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SB25-003 , which seeks to ban virtually all semiautomatic firearms capable of accepting detachable magazines, is an outright attack on the constitutional rights of Coloradans. The Second Amendment of the United States Constitution unequivocally protects the right to keep and bear arms, a right reaffirmed by multiple landmark Supreme Court rulings. This proposed legislation not only violates that fundamental right but also ignores clear evidence that gun restrictions like these do nothing to enhance public safety. Instead, they create fertile ground for continued increased crime, leaving law-abiding citizens defenseless while emboldening criminals. A Clear Violation of the Constitution The Supreme Court has repeatedly struck down laws that infringe upon the Second Amendment. In District of Columbia v. Heller (2008), the Court ruled that individuals have the right to possess firearms independent of militia service, and that this right extends to weapons “in common use” for lawful purpose...

Colorado faces recurring budget crises, forcing tough decisions that affect public services, infrastructure, and economic stability. One effective solution is zero-based budgeting (ZBB), a common-sense approach that ensures every taxpayer dollar is justified and directly tied to the needs of Coloradans. Unlike traditional budgeting, which rolls over previous allocations, ZBB starts from a baseline of zero each year, requiring every department to justify all expenses before receiving funding. This method promotes transparency, eliminates waste, and ensures that public funds are used efficiently and responsibly. Zero-based budgeting is not a partisan idea; it’s a practical solution that prioritizes accountability and fiscal responsibility. It appeals to conservatives who value efficiency and progressives who want to maximize the impact of public services. By focusing on measurable outcomes and reallocating resources to areas of real need, ZBB aligns government spending with the prioritie...

Credit cards are a modern convenience most consumers take for granted. For local businesses, however, the convenience comes with a significant and often underappreciated cost. Credit card processing fees, which typically range between 1.5% and 3.5% of each transaction, can quickly add up to a hefty expense. While these fees are often absorbed as part of doing business, certain aspects - like fees applied to tips and taxes - place an unfair burden on businesses, especially small, independent ones. Fees on Tips and Taxes: A Double Hit When a customer tips their server or pays sales tax on a purchase, these amounts often pass directly through the business to workers or the government. Yet, credit card companies charge fees on the entire transaction, including these amounts. This means small businesses pay a percentage of money that doesn’t contribute to their revenue. For restaurants, where tipping is common, or in high-tax states, the impact is even more pronounced. The Tax Rate Incentiv...

Illegal migration is not a theoretical issue in Douglas County; it is a pressing reality that demands immediate attention and decisive action. As your state representative for House District 45 and a councilman for Castle Rock, I can confidently say that the policies currently in place have failed to protect our communities and uphold the rule of law. The Biden administration’s failure to secure the southern border has left Colorado to deal with the consequences of poor immigration policies. Denver’s decision to welcome illegal migrants from Texas, compounded by its request for $90 million to fund an asylum seekers program, has brought approximately 43,000 illegal migrants into the state. This influx has turned what should have been a municipal decision into a statewide challenge, spreading across the Front Range and impacting every corner of Colorado. The inability of local law enforcement to coordinate directly with immigration officials due to state legislation further exacerbates t...

In a notable shift, Governor Jared Polis has taken a commendable stance on one of the most critical challenges facing our state and nation: illegal migration. Speaking during his State of the State address, the Governor acknowledged the urgent need for effective immigration enforcement, including federal support to detain and deport dangerous criminals who threaten the safety of Coloradans. This position reflects a pragmatic commitment to justice, public safety, and the well-being of our communities. While Governor Polis deserves recognition for addressing these pressing issues, it’s worth noting that some of Colorado’s current challenges stem from earlier policy decisions that failed to adequately confront the complexities of illegal migration. By now emphasizing the importance of combating organized crime, human trafficking, and the illegal flow of guns and drugs, the Governor is making strides to fulfill his responsibility to protect Colorado’s residents. His statement “In Colorado...

Representative Max Brooks has proudly signed on as a sponsor of SB25-047 , a bill that seeks to strengthen Colorado’s laws by ensuring clear and enforceable penalties for criminal activity. This legislation aligns directly with Rep. Brooks’ commitment to protecting Colorado communities and addressing issues tied to illegal migration. SB25-047 proposes enhanced penalties for crimes involving organized theft, human trafficking, and property destruction - issues that are increasingly linked to illegal migrants and organized criminal networks. The bill seeks to close gaps in current law, giving law enforcement the tools they need to deter and combat these activities. Rep. Brooks believes this measure is critical to safeguarding communities in Castle Rock, the surrounding areas, and across Colorado. “This legislation is about protecting our citizens and ensuring justice for those impacted by criminal acts,” said Rep. Brooks. “Illegal migrants participating in organized criminal activity und...

As a subscriber to Max's Minute , you are getting an exclusive look at a groundbreaking bill being introduced to the Colorado General Assembly - HB25-0711: The Election Integrity Act. This transformative legislation proposes a powerful solution to restore transparency, accountability, and confidence in our elections by mandating the use of open-source software for vote tallying and election processing. The Problem Over the years, confidence in election systems has eroded. A lack of transparency in proprietary voting software has fueled distrust, conspiracy theories, and divisiveness. Many of these systems are owned by private companies, with their software hidden behind strict confidentiality agreements. This opacity leaves voters questioning whether the process is secure, accurate, or fair. HB25-0711 tackles this head-on with a transparent, cost-effective, and bipartisan solution. Why Open-Source Software? Open-source software is the key to restoring trust. Unlike proprietary syst...

As the Colorado General Assembly convened for the 2025 legislative session, Speaker Julie McCluskie spoke of the importance of prioritizing Colorado’s Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) community in her opening remarks. Her commitment to addressing the needs of this often-overlooked but essential part of our population struck a chord with Representative Max Brooks of House District 45, who shares her passion for supporting this community. Representative Brooks has long been an advocate for the IDD community, recognizing their vital contributions to the social and economic fabric of our state. He has voiced his determination to ensure that this community does not bear the brunt of the state’s budget shortfalls. “The IDD community already faces significant challenges due to limited resources,” Brooks stated. “We cannot allow these individuals and their families to be further marginalized as we work to address Colorado’s fiscal crisis.” The IDD community, which includes ind...

As Representative Max Brooks begins his first term in the Colorado General Assembly, he is immediately tasked with addressing a staggering budget deficit of $700 million to $900 million for the 2024-2025 fiscal year. This crisis is a direct result of reckless Democrat-led spending and a dramatic expansion of government far beyond the state's means. The previous legislative session's decisions have left Colorado taxpayers on the hook for unsustainable commitments, threatening essential services and the state’s financial stability. The Root Causes of Colorado’s Fiscal Crisis Massive Government Growth Without Accountability Democrat lawmakers added thousands of new government employees and used one-time federal funds to establish permanent programs and agencies. This growth ballooned the size of the government to unsustainable levels, with little regard for the long-term financial burden. Instead of prioritizing efficiency, Democrats pursued expansive policies with no clear plan t...

Wednesday, January 8, 2025, marked a moment both ceremonial and transformative - my swearing-in to the Colorado House of Representatives. This day is more than the recitation of an oath; it is the solemn affirmation of a profound duty to serve the people of House District 45 and the state of Colorado. It is a covenant between myself and the citizens who have entrusted me with this responsibility - a commitment to defend liberty, foster prosperity, and ensure justice for all citizens. Standing in the chambers of the Colorado State Capitol, I took the oath of office with a spirit of humility and reverence. With every word spoken, I pledged to uphold the Constitution, preserve the rights of the people, and labor tirelessly to strengthen the foundation of our democratic republic. A calling of public service is not a position of entitlement - it is a role of sacrifice, responsibility, and resolve. To serve the people is to set aside personal ambition and dedicate oneself fully to the well-b...

As Representative-elect Max Brooks prepares to take office in Colorado House District 45, he has assembled a dynamic and talented team to support his legislative priorities and serve the constituents of Douglas County with professionalism and dedication. With the guidance of Senior Legislative Aide C. J. Garbo, this team is ready to tackle the challenges of the upcoming legislative session. Representative Max Brooks' Office can be reached at info@brooks45.com . C. J. Garbo – Senior Legislative Aide cj@brooks45.com Leading the team is C. J. Garbo, a highly accomplished professional with an extensive and diverse background in cybersecurity, information technology, law enforcement, political strategy, and public service. Garbo has spent over 15 years in law enforcement, where he developed expertise in investigations, public safety, and crisis management. In addition, he is a recognized expert in cybersecurity, serving as a Business Information Security Officer (BISO) for a global tech...

Colorado is facing a staggering budget deficit projected at $750 million for the 2025-26 fiscal year. While some may rush to blame TABOR (Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights) or our balanced budget requirements, the truth is far more sobering. This fiscal crisis is not the result of structural limitations - it is the product of irresponsible spending, poor decision-making, and reckless expansion of government programs under one-party rule. The hard truth about overspending is that, in recent years, Colorado’s Democratic leadership has presided over an unprecedented expansion of government spending. Programs and initiatives - many well-intentioned - have been implemented without a sustainable plan to fund them. Instead of prioritizing core services like education, public safety, and infrastructure, the majority party has chosen to pursue policies that push the boundaries of the government’s role, leading to bloated budgets and m...