I will defend the Taxpayers Bill of Rights (TABOR) and will never vote to raise taxes or fees on hardworking Coloradans and their businesses. Unfortunately, property taxes have recently skyrocketed in Colorado, and particularly in Douglas County. I support across the board reductions on property tax assessment rates and caps on all future increases. Our state government needs to be a better steward of existing taxpayer dollars, and not attempt to grow on the backs of homeowners and businesses.
U.S. News & World Report recently ranked Colorado as the 3rd most dangerous state in the country, due in large part to the massive rise in property crimes. That is simply unacceptable. I am fully committed to ensuring that our law enforcement agencies have the tools, resources, training and personnel necessary to keep our neighborhoods and our schools safe. I support your Second Amendment right to defend yourselves, your families and your property.
Homeownership is a key to personal wealth creation, and I want my three children to be able to buy their first homes and raise their families right here in Colorado. I support smart growth strategies that preserve communities of character and include the development of single and multi-family housing options, along with the necessary infrastructure to sustain such growth. We must also work to lower property taxes in this state so that our residents can afford to stay in their homes.
As a free market capitalist, I believe economic growth is best achieved with the government out of the way. I believe we must remove the government-imposed barriers that inhibit the ability of businesses to grow, thrive and innovate. We need to create a stable economic environment with a state government that works with businesses, not against them. If we can lower the cost of living, reduce taxes, improve workforce development and enhance public safety, Colorado will become more attractive to businesses looking to relocate.
The foundation to a strong economy and community, and the key to individual achievement is our education system. Our children deserve access to the best possible education that will prepare them to be competitive in the job market. I support school choice, including public, private, charter, vocational and homeschooling options that provide various career pathways. I reject one-size-fits-all education models and oppose efforts to indoctrinate students. I will vote to fund students, not systems, and ensure public and charter schools are funded equally.
The Federal Government has created a crisis at our southern border and we’re feeling the effects here in Colorado. It is estimated that over 160,000 illegal immigrants are residing within Colorado, and over 40,000 have arrived in Denver alone since 2022. This massive migrant influx is overwhelming state and local resources. As a state, we must put pressure on the Federal Government to secure the border, reform our broken immigration system and uphold the rule of law.
We must develop the infrastructure necessary to sustain our population. That includes roads, bridges, police/fire stations, power generation, communications and water storage. Traffic congestion and deteriorating roads have a negative impact on commerce in Colorado. Time wasted in unnecessary traffic delays is time away from family, fun, and productivity. As a state, we need to prioritize infrastructure in the budget without raising taxes.
I understand the importance of having reliable and renewable water for our communities. Colorado and the Front Range are at a critical time as we grabble with growth, reduced supply, and increased pressure from neighboring states. I will look at all options to secure a renewable and reliable water supply for Colorado property owners.
Healthcare in Colorado is a mess. Premiums have skyrocketed and there’s no easy fix. As the son of a physician, I know the importance of having access to high quality care. That’s why I am committed to working with doctors, healthcare professionals, administrators, insurance companies and patient-advocates to find creative ways to improve the standard of care, lower the cost of that care and increase access to it. As with many things, government intervention and more bureaucratic red tape is not the answer.
Colorado is blessed with an abundance of natural resources. We must unleash Colorado’s energy economy by removing overburdening and unnecessary regulations. Our oil and gas industry can safely extract energy while accounting for environmental concerns and preserving Colorado’s natural beauty.
I am a limited-government Constitutional conservative who will never waver on his principles. I haven’t held public office before, but I could no longer sit on the sidelines while our individual rights are under constant attack by bureaucrats and elected officials in Denver. That’s why I am volunteering to stand on the front lines to defend your rights and prevent any further erosion of our Constitution. If any given bill before the legislature isn’t pro-liberty or it somehow inhibits your ability to freely choose what is best for you and your family, I will not support it. I will always defend innocent life and property rights. I believe the Second Amendment defends the rest.
Copyright © 2024. Paid for by Matt Burcham for Colorado. Registered Agent: Katie Kennedy.