Reader submissions cover distinct Colorado issues. Vince Phillips argues the 2020 repeal of the Gallagher Amendment — sold as tax stability — has driven 20–30% property tax increases in Chaffee County while the county budget tripled to $84 million, pushing out fixed-income residents and renters. Phillips again argues in The Colorado Give Cash piece exposes $93 million in annual Medicaid overbilling, where wheelchair van trips were coded as specialty ambulances for five years with zero personnel consequences. Alex Boulter opposes SB26-097, which would decriminalize prostitution statewide, warning it preempts local ordinances, invites sex tourism, and endangers communities — going further than any U.S. state. Jeany Rush testifies against SB26-033 on clean energy permitting, rejecting the premise of Colorado’s green energy transition as scientifically unfounded and fiscally reckless, arguing it destroys reliable energy infrastructure while enriching private-public partnerships tied to international finance. All four challenge state government accountability and overreach.
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