Do you agree? Or disagree?
It’s no secret that Colorado is a Sanctuary State for people who are in the country illegally.
Laws passed by the State Legislature are protecting illegal aliens from deportation and taxpayer-funded social programs are even provided to those in the country illegally.
Amendment 81 would remove some protections for illegal aliens if they were charged with a crime.
If Amendment 81 passes, someone who is arrested for a violent crime or is arrested for any crime and has a previous felony conviction could be reported to Homeland Security.
Law enforcement would be required to make a reasonable effort to determine if the arrestee was in the country illegally and if law enforcement cannot determine that the arrestee is legally in the country, they would be required to notify Homeland Security.
This would mean that illegal aliens with a serious criminal record would no longer be given a free pass in Colorado.
Instead of catch-and-release policies, criminals could actually face serious consequences for their crimes.
If Amendment 81 passes, I’d expect that crime would go down and deportations would increase.
Who is supporting this measure?
Michael Fields, President of the Advance Colorado Institute is a designated representative of this measure.
A Brighter Colorado (20265052270) is the Issue Committee that is supporting this measure and other measures that Michael Fields is involved with this year.
A Brighter Colorado has received over $2.6 million to support initiatives in this year’s election.
The largest donors to A Brighter Colorado are Common Sense America ($2,000,000), GOPAC Election Fund ($500,000), Rado Capital ($25,000) Matt Stava ($25,000), Oscar Brown ($25,000) and Advance Colorado ($20,000).
Eagle County Republican Women Club is also listed as an organization, but currently has no spending listed in TRACER (the Colorado Secretary of State’s campaign finance website).
Who is opposing this measure?
At least three issue committees have a purpose of opposing Amendment 81.
Colorado Communities First (20265052247) is primarily funded by Colorado Immigrants Right Coalition (CIRC) (at least $155,000), and American Civil Liberties Union of Colorado (ACLU) (at least $80,000).
The People’s No (20265052344) is primarily funded by ACLU of Colorado (at least $245,000), and Color Action Fund (at least $100,000).
Vote Common Sense (20265052134) is primarily funded by Green Advocacy Project ($200,000), Merle Chambers ($100,000), Coloradans for Real Safety Solutions ($50,000), Colorado Immigration Rights Coalition Action Fund ($50,000), Colorado Wins ($50,000), Colorado Fund for Children and Education ($50,000) and other groups.
Final Verdict:
Free State Colorado recommends a YES vote.