GIGANTIC HEALING in revealing and dealing with this
corruption.
Here’s a quote from Joseph Stalin:
“Those who CAST the votes decide nothing.
Those who COUNT the votes decide everything.
But he apparently didn’t know our God as we do.
4
Between now and Thanksgiving the corruption will continue to bubble
up to the surface and be exposed and then will be dealt with.
That has needed to happen in this country for a LONG, LONG TIME!
We must persevere during this time of exposure.
Does anyone know the definition of Divine Providence?:
“God’s intervention in the affairs of men.”
So, sometime between Thanksgiving and even possibly on January 18,
God in His Divine Providence, is about to bring a miracle surprise to all of us.
He will do it, not us.
May we not commit the sin of turning away in unbelief in His Divine
Providence but continue to display our faith in Him to Him.
This election provides very clear choice for Americans. Putting personalities aside and focusing on policy and public sentiment, 59% believe they are better off today than they were 4 years ago. About half or 11 million people have gone back to work post-COVID. Unemployment before COVID was 3.5% and during peak COVID rose to 14.7%; it is now at 7.9%. Policies that got us to 3.5% will continue to bring that number down if President Trump is re-elected. And, his plans include another middle-class tax cut and trimming unnecessary bureaucracy to reduce cost and put patients closer to doctors, avoiding government run access to healthcare.
Several national and international pharma companies are working 24/7 to develop a COVID vaccine that will meet the testing and scrutiny of the CDC and NIH and hopefully be ready to distribute by the end of this year. Under Operation Warp Speed, our military logistics arm stands ready to first get vaccines out to senior care centers around the country. A partnership with the federal government, Walgreens and CVS, will get vaccines to other seniors and immune-compromised Americans. All this has happened in 7 months whereas it usually takes years or decades.
Peace deals have been brokered by the US between Israel and Sudan, the UAE and Bahrain as well as normalizing relations between Serbia and Kosovo. In the past few days, a ceasefire was brokered between Armenia and Azerbaijan at the behest of the US. ISIS and their leaders have been squelched. And, we are slowly bringing our military home from Eastern Europe and the Middle East. And, it’s been over a year since North Korea has launched a test missile. Working for world peace is a good thing.
The GDP loss in the last quarter is projected to make it up this quarter plus more, which indicates a snap back in our economy. Housing starts, auto sales and retail sales are having strong growth, another good indicator of consumer confidence.
On the local scene, we have two great county commissioner candidates in Unaffiliated Trudy Vader and Republican Dave Taylor who will bring expanded visions and broader discussion to our county leadership. They will represent many voices in the county who believe that’s not happening right now having 3 Democrat commissioners.
It was interesting that Jonathan Houck’s postcard mailing which touts his experience, simply lists 6 committees he’s sat on. Under leadership, he lists 7 subjects but not one actual accomplishment. One would think that after 8 years in public office the entire postcard would have been filled with accomplishments on behalf of his constituents. But it didn’t. With experience having such value to Jonathan, one wonders how a long-time resident businessman, accountant and community volunteer/mentor could lose to his Democrat opponent who has very little direct experience that translates to a county leadership position.
We hope people research the candidates and vote based on the best person to lead our county in to the future and not based on ideology and political party. Americans, Coloradoans and Gunnison County residents have clear and distinct policy differences to consider.
JOBS
ERADICATE COVID-19
END OUR RELIANCE ON CHINA
HEALTHCARE
EDUCATION
DRAIN THE SWAMP
DEFEND OUR POLICE
END ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION AND PROTECT AMERICAN WORKERS
INNOVATE FOR THE FUTURE
AMERICA FIRST FOREIGN POLICY
NOTICE…PLEASE SAVE THIS DATE AND WATCH!!
Hi everyone, On Friday, October 2nd at 7pm, Cory Gardner will be participating in his first debate with Governor Hickenlooper. While Hickenlooper has dodged several debates in an attempt to avoid talking about his ethics complaints, ruinous policies, and his contempt for rural Colorado, Cory finally has the opportunity to debate him on the issues that are most important to our state. To tune in to the debate, visit the livestream from our campaign’s Facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/Cory.Gardner.For.SenatePlease share this post with as many people as you can. We want as many people to tune in as possible! Thank you for your support!
Jay Misany
Regional Political Coordinator
Cory Gardner for Senate
In addition to the presidential and Senate races, Coloradans will vote on 11 statewide ballot measures this November. From the reintroduction of gray wolves to changes to property taxes and more, here’s what you need to know.
BY SHANE MONAGHAN • SEPTEMBER 9, 2020
In just a couple of weeks, Colorado voters will receive their general election ballots in the mail. While the showdown between President Donald Trump and former Vice President Joe Biden and the Senate contest between incumbent Sen. Cory Gardner and former Gov. John Hickenlooper are rightfully capturing much of the attention, there are still plenty of other consequential items for voters to decide come Election Day.
Colorado’s statewide ballot includes 11 measures that impact everything from taxes to the reintroduction of gray wolves to how the state will help elect the country’s commander in chief in the future. It’s a lot to digest, but we’re here to help. Read on for what you need to know about each initiative before November 3.
What you’ll see: “Shall the following Act of the General Assembly be approved: An Act concerning adoption of an agreement among the states to elect the President of the United States by national popular vote, being Senate Bill No. 19-042?”
What it means: During the 2019 legislative session, a Democrat-led General Assembly passed a law adding Colorado to the National Popular Vote Compact along with 14 other states, including New Mexico and California, as well as Washington D.C. The agreement requires that the state’s nine Electoral College votes go to the presidential candidate who wins the popular vote—even if that person loses in Colorado. A group called Protect Colorado’s Vote responded to passage of the new bill by collecting nearly double the 120,000-plus signatures needed to let voters decide whether to affirm or reject that decision. Opponents of the compact say it puts too much power in the hands of more populous states like California. GUNNISON COUNTY REPUBLICANS SUGGEST A “NO” VOTE
What you’ll see: “Shall there be a change to the Colorado Revised Statutes concerning the restoration of gray wolves through their reintroduction on designated lands in Colorado located west of the continental divide, and, in connection therewith, requiring the Colorado parks and wildlife commission, after holding statewide hearings and using scientific data, to implement a plan to restore and manage gray wolves; prohibiting the commission from imposing any land, water, or resource use restrictions on private landowners to further the plan; and requiring the commission to fairly compensate owners for losses of livestock caused by gray wolves?” GUNNISON COUNTY REPUBLICANS SUGGEST A “NO” VOTE
What it means: Coloradans have been debating this ballot initiative—which if approved, would require Colorado Parks and Wildlife to design a plan by 2023 to reintroduce wolves to the Centennial State—for nearly two years now. Supporters of the initiative, like the Sierra Club, claim wolves would be good for Colorado’s ecosystem, killing weak mammals and smaller carnivores (like coyotes). Ranchers have criticized it because they’re worried their livestock would be vulnerable to the predators. And other opponents like the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation say the measure is unnecessary because it’s likely the endangered species would return without human intervention.
(More: If Wolves Are Already in Colorado, Should We Still Reintroduce Them?)
What you’ll see: “Shall there be a change to the Colorado Revised Statutes concerning prohibiting an abortion when the probable gestational age of the fetus is at least twenty-two weeks, and, in connection therewith, making it a misdemeanor punishable by a fine to perform or attempt to perform a prohibited abortion, except when the abortion is immediately required to save the life of the pregnant woman when her life is physically threatened, but not solely by a psychological or emotional condition; defining terms related to the measure including “probable gestational age” and “abortion,” and excepting from the definition of “abortion” medical procedures relating to miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy; specifying that a woman on whom an abortion is performed may not be charged with a crime in relation to a prohibited abortion; and requiring the Colorado medical board to suspend for at least three years the license of a licensee whom the board finds performed or attempted to perform a prohibited abortion?”
What it means: This measure would ban people in Colorado from having abortions after 22 weeks of pregnancy, except when the mother’s life is at risk. Currently, Colorado is one of seven states that doesn’t put a time limit on when a woman can get an abortion. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that abortions after 22 weeks gestation account for just 1.3 percent of such procedures and often happen after parents have received a life-altering diagnosis about the child. Abortion Access for All, the committee that opposes the measures, says that it, “ignores the unique circumstances each woman faces during pregnancy.” GUNNISON COUNTY REPUBLICANS SUGGEST A YES” VOTE
What you’ll see: “Shall there be a change to the Colorado Revised Statutes reducing the state income tax rate from 4.63% to 4.55%?”
What it means: Thanks to Taxpayer Bill of Rights (TABOR), Colorado currently has a flat 4.63 percent income tax rate for every citizen. This measure aims to lower that levy. If enacted, a person making $50,000 a year would pay $40 less in income taxes annually. Because the change is expected to decrease the state’s revenue by $170 million during the next fiscal year, opponents of the measure say it would further weaken government services that have already seen cuts in recent years. Supporters believe more money in consumers’ pockets would be better for the economy, allowing people to spend more at local businesses. GUNNISON COUNTY REPUBLICANS SUGGEST A “YES” VOTE
What you’ll see: “Shall there be a change to the Colorado Revised Statutes requiring statewide voter approval at the next even-year election of any newly created or qualified state enterprise that is exempt from the Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights, Article X, Section 20 of the Colorado constitution, if the projected or actual combined revenue from fees and surcharges of the enterprise, and all other enterprises created within the last five years that serve primarily the same purpose, is greater than $100 million within the first five fiscal years of the creation or qualification of the new enterprise?”
What it means: TABOR currently distinguishes between government agencies and programs that provide goods or services paid for by tax revenue, and enterprises—state-run businesses, like university or state park systems, that are operated by the government but receive the majority of funding from citizens paying a fee to use the services it offers. This measure would make it so that voters have to approve the creation of any enterprise that relies on fees, if the revenue from those payments (estimated or actual) is above $100 million within in the first five fiscal years. Under TABOR, Coloradans currently get to approve any tax increases, while Colorado Rising State Action—the conservative-leaning nonprofit that put forth the initiative—says the need for consent should also apply to state enterprises. GUNNISON COUNTY REPUBLICANS SUGGEST A “YES” VOTE
What you’ll see: “Shall there be a change to the Colorado Revised Statutes concerning the creation of a paid family and medical leave program in Colorado, and, in connection therewith, authorizing paid family and medical leave for a covered employee who has a serious health condition, is caring for a new child or for a family member with a serious health condition, or has a need for leave related to a family member’s military deployment or for safe leave; establishing a maximum of 12 weeks of family and medical leave, with an additional 4 weeks for pregnancy or childbirth complications, with a cap on the weekly benefit amount; requiring job protection for and prohibiting retaliation against an employee who takes paid family and medical leave; allowing a local government to opt out of the program; permitting employees of such a local government and self-employed individuals to participate in the program; exempting employers who offer an approved private paid family and medical leave plan; to pay for the program, requiring a premium of 0.9% of each employee’s wages, up to a cap, through December 31, 2024, and as set thereafter, up to 1.2% of each employee’s wages, by the director of the division of family and medical leave insurance; authorizing an employer to deduct up to 50% of the premium amount from an employee’s wages and requiring the employer to pay the remainder of the premium, with an exemption for employers with fewer than 10 employees; creating the division of family and medical leave insurance as an enterprise within the department of labor and employment to administer the program; and establishing an enforcement and appeals process for retaliation and denied claims?”
What it means: Colorado Democrats were forced to abandon a bill to create a paid family and medical leave program after the pandemic first stalled, and then shortened, the legislative session. This initiative would institute such a plan. It would require Colorado employers to provide 12 weeks of paid family and medical leave, plus an additional four weeks for complications during pregnancy and childbirth, to qualified workers. The program would not only cover an employee’s own childbirth and emergency medical situations, but also extends to caring for other family members. When away from work, the employee’s salary could be covered up to 90 percent, with a cap of no more than $1,100 per week. For the first two years, the program would funded 50/50 by employers and employees (0.9 percent of each worker’s wage would be placed in a state fund). Businesses can also opt to create their own programs that meet the state’s criteria, and employers with fewer than 10 people would be exempt from paying the premium. GUNNISON COUNTY REPUBLICANS SUGGEST A “NO” VOTE
What you’ll see: “Shall state taxes be increased by $294,000 annually by imposing a tax on nicotine liquids used in e-cigarettes and other vaping products that is equal to the total state tax on tobacco products when fully phased in, incrementally increasing the tobacco products tax by up to 22% of the manufacturer’s list price, incrementally increasing the cigarette tax by up to 9 cents per cigarette, expanding the existing cigarette and tobacco taxes to apply to sales to consumers from outside the state, establishing a minimum tax for moist snuff tobacco products, creating an inventory tax that applies for future cigarette tax increases, and initially using the tax revenue primarily for public school funding to help offset revenue that has been lost as a result of the economic impacts related to COVID-19 and then for programs that reduce the use of tobacco and nicotine products, enhance the voluntary Colorado preschool program and make it widely available for free, and maintain the funding for programs that currently receive revenue from tobacco taxes, with the state keeping and spending all of the new tax revenue as a voter-approved revenue change?”
What it means: This measure would raise taxes on a number of nicotine products. The levy on vaping products would start at 30 percent of the manufacturer’s price and eventually be raised to 62 percent. A tax on cigarettes would go from what it is today—$0.84 a pack—to $2.64 by 2027. The extra fee on all other tobacco products would start at 40 percent and reach 62 percent by 2027. According to a state analysis, the initiative would increase revenue by an estimated $168 million for the next fiscal year. GUNNISON COUNTY REPUBLICANS ARE NEUTRAL
What you’ll see: “Shall there be an amendment to the Colorado constitution requiring that to be qualified to vote at any election an individual must be a United States citizen?” GUNNISON COUNTY REPUBLICANS SUGGEST A “YES” VOTE
What it means: This amendment would change only two words in the state constitution. Currently, it reads “every citizen” may vote, and while that language currently prevents non-citizens from filling out a ballot, a group called Colorado Citizens Voters wants that wording to be stronger and clearer—declaring that “only a citizen” may vote.
What you’ll see: “Shall there be an amendment to the Colorado constitution and a change to the Colorado Revised Statutes concerning voter-approved changes to limited gaming, and, in connection therewith, allowing the voters of Central City, Black Hawk, and Cripple Creek, for their individual cities, to approve other games in addition to those currently allowed and increase a maximum single bet to any amount; and allowing gaming tax revenue to be used for support services to improve student retention and credential completion by students enrolled in community colleges?”
What it means: Coloradans voted to make gambling legal in 1991. But that came with some important regulations, including limiting the types of games citizens could gamble on to slots, blackjack, poker, craps, and roulette. Individual wagers were also capped at $100 in 2008. This measure would allow locals in the three historic mining towns where gambling can take place—Black Hawk, Central City, and Cripple Creek—to approve more games and higher wagers. Supporters of the initiative maintain that these communities should get to make decisions that will impact their local economies, and that raising betting limits could attract high rollers who might otherwise travel out of state to gamble. GUNNISON COUNTY REPUBLICANS ARE NEUTRAL
What you’ll see: “Without increasing property tax rates, to help preserve funding for local districts that provide fire protection, police, ambulance, hospital, kindergarten through twelfth grade education, and other services, and to avoid automatic mill levy increases, shall there be an amendment to the Colorado constitution to repeal the requirement that the general assembly periodically change the residential assessment rate in order to maintain the statewide proportion of residential property as compared to all other taxable property valued for property tax purposes and repeal the nonresidential property tax assessment rate of twenty-nine percent?”
What it means: This measure would repeal the piece of the 1982 Gallagher Amendment that limits residential property taxes to 45 percent of the total property tax base statewide. Right now, businesses are required to pick up the remaining 55 percent of the tax burden. When the law was first passed, residential properties in the state were valued at $35 billion, or about 53 percent of all the property value in the state. In 2019, that rose to $874 billion, or about 80 percent of the statewide total. The amendment is supported by Colorado Coming Together, a group that claims that removing the limit on property taxes will result in added revenue to be spent on schools, libraries, first responders, and more. The committee Keep Property Taxes Low is opposing the measure, stating that raising property taxes will have a negative impact on homeowners and renters. If the amendment passes, a companion bill passed during the 2020 legislative session by a bipartisan vote—Senate Bill 223—would go into effect, freezing the assessment rate on residential properties at 7.15 percent and 29 percent for non-residential properties. GUNNISON COUNTY REPUBLICANS SUGGEST A “NO” VOTE
What you’ll see: “Shall there be an amendment to the Colorado constitution concerning the conduct of charitable gaming activities, and, in connection therewith, allowing bingo-raffle licensees to hire managers and operators of games and reducing the required period of a charitable organization’s continuous existence before obtaining a charitable gaming license?”
What it means: Charitable gaming operations would change in two ways if this measure passes. First, nonprofits would only need to have operated for three years—instead of five—to be able to apply for a charitable gaming license. And if an organization does receive a license, it will be able to hire and pay staff to operate bingo games or raffles at fundraisers (currently, these games have to be staffed by unpaid volunteers). GUNNISON COUNTY REPUBLICANS ARE NEUTRAL
BLACKSTOCK GOVERNMENT CENTER, 221 N. Wisconsin St., (parking lot) Gunnison
Monday through Friday Oct. 19 – Oct. 23 8:00AM to 5:00PM
Saturday Oct. 24 – 9:00AM to 1:00PM
Monday through Friday Oct. 26 – Oct. 30 8:00AM to 5:00PM
Saturday Oct. 31 – 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Monday Nov. 2 – 8:00AM to 5:30PM
Tuesday Nov. 3 (Election Day) 7:00AM to 7:00PM
24 HOUR DROP BOX AVAILABLE AT THE SOUTH END OF THE PARKING LOT
QUEEN OF ALL SAINTS PARISH HALL, 405 Sopris Ave., Crested Butte
Friday Oct. 30 – 9:00AM to 5:00PM
Saturday Oct. 31 – 9:00AM to 1:00PM
Monday Nov. 2 – 9:00AM to 5:00PM
Tuesday Nov. 3 (Election Day) 7:00AM to 7:00PM
24 HOUR DROP AVAILABLE AT CRANK’S PLAZA, 507 MAROON AVE., CRESTED BUTTE
WESTERN COLORADO UNIVERSITY, 1 Western Way, Student Services Center, South Lawn, Gunnison
Monday Nov. 2 – 8:00AM to 5:30PM
Tuesday Nov. 3 (Election Day) 7:00AM – 7:00PM
24 HOUR DROP BOX AVAILABLE AT STUDENT SERVICES CENTER, SOUTH LAWN
ADA accessible voting machines are available at any VSPC listed above.
This text was copied from a general election ballot PDF. Some text shifted and couldn’t be fixed. It’s still very informative. Gunnison County Republicans will be doing a postcard mailing to all registered Republicans to help you navigate these 10 Amendments and Propositions with recommendations. Also, check back here in about a week where you will also see recommendations on voting these issues.
Ballot questions referred by the general assembly or anypolitical subdivision are listed by letter, and ballot questions initiated by the people are listed numerically. A ballot question listed as an “amendment” proposes a change to the Colorado constitution, and a ballot question listed as a “proposition” proposes a change to the Colorado Revised Statutes. A “yes/for” vote on any ballot question is a vote in favor of changing current law or existing circumstances, and a “no/against” vote on any ballot question is a vote against changing current law or existing circumstances.
Amendment B (CONSTITUTIONAL) Without increasing property tax rates, to help preserve funding for local districts that provide fire protection, police, ambulance, hospital, kindergarten through twelfth grade education, and other services, and to avoid automatic mill levy increases, shall there be an amendment to the Colorado constitution to repeal the requirement that the general assembly periodically change the residential assessment rate in order to maintain the statewide proportion of residential property as compared to all other taxable property valued for property tax purposes and repeal the nonresidential property tax assessment rate of twenty-nine percent? YES/FOR NO/AGAINST
Amendment C (CONSTITUTIONAL) Shall there be an amendment to the Colorado constitution concerning the conduct of charitable gaming activities, and, in connection therewith, allowing bingo-raffle licensees to hire managers and operators of games and reducing the required period of a charitable organization’s continuous existence before obtaining a charitable gaming license? YES/FOR NO/AGAINST
Amendment 76 (CONSTITUTIONAL) Shall there be an amendment to the Colorado constitution requiring that to be qualified to vote at any election an individual must be a United States citizen? YES/FOR NO/AGAINST
Amendment 77 (CONSTITUTIONAL) Shall there be an amendment to the Colorado constitution and a change to the Colorado Revised Statutes concerning voter-approved changes to limited gaming, and, in connection therewith, allowing the voters of Central City, Black Hawk, and Cripple Creek, for their individual cities, to approve other games in addition to those currently allowed and increase a maximum single bet to any amount; and allowing gaming tax revenue to be used for support services to improve student retention and credential completion by students enrolled in community colleges? YES/FOR NO/AGAINST
Proposition EE (STATUTORY) SHALL STATE TAXES BE INCREASED BY $294,000,000 ANNUALLY BY IMPOSING A TAX ON NICOTINE LIQUIDS USED IN E-CIGARETTES AND OTHER VAPING PRODUCTS THAT IS EQUAL TO THE TOTAL STATE TAX ON TOBACCO PRODUCTS WHEN FULLY PHASED IN, INCREMENTALLY INCREASING THE TOBACCO PRODUCTS TAX BY UP TO 22% OF THE MANUFACTURER’S LIST PRICE, INCREMENTALLY INCREASING THE CIGARETTE TAX BY UP TO 9 CENTS PER CIGARETTE, EXPANDING THE EXISTING CIGARETTE AND TOBACCO TAXES TO APPLY TO SALES TO CONSUMERS FROM OUTSIDE OF THE STATE, ESTABLISHING A MINIMUM TAX FOR MOIST SNUFF TOBACCO PRODUCTS, CREATING AN INVENTORY TAX THAT APPLIES FOR FUTURE CIGARETTE TAX INCREASES, AND INITIALLY USING THE TAX REVENUE PRIMARILY FOR PUBLIC SCHOOL FUNDING TO HELP OFFSET REVENUE THAT HAS BEEN LOST AS A RESULT OF THE ECONOMIC IMPACTS RELATED TO COVID-19 AND THEN FOR PROGRAMS THAT REDUCE THE USE OF TOBACCO AND NICOTINE PRODUCTS, ENHANCE THE VOLUNTARY COLORADO PRESCHOOL PROGRAM AND MAKE IT WIDELY AVAILABLE FOR FREE, AND MAINTAIN THE FUNDING FOR PROGRAMS THAT CURRENTLY RECEIVE REVENUE FROM TOBACCO TAXES, WITH THE STATE KEEPING AND SPENDING ALL OF THE NEW TAX REVENUE AS A VOTER-APPROVED REVENUE CHANGE? YES/FOR NO/AGAINST
Proposition 113 (STATUTORY) Shall the following Act of the General Assembly be approved: An Act concerning adoption of an agreement among the states to elect the President of the United States by national popular vote, being Senate Bill No. 19-042? YES/FOR NO/AGAINST
Proposition 114 (STATUTORY) Shall there be a change to the Colorado Revised Statutes concerning the restoration of gray wolves through their reintroduction on designated lands in Colorado located west of the continental divide, and, in connection therewith, requiring the Colorado parks and wildlife commission, after holding statewide hearings and using scientific data, to implement a plan to restore and manage gray wolves; prohibiting the commission from imposing any land, water, or resource use restrictions on private landowners to further the plan; and requiring the commission to fairly compensate owners for losses of livestock caused by gray wolves? YES/FOR NO/AGAINST
Proposition 115 (STATUTORY) Shall there be a change to the Colorado Revised Statutes concerning prohibiting an abortion when the probable gestational age of the fetus is at least twenty-two weeks, and, in connection therewith, making it a misdemeanor punishable by a fine to perform or attempt to perform a prohibited abortion, except when the abortion is immediately required to save the life of the pregnant woman when her life is physically threatened, but not solely by a psychological or emotional condition; defining terms related to the measure including “probable gestational age” and “abortion,” and excepting from the definition of “abortion” medical procedures relating to miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy; specifying that a woman on whom an abortion is performed may not be charged with a crime in relation to a prohibited abortion; and requiring the Colorado medical board to suspend for at least three years the license of a licensee whom the board finds performed or attempted to perform a prohibited abortion? YES/FOR NO/AGAINST
Proposition 116 (STATUTORY) Shall there be a change to the Colorado Revised Statutes reducing the state income tax rate from 4.63% to 4.55%? YES/FOR NO/AGAINST
Proposition 117 (STATUTORY) Shall there be a change to the Colorado Revised Statutes requiring statewide voter approval at the next even-year election of any newly created or qualified state enterprise that is exempt from the Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights, Article X, Section 20 of the Colorado constitution, if the projected or actual combined revenue from fees and surcharges of the enterprise, and all other enterprises created within the last five years that serve primarily the same purpose, is greater than $100 million within the first five fiscal years of the creation or qualification of the new enterprise? YES/FOR NO/AGAINST
Proposition 118 (STATUTORY) NO Shall there be a change to the Colorado Revised Statutes concerning the creation of a paid family and medical leave program in Colorado, and, in connection therewith, authorizing paid family and medical leave for a covered employee who has a serious health condition, is caring for a new child or for a family member with a serious health condition, or has a need for leave related to a family member’s military deployment or for safe leave; establishing a maximum of 12 weeks of family and medical leave, with an additional 4 weeks for pregnancy or childbirth complications, with a cap on the weekly benefit amount; requiring job protection for and prohibiting retaliation against an employee who takes paid family and medical leave; allowing a local government to opt out of the program; permitting employees of such a local government and self-employed individuals to participate in the program; exempting employers who offer an approved private paid family and medical leave plan; to pay for the program, requiring a premium of 0.9% of each employee’s wages, up to a cap, through December 31, 2024, and as set thereafter, up to 1.2% of each employee’s wages, by the director of the division of family and medical leave insurance; authorizing an employer to deduct up to 50% of the premium amount from an employee’s wages and requiring the employer to pay the remainder of the premium, with an exemption for employers with fewer than 10 employees; creating the division of family and medical leave insurance as an enterprise within the department of labor and employment to administer the program; and establishing an enforcement and appeals process for retaliation and denied claims? YES/FOR NO/AGAINST
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