Commonsensedigest - Podcast Details

Shows

Common Sense Digest & Colorado ClarityHomelessness: What Is the Best Approach to Tackling It?There are two broad approaches to homelessness. Housing first prioritizes providing stable, permanent housing to individuals experiencing homelessness without preconditions such as sobriety, employment, or mental health treatment. The core idea is that housing is a basic human right, and that once a person has a secure place to live, they are better able to address other challenges like mental health, substance use, or unemployment. The second approach is best described as intervention first or work first. Under this approach, providers use a tiered system of shelter, treatment, and training to build self-sufficiency. Housing is assumed to b...2025-04-2108 min

Common Sense DigestWhere Is Our Transportation Funding Actually Going? featuring Ben SteinCommon Sense Institute recently published a study titled "Highway Detours: The Ongoing Shift of Transportation Dollars." It was authored by our Transportation Fellow Ben Stein, who, in 2006 became the Budget Director for the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT). At CDOT he oversaw the development and execution of the annual budget for the department which then had an annual budget in excess of $1 billion and more than 3,000 employees. In October 2010, Stein was selected to become CDOT’s Chief Financial Officer (Senior Executive Service). During his tenure at CDOT he also managed numerous complex financial transactions. These included private placements, the in...2025-04-0731 min

Common Sense Digest & Colorado ClarityCould Federal Workers Returning to the Office Boost Downtown Denver?Our host DJ Summers, Director of Policy and Research for Common Sense Institute, delves deeper into CSI's recent report "Returning Government Employees to Work a Boon for Urban Economy" on this episode of Colorado Clarity. On January 20, 2025, the new presidential administration indicated a desire to have all federal employees return to in-person work. The administration directed all executive branch departments and agencies to terminate remote work arrangements and require employees to return to work in-person at their respective duty stations on a full-time basis. What could the impacts of such a move be? What trade-offs exist? What story do t...2025-03-1009 min

Common Sense DigestSPECIAL EPISODE: Eggs and the Economy - March 4, 2025In this special edition of Common Sense Digest, we feature discussion from one of our recent events. On Tuesday, March 4, Common Sense Institute hosted its quarterly Eggs & The Economy Event. This edition was titled "Over Easy or Overpriced? The Growing Cost of Living in Colorado." Our panelists included: Tamra Ryan - CSI Coors Economic Mobility Fellow Lynn Granger - President & CEO of the Colorado Oil & Gas Association Ross Kaminsky - CSI Free Enterprise Fellow Vince Bzdek - Editor-in-Chief of the Colorado Springs Gazette (Moderator). Thank you for listening to...2025-03-0653 min

Common Sense DigestIowa's DOGE Prototype and Its Results featuring Ben MurreyThe state of Iowa does not have a Department of Government Efficiency, however, Iowa lawmakers began improving government efficiency through a state initiative known as “alignment” more than a year before the American public ever heard of a “DOGE” at the federal level. Common Sense Institute commission a report that evaluates Iowa’s 2023 government alignment. Specifically, it identifies the portion of the 2024 tax cuts attributable to the savings from alignment and uses dynamic modeling to forecast its economic impact on the state. That report, titled "Iowa’s D.O.G.E.: How state government alignment is retuning money back to Iowans an...2025-02-2427 min

Common Sense Digest & Colorado ClarityThe Full Cost of Colorado's Ambitious Energy GoalsEverybody wants cleaner energy – but not everybody is going to be happy about how much clean energy is going to cost them. Our host DJ Summers, Director of Policy and Research for Common Sense Institute, referencing CSI's recent report "The Future of Energy Prices in Colorado," breaks down the state’s emission reduction laws which require zero carbon emissions from the electric sector by 2040, the increase in electrification for buildings, and the accelerated retirement of coal and natural gas plants. Ambitious carbon reduction goals are a noble pursuit, but how much will it cost businesses and consumers? The to...2025-02-1009 min

Common Sense DigestThe Cost of Crime in Oregon featuring Max Williams and Mark McMullenPublic concern over crime in Oregon has intensified, with a significant majority of residents expressing dissatisfaction with local government responses. A May 2024 poll revealed that 78% of Portland-area voters disapprove of how local authorities are handling crime, reflecting widespread unease across various demographics. This sentiment is further underscored by a December 2023 survey, where 74% of respondents expressed worry about becoming crime victims, and 90% were dissatisfied with public safety. These concerns are substantiated by recent crime statistics. Between 2019 and 2023, Oregon experienced a 10% increase in violent crime, contrasting with a 4% national decline. Notably, the state's murder rate surged by 53%, more than d...2024-12-2043 min

Common Sense DigestBoosting Iowa's Economy: The Childcare Solutions Fund featuring Sherri PenneyLike other states across the nation, Iowa faces a severe shortage of quality affordable childcare. Research by the Iowa Women’s Foundation found that the annual average cost of infant care in Iowa is 18.4% higher than in-state tuition at a four-year public college and 14.1% higher than annual housing costs. The fact is, childcare is prohibitively expensive if not entirely inaccessible to many Iowa families with young kids. Without affordable and reliable childcare, parents’—especially mothers—miss out on work. When women forego employment early in their careers because they don’t have childcare, not only do they lose the opportunit...2024-11-1942 min

Common Sense DigestThe CSI 2024 Ballot Guide and Inflation Misery featuring Kelly Caufield and Zach MilneThe Common Sense Institute's 2024 Ballot Guide highlights the potential economic and fiscal impacts of key ballot measures in Colorado. Proposition 127, for instance, could lead to significant revenue losses for Colorado Parks and Wildlife and reduce overall economic output by $61.65 million. Other measures, such as school choice and law enforcement funding, focus on improving education options and public safety, while initiatives like the fur ban and affordable housing tax could have broad implications for local businesses and residents. You can find our full ballot guide here. On this episode of Common Sense Digest, Host and Chairman of CSI...2024-10-2932 min

Common Sense Digest & Colorado ClarityDemographics are Destiny: Why are People Leaving Colorado? In this episode, DJ Summers is joined by Chris Brown, Vice President of Policy & Research, to tackle one of Colorado's hottest topics over the past 15 years: net migration. From legislative impacts to street-level experiences, they explore the reasons behind Colorado's population boom and the surprising shift that has everyone talking—people are no longer just moving to Colorado, they're starting to leave. What’s driving this change? And what does it mean for the state’s future? Read the full report here: https://www.commonsenseinstituteus.org/colorado/research/housing-and-our-community/2023-domestic-migration-data 2024-10-2811 min

Common Sense Digest & Colorado ClarityUnderstanding Inflation: How much misery is inflation causing?In this episode of Colorado Clarity, host DJ Summers sits down with Chris Brown, Vice President of Policy & Research at the Common Sense Institute, to break down the multi-year inflationary cycle that’s become a central issue in the presidential election. Together, they dive into CSI’s recently released Inflation Misery Index, with a focus on its impact on Colorado’s economy. How much misery are we facing when we address inflation? Read the full report: https://www.commonsenseinstituteus.org/colorado/research/jobs-and-our-economy/inflation-misery-index 2024-10-2110 min

Common Sense DigestReforming Arizona's Homeless Service Ecosystem featuring Julie Katsel and Ted MaxwellEarlier this year, the Common Sense Institute released a thorough review of homelessness spending at all levels – non-profits, state and local governments, and federal grants and transfers. The report identified over 200 Arizona providers – public and private - who today spend a collective $1 billion per year on homelessness-related expenses. Despite those resources, Arizona’s counted homeless population has increased more than 40% in the past five years; over half of them are unsheltered. Following up on that initial research, Common Sense Institute has worked with two dozen stakeholders throughout Arizona from the more than 200 public and private homeless service provid...2024-10-1533 min

Common Sense Digest & Colorado ClarityMaternal Care Matters: A Deep Dive into Health EquityIn this episode of Colorado Clarity, we sit down with Dr. Reggie Washington to discuss the critical state of maternal healthcare. As an expert in the field, Dr. Washington sheds light on the challenges, disparities, and advancements in maternal care, both in Colorado and across the nation. Join us as we explore the vital role of equitable healthcare access for mothers and the work being done to improve outcomes for families. Read the full report here: https://www.commonsenseinstituteus.org/colorado/research/healthcare/colorados-ranking-on-maternal-healthcare-costs-and-options 2024-10-0710 min

Common Sense DigestIowa's Healthcare Landscape featuring Dr. Chelsea LensingIowa’s policymakers, providers, and insurers operate within a state comprised of an aging population and large rural areas. According to the Iowa Department of Justice, the state ranks 16th nationally for the number of residents 50-years-old and over. Approximately 18% of Iowa’s more-than-three-million residents are 65 years old and older while 23% are under 18 years old. The average life expectancy in Iowa is 78.12—21st highest in the country. In addition, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) considers 77 of the state’s 99 counties “rural” based on the amount of open countryside and rural towns. These are only some of the findings in...2024-10-0735 min

Common Sense Digest & Colorado ClarityFighting Crime: The Power of Proposition 130 In this episode, DJ Summers is joined by Former Chief of Police Paul Pazen to discuss the pressing issue of rising crime rates and the upcoming November Ballot Initiative, Proposition 130. This critical measure aims to allocate funding to agencies across the state to enhance public safety and support law enforcement efforts. With his extensive experience and unique perspective, Paul Pazen is ideally suited to provide insights into the implications of this ballot measure and its potential impact on our communities. Join us for an in-depth conversation about the challenges we face and the solutions that...2024-09-3008 min

Common Sense Digest & Colorado ClarityAmendment 80: The Future of School Choice in ColoradoIn this episode, DJ Summers is joined by Kelly Caufield, CSI Colorado’s Executive Director, to discuss Amendment 80, a key proposition on the upcoming November ballot. If passed, this amendment would embed school choice into the Colorado Constitution. Tune in to learn what this could mean for education, families, and the future of schooling in the state. 2024-09-1611 min

Common Sense DigestThe Potential Impacts of Oregon Ballot Measure 118 featuring Lynn SnodgrassThis November Oregon voters will decide on Ballot Measure 118, which would increase Oregon’s taxes on corporations six-fold, with the proceeds to be distributed equally across all eligible individuals. Under the proposal, Oregonians would face the most aggressive gross receipts tax in the nation by far. Host and Chairman Earl Wright welcomes Mark McMullen, Vice President of Research and Policy for CSI Oregon, and CSI Oregon Board Member Lynn Snodgrass, CEO of the Gresham Area Chamber of Commerce and former Speaker of the Oregon House of Representatives. They unpack what the measure seeks to do, the reasoning be...2024-09-1627 min

Common Sense DigestSPECIAL EPISODE: Eggs & The Economy - September 10, 2024In this special edition of Common Sense Digest, we feature discussion from one of our recent events. On Tuesday, September 10, Common Sense Institute hosted its quarterly Eggs & The Economy Event. This edition was titled: "Unscrambling the 2024 November Ballot" Our panelists included: Paul Pazen - CSI Public Safety Fellow and Former Denver Police Chief Lang Sias - CSI Mike A. Leprino Free Enterprise Fellow Paul Andrews - President & CEO of the National Western Stock Show Kelly Caufield - CSI Colorado Executive Director Thank you for listening to Common Sense Digest. Pl...2024-09-101h 01

Common Sense DigestA Chat with CSI's Daniels Fund Junior ScholarsOur President and CEO Kristin Strohm fills in for Earl Wright on this edition of Common Sense Digest as she welcomes four full-time Daniels Fund Scholars to the show to discuss the work of four remarkable summer interns. These young men and women are working to help advance CSI’s mission of examining the fiscal impacts of policies and legislation by crafting reports that better inform citizens. Over the course of the summer, the Daniels Scholar Junior Fellows have conducted informative research, assisted with data collection, and are each working with a CSI Fellow to construct a f...2024-08-2228 min

Common Sense Digest & Colorado ClarityBig Cats, Bigger Debate: Colorado's Ballot Initiative 91Ballot Initiative 91, a bold move to ban big cat hunting in Colorado. The group "Cats Aren't Trophies" is leading the charge to stop the killing, wounding, pursuing, or trapping of mountain lions, bobcats, and lynxes. This quirky yet crucial issue is stirring up debates across the state, especially among rural residents and hunters. How will this impact Colorado's economy? Will taxpayers foot the bill? And what can we learn from California's experience with similar legislation? Tune in to explore the complexities and potential consequences of this contentious proposal. 2024-08-1910 min

Common Sense Digest & Colorado ClarityMeat, Morals, and Money: Colorado's Slaughterhouse BanDeep diving into one of the most contentious issues on Colorado's 2024 state-wide ballot: the proposed ban on slaughterhouses. With only one slaughterhouse in Denver and a wave of complaints driving the proposal, we explore how this ban could impact Coloradans. Is there a tangible benefit to banning these establishments, or is the push fueled by emotion rather than economic sense? We also discuss the implications for Colorado's cattle industry and the broader economic effects of such a ban in a state that is more about cattle than crops. Read the full re...2024-08-1414 min

Common Sense Digest & Colorado ClarityDecoding PERA: The Essential Guide to Colorado's Public PensionsWhat exactly is PERA? Are state and public employees getting the short end of the stick? Is PERA financially sound? And how is Colorado managing these challenges? PERA obligations might sound dull at first, but this is a conversation that affects nearly 140,000 public employees in Colorado. Join us as we delve into these vital questions and more. For more information - visit www.commonsenseinstituteco.org 2024-08-0510 min

Common Sense Digest & Colorado ClarityMile High Report Card: Denver's State of the CityWhat is the state of our city? How is Mayor Mike Johnston addressing homelessness? Will housing prices continue to soar unaddressed? Are migrants top of mind for the administration? DJ Summers & Cole Anderson dive into Denver Mayor Mike Johnston's State of the City address, examining the challenges faced in the past year and his plans for the future. Coloradans need affordable housing, homelessness is draining city resources, the migrant population is growing, and a different approach to Denver's Public Safety issue. 2024-07-3013 min

Common Sense Digest & Colorado ClarityDenver's Multifront Battle: War on Fentanyl, Migrant Influx, and Property Tax HikesWelcome to the pilot episode of Colorado Clarity! Join hosts DJ Summers and Cole Anderson from the Common Sense Institute as they dive into the most pressing policy issues impacting Colorado today. In this episode, they tackle the fentanyl crisis sweeping through Colorado, the significant financial burden of the migrant influx on Denver and surrounding areas, and the staggering rise in property taxes—the highest since the Vietnam War era. For more information on the research discussed in the episode today, please visit our website. 2024-07-1708 min

Common Sense DigestSPECIAL EPISODE: Fentanyl: Our Nation's Most Devastating ChallengeIn this special edition of of Common Sense Digest, we feature discussion from one of our recent events. On Thursday, June 27, Common Sense Institute hosted an event titled "Fentanyl: Our Nation's Most Devastating Challenge" where speakers from across the country will share research and insights on one of the most challenging issues of our time. Our panelists included: Max Williams - Community Leader; Portland, Oregon Rachel Mitchell - Maricopa County Attorney Mitch Morrissey - CSI Colorado Owens-Early Criminal Justice Fellow Paul Pazen - CSI Public Safety Fellow and Former Denver Police...2024-06-2853 min

Common Sense DigestIntroducing Common Sense Institute Oregon featuring Mark McMullenIn January, CSI made a bold move to kick off 2024 and launched in two new states: Iowa and Oregon. Both states are already releasing new studies and engaging in the public policy arena. Along with its successful counterparts in Colorado and Arizona, as well as a newly launched chapter in Iowa, CSI Oregon is guided by a board of local leaders, each bringing expertise from various industries. These board members share CSI's dedication to factual and non-partisan policy analysis. To discuss the launch of CSI Oregon, our Chairman and Host Earl Wright is joined by Mark McMullen, Vice Preside...2024-06-2530 min

Common Sense DigestHow DSST Became a Successful Educational Model featuring Bill Kurtz and Van SchoalesFounded in 2004 as a high school in Denver’s Central Park neighborhood, Denver School of Science & Technology (DSST) is now nationally renowned for its unique design, diversity, and consistent high achievement—considered one of the leading open enrollment STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) schools in the United States. DSST’s mission is to transform urban public education by eliminating educational inequity and preparing all students for success in college and the 21st century. With a focus on character development and rigorous academics in equal measure, which are represented by DSST’s six core values: Respect, Responsibility, Integrity, Courage, Curiosit...2024-06-0737 min

Common Sense DigestSPECIAL EPISODE: Eggs & The Economy - June 4, 2024In this special edition of of Common Sense Digest, we feature discussion from one of our recent events. On Tuesday, June 4, Common Sense Institute hosted its quarterly Eggs & The Economy Event. This edition was titled: "The Colorado Crisis: The Economic Impact of Migrants and the Homeless.." Our panelists included: Adam Paul - Director of Regional Affairs, Office of the Mayor | City and County of Denver Paul Scudo - CEO of Step Denver Heidi Williams - CEO of Civic Results and CEO and Executive Director of the Metro Mayors Caucus DJ Summers...2024-06-0555 min

Common Sense DigestWhat Should We Do To Optimize RTD Ridership? featuring Kelly Brough and Daniel HuttonWhat began as a relatively small-scale bus operation, RTD has grown to one of the Denver metro area’s most expansive pieces of infrastructure and a political arena of its own. Increasingly, the public is being asked to put more confidence into an organization of which it has cause to be skeptical. In the face of expansive plans, though, RTD serves fewer people than it did just five years ago. Ridership halved during the COVID-19 public health emergency and plagued by lingering issues of elevated region-wide crime and remote work, it has not recovered to prepandemic levels....2024-05-2835 min

Common Sense DigestA Breakdown of the 2024 Arizona Legislative Session featuring Katie Ratlief and Wayne SchutskyArizona's legislative session continues, and Common Sense Institute is here to discuss what's already unfolded and what remains to transpire. Specifically, we discuss the state budget and the critical areas of housing and homelessness. These topics are at the forefront of policy decisions and have significant implications for the future of the state. Joining Chairman and Host Earl Wright to unpack these issues are Katie Ratlief, Executive Director of Common Sense Institute, and Wayne Schutsky, a field correspondent with KJZZ. The three unpack the details of the legislative session, explore the legislative response to housing challenges, and...2024-05-1338 min

Common Sense DigestThe Issue of Housing in the 2024 Colorado Legislature featuring Peter LiFariAnybody in Colorado can agree that housing is at the top of the list our most pressing matters. It’s expensive, there doesn’t seem to be enough of it, people are afraid they won’t be able to keep their homes or that they’ll never buy one to begin with, and property taxes are going to make the expense issue that much worse. The Colorado legislature has a number of bills regarding housing currently under consideration including ADUs, parking requirements and "transit-oriented communities." Chairman and Host Earl Wright welcomes CSI Housing Fellow Peter LiFari to discuss...2024-05-0733 min

Common Sense DigestSPECIAL EPISODE: Eggs & The Economy - April 16, 2024In this special edition of of Common Sense Digest, we feature discussion from one of our recent events. On Tuesday, April 16, Common Sense Institute hosted its quarterly Eggs & The Economy Event. This edition was titled: " From the State Capitol to the Kitchen Table: How Colorado Policy is Impacting Housing, Safety and Infrastructure." Our panelists included: Kelly Brough - CSI Urban Development Fellow Debbie Brown - President of Colorado Business Roundtable Chief Paul Pazen - CSI Public Safety Fellow Peter LiFari - CSI Housing Fellow Dan Njegomir - Opinion Editor...2024-04-181h 17

Common Sense DigestNearing the Finish Line: A Look Back and Ahead at the Colorado Legislative Session featuring Jake ZambranoThere is no shortage of public policy to pass through in Colorado in 2024. Legislators are trying to address a state in the throes of a housing affordability crisis, an infrastructure crunch, a crime wave, a post-inflation economic climate, a surge in migrants from the southern border, a statewide homelessness crisis, and a mental health crisis, on top of the usual array of issues from healthcare costs to energy reform to environment. Lawmakers have put forward over 600 bills in the 2024 General Assembly session to try to catch it all. Joining Host and Chairman Earl Wright is CSI's Director...2024-04-1236 min

Common Sense DigestCaitlin Clarkonomics and the Impact on Iowa featuring Ben MurreyUniversity of Iowa’s homegrown star, Caitlin Clark, began her college basketball career playing in empty arenas at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Now she competes in sold-out arenas wherever she goes—and for good reason. During her 4-year college career, Clark has broken countless records on the court and brought an unprecedented level of excitement to women’s basketball. Meanwhile, Iowa has felt her impact inside and outside of the arena. The athlete’s talent and celebrity has led to soaring attendance at games, and larger crowds generate more economic activity. Our recent study, Clarkonomics: The Impa...2024-04-0331 min

Common Sense DigestCrime Trends in Colorado featuring Paul PazenFew people in Colorado have not directly experienced crime. From property offenses to violent crimes, every crime leaves a traumatized victim. Whether the wounds are physical, psychological, or financial, it is important to acknowledge the profound effects that a crime can have on its victims. At Common Sense Institute, our goal is to address the economic impact of crime while remaining conscious of the suffering that it causes. Our recent report The Cost of Juvenile Crime and its Economic Impact on Colorado analyzes the cost of juvenile crime in Colorado and its economic impact. This study encompasses...2024-03-2232 min

Common Sense DigestTackling Homelessness in Arizona featuring Tom SimplotHomelessness – and the provision of related services – has evolved into a substantial economic sector. While services are primarily provided by nonprofits, funding starts at the federal level and flows from federal, state, and local grantors into the nonprofit space. The funding and services are distributed through a vast national network of local nonprofit organizations, with Arizona alone hosting as many as 167 such entities. CSI estimates that the total nonprofit workforce dedicated to alleviating homelessness in Arizona is as high as 51,000 employees and volunteers. For context, the state’s largest private organization employs about 45,000 people. CSI estimates that statew...2024-03-1824 min

Common Sense DigestAnnouncing the Launch of CSI Iowa featuring Joe Murphy and Ben MurreyIn January, CSI made a bold move to kick off 2024 and launched in two new states: Iowa and Oregon. Both states are already releasing new studies and engaging in the public policy arena. Along with its successful counterparts in Colorado and Arizona, as well as a newly launched chapter in Oregon, CSI Iowa is guided by a board of local leaders, each bringing expertise from various industries. These board members share CSI's dedication to factual and non-partisan policy analysis. To discuss the launch of CSI Iowa, our Chairman and Host Earl Wright is joined by Joe Murphy, P...2024-02-2329 min

Common Sense DigestSPECIAL EPISODE: Eggs & The Economy - February 13, 2024In this special edition of of Common Sense Digest, we feature discussion from one of our recent events. On Tuesday, February 13, Common Sense Institute hosted its quarterly Eggs & The Economy Event. This edition was titled: "Supply & Demand, What to Know About Today's Degrees and Tomorrow's Jobs." Our panelists included: Janine Davidson - President of Metropolitan State University Dave Davia - former CEO of the Rocky Mountain Mechanical Contractors Association Mike Coffman - Mayor of City of Aurora Robin Wise - President & CEO of Junior Achievement Jason Gaulden - CSI...2024-02-161h 04

Common Sense DigestDiagnosis of Colorado’s Healthcare Industry featuring Dr. Reggie WashingtonColorado’s healthcare industry is a major contributor to the state’s economy. In addition to protecting Coloradans’ personal health and wellbeing, the healthcare industry supports 18% of all Colorado jobs. The underlying economic and policy conditions that impact the healthcare system are more favorable in Colorado than in most other states, according to CSI’s Free Enterprise Healthcare Competitiveness Index. The sector’s relevance is only expected to grow as Colorado’s population ages and continues to demand more from healthcare services. Though the sector is set on a course for growth, it faces a series of headwinds wh...2024-01-3034 min

Common Sense DigestThe Economic Costs of Colorado's Foster Youth featuring John FarnamColorado’s foster care youth are a small but troubled section of society. Unfortunately, data is scarce for their life outcomes after they exit the system and, in some cases, when they are still inside it. To illustrate the economic impact of even a small sliver of the foster population, the report focuses on those aging out of the system. This is the first study attempting to derive the individual and social costs borne by a cohort of Colorado’s foster youth. Foster care youth aging out of the foster care system in Colorado face a multitude of c...2024-01-2728 min

Common Sense DigestThe Multifaceted Issue of Homelessness in Colorado featuring Donna LynneOver the last three years, Colorado has spent nearly $2 billion on homelessness, concentrated largely in the Denver metro region. While metro areas across the country have seen a surge of people experiencing homelessness, the Denver metro has some of the highest levels of growth among the areas the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development tracks. There has been a 58% increase in the Denver metro’s unhoused population since 2016. More become homeless for the first time, and more are chronically homeless. Joining Host and Chairman Earl Wright is Donna Lynne, CEO of Denver Health. Do...2024-01-1829 min

Common Sense DigestUnderstanding and Solving Arizona's Budget Deficit featuring Danny Seiden and Glenn FarleyOver the past decade Arizona’s population and economy have grown rapidly, but more recent data suggests this pace is slowing. Today the state is facing the end of its fastest period of revenue and spending growth ever – over the past five years, General Fund revenue collections have grown 52%, while spending has increased by over two-thirds (to $17.8 billion this year). In October, the Arizona Legislature’s Financial Advisory Committee (FAC) – a nonpartisan body tasked with forecasting State revenue collections – projected a cumulative $1.0 billion General Fund cash deficit over the next three fiscal years. The last time the state was...2024-01-1730 min

Common Sense DigestThe 2024 Free Enterprise Report featuring Lang Sias, Glenn Farley and Dr. Steven ByersThe Free Enterprise Report is a marquis report that provides an objective, non-partisan, fact-based analysis of both the Colorado and Arizona economic landscapes and each state’s most pressing issues. The study is a year long undertaking and includes the CSI Economic Performance Index as well as a Free Enterprise Competitiveness Index across eight different policy areas. You can find the Colorado Free Enterprise Report here and Arizona's here. Both indices provide an opportunity to look backwards and better understand where Colorado and Arizona have been and what direction we are moving. We can better understand how we a...2024-01-1643 min

Common Sense DigestThe 2024 National Western Stock Show featuring Paul AndrewsThe National Western Stock Show, held annually in Denver since 1906, is known as the Super Bowl of livestock shows, and one of the most prestigious horse shows and rodeos in the world. Initially aimed at demonstrating better breeding and feeding techniques to local stockmen, the show has grown to become one of the world’s largest stock shows, attracting global participants. The National Western Stock Show (NWSS), held annually in Denver over 16 days in January, supported $171 million in net economic activity in 2023 across the state of Colorado. The economic impacts of the National Western Stock Show were dr...2024-01-0826 min

Common Sense DigestColorado’s Workforce Woes, Opportunities and Economic Mobility featuring Tamra Ryan and Scott LabandColorado’s labor force is facing an unprecedented shortage, and conventional trends alone won’t resolve the issue. The state’s tight labor market, with 2.7 jobs for every unemployed person, is resulting in a significant $46 billion loss in annual GDP. A substantial portion of the unemployed and marginally attached to the labor force are people with barriers to employment, such as disabilities, past incarceration, lack of childcare, and educational attainment challenges. To address these issues, employers, educational institutions, and the workforce system need to innovate and better align with the jobs of the future. Integrating basic education with job traini...2023-11-2737 min

Common Sense DigestWhere Have All the Condos Gone? featuring Peter LiFari, Ted Leighty and Bruce LikoffOver the past fifteen years, Colorado condominium construction has experienced a severe decline. Condominium development between 2018 and 2022, across 11 front range counties which collectively house over 80% of Colorado’s population, was 76% lower than between 2002 and 2008. This amounted to 14 new apartments for every 1 new condo in recent years, compared to 1 new condo for every 1.25 apartments in the 6 years prior to 2009. Concurrently, Colorado cities have struggled to facilitate a regulatory environment that correlates into an adequate supply of all housing types to meet population growth. From 2008 to 2019, Colorado grew by an annual average of 77,731 new residents but built only 25,682 new homes per yea...2023-11-0738 min

Common Sense DigestA Chat with Guy Benson Ahead of the Free Enterprise SummitGuy Benson is a well-known political commentator and media personality. He is among the roster of the 25 millennial broadcasters in American news and politics and served as a Media Fellow at Stanford University's Hoover Institution and a Visiting Fellow at Harvard University's Institute of Politics. He is also the keynote speaker at our 2023 Free Enterprise Summit. He joins our Guest Host and Executive Director Kelly Caufield to chat about his many hats including hosting a daily, nationally-syndicated radio show, his multiple guest spots on Fox News and other outlets, and editing TownHall.com. He also shares his...2023-11-0230 min

Common Sense DigestA Vision and Framework for Colorado’s Energy Future featuring Tisha Schuller and Doug BeneventoIn an ideal end state, Colorado’s energy would be affordable, reliable, and leave the smallest possible environmental footprint. To achieve this, energy would be appreciated as a central force that enables progress—rather than being viewed by legislators and policymakers as a necessary evil. Consumers would be empowered with choices that reflect their means, values, and circumstances. While we understand that both state and national energy objectives will continue to prioritize lowering the greenhouse gas (GHG) footprint of energy, in an ideal state, decarbonization would be one among many balanced tradeoffs. In this ideal state, Colorado lead...2023-10-2534 min

Common Sense DigestSPECIAL EPISODE: Eggs & The Economy - September 26, 2023In this special edition of of Common Sense Digest, we feature discussion from one of our recent events. On Tuesday, September 26, Common Sense Institute hosted its quarterly Eggs & The Economy Event. This edition featured discussion about Proposition HH: the Taxpayer Dilemma. The panel featured the following participants: Kelly Caufield - CSI Executive Director (Host and Moderator) Toby Damisch - Douglas County Assessor Brenda Bautsch Dickhoner - President & CEO, Ready Colorado Lang Sias - CSI's 2023 Mike A. Leprino Free Enterprise Fellow And a special presentation called "The Scramble" featuring our Sen...2023-09-291h 12

Common Sense DigestProposition HH Explained by Gov. Bill Owens and Chris BrownOn November 7, 2023 Colorado voters will approve or reject Proposition HH, Property Tax Changes and Revenue Change Measures. Proposition HH was referred to the ballot by the State Legislature following the passage of SB23-303. As the title suggests, Proposition HH is a complex proposal. It modifies or reduces taxation rates and exemptions for multiple types of property while at the same time increases taxes by allowing the state to retain more tax revenue. It would distribute excess revenue to school districts and other government entities without new stipulations. Proposition HH gives Coloradans a choice; trade s...2023-09-1333 min

Common Sense DigestThe Implications of and Solutions for Learning Loss featuring Lisa Graham KeeganIn this episode of the Common Sense Digest, we dive deep into the pressing issue of learning loss and its far-reaching impact on education — and the economy. Joining us is a renowned expert in the field, Lisa Graham Keegan, a results-driven school choice advocate and former Arizona Superintendent of Public Instruction. Lisa is welcomed by Host and Chairman of CSI Earl Wright. The latest NAEP report has sounded the alarm on the staggering learning loss resulting from disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. So how do we recover academically and economically? Learn why Lisa proposes that removing ba...2023-09-0638 min

Common Sense DigestQuantifying the Cost of Crime in Colorado featuring George Brauchler and Mitch MorrisseyFew people in Colorado have not directly experienced crime. From property offenses to violent crimes, every crime leaves a traumatized victim. Whether the wounds are physical, psychological, or financial, it is important to acknowledge the profound effects that a crime can have on its victims. At Common Sense Institute, our goal is to address the economic impact of crime while remaining conscious of the suffering that it causes. Our recent study, titled "The Cost of Crime and its Economic Impact on Colorado: Crime’s Impact on the Economy and Residents" can be found here. On this episode of...2023-08-2228 min

Common Sense DigestThe Economic Impacts of Colorado’s Sports and Tourism Industry featuring Kyle Dyer and Richard ScharfColorado boasts a wide array of natural beauty and tourist attractions which attracts millions of visitors to the state every year. Pristine nature, world-class skiing, and captivating sports teams all contribute to the robust inflow of tourists that Colorado welcomes. The revenue generated by the state’s diverse attractions supports a substantial share of Colorado’s economy and plays an indispensable role in sustaining its economic prosperity and highlighting its invaluable ecological and societal assets. Because each depends upon the others to contribute to Colorado’s high quality of life, the sports, recreation, and tourism sectors are interconnected—to account...2023-08-0234 min

Common Sense DigestProtecting Arizona’s Economic Competitiveness featuring Danny Seiden and Courtney CoolidgeEvery year in Arizona, legislators introduce hundreds of bills, most of which are never enacted. This year, the Arizona Chamber of Commerce and Industry (“Arizona Chamber”) identified 67 “Job Killer” bills which would have imposed substantial new taxes, costs, or administrative burdens on Arizona businesses. Ultimately, none of these bills were enacted, and the story has been similar for years. But this raises the question: what would happen to the state’s economy and business environment were some or even all these bills ultimately passed into law? CSI Arizona has utilized the experience and research of our partners in Colorad...2023-07-1425 min

Common Sense DigestSPECIAL EPISODE: Eggs & the Economy - June 13, 2023In this special edition of Common Sense Digest, we feature discussion from one of our recent events. On Tuesday, June 13, Common Sense Institute hosted Eggs & the Economy which featured an in-depth conversation from the State House to the walls of local government. The panel featured the following participants: Kelly Caufield - CSI Executive Director (Host and Moderator) Stephanie Piko - Mayor of Centennial Chief Paul Pazen - CSI Criminal Justice Fellow Adam Paul - Mayor of Lakewood And a special presentation called "The Scramble" featuring our Senior Economist Steven...2023-06-211h 12

Common Sense DigestA Comprehensive Look at Public Safety and Fighting Crime in Colorado featuring Paul PazenIt’s no secret that Colorado has been hit with a crime wave. Skyrocketing crime rates, fentanyl deaths, and the number one rank in the country when it comes to auto thefts, are all factors that have put Colorado’s economic future at risk and made Coloradans less safe. Public safety plays a critical role in the economic vitality of a community. Increasing population, attracting new businesses, generating a workforce, and bolstering the ability to attract tourism are all directly related to real and perceived safety challenges. If people are not safe, they cannot learn, work, or enjo...2023-06-1629 min

Common Sense DigestCSI Mid-Year Wrap-Up featuring Lang Sias, George Brauchler and Kelly CaufieldAs we near the year's midpoint, we take time to reflect on what we've accomplished and discuss where we go from here. It has been a busy year for Common Sense Institute, which means there is plenty of fertile ground to cover as we discuss the legislative session, touch on our studies and reports, and look ahead to election season and beyond. Host and Chairman Earl Wright welcomes 2023 Mike A. Leprino Fellow Lang Sias, 2023 CSI Owens-Early Criminal Justice Fellow, and Kelly Caufield, Executive Director of Common Sense Institute for a spirited and wide-ranging conversation about an abundance...2023-06-0250 min

Common Sense DigestManufacturing Matters in Arizona featuring Steve Macias and Glenn FarleyOur recent report, The Economic Impact of Arizona’s Manufacturing Sector, demonstrates how the manufacturing sector has been one of the fastest growing parts of the Arizona economy over the past decade. In March, manufacturers added 2,000 jobs in Arizona (1st in the country), even as the overall labor market shrank. The manufacturing sector has for decades been a focus of public policy and public investment, but despite these efforts, the story of American manufacturing since the late 1970’s has been one of slow decline – at least in terms of employment and at least relative to the rest of the world. H...2023-05-2332 min

Common Sense DigestSPECIAL EPISODE: Coffee and Common Sense Arizona 5.2.23In this special edition of Common Sense Digest Arizona, we feature discussion from one of our recent events. On Tuesday, May 2, Common Sense Institute hosted Coffee & Common Sense: A Conversation About Arizona's Changing Economy. We welcomed an expert panel to discuss how Arizona's economy has transformed over the last decade, what's driving this, and what obstacles will policymakers need to overcome to ensure it continues to thrive. Hosted by CSI Director of Policy & Research Glenn Farley. Thank you for listening to Common Sense Digest. Please rate, review, and subscribe on your favorite podcatcher. Al...2023-05-1832 min

Common Sense DigestThe 2023 Colorado Legilsative Session featuring Jordan Sanchez and Jake ZambranoThe Colorado legislative session wraps up imminently. The budget for 2023-2024 has passed, which outlines state spending totaling $41.1 billion. It’s a number larger than the GDP of Libya, Bolivia, Uganda, Iceland and dozens of other countries. $41.1 billion also represents a 4.2% increase over last year and the largest budget in Colorado history. As the legislature works fast and furiously to finish out the session, much debate remains on top issues pressing to Coloradans, including housing, crime, workforce, to just name a few. Host and Chairman Earl Wright welcomes Owner and Principal Lobbyist at Sanchez Policy Works, Jordan Sa...2023-05-0227 min

Common Sense DigestIs Colorado as Economically Competitive As It Used To Be? featuring Loren Furman and Lang SiasFor much of the last two decades, Colorado has been very highly ranked among U.S. states for being business friendly. This has been reflected in state-by-state rankings extolling Colorado's relatively low tax rates, highly educated workforce, and high quality of life. These positive factors reinforced patterns that increased the size and scope of Colorado's business community and workforce. In 2023, however, the outlook has changed. On the one hand, there are certainly reasons to be optimistic about Colorado's business environment as recent job and business formation data suggest that our economy has rebounded quickly from...2023-04-2135 min

Common Sense DigestWhat’s New in Housing? featuring Peter LiFari and Adam BurgAccording to CSI Housing fellow Peter LiFari’s latest housing report, as of 2021, 80% of Coloradans live in a county with an aggregate housing supply shortage. As a result, home affordability has decreased by 85% since 2015. Now, as of 2022, Colorado is the 8th most unaffordable state for renters in the country. Governor Polis and leaders in the legislature on both sides of the aisle have named housing a top tier policy priority issue this year and long-awaited legislation addressing state land use was just introduced last week (SB23-213). On this episode of Common Sense Digest, Chairman and Host Ear...2023-04-0627 min

Common Sense DigestNavigating the Benefits Cliff and Incentivizing Work in Colorado featuring Tamra Ryan and Juan PenaIn the coming weeks, CSI will release a report focused on how minimum wage policy and other benefits like Medicaid impact the state, employers, and workers. More than 1 of every 4 Coloradans, is currently on Medicaid. We believe this research that will help us better quantify the costs to the state’s growing budget and how we can ensure policy incentivizes work rather than trapping individuals in dependency and benefits from the government. Chairman and Host Earl Wright welcomes new Economic Mobility Fellow Tamra Ryan and Chief Program Officer of Cross Purpose Juan Pena to the show to di...2023-03-2844 min

Common Sense DigestThe Economic Impact of Arizona’s Sports and Tourism Sector featuring Kim Sabow and Glenn FarleyThe Arizona Sports and Tourism Authority estimated the impact of hosting the Super Bowl in 2015 to be $719.4 million. By all accounts, the upcoming 2023 event should be even larger. The entire sector of sports and tourism in Arizona, however, adds billions of dollars and thousands of jobs annually and independent of major events like the Super Bowl. This brief will give an overview of the impact the whole sports and tourism sector has on Arizona’s economy throughout the year and its prospects for future growth. $24.2 billion: Contribution of the sports and tourism sector to Arizona’s Real Gross Domes...2023-03-2435 min

Common Sense DigestSPECIAL EPISODE: Eggs & the Economy - March 7, 2023In this special edition of Common Sense Digest, we feature discussion from one of our recent events. On Tuesday, March 7, Common Sense Institute hosted Eggs & the Economy which featured an in-depth conversation on the upcoming local election and the facts you need to know on issues that matter most - crime, housing, workforce and homelessness. The panel was moderated by Ed Sealover and features the following panelists: Kelly Caufield - CSI Executive Director Mitch Morrissey - CSI 2023 Early-Owens Criminal Justice Fellow Tamra Ryan - Economic Mobility Fellow Chris Brown - Vice...2023-03-141h 26

Common Sense DigestIs K-12 Education Moving Forwards or Backwards in Arizona? featuring Lisa Graham Keegan and Glenn FarleyFor decades, the number one policy issue that’s been top-of-mind for most Americans is education. This comes as no surprise as our nation’s north star for leadership is sustainability: mentoring and empowering the next generation of leaders. And lately, Common Sense Institute Arizona has been delving into crucial issues revolving around education policy in the 2020 decade – especially after the ripple-effects of a global pandemic and subsequent political shifts in state legislatures across the nation. Please see our report School Facilities & The Accumulation of District Space Since 2007 for further reading. Joining Host and Chairman Earl Wright on this...2023-02-2344 min

Common Sense DigestEvolving How We Transport Our Kids To School featuring Kelly Caufield and Jason GauldenThe state of Colorado reimbursed $62 million to K–12 school districts for transportation costs last school year. This was just 21% of the $290 million it cost districts to get students to and from school. Some districts are working hard to modernize and streamline their services, but school transportation today does not look significantly different than it did 50 years ago. It’s hard to innovate when funding is so severely limited, and because the state plays no role in equalizing transportation funding based on need. Our recent report Roadblocks in Getting Kids to School: Trends, Insights, and Recommendations for Improving Color...2023-02-1527 min

Common Sense DigestThe 2023 Free Enterprise Report featuring Kelly Caufield, Chris Brown and Evelyn LimColorado faces a crossroads as it emerges from a long economic winter and works to reopen businesses, support job creation, and regain a sense of normalcy for its residents. As restrictions loosen and people return to their everyday lives, Coloradans must grapple with how best to steer the state forward and continue to grow. The answer is the same as it has always been: embrace the principles of the free enterprise system. In times of immediate crisis, people naturally look to lawmakers for decisive action and leadership, but as the country moves onward, one constant throughout history has been that i...2023-01-1937 min

Common Sense DigestThe Bright Future of Common Sense Institute featuring Kelly Caufield and Katie RatliefSince its inception in 2010, Common Sense Institute's mission has been to examine the fiscal impacts of policies, initiatives, and proposed laws so that Coloradans are educated and informed on issues impacting their lives. CSI employs rigorous research techniques and dynamic modeling to evaluate the potential impact of these measures on the Colorado economy and individual opportunity. We have grown and evolved since then, and our future is brighter than ever. Joining Host and Chairman Earl Wright are President & CEO Kristin Strohm, and two new incoming Executive Directors, Colorado’s Kelly Caufield and Arizona’s Katie Ratlief. Earl asks...2022-11-2937 min

Common Sense DigestThe Future of Water in Colorado and the West featuring Jennifer Gimbel and Eric KuhnAs Colorado continues to grow, one of the key issues the state faces is the reliable availability of water. When investing in our state, developers, businesses, and even the general population all face apprehension with what the future may hold with this key life-giving resource. Water is the lifeblood of any community and how the resource is managed is a subject about which interested entities fight, negotiate, and discuss. On this episode of Common Sense Digest, Host and Chairman Earl Wright welcomes Terry J. Stevinson fellows Jennifer Gimbel and Eric Kuhn to discuss the history, evolution and...2022-11-0130 min

Common Sense DigestFentanyl’s Impact on Arizona featuring Glenn Farley and Jobe DickinsonWith the decriminalization of the possession and use of illegal drugs in some jurisdictions, the surge in migrant encounters along the U.S.-Mexico border, and the recent increase in fentanyl overdoses in Arizona, Common Sense Digest explores what impacts these events may have to law enforcement and the Arizona economy. With more than 2,000 fatal opioid overdoses occurring in Arizona in 2021, it is evident that there is a drug crisis in Arizona. Joining Host and Chairman in this conversation are report author and Director of Policy and Research of CSI, Glenn Farley, and President of the Border...2022-10-2835 min

Common Sense DigestThe 2022 CSI Colorado Ballot Guide featuring Evelyn Lim and Chris BrownFrom affordable housing to an income tax reduction, this November Colorado voters will face 11 different questions on their 2022 statewide election ballot. City & County of Denver residents will face 3 unique questions on their 2022 election ballot. Unfortunately wading through the ballot language of these measures does not always provide clear choices. Political ads and campaign rhetoric make casting a vote even more daunting. The 2022 Common Sense Institute Ballot Guide outlines the facts and provides an objective analysis of the economic impacts – without the spin. Based on economic models and comprehensive fiscal analysis, each issue is presented in a clear and concise mann...2022-09-2835 min

Common Sense DigestSPECIAL EPISODE: On the Road to $1 Billion in Vehicles StolenCommon Sense Digest proudly presents this special episode titled "On the Road to $1 Billion in Vehicles Stolen: The Data Trends Behind Colorado’s Motor Vehicle Theft Crisis." This follows our recently released report of the same name found at the link. Despite the complexity of the issues surrounding motor vehicle theft, there is a crystal-clear trend in the Centennial state. Theft rates continue to rise, and Colorado maintains its unenviable distinction as the number one state in America for car theft. Common Sense Institute (CSI) Criminal Justice Fellows Mitch Morrissey and George Brauchler explore the data and trends through th...2022-09-1632 min

Common Sense DigestWill Proposition 123 Help the Affordable Housing Issue in Colorado? featuring Peter LiFari and Chris BrownHousing affordability is one of the hottest topics in Colorado, and is likely to remain so. On this November's ballot Colorado voters will decide on the fate of Proposition 123, titled, “Dedicate Revenue for Affordable Housing.” To discuss this measure Host and Chairman Earl Wright welcomes CSI's Vice President of Policy and Research Chris Brown, and CSI 2022 Housing Fellow to discuss what issue the measure hopes to solve, how it would be implemented, its potential limitations and much more. Thank you for listening to Common Sense Digest. Please rate, review, and subscribe on your favorite podcatcher. All of our p...2022-09-1543 min

Common Sense DigestDollars and Data: Education Funding and Achievement featuring Jason Gaulden and Brenda DickhonerAs the COVID-19 pandemic recedes, it leaves in its wake declining public school student enrollment and achievement, local, state, and federal dollars continue to flow to Colorado school districts in ever-larger amounts. Despite this, student achievement made only a modest recovery in English Language Arts (reading and writing) in 2022 after a huge plunge in 2021, and fewer than four in 10 Colorado students can perform grade-level math proficiently. To discuss these issues and much more including teacher pay and innovation in the classroom, our Host and Chairman Earl Wright welcomes CSI’s current and former education fellows. Brenda Dickhoner wa...2022-09-1330 min

Common Sense DigestThe Impact of New Energy Codes on Colorado’s Fraught Housing Market Part 2Following Part 1 of this series, we re-join Host and Chairman Earl Wright, CEO of the Colorado Association of Homebuilders and CEO of the HBA of Metro Denver, Ted Leighty, Founder of Confluence Companies Tim Walsh, and CSI 2022 Mike A. Leprino Fellow and report author Evelyn Lim. They continue their conversation about the state of the Colorado housing market, the goals of recently passed energy code legislation, the increased costs those new codes will result in for builders (and ultimately homebuyers and employers), and what challenges exist in implementing them. Our recent report The Uncertain Future Cost of...2022-08-1923 min

Common Sense DigestThe Impact of New Energy Codes on Colorado’s Fraught Housing Market Part 1The issue of housing is one we tackle repeatedly on Common Sense Digest because it touches every single Coloradan in some way and impacts the overall economic health and well-being of the state. Building off our recent report The Uncertain Future Cost of Colorado’s Energy Infrastructure and Housing Affordability, this first in a two-part series on Common Sense Digest discuss the cost of implementing recently passed legislation that requires the adoption of a new energy code for buildings as well as what electrification of the built environment could cost Coloradans. Joining Host and Chairman Earl Wright are C...2022-08-1925 min

Common Sense DigestSPECIAL EPISODE: Affordable and Accessible Child Care: Colorado’s Workforce ChallengeThis special episode of Common Sense Digest is brought to you by Colorado Politics and the Denver Gazette and hosted by Common Sense Institute and EPIC. The high cost of child care acts as a barrier for parents, particularly women, seeking to return to the workforce, exacerbating Colorado’s labor shortage. Join industry experts and policymakers in exploring ways to create better access to quality and affordable child care for working families. Thank you for listening to Common Sense Digest. Please rate, review, and subscribe on your favorite podcatcher. All of our podcasts can be fo...2022-07-221h 01

Common Sense DigestSPECIAL EPISODE: Eggs & the Economy - AffordabilityThe following is a special episode of Common Sense Digest. On June 21, 2022, Common Sense Institute hosted Eggs & The Economy, a quarterly symposium featuring guest speakers on a variety of public policy issues highlighting the most pressing issues Colorado is currently facing. Our most recent event featured discussed the issue of affordability in Colorado. This podcast captured audio from the event in full, and features remarks from Chairman of the Board Earl Wright, and the following panelists: Senior Economist Steven Byers Mike A. Leprino Fellow Evelyn Lim Vice President of Policy & Research Chris Brown 2022-06-241h 10

Common Sense DigestWhat Makes a Great City? featuring Mayor John Suthers and Councilman Dustin ZvonekThe state of Colorado is facing a housing affordability crisis, inflation, dealing with soaring crime rates, and homelessness. The list of challenges Coloradans are facing is daunting. But across our great state local leaders are digging in, rising to the challenge and coming up with innovative ways to create opportunity for their residents. On this episode of Common Sense Digest, Host and Chairman Earl Wright welcomes Mayor of Colorado Springs John Suthers and Aurora City Councilman Dustin Zvonek to the show to discuss how each municipality is approaching the complex and intermingling challenges of housing affordability, homelessness...2022-06-2436 min

Common Sense DigestUnpacking the Colorado and Arizona Housing Markets with Glenn Farley and Steven ByersHousing prices are frequently at the forefront of policy discussions because they impact so many other aspects of the economy. On this episode of Common Sense Digest, Host and Chairman Earl Wright welcomes CSI Arizona's Director of Policy & Research Glenn Farley, CSI's Senior Economist Steven Byers to discuss the housing markets in Arizona and Colorado, respectively. They dive deep into what led us to the current situation, attempt to forecast where things are headed, and prescribe their fixes for bringing the cost of housing down. Whether it's talent recruitment and retainment, the overall health of the economy, or personal...2022-06-0334 min

Common Sense DigestThe Wicked Problem of Fentanyl in Colorado featuring George Brauchler and Mitch MorrisseyIn April of 2022, Common Sense Institute released a report titled Fentanyl’s Increasing Toll on the Colorado Economy which detailed the evolution of the opioid crisis, the 2019 legislation that exacerbated the problems of the opioid crisis, and highlighted the unique deadliness of fentanyl in particular. On this episode of Common Sense Digest, Host and Chairman Earl Wright welcomes CSI's Criminal Justice Fellows George Brauchler and Mitch Morrissey to discuss these issues in much more depth. Mitch and George detail their extensive history in how drug possession cases were handled prior to 2019, discuss the problems they perceive the rec...2022-06-0234 min

Common Sense DigestThe Challenges and Opportunities of an Aging Workforce featuring Karen Brown and Alexa EastburgIn celebration of Older Americans Month, Common Sense Digest explores the topic of Colorado’s aging workforce and the impact it will have on our state’s future. Older Americans Month is an annual event dating back to 1963, when President John F. Kennedy designated May as Senior Citizens Month, later renamed Older Americans Month, honoring older Americans, and celebrating their contributions to our communities and our nation. If you’d like to learn more about Older Americans Month, visit Administration for Community Living. Pertinent to this discussion is the recent CSI report: Colorado’s Future: The Impact of an Ag...2022-05-0629 min

Common Sense DigestThe Outstanding Debts of the Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund and PERA featuring Loren Furman and Chris BrownThe topic of the state’s unemployment insurance trust fund has come up many different times in CSI’s work, including a previous episode of this show. Yet despite the tremendous amount of attention on the issue from external parties and business leaders, Colorado remains 1 of only 9 states with an outstanding federal loan balance to the US treasury, that was used to support the state’s unemployment insurance trust fund which went insolvent in August of 2020. That balance is just over $1B. In 2020 legislators chose to not make the $225M payment to PERA required under SB18-200. A curre...2022-05-0231 min

Common Sense DigestThe Realities and Pitfalls of the Presumed Energy Transition featuring Chris Wright and Evelyn LimA substantial portion of United States policymakers and citizens tout an accelerated "energy transition" away from fossil fuels. But what does this mean? What would it entail? What are the costs associated with such a transition? And is a transition even practical or realistic? Even if the United States (or the world) were to transition away from fossil fuels entirely for electricity generation, in what other ways do fossil fuels play an integral role in modern living? These questions and many more are answered in this episode of Common Sense Digest. Chairman and Host of Common Sense...2022-04-0841 min

Common Sense DigestSPECIAL EPISODE: Eggs & the Economy on CrimeOn March 29, 2022, Common Sense Institute hosted Eggs & the Economy. Eggs & the Economy is a quarterly symposium featuring guest speakers on a variety of public policy issues. At each event, CSI highlights the most pressing issues Colorado is currently facing. This is an opportunity for CSI to share current research, as well as hear from dignitaries and the experts working on them. The purpose of this event is to inform lawmakers and Coloradans so that they can make informed decisions with fact-based research. At this quarter's event, we dove into the crime wave hitting Colorado and featured a panel of e...2022-03-2945 min

Common Sense DigestThe Key Issues Facing Arizona as CSI Expands featuring Glenn FarleyIn Part 1 of our series about Common Sense Institute's expansion into Arizona (Common Sense Institute Announces Its Expansion Into Arizona), we discussed why Arizona was chosen for expansion, introduced you to our Board Chair and Strategic Advisor, and discussed briefly some of the issues facing Arizona. In Part 2, Chairman and Host Earl Wright is joined primarily by Glenn Farley, former Chief Economist for Governor Doug Ducey. Glenn discusses with Earl everything from drought to workforce development to housing prices as he provides a snapshot of the opportunities and challenges of Arizona's present and future. He also discusses t...2022-03-2122 min

Common Sense DigestCommon Sense Institute Announces Its Expansion Into ArizonaCommon Sense Institute is proud to launch its expansion into Arizona! After the 2020 election, Arizona was identified as a top swing state target for expansion due to the state’s history of electing common sense leaders and new challenges like incredible growth in the population and economy. Due to many members of the CSI Board having connections in Arizona, additional synergies were realized quickly. CSI also seeks to fill a void in Arizona where no other non-partisan think tank exists that can offer the legislature, policymakers and populace cutting-edge research. CSI has played that role in Colorado, and we lo...2022-03-0818 min

Common Sense DigestThe Causes and Impacts of Inflation featuring Steven Byers, Ph.D. and Chris BrownThe United States is on the path of recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, while experiencing inflation at levels not seen in the past 40 years. Colorado has not been immune from these effects. The factors contributing to high inflation are multitudinous, and Coloradans find themselves in the difficult position of finding their increase in earnings cancelled out by loss of purchasing power. Chairman and Host Earl Wright welcomes Chris Brown, Vice President of Policy & Research for CSI, and new team member Steven Byers, Ph.D., who joins as Senior Economist, to the show to discuss the multiple facets o...2022-03-0435 min

Common Sense DigestWhat To Expect from the 2022 Colorado Legislative Session featuring Jake Zambrano and Chris BrownThe 2022 Colorado Legislative Session is underway where Democratic legislators retain a strong majority in both houses. As the majority party, they intend to embark on an extensive list of priorities which reflects the state of Colorado’s economy, social issues hotly contested, and the major successes and failures of last year. Chairman and Host Earl Wright welcomes two guests to discuss a multitude of issues pertinent to this year's session. Jake Zambrano is Common Sense Institute's Director of Legislative Services and a very experienced observer of the Capitol, and Chris Brown is CSI’s Vice President of Poli...2022-02-1134 min

Common Sense DigestColorado Crime Wave: Origins and Solutions featuring George Brauchler and Mitch MorrisseyCommon Sense Institute's recent report, “The Colorado Crime Wave: An Economic Analysis of Crime and the Need for Data Driven Solutions” was a first-of-its-kind report that put a cost on crime within the state of Colorado. Shockingly, that cost burden, borne by both victims and society, was more than $27B in 2020. Underlying this enormous cost, are concerning trends both in the rate of crime, and the outcomes of our criminal justice system, across our courts and corrections system. On this episode of Common Sense Digest, Host and Chairman Earl Wright is joined by CSI Criminal Justice Fellows and...2021-12-1741 min

Common Sense DigestSPECIAL EPISODE: The 1st Annual Free Enterprise SummitCommon Sense Institute hosted The 1st Annual Free Enterprise Summit on December 14, 2021. The inaugural event featured the release of "Colorado's Free Enterprise Report" and "The Rankings Book: 2022 Edition." The release is the first of its kind reference for Colorado and compiles a wide range of economic and policy indicators that measures Colorado's rank compared to other states in order to measure success and determine areas for improvement. This episode captures the full audio from the event and features remarks from Chairman Earl Wright, President & CEO Kristin Strohm, Vice President of Policy & Research Chris Brown, and the panel...2021-12-171h 52

Common Sense DigestThe University of Colorado‘s Business Economic Outlook featuring Dr. Richard Wobbekind and Brian LewandowskiWhile the initial economic shocks of the COVID-19 pandemic have subsided, the lockdowns and economic restructuring which resulted have yielded to worldwide supply-chain deficiencies, slower-than-expected economic growth, and a strong sense of uncertainty and unease in the world of business. Despite all this, forecasts point to continued economic growth and labor market recovery and many economists are optimistic about the immediate future. On this episode of Common Sense Digest two of the leading authors and producers of the University of Colorado’s annual Business Economic Outlook report, Brian Lewandowski and Dr. Rich Wobbekind join Chairman and Host Ea...2021-12-1038 min

Common Sense DigestHow is Colorado‘s Economic Recovery Going? featuring Patty Silverstein and Chris BrownIt has been a full year-and-a-half since the onset of the worst economic downturn in our state’s history, following the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. While the pace of economic recovery has been much stronger than in prior recessions, there are many headwinds that indicate the recovery could be slowing. Lower levels of monthly job growth, increasing inflation risk, disruptions to global supply chains and labor shortages nearly everywhere you look, are all contributing to an uncertain future and timing of full-recovery. On this edition of Common Sense Digest, joining Host and Chairman Earl Wright are Pa...2021-11-1937 min

Common Sense DigestColorado‘s Proposition 119 Seeks a LEAP in Out of School Learning Enrichment featuring Michael Johnston and Doug RobinsonProposition 119: Learning Enrichment and Academic Progress, or LEAP, will appear on Colorado’s November ballot and proposes a phased 5% additional tax on recreational marijuana to fund out of school learning enrichment opportunities for eligible Colorado children. LEAP prioritizes low-income students and allows parents to decide which learning enrichment program or programs best fit their child’s educational needs. On this episode of Common Sense Digest, Host and Chairman of Common Sense Institute Earl Wright welcomes Michael Johnston and Doug Robinson to discuss the measure's origin, its need, and how it would function. He asks them tough questions on ho...2021-10-2233 min

Common Sense DigestThe Unusual Journey of Property Tax Reduction and Proposition 120 in Colorado featuring Michael Fields and Chris BrownOn this November's Colorado ballot, voters will decide the fate of Proposition 120: “Property Tax Assessment Rate Reduction.” Proposition 120 proposes to permanently reduce the statewide property tax assessment rate for several classes of property. What is interesting is that something unprecedented happened in advance of this ballot measure appearing before voters. The ultimate impact of the measure hinges on whether 2021 legislation Senate Bill 21-293: “Property Tax Classification and Assessment Rates” passed by the state legislature after the ballot initiative was submitted, will remain law. Senate Bill 21-293 reclassified property types, and because of this Proposition 120’s proposed assessment rate reduc...2021-10-0832 min

Common Sense DigestToward a Student Centered Method of Education Funding featuring Dr. Brenda Bautsch Dickhoner and Dr. Terry Croy LewisWith the school year back into full swing, it feels only natural to turn our attention to a topic frequently on the minds of all Coloradans, school funding. On this episode of Common Sense Digest, Host and Chairman Earl Wright is joined by CSI Mike A. Leprino Free Enterprise Fellow Dr. Brenda Bautsch Dickhoner and Dr. Terry Croy Lewis, Executive Director of the Charter School Institute. The three discuss a salient funding issue affecting charter schools across the state, dive into what the “Legislative Interim Committee on School Finance” is up to, and preview the forthcoming update to the sc...2021-10-0129 min

Common Sense DigestThe Economic Footprint of Homelessness in Metro Denver featuring Brenda Bautsch Dickhoner and Kristin StrohmCommon Sense Institute (CSI) has partnered with several local organizations and leaders to conduct a three-phase project to understand the many challenges and types of homelessness. Through a multi-faceted approach, CSI and its partners hope to identify the systemic issues that contribute to a person’s experience with homelessness and find the network of people and organizations working to make change. Bringing clarity and identifying the leverage points in these systems will support all who seek to tackle this challenge by providing critical information about where to invest their time, energy, and money to address the homelessness crisis. ...2021-08-0627 min

Common Sense DigestRegulating Our Commutes Through the Employee Trip Reduction Plan featuring Sandra Solin and Tom BrookIn 2019 the Colorado state legislature passed a new law establishing significant greenhouse gas emission reduction targets. Those targets include a statewide reduction in greenhouse gas emission of 50% from the 2005 baseline by 2030, and an 80% reduction from the 2005 baseline by 2050. The 2019 bill, known as HB-1261 ‘The Climate Action Plan to Reduce Pollution’ and many other related bills that have passed since then, have authorized new forms of regulation with the intent of meeting the state’s new greenhouse gas emission reduction goals. On this edition of Common Sense Digest, Chairman and Host Earl Wright is joined by two important guests...2021-07-1935 min

Common Sense DigestHow Will Colorado Spend its Federal Stimulus Money and How Should It? featuring Brenda Dickhoner and Chris BrownIn 2020 and 2021 Colorado received more than $65 billion in federal aid money. The bulk of this money came in the form of direct stimulus payments to citizens and loans like the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), but a substantial portion of the funds went to state coffers, and notably $2.5 billion went to K-12 education. On this edition of Common Sense Digest, Chairman and Host Earl Wright is joined by CSI’s Mike A. Leprino Fellow, Brenda Dickhoner, who recently authored a report on how that money was allocated, what it was spent on, and money that remains to be all...2021-07-0939 min