Our Top Contract Priorities
With so much slipping away from our present, it cannot help but impact Colorado's future. The more mindful we are to the names and faces of our neighbors in every county, the more aggressively energetic we can be about sculpting our vision for a brighter Colorado together.
And as part of our Contract with Coloradans, we will be the most accessible state government in history. How else will we be empowered to build something that endures? Stay tuned, and in the coming days we will expand upon our campaign's vision, our plans, and how they will benefit you directly!
John Brooks Contract with Coloradans
Why a Contract?
As Governor, I will be reminded each day that all a person has in this world, is their word. Without it, a promise is empty. I will serve every Coloradan with integrity and sincerity. I will be mindful of our state's interest in politics, but I will be your executive.
How It Works
I will campaign on issues with an eye on tangible results which benefit Coloradans in their everyday lives, being certain to close the gap that has grown. My focus will be on our state and how we'll improve the present, and the next 25 years.
What it Means to You
Colorado and its families mean everything to me, and once I am Governor you may rest assured the time, motion, and mission of your fresh executive team will return the power and meaning of state government back to its people.
AFFORDABILITY & COST OF LIVING
* Colorado is one of the most expensive states in the US, 43rd in affordability
* Affordable housing projects scattered into communities don’t achieve scalable success
* "Enterprise Zones" and "Opportunity Zones" are having minimal, if any, success
CRIME & PUBLIC SAFETY
* Rates of crime (esp. violent crimes) remain far too high
* School and other shootings remain a major problem
* Soft on crime policies are having a negative impact on deterrence
* Law enforcement is still facing significant staffing / recruitment challenges
HEALTHCARE
* Cost of insurance
* Exorbitant provider fees
* Availability, especially in rural areas
* Not enough providers
IMMIGRATION
* Illegal immigration presents a significant problem for crime, and resources to support immigrants in food, housing, healthcare, education, and more
* DACA needs resolution
* Colorado industries have significant dependence on immigrant workers, not all legal (agriculture, tourism, hospitality, QSRs, service industries)
* Conflict exists between sanctuary policies and Federal law
RURAL PROTECTION & REVITALIZATION
* Rural communities face urbanization challenges as populations age, youth migrate to urban areas
* Industries are threatened, including agriculture
* Opportunities that exist in urban areas are not replicated in rural settings
* Services that exist in urban areas do not exist in rural settings
FISCAL HEALTH
* The state is spending at a higher pace than revenue supports
* TABOR (consumer inflation % + population growth % = increased spend cap) is under constant attack
* Essential services are being cut (Medicaid, school lunches, etc.)
* Other budget line items are not being discussed in public forums
TRANSPORTATION
* Congestion is worsening
* Roads in poor shape
* Projects are reactive
* Variable tolls highly unpopular and not efficient
* No plans in play for Mountain Transit
* Rail system grossly underbuilt
EDUCATION
* Colorado schools are failing – 39th in HS graduation rates
* Our kids aren’t prepared for international workforce competition
* School activities have been slashed
* Kids aren’t held to standards to succeed
* More rural higher-ed access needed without relocation
ENERGY
* Energy needs are increasing
* Some estimates have energy needs at 2x or even 3x current consumption
* We lack grid, generation, and storage capacity to meet these goals
* Too much focus has on speed to renewables and "clean" sources
* Costs to Colorado residents by 2050 could exceed $900/month under Polis "clean" energy plans