In today's world, Independence Institute is a topic of constant interest and debate. Whether due to its historical relevance, its impact on current society, or its meaning for popular culture, Independence Institute is a topic that continues to attract the attention of academics, scientists, enthusiasts and people in general. Over the years, Independence Institute has evolved and its importance has increased, generating endless exploration and research into its many facets. In this article, we will seek to delve deeper into the topic of Independence Institute, exploring its origins, its evolution and its impact on the contemporary world.
Established | 1985 |
---|---|
Chair | Catherine Shopneck |
President | Jon Caldara |
Budget | Revenue: $2,230,351 Expenses: $2,782,204 (FYE December 2017) |
Address | 727 E. 16th Ave. Denver, Colorado 80203 |
Location | Denver, Colorado, U.S. |
Coordinates | 39°44′31″N 104°58′40″W / 39.7419°N 104.9779°W |
Website | www |
The Independence Institute (II) is a libertarian think tank based in Denver, Colorado. The group's stated mission "is to empower individuals and to educate citizens, legislators and opinion makers about public policies that enhance personal and economic freedom."
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.
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 teacher's 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 which 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.