Where Does Colorado's Business Climate Rank?
Run Time: 0:08:14 Play NowMP3 03/14/13
Author Sam Beck sits down with Penn Pfiffner to discuss his new Issue Paper, Colorado's Competitive Standing to Attract Business. The paper explores Colorado's tax and regulatory climate as it compares to the other states. Where does Colorado rank? Are we good at attracting businesses to our great state?
Penn Pfiffner Fiscal Policy
Election 2012: Hispanic Community Perspective
Run Time: 0:18:59 Play NowMP3 12/20/12
Fiscal Policy director Penn Pfiffner sits down with Tony Sanchez to discuss what happened in the 2012 elections. What did the Hispanic community think about the major policy issues? Which issues were the most important? What messaging worked well? Mr. Sanchez shares his thoughts and interactions with the iVoices audience.
Penn Pfiffner Fiscal Policy
Veronique de Rugy on Wealth Transfers and the National Debt
Run Time: 0:14:42 Play NowMP3 09/28/12
Policy analyst for the Mercatus Center and columnist for Reason Magazine Veronique de Rugy joins Amy Oliver to talk about the crushing national debt and wealth transfers. Veronique provides insight into a couple of the big fallacies regarding wealth transfers in our country. They are not necessarily rich to poor...
Amy Oliver Fiscal Policy
Does Colorado Spend Too Little on Services?
Run Time: 0:10:10 Play NowMP3 07/11/12
The popular narrative is that Colorado collects very little in taxes and spends far too little on essential government services like education and health care. However, the facts dispute both claims. Colorado ranks 26th in total tax burden and research by Nate Neligh reveals that Colorado's spending on services is greater than the narrative suggests and generally reflects consumer demand.
Penn Pfiffner Fiscal Policy
Rich States, Poor States 5th Edition
Run Time: 0:15:59 Play NowMP3 05/01/12
Fiscal Policy Center director Penn Pfiffner sits down with Rich States, Poor States co-author Jonathan Williams of ALEC. They discuss how the rankings shake out this year and what can help move a state up in the rankings, and what causes states to fall down the rankings.
Penn Pfiffner Fiscal Policy
How Colorado's Tax Burden Ranks Nationally
Run Time: 0:07:46 Play NowMP3 03/12/12
With all the propaganda out there telling us that we Coloradans are not taxed enough, what is the real story? Where does Colorado stand when we take all our tax burdens together? The answer might surprise you.
Penn Pfiffner Fiscal Policy
Penn Pfiffner on the Tax Foundation Policy Show
Run Time: 0:10:42 Play NowMP3 11/16/11
With the Prop 103 tax increase heavily defeated, what comes next for tax conscious Coloradans? Penn Pfiffner discusses Prop 103's resounding defeat, the nature of our state budget, government's role in our lives, and the ongoing battle against tax hikes.
Penn Pfiffner Fiscal Policy
Do We Have Limited Government Now?
Run Time: 0:21:13 Play NowMP3 12/21/10
In what meaningful way is congressional power limited nowadays? Does the United States Constitution even figure into how much muscle our legislators can flex? Is there an end to the power they think they have over us? Professor Rob Natelson answers these questions and more in this podcast.
Rob Natelson, Justin Longo Fiscal Policy
What Would an Article V Convention Look Like?
Run Time: 0:19:50 Play NowMP3 11/04/10
In this third installment of "Amending the Constitution to Save It," Professor Rob Natelson explains the process of a convention for proposing amendments in the real world. What would trigger the process, how the delegates would be chosen, what happens when the convention proposes amendments, and so forth. After all, if Congress will not rein itself in, the states must step up to shift the balance of power.
Rob Natelson, Justin Longo Fiscal Policy
Amending the Constitution to Save It: The History
Run Time: 0:16:08 Play NowMP3 10/27/10
Constitutional scholar Rob Natelson discusses the rich history of conventions to address constitutional issues. How many were there and did they stay on topic? What safeguards are there to protect against a "runaway convention?"
Rob Natelson, Justin Longo Fiscal Policy
Amending the Constitution to Save It?
Run Time: 0:15:19 Play NowMP3 10/20/10
It's no secret the federal government is out of control and growing each day with more power. What can the states and the people do to reclaim some of that power? The Constitution provides a couple avenues for recourse. One is an Article V "Convention for Proposing Amendments." This differs from a Constitutional Convention however. Professor Rob Natelson explains that important difference, and how an Article V convention can save our great union.
Rob Natelson, Justin Longo Fiscal Policy
Restoring Legal Support for Economic Liberty
Run Time: 0:19:21 Play NowMP3 10/12/10
Compared to other freedoms, economic liberty long has been treated by American courts as the "ugly stepsister." Timothy Sandefur, Pacific Legal Foundation principal attorney and author of the new Cato Institute book The Right to Earn a Living, details how this dangerous disregard for Constitutional first principles has come about and what can be done to turn the tide in favor of economic freedom.
Ben Degrow, Tim Sandefur Fiscal Policy
The Growing Local Government Debt Burden
Run Time: 0:11:25 Play NowMP3 10/11/10
Despite having a relatively speaking small state government, Colorado has a uniquely large amount of local governments. Nearing the end of 2010, Colorado has over 3,300 active local governments. That means over 3,300 entities that are taking on debt in our name. Colorado Transparency Project director Amy Oliver sits down with Mike Krause to discuss this massive amount of local debt we Coloradans are on the hook for.
Mike Krause Fiscal Policy
Let's Talk About a Spending Revolt with Pam Pryor
Run Time: 0:12:15 Play NowMP3 07/13/10
Amy Oliver from Mothers Against Debt sits down with Pam Pryor from SpendingRevolt.com to talk about high taxes, big debt, and enslaving our future generations.
Amy Oliver Fiscal Policy
An Update from Bankrupting America with Gretchen Hamel
Run Time: 0:10:54 Play NowMP3 07/12/10
Amy Oliver from Mothers Against Debt catches up with Gretchen Hamel from Bankrupting America (http://www.bankruptingamerica.org/) to get an update on what they've been working on. Gretchen talks about some of the new projects they are working on and how regular taxpayers can get involved.
Amy Oliver Fiscal Policy
Transparency Legislation Wrap-Up
Run Time: 0:18:10 Play NowMP3 06/01/10
Colorado Transparency Project Director Amy Oliver sits down with Mike Krause to discuss this legislative session's transparency bills - the good, the bad, and the downright frightening.
Mike Krause Fiscal Policy
Rich States, Poor States
Run Time: 0:18:38 Play NowMP3 04/12/10
What are the most important factors that determine a state's standard of living? Jonathan Williams of ALEC joins Fiscal Policy Center Director Penn Pfiffner to discuss the newly released book "Rich States, Poor States." In the book, the authors explain how tax and regulatory policy influence the incentives that ultimately decide who lives in a rich state and who doesn't.
Penn Pfiffner Fiscal Policy
Inside Look Into the "Dirty Dozen"
Run Time: 0:12:50 Play NowMP3 02/08/10
Rep. Cheri Gerou fills Amy Oliver in on the proceedings concerning the "dirty dozen" tax increases. What were the debates like? How many citizen activists showed up and how long did they stay to testify? Rep. Gerou also shares her ideas on how to fix budget shortfalls.
Amy Oliver Fiscal Policy
Can You Tax a Tax?
Run Time: 0:08:15 Play NowMP3 01/25/10
In a scam Al Capone wished he cooked up, the state of Colorado is currently taxing a tire disposal "fee." What that actually means is that they are taxing a tax. Investigative reporter Todd Shepherd uncovered the scam for Independence Investigates and then sat down with Jon Caldara.
Jon Caldara Fiscal Policy
Clear the Bench Colorado
Run Time: 0:08:44 Play NowMP3 01/14/10
Senior Fellow Penn Pfiffner sits down with Clear the Bench Colorado director Matt Arnold to discuss Colorado's Supreme Court. Why should the voters of Colorado have beef with the Justices and what can we do about it? Tune in to find out.
Penn Pfiffner Fiscal Policy
Does Colorado Need a Constitutional Convention?
Run Time: 0:13:41 Play NowMP3 10/26/09
Mike Krause sits down with Amy Oliver to discuss her role in the Long-term Fiscal Stability Commission - aka the kill TABOR committee. Amy reveals some of the players seeking to destroy TABOR and those who wish a new Colorado Constitutional Convention.
Mike Krause Fiscal Policy
A Fiscal Roadmap for Colorado: Keep TABOR Intact
Run Time: 0:11:10 Play NowMP3 10/16/09
Senior fellow and resident expert economist Barry Poulson lays out the case for keeping TABOR intact in Colorado and not going the way of California in this podcast with Jon Caldara.
Jon Caldara Fiscal Policy
Despite Budget Shortfall, Denver Art Still Funded
Run Time: 0:07:34 Play NowMP3 08/13/09
While Denver struggles with a $120-million budget shortfall, the city continues to push forward with almost 4-million dollars in art projects. Jon Caldara sits down with investigative reporter Todd Shepherd to discuss the city of Denver's fiscal priorities in this recession.
Jon Caldara Fiscal Policy
Independence Investigates: DIA Farm Subsidies
Run Time: 0:07:27 Play NowMP3 06/17/09
Investigative reporter Todd Shepherd join Jon Caldara to discuss his look into the federal farm subsidies DIA has been collecting over the years - to the tune of almost a half million dollars! Why is DIA now in the farming business? You can read the whole report at i2i.org on the Independence Investigates web page.
Jon Caldara Fiscal Policy
Debt Detective: How Much Do You Owe?
Run Time: 0:09:19 Play NowMP3 06/01/09
Local governments, like cities, counties, and special districts, incur debt on our behalf. But how much money do we taxpayers owe? More importantly, is this information even available to the people who are on the hook for this debt? That's what Luke Jackson set out to find in our latest Issue Backgrounder, Debt Detective.
Penn Pfiffner Fiscal Policy
Colorado Supreme Court Rules Against Taxpayers
Run Time: 0:12:54 Play NowMP3 03/19/09
Governor Ritter's blatantly unconstitutional tax increase was upheld by the incredibly partisan Colorado Supreme Court. Jon Caldara and attorney Richard Westfall recap the case and summarize what this ruling means for the future of TABOR, and for taxpayer's rights in general.
Jon Caldara Fiscal Policy
Introducing... Senator Bill Cadman
Run Time: 0:07:57 Play NowMP3 03/03/09
Fiscal Policy center director Penn Pfiffner caught up with state Senator Bill Cadman, the oft under-praised bedrock of fiscal conservatism from El Paso County. They discuss the budget, financial issues, and some legislation that's coming down the pipeline - both good and bad.
Penn Pfiffner Fiscal Policy
New Deal Deja Vu
Run Time: 0:13:33 Play NowMP3 02/18/09
What parallels are we seeing between the current financial crisis and the Great Depression of the 1930's? What kinds of policies are the current administration pursuing that Hoover and FDR implemented - with disastrous results? Jon Caldara sits down with senior fellow Craig Green to discuss this New Deal deja vu that we all seem to be experiencing.
Jon Caldara Fiscal Policy
The Real Story Behind the State "Budget Cuts"
Run Time: 0:08:51 Play NowMP3 01/19/09
We've been hearing lately about the $600M plus in budget cuts the state must make. But of course, there is more to the story than that $600M talking point. Jon Caldara discusses the entire story, with some actual numbers, with Fiscal Policy Center Director Penn Pfiffner. Not surprisingly, the true cut is much less than the much talked about $600M.
Jon Caldara Fiscal Policy
The Economics and Consequences of the Bailouts
Run Time: 0:17:09 Play NowMP3 01/05/09
Economist and senior fellow Barry Poulson shares his view of the current bailout mania that has swept Washington DC. Amy Oliver gets at the heart of the issue with Barry, as they analyze the far reaching effects of not allowing failing businesses to fail.
Amy Oliver Fiscal Policy
TABOR: What Was Said v. What Really Happened
Run Time: 0:12:02 Play NowMP3 12/10/08
There was a lot said back in the early 90's about TABOR. Some were praising it as the answer to our fiscal problems while others were predicting doomsday. So what really happened? Todd Hollenbeck joins Justin Longo to discuss his Issue Paper that tackles which predictions concerning TABOR turned out to be true and which turned out to be flat out wrong.
Justin Longo Fiscal Policy
A Sheriff's Response to Fallacious Accusations
Run Time: 0:06:37 Play NowMP3 10/31/08
Weld County Sheriff John Cooke knows first hand about Amendment 49. He's Sheriff in a county that has already adopted the language. So when he heard the campaign of misinformation against 49, he had to speak out. Jon Caldara discusses the allegations against 49 with Sheriff Cooke, who provides insight into what Amendment 49 will and will not do to law enforcement.
Jon Caldara Fiscal Policy
Amendment 49, the Case for Ethical Standards
Run Time: 0:11:58 Play NowMP3 10/29/08
If you don't know the scoop on Amendment 49 by now, you've got to give this a listen. Amy Oliver sits down with Jon Caldara to discuss what Amendment 49 is all about, why it's important, and who supports it.
Amy Oliver Fiscal Policy
Defending the Taxpayer: The National Taxpayers Union
Run Time: 0:07:12 Play NowMP3 10/22/08
Penn Pfiffner sits down with the president of the National Taxpayers Union, Duane Parde, to go over what NTU does and how it helps protect taxpayer's wallets.
Penn Pfiffner Fiscal Policy
Why NTU is Against the Bailout
Run Time: 0:08:51 Play NowMP3 10/13/08
Duane Parde, president of the National Taxpayers Union, sits down with senior fellow Penn Pfiffner to discuss why his organization is against the bailout, and consequently, why all conservatives and free market types should be as well.
Penn Pfiffner Fiscal Policy
The Arveschoug-Bird Spending Limit
Run Time: 0:06:40 Play NowMP3 9/23/08
This podcast is not for the faint of heart! It is for policy geeks looking to dive right into some heavy duty discussion. Jon Caldara sits down with Fiscal Policy Center Director Penn Pfiffner to discuss how Amendment 59 effects not just TABOR, but the Arveschoug-Bird 6% spending limit.
Jon Caldara Fiscal Policy
Colorado Amendment 59: TABOR's Deathblow
Run Time: 0:10:23 Play NowMP3 9/19/08
How devastating will the effects of Amendment 59 be on taxpayers' wallets? Does the passing of 59 end all TABOR refunds forever? Jon Caldara and Penn Pfiffner discuss these questions and more on this iVoices podcast.
Jon Caldara Fiscal Policy
Colorado's Growth in Governments
Run Time: 0:09:56 Play NowMP3 8/08/08
The size of government is not the only aspect of government's reach we should be concerned with. Jon Caldara sits down with Justin Longo to discuss Colorado's growth in the number of governments. The new data shows Colorado's rise up the ranks in growing governments relative to every other state. How concerned should citizens be of Colorado's 3,000+ governments? Tune in to find out!
Jon Caldara Fiscal Policy
The Endowment Illusion
Run Time: 0:08:44 Play NowMP3 6/30/2008
The endowment illusion afflicts those who believe that wealth isn't created by hard working enterprising individuals, but rather it is bestowed as a matter of luck. Penn Pfiffner discusses the holes in the illusion with economist and author James Payne, who's writing has led to the exposure and debunking of this widely held fallacy.
Penn Pfiffner Fiscal Policy
Littleton Grocery Sales Tax Repeal
Run Time: 0:09:00 Play NowMP3 6/20/08
Senior fellow Penn Pfiffner introduces us to another local activist, Frank Atwood, who helped organize the repeal of the grocery sales tax in Littleton. Tune in and discover what it takes to take action in your hometown.
Penn Pfiffner Fiscal Policy
Lakewood Grocery Sales Tax Repeal
Run Time: 0:09:12 Play NowMP3 6/20/08
Senior fellow Penn Pfiffner sits down with local activist Natalie Menten to discuss the actions that lead to the repeal of the grocery sales tax in Lakewood. How exactly was it accomplished and can it be done in your hometown? Tune in and find out.
Penn Pfiffner Fiscal Policy
Total Compensation For Public Employees
Run Time: 0:09:34 Play NowMP3 6/18/08
Fiscal Policy Center director Penn Pfiffner sits down with Dr. Michael Mannino to discuss the gross underestimation of total compensation for public employees. Dr. Mannino, along with Elizabeth Cooperman, wrote a backgrounder on how this miscalculation leads to misallocation of resources, difficulties in attracting talented employees, poor government service, and high taxpayer cost.
Penn Pfiffner Fiscal Policy
Sheldon Richman of the Foundation for Economic Education
Run Time: 0:08:31 Play NowMP3 3/20/08
Sheldon Richman, editor of the Freeman, published by FEE joins Penn Pfiffner in discussing what the Foundation for Economic Education is all about. FEE has a rich 60+ year history with some big name authors like Henry Hazlitt to back it up. Today FEE finds itself a key player in the fight for liberty.
Penn Pfiffner Fiscal Policy
Unionization of Government Employees
Run Time: 0:10:36 Play NowMP3 11/15/07
Jon Caldara interviews Penn Pfiffner regarding Governor Ritter’s recent executive order concerning state employees and their bargaining rights. What will this mean for Colorado businesses?
Jon Caldara Fiscal Policy
Hick's Hikes All Pass
Run Time: 0:12:37 Play NowMP3 11/08/07
Hear Ben DeGrow interview Brad Jones of FacetheState.com on Denver's largest ever tax increase. A - I all passed, what does this mean for the tax payer in Denver?
Ben DeGrow Fiscal Policy
The Tax Climate of Colorado
Run Time: 0:10:37 Play NowMP3 10/31/07
How business friendly is Colorado’s tax climate? For an answer, tune in to iVoices to hear Curtis Dubay from the Tax Foundation.
Jon Caldara Fiscal Policy
Ref C Shuffle
Run Time: 0:09:25 Play NowMP3 8/28/07
Author Mark Hillman explains how the legislature betrayed voters by diverting money from education and health care to non-Ref C target programs.
Jon Caldara Fiscal Policy
Fiscal Funny Business
Run Time: 0:10:28 Play NowMP3 7/19/07
Former state Senator Mark Hillman exposes fiscal funny business with Ref C dollars.
Jon Caldara Fiscal Policy
Ref C windfall and more new taxes
Run Time: 0:11:22 Play NowMP3 7/13/07
Colorado House Minority Leader Mike May explains how the Ref C windfall along with increases in property taxes and other fees exploded the state budget.
Jon Caldara Fiscal Policy
John Suthers on new Colorado taxes
Run Time: 0:11:45 Play NowMP3 5/2/07
Colorado voters, not the legislature, should decide the fate of Governor Ritter’s proposal to increase K-12 funding via property taxes according to Colorado Attorney General John Suthers. Tune into iVoices to hear the AG explain his legal opinion.
Ben DeGrow Fiscal Policy
$5.35 Billion Windfall and New Taxes
Run Time: 0:12:09 Play NowMP3 3/22/07
Mark Hillman discusses the massive $5.35 Billion Referendum C Projection and Governor Ritter’s Proposed Property Tax Increase.
Jon Caldara Fiscal Policy
Hillman on Tabor
Run Time: 0:11:18 Play NowMP3 1/3/07
What does $5.7 billion get Colorado taxpayers? Former Colorado Treasurer Mark Hillman gives his ideas.
Jon Caldara Fiscal Policy
It’s like Woodstock for Fiscal Policy Geeks!
Run Time: 0:11:23 Play NowMP3 11/22/06
Hear Alison Fraser of the Heritage Foundation preview the Fiscal Wake Up Tour, which will be in Colorado on November 28. Warning: the national long term fiscal outlook is bleak!
Jon Caldara Fiscal Policy
Election Night 2006 And Fiscal Policy
Run Time: 0:12:15 Play NowMP3 11/8/06
Fiscal Policy Center Director Penn Pfiffner fears a ballooning state budget.
David Kopel Fiscal Policy
Grading the Governors, How did Owens do?
Run Time: 0:13:09 Play NowMP3 10/24/06
Governor Owens gets a D." Hear Cato’s Stephen Slivinski explain Owens’ fall from fiscal grace."
Jon Caldara Fiscal Policy
Misleading Information About TABOR
Run Time: 0:10:28 Play NowMP3 9/29/06
Director and author Penn Pfiffner calls the video a highly misleading piece of propaganda "correcting many of CBPP’s assertions that TABOR devastated the economy and hindered the ability of government to fund schools"
Amy Oliver Fiscal Policy
Colorado Budget Cliff Notes
Run Time: 0:06:39 Play NowMP3 9/8/06
Colorado Budget Cliff Notes: Jon Caldara Interviews Fiscal Policy Center Director Penn Pfiffner.
Jon Caldara Fiscal Policy
Cato on Minimum Wage
Run Time: 0:12:31 Play NowMP3 8/15/06
Jon interviews James Dorn, Vice President for Academic Affairs at the Cato Institute, regarding recent minimum wage legislation. Is raising the minimum wage a good idea? Get the Cato Institute’s perspective.
Jon Caldara Fiscal Policy
Colorado Home Foreclosures
Run Time: 0:11:48 Play NowMP3 7/21/06
Jon Caldara and State Senator Tom Wiens discusses what can be done about the high rate of home foreclosures in Colorado
Jon Caldara Fiscal Policy
The Real Cost of Referendum C
Run Time: 0:08:30 Play NowMP3 6/23/06
What is the Real Cost of Referendum C? Join Host Jon Caldara and State Representative Kevin Lundberg for a discussion coving the projected cost of Ref C.
Jon Caldara Fiscal Policy
Colorado PERA reform
Run Time: 0:10:14 Play NowMP3 4/7/06
If a $250 million projected budget shortfall is a crisis" in Colorado then how should we label PERA’s $11.5 billion shortfall? Join Jon Caldara and Christine Burtt from Americans for Prosperity for a discussion on the various options for PERA reform."
Jon Caldara Fiscal Policy