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YouTube Video VVV1LXc3aHVVZ3RpQ1YwTVpIYTVsdFlRLmZrLWNhZ0FNUW5B Ep. 176 - Cory Gaines - Devil's Advocate What if outside organizations could place their own people inside government? We break down a little-known Colorado scheme where privately funded staff are embedded within the legislative process—raising serious questions about transparency, influence, and who’s really shaping policy behind the scenes. Is this harmless expertise… or something more?
People Planted In Colorado Legislature
Independence Institute TV April 9, 2026 11:21 am
Ep. 176 - Cory Gaines - Devil's Advocate What if outside organizations could place their own people inside government? We break down a little-known Colorado scheme where privately funded staff are embedded within the legislative process—raising serious questions about transparency, influence, and who’s really shaping policy behind the scenes. Is this harmless expertise… or something more?
YouTube Video VVV1LXc3aHVVZ3RpQ1YwTVpIYTVsdFlRLmZrLWNhZ0FNUW5B
The US Department of Energy is looking for states interested in nuclear energy... what are the chances that Colorado is one of them? PowerGab Hosts Jake Fogleman and Amy Cooke discuss this with Matt Solomon, the project manager of the Northwest Colorado Energy Initiative. Show Notes: https://agnc.org/economic-development/northwest-colorado-energy-initiative/ https://mcusercontent.com/feacc8089631e065333583ec4/files/62da2642-3e62-26ff-d5e1-7ed7f1a319e4/Colorado_Response_to_DOE_Nuclear_RFI_Final.01.pdf?mc_cid=94538657b2&mc_eid=d14195562b Win a Predator Generator Because the grid could use a backup plan. Yes, we’re giving away a Predator Generator. No, this is not a drill. Yes, it’s because reliability apparently isn’t fashionable anymore. How to Enter Starting with the first show of 2026, drop a funny, clever, or pithy comment in the show’s comment section. That’s it. No forms. No fine print to initial. No ESG questionnaire. We’ll be collecting comments throughout the 2026 legislative session, so you’ll have ample time to workshop your sarcasm. After each show, we’ll pick our favorite comment. Full transparency: we’re the hosts, we pick the favorites, and it is 100% subjective. If you’re looking for a neutral referee, this is not that contest. At the end of the session, we’ll select our top 3–5 favorite comments. Final Vote Then you vote on the winner. Democracy still works here. Mostly. Winner announced on the last show in May 2026. The (Very Small) Legal Stuff No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited, regulated, or over-engineered. No cash value and not transferable. Must pick up at the Independence Institute office, 727 E 16th Ave, Denver, CO 80203 One generator will be awarded. Actual runtime may vary depending on weather, policy decisions, and common sense. This giveaway is not sponsored, endorsed, or approved by any utility, regulator, or energy modeler who thinks batteries replace physics. By entering, you agree we may read, share, or lovingly mock your comment on the show. One comment. One generator. Because when the grid wobbles, satire won’t keep your lights on — but a Predator Generator will.
YouTube Video VVV1LXc3aHVVZ3RpQ1YwTVpIYTVsdFlRLldYUXdNamJEOE9r
Ep 05: The Hard Truth For Parents: If you're not involved, you're not part of the decision. Most parents focus on national politics when it comes to education, but what actually impacts your child every single day is happening at the local school board level. In this episode of Learning Curve, we break down: -What school boards actually control (it’s more than you think) -Why most parents are completely left out of decisions -How to get your voice heard (without being ignored) -The simple steps you can take this week to get involved -If you’ve ever felt like your concerns aren’t being heard… this episode will change how you see the system. 👉 Because the truth is: If you’re not in the room, or at least in the inbox, you’re not part of the decision. ⏱ Timestamps 00:00 Why parents feel left out 01:00 What school boards actually control 03:00 The biggest misunderstanding about school boards 06:30 How to speak so they actually listen 08:00 Why voter turnout is so low 10:30 The hidden tool parents aren’t using (records requests) 12:30 Why you’re not as powerless as you think 📌 Key Takeaways -School boards control your child’s day-to-day experience -Most parents don’t engage, but small groups can create change -Emotion alone won’t work, structure and solutions will -You have more power than you think 👍 If this helped you: Like, subscribe, and share with another parent who needs to hear this.
YouTube Video VVV1LXc3aHVVZ3RpQ1YwTVpIYTVsdFlRLndKd2RwbG5rdDNn
VIEW ALL OUR VIDEOS​ ON YOUTUBE
Ep. 176 - Cory Gaines - Devil's Advocate What if outside organizations could place their own people inside government? We break down a little-known Colorado scheme where privately funded staff are embedded within the legislative process—raising serious questions about transparency, influence, and who’s really shaping policy behind the scenes. Is this harmless expertise… or something more?
YouTube Video VVV1LXc3aHVVZ3RpQ1YwTVpIYTVsdFlRLmZrLWNhZ0FNUW5B
The US Department of Energy is looking for states interested in nuclear energy... what are the chances that Colorado is one of them? PowerGab Hosts Jake Fogleman and Amy Cooke discuss this with Matt Solomon, the project manager of the Northwest Colorado Energy Initiative. Show Notes: https://agnc.org/economic-development/northwest-colorado-energy-initiative/ https://mcusercontent.com/feacc8089631e065333583ec4/files/62da2642-3e62-26ff-d5e1-7ed7f1a319e4/Colorado_Response_to_DOE_Nuclear_RFI_Final.01.pdf?mc_cid=94538657b2&mc_eid=d14195562b Win a Predator Generator Because the grid could use a backup plan. Yes, we’re giving away a Predator Generator. No, this is not a drill. Yes, it’s because reliability apparently isn’t fashionable anymore. How to Enter Starting with the first show of 2026, drop a funny, clever, or pithy comment in the show’s comment section. That’s it. No forms. No fine print to initial. No ESG questionnaire. We’ll be collecting comments throughout the 2026 legislative session, so you’ll have ample time to workshop your sarcasm. After each show, we’ll pick our favorite comment. Full transparency: we’re the hosts, we pick the favorites, and it is 100% subjective. If you’re looking for a neutral referee, this is not that contest. At the end of the session, we’ll select our top 3–5 favorite comments. Final Vote Then you vote on the winner. Democracy still works here. Mostly. Winner announced on the last show in May 2026. The (Very Small) Legal Stuff No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited, regulated, or over-engineered. No cash value and not transferable. Must pick up at the Independence Institute office, 727 E 16th Ave, Denver, CO 80203 One generator will be awarded. Actual runtime may vary depending on weather, policy decisions, and common sense. This giveaway is not sponsored, endorsed, or approved by any utility, regulator, or energy modeler who thinks batteries replace physics. By entering, you agree we may read, share, or lovingly mock your comment on the show. One comment. One generator. Because when the grid wobbles, satire won’t keep your lights on — but a Predator Generator will.
YouTube Video VVV1LXc3aHVVZ3RpQ1YwTVpIYTVsdFlRLldYUXdNamJEOE9r
VIEW ALL OUR VIDEOS​ ON YOUTUBE
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February 5, 2026

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