Independence Institute Policy Positions and Advocacy
The Independence Institute is a policy organization dedicated to promoting specific ideological goals across education, governance, and individual liberties. By advocating for market-based solutions and constitutional rights, the Institute seeks to influence public policy and legislative outcomes, particularly within the state of Colorado.
Key Facts
- Education: Strong proponent of charter schools and educational choice.
- Civil Liberties: Supports the Second Amendment and concealed carry rights.
- Fiscal Policy: Supports the Taxpayer Bill of Rights (TABOR).
- Energy: Advocates for the continued use of fossil fuels.
- Healthcare: Opposed the implementation of the Affordable Care Act.
Educational Reform and School Choice
A central pillar of the Independence Institute's platform is the expansion of educational choice—the principle that parents should have more options for their children's schooling beyond traditional public districts. This includes the promotion of charter schools and the implementation of voucher systems.
The Institute's influence was notably evident in Douglas County, Colorado. In 2009, the Institute supported school board members who secured a majority and subsequently worked to expand school choice, initiate a voucher system, and reduce the influence of teachers' unions. However, these efforts faced a shift in 2017 when a new school board majority was elected with the intent to reverse these specific policies.
Constitutional Rights and Individual Liberties
The Independence Institute maintains a firm stance on the Second Amendment, which protects the right to keep and bear arms. This advocacy extends to supporting gun rights and the legal right to concealed carry.
Fiscal Policy and Governance
The organization is a supporter of the Taxpayer Bill of Rights (TABOR), a constitutional amendment passed by Colorado voters in 1992 that limits the growth of government spending. The Institute's commitment to limited government and fiscal restraint was further demonstrated in 2013 when it opposed Amendment 66, a ballot measure that sought to reform public education funding by increasing the state's income tax.
Beyond state taxes, the Institute has explored the privatization of federal services. For example, Jared Polis, prior to his election as a Democrat to the U.S. House of Representatives, authored a white paper for the Institute regarding the privatization of the U.S. Postal Service.
Energy and Healthcare Stances
In the realm of national policy, the Independence Institute has expressed opposition to the Affordable Care Act. Additionally, the organization supports the continued use of fossil fuels as a primary energy source.
| Policy Area | Position | Specific Example/Action |
|---|---|---|
| Education | Pro-Choice/Charter | Supported 2009 Douglas County school board majority |
| Gun Rights | Pro-Second Amendment | Supports concealed carry |
| Fiscal Policy | Limited Government | Supported TABOR; opposed Amendment 66 |
| Healthcare | Opposed | Opposed the Affordable Care Act |
| Energy | Pro-Fossil Fuels | Supports use of fossil fuels |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Independence Institute's view on education?
The Institute advocates for educational choice and charter schools, and has previously supported efforts to implement voucher systems and limit the power of teachers' unions.
How does the Institute approach gun rights?
The organization supports the Second Amendment and advocates for gun rights, including the right to concealed carry.
What is the Institute's relationship with TABOR?
The Independence Institute supports the Taxpayer Bill of Rights (TABOR), which was approved by Colorado voters in 1992 to limit government spending.
Did the Institute support Amendment 66 in Colorado?
No, the Institute opposed Amendment 66 in 2013 because it would have increased state income tax to reform public education funding.
What is the Institute's position on energy and healthcare?
The Institute supports the use of fossil fuels and opposed the Affordable Care Act.