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Denver, CO – October 20, 2016 – At its meeting on September 29, the JCRC, a program of JEWISHcolorado, voted to support the following state and multi-county initiatives that will be on the November 8th ballot:
- Amendment T: No exception to involuntary servitude prohibition
- Amendment 70: State Minimum Wage
- Amendment 72: Increase cigarette and tobacco taxes
- Ballot Issue 4B: Reauthorization of Scientific & Cultural Facilities District sales tax
JCRC Director, Janet Sherman pointed out that “With its tax-exempt status, neither JCRC nor its parent organization JEWISHcolorado can support candidates for public office. However, JCRC can support or oppose issues such as the Ballot Initiatives. The JCRC operates on the basis of consensus. Thus, when a quorum is present, public policy positions require two-thirds of the voting members.”
JCRC Chair, Ben Lusher explained that representatives of the over 30 JCRC constituent organizations and 15 at-large members consider several factors when making these decisions, including the impact on the Jewish community, relationship to Jewish values, and alignment with JCRC 2016 Priority Issues, which include Israel, Discrimination and anti-Semitism, Immigration, Education and Social Welfare (including housing, poverty, older adults and mental health).
“Underlying the work of the JCRC are the core Jewish values of tzedek (righteousness), gemilut chasadim (acts of loving kindness) and tikkun olam (repairing the world).”
JCRC members decided not to take a position on the following measures:
- Amendment U: Exempt Certain Possessory Interests from Property Taxes
- Amendment 69: Establishes a statewide health care system
- Amendment 71: Requirements for Constitutional Amendments
- Proposition 106: Access to Medical Aid-in-Dying Medication
- Proposition 107: Presidential Primary Elections
- Proposition 108: Unaffiliated Voter Participation in Primary Elections
These measures either did not align with the JCRC Priority Issues, or did not meet the voting thresholds for necessary consensus for the JCRC to take a public position. If there are any questions, please direct them to Janet Sherman, JCRC Director at jsherman@JEWISHcolorado.org or 303-316-6490.
About the Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC)
The JCRC, a program of JEWISHcolorado, advocates for domestic and international policy issues that affect the Colorado Jewish community, represents these views to the Jewish community and to the general community of Colorado, and organizes the Jewish community in times of crisis. JCRC consists of 37 member organizations, 15 at-large members, and is affiliated with the Jewish Council for Public Affairs (JCPA).
About JEWISHcolorado
Founded in 1946, JEWISHcolorado is inspired by the collective responsibility to build and sustain Jewish life in Colorado, Israel, and around the world. Our mission is to secure, steward, and share philanthropic and human resources in support of vibrant Jewish life as well as mobilize the community in times of need. JEWISHcolorado is a proud member of Jewish Federations of North America, which is collectively ranked among the top ten charities on the continent. Last year, JEWISHcolorado’s Annual Campaign raised $11.2 million and the Endowment and Planned Giving arm houses more than $60 million in long term assets.
