Communities in Ruin

What We  Believe

In about a decade, the opioid epidemic – led by fentanyl – ravaged through Colorado. Its deadly impact continues today, unabated by state law or the politicians in charge. According to the DEA, fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that is 50 times more potent than heroin and 100 times more potent than morphine. Roughly two milligrams of the opioid – which is only a few grains of salt – is deadly for most people. Law enforcement reports that every other type of drug in Colorado, including marijuana, is now laced with fentanyl.

Fentanyl-related deaths have torn apart and brought untold pain to families across the state. Inner cities, suburban areas, and rural communities – no corner of Colorado is exempt. In 2019, lawmakers passed a bill that made possession of up to four grams of fentanyl (and other hardcore drugs) only a misdemeanor. According to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, there were 222 fentanyl related deaths in 2019. Four years later, in 2023, over 1,200 drug overdose deaths were attributed to fentanyl – an increase of over 440% in that time period, since state law lowered penalties. 

In 2022, lawmakers attempted to change course and tighten penalties on fentanyl, but it simply hasn’t been enough. People may still possess up to a gram of fentanyl and only receive a misdemeanor charge. There is no mandatory jail time for most dealers, and treatment for users stuck in a deadly cycle is not required.

This report sheds light on the human cost of fentanyl in Colorado and what we risk by leaving ineffective state laws in place.

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Meet the Author

Michael Tsogt

Michael Tsogt is a Policy Analyst at the Advance Colorado Institute. His areas of policy and research include education, budget/fiscal matters, and public safety. He has testified on a range of bills at the State Capitol, including a bill proposing education savings accounts for special needs and foster care kids in Colorado. During undergrad, Michael was elected as the Academic Senator for student government, covered sports and entertainment for the student newspaper, and participated in several political fellowships and opportunities, including at the Center for the Study of Government and the Individual, the American Enterprise Institute, and the Intercollegiate Studies Institute. Michael graduated from the University of Colorado with a degree in political science. He and his wife live in Colorado Springs.

At Advance Colorado, we believe in an education system that puts Colorado parents and students first through a system that emphasizes:

At the heart of Colorado’s school system is school choice, in which our state has been a national trailblazer for decades. – a system that has enjoyed deep, bipartisan support.

What We  Do

We craft cutting edge policies that empower parents, taxpayers, and teachers and push back on the status quo interests that resist reform. 

Our 2024 Policy Agenda includes several important education reform priorities. Read it HERE

This year, we are leading the charge to protect the school choice rights we currently have – rights that are annually under siege from the education establishment groups that want to eliminate your right to choose the best school for your children. We can secure our rights into the future through a school choice amendment to the Colorado Constitution. 

Read our policy brief on this important issue HERE.

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We help citizens become advocates and leaders.

Whether you are a concerned parent, grandparent or taxpayer, Advance Colorado can equip you with the knowledge and tools to be an effective advocate for high quality, accountable schools. Learn more about our ambassador program.

And if you are interested in running to become a member of your local school board, you can apply to participate in the Advance Colorado Academy New Leader program. LINK If you are a current school board member, you can enroll in our “You’ve Won, Now What?” program. Learn more about our “You’ve Won, Now What?” program.

Our Education Policy Team

Yazmin NavarroState Board of Education

Fellow in Growth & Opportunity

Rep. Rose PuglieseState Representative

Fellow in Local Government

Dr. Debora ScheffelDean & Professor, School of Education

Fellow in Education Reform

Michael FieldsPresident of the Institute

Kristi Burton BrownInstitute Executive Vice President

Michael TsogtPolicy Analyst & Academy Director

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Colorado is a special place with special people. For too long, leaders have stood by while liberal special interest groups and politicians have turned Colorado into a testing ground for some of the most liberal policies and plans in the nation.