This past week, Colorado held their midterm elections, electing Phil Weiser as Governor and voting on propositions, many of which feel significant and impactful to LHS students. Several of these propositions will impact students in the future. Although some students did not understand the propositions automatically, when given a brief description they were able to collect their opinions and share them anonymously with the Lions Roar Now.
Issue 4A – Passed
Although not necessarily the same as the propositions on this list, Issue 4A will directly affect students in LPS. It is what is known as a Mill Levy Override, and will increase property taxes that will then go towards public school funding. Those with greater properties will pay more.
Some students felt neutral on this topic, as they did not feel like they fully understood it. Several, however, felt very positive towards its passing. “Absolutely yes,” said one 11th grader. “Tax the rich because they already have their money; they can afford to donate to schools, right?”
“I think that if you have the ability to afford expensive property, especially multiple properties, you should pay more to help your community,” said a 12th grader similarly.
A few people felt more positive towards Issue 4A than Proposition NN. Overall, students seem to be supportive of its passing.
Proposition NN – Passed
This proposition will increase the State’s budget, saving up more revenue from taxes and putting it towards the school system. Colorado’s public education system is one of the most underfunded in the country, however this bill does significantly alter the Tax Payer Bill of Rights, or TABOR.
Some students were strongly in favor of this proposition. “I’ve been an advocate for teacher pay for a while now,” said an 11th grader. They hope for improved funding which will therefore pay teachers more, a very important profession that is known for not making enough money.
Others were generally supportive, but a bit skeptical.
“I think it’s mostly good because schools always need money, and education is the groundwork of the country. At the same time though, maybe people who are paying these taxes are losing money in the process,” said a 12th grader. “But I think as a whole, it’s benefiting everybody because having a good educational system is good for the whole country, even if you’re not still in education.”
“I’m kind of neutral on this, but I do think it’s going to a good cause,” said a different 12th grader. However, they supported Issue 4A much more.
“I think public schools can always use more funding,” said a 10th grader. “I’m not sure about the way we’re going about that. I think it makes sense to a degree, and for now it gets the job done.”
In general, students approve of the cause behind this Proposition, but the details can sometimes become muddied and unclear, causing doubts. Since it alters TABOR, that can influence views as well.
Proposition 134 – Passed
This proposition is one of the most controversial on the ballot, and for some it is very alarming. Proposition 134 would require transgender athletes to participate on the sports team that aligns with their biological sex. How this will be enforced by schools, however, is currently unclear.
As for our school views on it, some students understand the message behind the proposition, but also acknowledge its complexities.
“In terms of fairness it may not be fair for the other women who have worked hard to earn their award or spot on the team, just because biologically men usually perform better in athletics,” said a 12th grader. “But if it’s not really impacting other people, I don’t see why it’s a problem because that’s their decision.”
However, many students in LHS feel strongly against this proposition. “I am highly against this. It’s just transphobic, and I’m against that,” said a 12th grader.
“I have very strong views on this one. I do not like that proposition, and I would have voted no on it if I could’ve,” said an 11th grader. Many students seem to feel frustrated that they cannot vote on things that would directly impact the lives of people their age.
There is also a feeling that there are not nearly enough transgender athletes for this Proposition to be necessary, and that potentially it could cause more issues than it would solve.
“I don’t feel that this is necessary. It isn’t common at all that a transgender athlete wants to compete in the sport that they weren’t assigned at birth, and it’s not monumental enough to really impact anything,” said a 10th grader. “I think we should just let everyone do what they’re comfortable with.”
But, for those who are against this proposition, not all is lost. It could still be shot down, and even if it is fully enacted, Phil Weiser has addressed this. “We’re going to have to take a look at these anti-trans measures and what adjustments are necessary and appropriate,” he said. He hopes for a more “human and sound approach.”
Proposition 135 – Passed
Similar to Proposition 134, this proposition would restrict the access and rights of transgender people. It attempts to stop transgender surgeries and gender-affirming care, however infrequent these surgeries may be. Some students understand the motive behind it, since it can be a big jump to have permanent surgeries.
“I would say if you are a minor, maybe it’s important to wait until you’re an actual adult because it’s hard to go back on that if you were ever to change your mind or feel differently,” said a 12 grade student. “After you are 18, you’re an adult, so you can do whatever you want with yourself and your body.”
However, even if students were skeptical of transgender surgeries for minors, they felt it should be a significant family and doctor decision, not a government mandate.
“Although I see the viewpoint behind it, I do not support it. Of course, parental guardians should be extremely involved in the process, but I say that was not a good proposition to pass,” said an 11th grader.
Others also disagree with the proposition, but for slightly different reasons. “Again, I feel that this happens so infrequently that it shouldn’t warrant a whole bill being passed. In the cases that it does happen, sometimes it can be a matter of life or death with the child. It [gender affirming care/surgeries] can help reduce suicide,” said a 10th grader.
Some students feel indifferent or unbothered by propositions that do not directly impact them. “Honestly, I don’t feel like I have a strong opinion on it because it doesn’t really affect me personally,” said a 9th grader.
So what?
Overall, these propositions would certainly alter school life, particularly for underfunded districts and/or transgender students. The students who support Issue 4A and Proposition NN commonly disagree with Proposition 134 and 135, and vice versa. LHS has a diverse political climate, and it is important to acknowledge what young people are thinking about these propositions, since they will undoubtedly affect us as students.
If you feel greatly alarmed by any of these propositions, know that you are not alone, and there are ways that you can create change and make your voice heard.
