OPINION: Vote ‘No’ on Prop 132

By Jordan Fuja

With voting underway, the No on Prop 132 coalition has earned the support of more than 200 elected officials and candidates statewide, including Democrats, Republicans, and Independent officials at the federal, state, and local levels and a growing bipartisan coalition of district attorneys and sheriffs.

“More than 200 elected officials from across the political spectrum are urging Coloradans to vote no on Prop 132 because they know it will only make the drug crisis worse,” said No on 132 Campaign Chair Kyle Giddings. “Our local leaders are on the front lines of this crisis working to crack down on drug traffickers and helping people get access to treatment. Prop 132 will only make that work harder by taking $566 million in taxpayer dollars away from health care and education to fund private prisons while increasing overdose deaths by 41%.”

Backed by conservative political operatives and MAGA billionaire donors who stuffed the ballot with 13 conservative ballot measures this year, Prop 132 is a dangerous, costly, and ineffective approach to addressing the drug crisis.

From Colorado’s federal delegation to statewide elected officials to law enforcement leaders, including Senator Michael Bennet, Attorney General Phil Weiser, Congressman Jason Crow, Congressman Joe Neguse, Congresswoman Brittany Pettersen, and Denver Mayor Mike Johnston, Coloradans are united against Prop 132.

“I’ve spent the last eight years as Attorney General working really hard on addressing an opioid crisis that’s taken too many lives,” said Colorado Attorney General and candidate for Governor Phil Weiser. “Fentanyl is a deadly drug, and those who are dealing in this drug deserve real penalties. I’ve also ensured we have treatment and recovery options for those struggling with addiction. This measure doesn’t help people who need treatment, it threatens them with jail and prison. That’s why I’m a no on 132.”

“Proposition 132 will destroy lives and families, and decimate the progress we have made addressing the fentanyl crisis,” said Congresswoman Brittany Pettersen. “My mom struggled with addiction for 30 years before I was able to get her the help she desperately needed. I hate fentanyl more than anyone and believe the people pedaling these drugs to our communities should be held accountable to the fullest extent, but that is not what this proposition does. My mom just celebrated 9 years in recovery and is an example of what’s possible when people have access to the medical care they need. I hope you will join me in voting NO on Prop 132.”

“Coloradans deserve real action that will combat drug trafficking, protect Colorado families, and get people struggling with addiction the help they need,” said Congressman Jason Crow. “That’s not Prop 132. It’s the wrong strategy, and it will make our communities less safe.”

“The opioid crisis has devastated families across our state, and we need solutions that save lives,” said Congressman Joe Neugse. “Prop 132, which would strip funding away from treatment, resources, and education, is the wrong strategy. Colorado deserves better.”

Prop 132 is a dangerous approach to the drug crisis. Here are the facts:
As the state faces another $1 billion budget deficit, Prop 132 would divert $566 million in taxpayer dollars to private prison companies over the next five years.

Prop 132 will cut funding for health care, treatment options, and K-12 education.

Research shows Prop 132 will not reduce drug use or sales, disrupt the drug supply, or reduce overdose deaths.

Prop 132 will strip legal immunity for Good Samaritans attempting to call 911 for help during an overdose. As a result, fewer people will call for help or look for treatment, and Colorado is projected to see a 41% increase in overdose deaths, killing 1,718 more Coloradans every year.

Prop 132 makes no distinction between a major drug trafficker and a teenager sharing a pill with a friend, requiring both to receive the same sentence of 8 – 32 years in prison.

Prop 132 does not include any funding to invest in treatment options for people struggling with addiction.

Learn more about the No on 132 campaign at www.NoOn132.com.

Jordan Fuja writes on behalf of Coloradans for Real Safety Solutions.