Media
Coloradans for Smart Justice Coalition: Statement on Passage of Propositions 128 and 130
Vote No on Propositions 128 and 130: Bad Policy and Worse Math for Colorado’s Future
By Terrance Carroll
In my years as both a legislator and a police officer, I’ve had the privilege of seeing how public policy can shape a community. I've also seen the ways it can fail us. Props 128 and 130 are not the solutions to the challenges we face in Colorado. They are shortsighted and harmful policies that will cost us in both human lives and taxpayer dollars. We need to focus on real solutions—like community-based programs, mental health support, and job training—that address the root causes of crime and create safer, healthier communities for all Coloradans. I urge you to vote "no" on both Propositions 128 and 130. Let’s invest in real public safety solutions, not more policing and punishment. Read More
Say NO to Dark Money-Backed Props 128, 130
by State Senator Lisa Cutter
I urge all Colorado voters to reject both Proposition 128 and Proposition 130. These measures represent a dangerous trend toward punitive policies that disregard rehabilitation, transparency, and community-centered approaches. Instead of limiting parole opportunities and pouring funds into law enforcement without accountability, let’s focus on comprehensive solutions that promote public safety, wellness, and justice for all Coloradans.
Together, we have the power to move our state forward and build a healthier, safer, and more resilient Colorado. Let’s vote NO on Proposition 128 and Proposition 130 and stand together for a Colorado that prioritizes safety and responsible governance, while also promoting healing and strengthening community. Read More
Vote NO on Proposition 130. Real Public Safety Means Supporting All First Responders and Communities
by Kayla Anderson, paramedic and member of CWA Local 7799
Colorado already spends more on law enforcement per capita than 75 percent of other U.S. states. [E]vidence shows that investing in education, housing and mental health programs is far more effective at preventing crime than increasing police funding.
Think about it: those $350 million aren’t coming out of thin air. They’re being pulled from the state’s general fund, which also supports essential programs. Diverting these resources to employ more police creates a harmful trade-off—weakening the very services that make neighborhoods safer and healthier in the long run. That’s why CWA Local 7799 joins Coloradans for Smart Justice in opposing Proposition 130. Read more
Why We Oppose PROP 128
by Dan Meyer & Kristen Nelson, Spero Justice Center
Eliminating the possibility of earned time assumes that people are beyond redemption, a belief that reflects a grim and unforgiving view of humanity. This isn’t about guaranteeing release for anyone—it’s about affirming human dignity by providing a path for those who have worked to better themselves.
Prop 128 is rooted in the false idea that public safety can be achieved by denying people the chance to redeem themselves. In reality, rehabilitation, accountability, and the opportunity for change make communities safer. By voting no on Prop 128, Colorado can reject a policy that removes hope and embrace one that promotes a fair chance. True safety comes not from locking people away forever but from creating pathways for them to grow and re-enter society better than they were before. Read More
