Author: Lisa LaBriola

Lisa LaBriola In November of 2022, Colorado voters passed Proposition 122, the Natural Medicine Health Act, which allows for regulated medical access to natural psychedelic medicines for adults 21 and older. Psilocybin (what many Coloradans may think of as “mushrooms”) in particular has shown real promise in its ability to treat serious mental health conditions…

Lisa LaBriola In the coming weeks, Denverites will make a consequential decision that is going to affect the direction of the city of Denver. With ballots on their way for the April 4 election, a recent poll shows a majority of voters are still undecided in their decisions. Although all elections have consequences, the mayoral…

021023-cp-web-oped-LaBriola-1 With any policy discussion, equity, affordability and balance should be top of mind. This rings especially true when we are talking about energy policy. Energy is a necessity to our way of life and something we often take for granted. As of late, though, it has been a little more difficult to take for…

Lisa LaBriola No person who works 40 hours a week should need or even qualify for government support services. Unfortunately, that is our current reality. Of the millions of Americans who rely on the most basic services to maintain essential human needs, a vast majority were found to have full-time employment. A study done by…

Lisa LaBriola As the year quickly nears its end, the start of the 2023 legislative session is on the horizon. With a whirlwind of an election, whose outcome surprised both parties, we are anxiously anticipating what the upcoming session will hold. Though there are many important areas of policies and goals, I hope our Democratic…

Lisa LaBriola Inflation is a growing issue that is hitting us all, and the financial pressures continue to impact our homes, families and communities. But what is not helpful is the simplistic political rhetoric that lays responsibility for global inflation solely on a specific set of American policies. There are quite a few factors that…

Lisa LaBriola Education is one of the strongest investments a society can make. Data shows that with educational attainment comes a host of beneficial personal and societal contributions. Gains abound – from a more desirable labor market, to higher earnings (which lead to a lower need for government assistance), to an increase in social mobility and…

Lisa LaBriola Debt forgiveness becomes most controversial when it is given to those who need it most. From a young age, students are told the best path – sometimes the only path – to prosperity is a college degree. That sound advice should come with one large caveat, though: first, learn about student loans. With…