Independence Institute

History

The Independence Institute was founded in 1985 by John Andrews, a former Republican state legislator from Colorado. Since 1999, Independence Institute has been led by Jon Caldara.

Policy positions

The Independence Institute is a proponent of educational choice and charter schools, as well as the right to bear arms in accordance with the Second Amendment. II supported school board members in Douglas County, Colorado who became the majority there in 2009 and subsequently curtailed the power of the teachers' union, expanded school choice, and attempted to initiate a voucher system. However, a new school board majority elected in 2017 has promised to reverse many of these policies.

Prior to winning election to the United States House of Representatives as a Democrat, Jared Polis wrote a white paper for the institute about privatizing the U.S. Postal Service.

Because of the Institute's pro Second Amendment stance, it supports gun rights, including the right of concealed carry.

In 2013, II opposed Amendment 66, an unsuccessful ballot measure that would have increased the state's income tax by $950 million (which would have begun the hollowing out of Colorado's Taxpayer Bill of Rights (TABOR)). The organization supported the Taxpayer Bill of Rights (TABOR), which was passed by Colorado voters in 1992.

II opposed the Affordable Care Act. The Institute supports the use of fossil fuels.

References

References

1. (September 9, 2013). "Jon Caldara's political stunt had a purpose". Denver Post.
2. (9 May 2013). "Independence Institute – Nonprofit Explorer".
3. Jones, Brad. (2009-11-27). "Right wing takes flight at Independence Institute's Founders' Night Dinner". Colorado Statesman.
4. (9 January 2015). "About the Independence Institute". Independence Institute.
5. (February 3, 2014). "Jon Caldara to speak at annual Republican Lincoln Day event". Vail Daily News.
6. (August 11, 2013). "Colorado's free-market Independence Institute finding its place". Denver Post.
7. (September 1, 2014). "Who's afraid of Jon Caldara's school board sunshine?". Colorado Independent.
8. (November 17, 2010). "Speaking Out for Douglas County's Important Private School Choice Proposal". Independence Institute.
9. (November 7, 2017). "In thorny Douglas County school board races that drew national scrutiny, anti-voucher candidates prevail". The Denver Post.
10. (February 28, 2013). "Colorado anti-gun laws target the most vulnerable". Washington Times.
11. (March 7, 2014). "Independence Institute celebrates victories during spirited Founders' Night". Denver Post.
12. (November 5, 2013). "Voters reject big tax hike, school finance measure Amendment 66". Denver Post.
13. (December 23, 2012). "Two decades later, TABOR praised, blamed for limiting government". Denver Post.
14. (November 21, 2012). "Stryker Corportation [sic] Confirms ObamaCare Layoffs". Colorado Observer.
15. (March 26, 2012). "Independence Institute on Obamacare: It's not about the Commerce Clause". Colorado Independent.
16. Ari Natter. (April 13, 2017). "Earth Day Art Contest Showcases 'Awesomeness' of Fossil Fuels".