IMPROVING COLORADO'S SMALL BUSINESS CLIMATE
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New Democrats believe that government regulations are too often designed for large corporations and do not take the characteristics of small business into account. Yet small businesses are now the main engines of economic opportunity and innovation. Government should start thinking “Smaller and Smarter,” focusing on the goals of regulations, rather than the regulations themselves.
To push government in that direction, we propose that state agencies be required to assess the effect on small business of proposed new regulations.
PUTTING CHARACTER BACK IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS
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As part of teaching skills and knowledge, schools have an obligation to help parents build character through the transmission of broadly-shared community values. Such values include civility, individual responsibility, honesty and the courage to stand up to peer pressure.
Teaching character will allow learning to take place in a disciplined environment. Just as important, it will help today's students become tomorrow's productive employees and responsible citizens.
EMPOWERING COMMUNITIES TO GROW SMARTLY
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New Democrats believe that the solution to sprawl is found in using public-sector activism to help develop community-based solutions. State government should give families and communities the tools they need to solve their own problems.
Fighting sprawl is an economic, as well as a quality of life, issue. In today's global economy, businesses can invest anywhere in the world. The good jobs go to those regions that can attract and retain entrepreneurs and a world-class workforce - the very same people who demand a high quality of life and clean environment.
MODERNIZING COLORADO'S TAX SYSTEM
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In the new global economy, competitive and innovative companies generate the most permanent, high-paying jobs. Special subsidies and tax breaks promote industries to be just the opposite - non-innovative and uncompetitive. These loopholes are often created for narrow special interests, draining millions of tax dollars from Coloradans for purposes that are often not even in the public interest.
New Democrats support a broadly based tax system that takes into account those Colorado citizens who need relief the most. Such a program would include the reduction of income and sales tax rates, a permanent and expanded earned income tax credit, property tax relief for the elderly, and research and development tax credits to create new job opportunities.
FIGHTING CRIME THROUGH COMMUNITY JUSTICE
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Public safety from violent crime is a fundamental responsibility of government, a critical ingredient of our quality of life and key to reviving our neighborhoods. While dropping steadily in nearly every community, crime rates remain high by historic standards. Now is no time to declare victory. New Democrats advocate a tough and smart community-based approach to crime-fighting that will make streets safe for law-abiding citizens.