Denver Republican Party Newsletter - March 19, 2024 Edition

Lawrence Davis – A Veteran Geologist, Defender of Constitutional Values, and Advocate for All Coloradans

Lawrence Davis, a second-generation American, geologist, and staunch defender of American values, is stepping up to represent Colorado's 1st Congressional District. In his compelling journey, Davis reflects on his family's immigration to escape adversity and seek the promise of freedom and opportunity in the United States. Now, with deep-rooted patriotism and a wealth of worldly experiences, Davis is poised to tackle the challenges facing his community and country head-on.

Davis's distinguished career as a geologist has taken him across the globe, navigating diverse cultures and complex environments. From China during its historic reopening to interactions with Christian and Islamic nations, Davis has wielded the power of ethical decision-making in the face of moral dilemmas. His leadership as a project manager overseeing multi-million-dollar projects underscores his capacity to manage complexity and diverse teams effectively.

Retired and enjoying life on his Harley, Davis's perspective on healthcare changed when faced with a personal health crisis. His experience navigating the healthcare system and the financial burdens it imposes on many Americans ignited his passion for ensuring accessible and affordable healthcare for all.

Concerned by the current state of Congress and its detachment from core constitutional principles, Davis advocates for a return to fundamental values. Drawing from the Constitution's preamble, Davis proposes the "5 Rs" framework – a set of guiding principles for legislative decision-making. From addressing the border crisis to healthcare and climate change, Davis emphasizes the need for rational, well-reasoned solutions that prioritize the best interests of the American people.

Davis's decision to enter the political arena stems from his profound love for his country and a desire to effect meaningful change. As a conservative Denverite, he pledges to uphold the Constitution, protect civil liberties, and champion the American Dream.

Click HERE to visit LawrenceDavidForCongress.com and make a contribution to Lawrence Davis' campaign. Lawrence Davis represents a vintage perspective infused with wisdom, courage, and a deep commitment to serving the people. With your support, Davis aims to be your voice in Congress, advocating for the principles and values that define our great nation.

Lawrence will be one of two candidates competing for the First Congressional District. The other is Valdamar Archuleta whom was reported in our previous newsletter.

Is Big Pharma Dosing The Dems?

Discover the startling revelations brought to light by Ashley Troxell in her appearance on The Devil's Advocate. Troxell delved into the intricate web of corporate interests impacting Colorado's psychedelic legislation, shedding light on conflicts of interest and undue influence from left-wing lobbyists. Troxell voiced concerns about the ramifications of allowing corporate agendas to dictate the state's psilocybin laws, emphasizing the need for transparency and accountability in policymaking. Not stopping there, Troxell's advocacy extends to the Denver Psilocybin Review Panel, where she publicly exposed similar conflicts of interest in her recent comments to the Denver City Council.

HB 24-1363 - The short title is Charter Schools Accountability, but a more accurate title would be Allow Districts to Close Charter Schools. This is a complicated, 55 page bill that looks like it was written to make it more difficult to run a charter school and give local school districts the ability to shut down charter schools for a variety of reasons. It is a real threat to the future existence of charter schools in Colorado. The bill removes the ultimate authority of the state school board to settle disputes between local districts and charter schools, instead making the local school board the final decision maker with such conflicts. It also allows local school boards to close charters if the district student population is shrinking, removes any limitations on how much funding the local district may keep from the charter’s per pupil funding and severely restricts how charters may use local school district’s surplus buildings. This is a dangerous piece of legislation that should be killed before it has a chance to kill the best public schools in Colorado: Charter Schools.

SB 24-084 - Attorney General Duties to Prevent Mis- & Dis-information tasks the Colorado Attorney General with several concerning duties that pose risks to free speech protections under the First Amendment. By mandating the Attorney General to establish an initiative promoting "respectful engagement and discourse," the bill risks granting the state power to arbitrate what constitutes acceptable speech. This could lead to censorship of dissenting or unpopular opinions under subjective standards of "respectful" discourse. Moreover, the requirement for the AG to develop a curriculum for "productive and honest conversations" raises concerns about potential government indoctrination or narrative control. Additionally, the bill tasks the AG with studying online spread of mis/disinformation and examining laws like the Communications Decency Act's Section 230, potentially paving the way for statutory reforms that could limit online free speech. The appropriation of $150,000 for hiring "experts" further fuels concerns about partisan influence in shaping the definition of "truth."

SB 24-158 - Social Media Protect Juveniles Disclosures Reports is a censorship bill that is an attack on Coloradan’s First Amendment rights. The details of the bill include a sneak attack on free speech when it comes to discussing legal plant medicines, including marijuana, CBD, and psilocybin mushrooms. While the state has legalized the personal use of cannabis and psilocybin mushrooms, this bill would make it unlawful for social media platforms to allow any positive promotion of natural medicines online. And because what constitutes "promotion" remains undefined, the bill would likely force platforms to remove all plant medicine-related speech in a state where personal use is legal. This bill violates the First Amendment's protections on free speech. Citizens have a right to provide education, share their experiences, and engage in public discussion about plant medicines without fear of censorship from the state. How much will it cost Colorado taxpayers for Colorado to violate our First Amendment with this bill? Early estimates predict over $862,000.00 over the next three years.

HB 24-1304 - Minimum Parking Requirements aims to eliminate parking minimums across the state. There are already parking issues around multi-family housing; now the Democrats want to make it worse. This bill would prevent municipalities and counties from enforcing minimum parking requirements for both residential and commercial properties. Eliminating parking minimums could have unintended economic consequences. Property values may fluctuate, and businesses reliant on customer parking may face challenges attracting patrons if parking availability becomes limited. The bill's statewide mandate limits local governments' ability to tailor parking regulations to their specific needs and circumstances. Zoning ordinances often reflect community preferences and development priorities, and centralizing parking policy may undermine local autonomy and decision-making.

SB 24-066 - Firearms Merchant Category Code would allow credit companies and payment processors to use merchant category codes (MCC) to monitor credit card purchases of firearms, firearm accessories, and ammunition. This bill raises concerns about privacy infringement and potential misuse of consumer data. The bill has ignited heated debates over the balance between public safety measures and individual liberties, with stakeholders on both sides gearing up to make their voices heard during the legislative process.

HB 24-1353 - Firearms Dealer Requirements & Permit proposes the implementation of a duplicative state permitting system for federally regulated firearm license holders, adding extra conditions and requirements for dealers, including random inspections and severe penalties for violations. Critics argue that this bill would impose unnecessary burdens and costs on law-abiding sportsmen without significantly enhancing public safety. With ongoing discussions about its potential impact, stakeholders are actively engaging in advocacy efforts to ensure that their concerns are addressed and that the legislation reflects the interests of the community.

HB 24-1270 - Firearm Liability Insurance Requirement mandates firearm owners to maintain liability insurance covering losses or damages resulting from accidental or unintentional firearm discharges. This bill unfairly penalizes law-abiding citizens and places an undue financial burden on firearm owners. As discussions around this bill continue, stakeholders are closely monitoring its progress and advocating for amendments that strike a balance between public safety and individual rights.

HB 24-1039 - Non-Legal Name Changes is a legislative assault on parental rights. The erosion of parental rights persists as the legislature presses on, casting a shadow over fundamental family freedoms. The latest blow comes with the ominous advancement of non-legal name change legislation, threatening to keep parents in the dark about vital decisions affecting their children. As lawmakers push forward with these measures, concerns grow about the infringement on parental authority and the potential long-term consequences for families across the state. It's imperative for citizens to stand up and defend the rights of parents to make informed choices regarding their children's well-being and future.

HB 24-1040 - Gender-Affirming Health-Care Provider Study proposes a study on gender affirming care (GAC) providers in Colorado, aiming to assess their status and practices. Recent developments questioning the efficacy and safety of such care call for amendments to the bill. Recent studies and decisions, including one in California showing increased suicide rates post-gender reassignment surgery and the NHS ban on puberty blockers in the UK, highlight concerns about the long-term effects of GAC. The leaked documents from the World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH) further underscore the need for scrutiny, revealing instances of medical malpractice and disregard for patient outcomes in transgender healthcare. Advocates urge the committee to prioritize scientific evidence over anecdotal accounts and consider the potential legal ramifications of advancing GAC policies without addressing emerging concerns.

HB 24-1017 - Bill of Rights for Foster Youth infringes on religious freedom and parental rights by mandating affirmation of LGBTQ identities and allowing foster children to refuse religious activities. Democrats, like Rep. Leslie Herod, emphasize the importance of protecting LGBTQ foster youth from discrimination and creating a safe environment for them. However, the legislation could deter conservative Christian foster parents, highlighting ongoing tensions between LGBTQ rights and religious liberties in Colorado politics.

Tragic Homicide at Mayor Johnson's Failed Housing Initiative Hotel

A shocking homicide incident unfolded on Saturday night at a Denver hotel, where two victims, an adult male and an adult female, were found dead. The hotel, located at 4040 North Quebec St., was formerly a branded establishment but is now leased by the City and County of Denver as part of Mayor Mike Johnston's House1000 Initiative. The incident has cast a spotlight on the mayor's controversial housing plan, with critics arguing that the city has failed to ensure adequate security and safety measures for the residents housed in these hotels. As the investigation into the homicide continues, Mayor Johnston faces mounting pressure to address the glaring flaws in his housing initiative, which was intended to provide shelter but has instead become a breeding ground for crime and violence.

Taxpayer Turmoil: Colorado's Budget Battle Amidst Migrant Crisis

Amidst the backdrop of the Biden administration's open-door policy at the border, Denver finds itself at the forefront of this crisis. The city grapples with the financial strains of accommodating migrant populations, with budget cuts for migrant housing. As Colorado lawmakers on the Joint Budget Committee push to allocate up to $24 million to assist schools, the prospect of further tax allocations to support overwhelmed schools looms large. Spearheaded by state Rep. Emily Sirota, the proposed bill aims to provide financial relief to districts enrolling new students after the October cutoff date. The bill has yet to be introduced. This one-time infusion aims to alleviate financial strain, it falls short of covering the full cost of educating migrant students, posing challenges amid tight budget constraints.

Who Does Our Government Serve? Denver Considers Allowing Non-Citizens to Serve as Police and Firefighters

In a bold move, Denver councilmembers are pushing a controversial measure that would break down barriers preventing non-citizens from serving as police officers and firefighters. Currently barred by the city charter, this proposal has ignited heated debates about the role of citizenship in public service. Advocates argue that the change would open doors for legal permanent residents and DACA recipients to contribute to critical roles within the community. However, opponents fear potential compromises to public safety and erosion of trust. The proposal inches closer to reality, but its fate ultimately rests on a vote and potential inclusion on the November ballot for council consideration. The question looms: who does our government truly serve?

Polis Signs New Law Shielding Colorado Lawmakers from Open Meetings Law

Colorado legislators have passed a bill exempting themselves from certain provisions of the Colorado Open Meetings Law. "It is profoundly disappointing that the leadership of both houses, and the governor, have chosen to effectively exempt one branch of government from our state’s public transparency law,” said CFOIC president Steve Zansberg. Despite assurances from Democratic leaders like Senate President Steve Fenberg and House Speaker Julie McCluskie that transparency remains a priority, skeptics worry about the implications of allowing electronic communications among lawmakers to occur outside public purview. This controversial decision underscores ongoing debates about the balance between governmental transparency and operational efficiency in the digital age.

Defending the Middle Class: Colorado Republicans' Push for Income Tax Relief Thwarted by Democrats

Despite the efforts of Republican lawmakers to provide much-needed relief to hardworking Coloradans, House Bill 24-1065, aimed at lowering the state's income tax rates, faced a resounding defeat in the House Finance Committee. Sponsored by Representatives Scott Bottoms and Rose Pugliese, along with Senator Barbara Kirkmeyer, the bill sought to decrease individual and corporate tax rates, offering significant benefits to taxpayers. However, the bill encountered staunch opposition from Democrats, who argued that the proposed tax reduction primarily favored the wealthy. Nevertheless, supporters of the bill emphasized its potential to stimulate economic growth and job creation, benefiting businesses and workers alike. While the rejection of HB 24-1065 is a setback, Republicans remain committed to their goal of easing the tax burden on middle-class families, indicating that the fight for income tax relief in Colorado is far from over. The denial by the Democrats may be answered with a citizen’s initiative in November. 

Colorado House Democrats Block Crucial Legislation in Fight Against Fentanyl Crisis

In a contentious session, Colorado House Democrats voted down a proposal aimed at combating the escalating fentanyl crisis, sparking debate over the best approach to tackle drug addiction. The bill, introduced by House Rep. Mike Lynch, sought to impose stricter penalties for possession of fentanyl, reflecting a tough-on-crime stance to deter drug use. However, the proposal faced criticism from opponents who argued for a public health-focused approach, advocating for better treatment options and support for addicts rather than harsher penalties. The decision highlights a philosophical divide on how to address drug addiction. With overdose deaths on the rise and families of victims pleading for action, the rejection of this legislation underscores the urgency for bipartisan solutions to address the fentanyl crisis and save lives. Despite the setback, the debate continues as policymakers grapple with finding effective strategies to combat drug addiction in Colorado.

The Harder the Democrats Try to Take Out Trump, The More They Fail

In the latest twist of the legal saga surrounding Donald Trump's Georgia election interference trial, Judge Scott McAfee dropped six charges against the former president and his co-defendants. Despite this, McAfee is deliberating whether to remove District Attorney Fani Willis from the case, adding another layer of intrigue. The dismissed charges, including allegations of attempts to coerce Georgia officials, were deemed lacking in detail, prompting questions about the prosecution's strategy. With McAfee's upcoming decision on Willis's involvement and the potential for further charges, the courtroom drama continues to unfold, keeping observers on the edge of their seats.

Please check our calendar page for all events.

District 2 - Monthly Meeting

When: Tuesday, March 19, 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm

Where: St. John's Lutheran Church 700 S Franklin St, Denver, CO 80209

Denver Republican Women's Citizen Lobbying Training

When: Thursday, March 21, 06:00 pm – 07:00 pm

Where: Virtual Webinar (RSVP for link)

Denver County Assembly

When: Saturday, March 23, 9:00 am – 2:00 pm

Where: Community Center of the Assumption Greek Orthodox Cathedral of Denver at 4610 E. Alameda Avenue, Denver, CO 80246

Denver Republican Women's Lobbying Day and Happy Hour

When: Thursday, March 28, 10:00 am – 05:00 pm (Happy hour to follow)

Where: Colorado State Capitol, 200 E Colfax Avenue, Denver, CO 80203

Cocktails - Monthly Social

When: Thursday, March 28, 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Where: Blue Bonnet Restaurant, 457 S Broadway, Denver, CO, 80209

First Congressional Assembly and Convention

When: Tuesday, April 2, 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm (Check-in starts at 6:15 pm)

Where: Community Center of the Assumption Greek Orthodox Cathedral of Denver at 4610 E. Alameda Avenue, Denver, CO 80246

District 5 - Monthly Meeting

When: Thursday, April 4, 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm

Where: Community Room, Hirschfield Towers, 333 W Ellsworth Ave, Denver, CO 80223 

First Friday Breakfast

When: Friday, April 5, 8:00 am – 9:30 am

Where: Morning Story Restaurant, 560 S Holly Street, Denver, CO 80246

State GOP Assembly and Convention

When: Saturday, April 6, 9:00 am – 2:00 pm

Where: Southwest Motors Arena (Colorado State Fairgrounds), 1001 Beulah Avenue, Pueblo, CO 80014

District 6 - Monthly Meeting

When: Monday, April 8, 5:30 pm – 6:30 pm

Where: Christ the King Parish Hall, 830 Elm St, Denver, CO 80220

District 4 - Meet and Greet + Monthly Meeting

When: Monday, April 8, 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm (Meeting starts at 6:00 pm)

Where: McCoys Restaurant, 4855 Federal Blvd, Denver, CO 80221

District 1 - Monthly Meeting

When: Thursday, April 9, 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm

Where: Lakewood Vineyard Church, 6800 W Hampden Ave, Lakewood, CO 80227

District 3 - Monthly Meeting

When: Thursday, April 11, 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm

Where: 2nd Floor Conference Room, Tower 1660, 1660 S. Albion Street, Denver, CO 80222 

District 9 - Monthly Meeting

When: Monday, April 15, 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm

Where: 2nd Floor Conference Room, Tower 1660, 1660 S. Albion Street, Denver, CO 80222

District 2 - Monthly Meeting

When: Tuesday, April 16, 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm

Where: St. John's Lutheran Church 700 S Franklin St, Denver, CO 80209

SAVE THESE DATES!

Assembly and Convention Dates

• Saturday, March 23, 2024 at 9:00 am - Denver County Republican Assembly

A description of the county assembly can be found at: Denver County Assembly.

• Tuesday, April 2, 2024 at 7:00 pm - First Congressional Assembly and Convention

A description of the First Congressional Assembly and Convention can be found at: County and District Assemblies.

• Saturday, April 6, 2024 at 9:00 am - State GOP Assembly and Convention

A description of the State GOP Assembly and Convention can be found at: State GOP Assembly and Convention

We Need Republicans To Get Involved!

We need your help to spread the truth and make a difference. Without your support, we can’t fight the lies and corruption of the other side. You can join our cause by becoming a monthly donor or making a single donation. Every dollar counts and every voice matters. Don’t let them silence us. Let’s stand together and make our voices heard.

Contact Us

Website - https://www.denvergop.org

Contact Us - Denver County Republicans

Roger Rowland - Chairman

Carolyn Barnes - 1st Vice Chair

Diane Wolta - 2nd Vice Chair

Michael DiManna - 3rd Vice Chair

Kathy Elliott - Secretary

Joan French - Training Director

Ashley Troxell - Newsletter Editor, CFRW District 1 Director

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This publication is a periodic newsletter produced by the Denver County Republican Party and includes announcements of events for independent groups and initiatives not necessarily affiliated with the Republican Party as a whole or the county party. Inclusion is for information only and does not imply an endorsement.