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Foundation for Economic Education Posts Commentary: Malaysia's Resurgence
DETROIT, Michigan, March 19 -- The Foundation for Economic Education posted the following commentary by political theorist Jake Scott:
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Malaysia's Resurgence
The Asian nation is becoming a global player.
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In the last month, the small nation of Malaysia has risen in the views of global investors. Drawn by the country's political stability and economic growth, investors increasingly consider Malaysia a safe method for diversification in the Pacific region amid a softening US dollar and a tumultuous global economy. In 2025 alone, investors poured over $5 billion into local currency debt--the
... Show Full Article
DETROIT, Michigan, March 19 -- The Foundation for Economic Education posted the following commentary by political theorist Jake Scott:
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Malaysia's Resurgence
The Asian nation is becoming a global player.
*
In the last month, the small nation of Malaysia has risen in the views of global investors. Drawn by the country's political stability and economic growth, investors increasingly consider Malaysia a safe method for diversification in the Pacific region amid a softening US dollar and a tumultuous global economy. In 2025 alone, investors poured over $5 billion into local currency debt--thehighest in the region--leading to the Malaysian currency, the Ringgit, reaching its highest point since 2018.
So strong is this economic growth that Malaysia has been the latest nation to claim the title of "Asian Tiger."
This resurgence from the 1MDB scandal of 2020, that saw billions of government money disappear, should not be read as accidental or a mere coincidence of location, though that's part of it: Malaysia sits in a "sweet spot between low-yielders, such as Singapore, Thailand, and South Korea, and high-yielders such as Indonesia and India, which come with their own set of risks," according to portfolio manager at Eastspring Investments, Rong Ren Goh.
A major part of the repositioning of Malaysia as a desirable location for investment is a consequence of intentional strategic and structural realignment. Over the past year, Malaysia has come to be seen as a strategic node in vital global supply chains. The main reason for this is the role of the semiconductor industry in Malaysia's economy. The state of Penang--located on the Northwest Coast of Peninsular Malaysia, and nicknamed "Silicon Island"--has long functioned as a hub for assembly and testing, but supply chain diversification, driven by US-China tensions, has pushed multinational firms to deepen operation in Southeast Asia.
As a result, Penang has now become a center of chip packaging and manufacturing as it expands capacity to absorb redirected global demand. This matters because Malaysia is not attempting to replicate, for instance, Taiwan's fabrication dominance; it is, instead, consolidating its position in the midstream and backend of the semiconductor value chain, where reliability and skilled labor pools are decisive.
Another key reason for Malaysia's sudden rebounding is its macroeconomic credibility. While the Ringgit experienced sustained pressure between 2015 and the pandemic period, predominantly as a result of political uncertainty and fiscal strain, the renewed foreign accumulation of Malaysian government bonds and a recovered export industry has led to a shift in dynamics.
This, in turn, is due to an extensive program of fiscal reform, signaling to global markets that Malaysia is a safe place to invest, and experiencing political continuity under the unity government of Anwar Ibrahim, Prime Minister since 2022. Malaysia has historically relied on fuel subsidies, but from June 2024 has restricted diesel subsidies in an attempt to bring prices in line with market rates, saving the Malaysian state roughly $145 million over the course of the following year.
Attempts to signal political continuity alongside social stability and fiscal flexibility are read around the world as indications that the country is safe, secure, and trustworthy, creating credibility that builds trust. As a result, Malaysia has taken advantage of global instability supported by long-term fiscal strengthening.
This recent trajectory, successful as it is, must be read against Malaysia's recent history. The Asian Financial Crisis of 1997-1998, which saw capital flights from the region and slumping currencies, left a durable imprint on the globally exposed economies like Malaysia, especially on the political culture. An overly-cautious culture emerged, meaning that financial liberalization and free trade were viewed with skepticism and wariness. Such an institutional legacy was inherited, and is maintained, by the current administration, seeking global integration without overexposure.
For all this intentional positioning at home, Malaysia's rise cannot be read in isolation; it is, in part, a product of the Southeast Asia region's deepening integration as a collective economic bloc, with Malaysia increasingly being thought of as its most credible anchor. In fact, for 2025, Malaysia held the Chairmanship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), with the focus of the year on "Inclusivity and Sustainability," while the IMF noted in February 2026 that "deeper trade and financial integration within ASEAN can boost Malaysia's growth potential." As a result, Malaysia is benefiting from regional cohesion and producing it at the same time; it now stands with Vietnam, Thailand, and the Philippines as the economies expected to power regional growth throughout the remainder of the 2020s. Will Malaysia remain distinct enough in that group? Perhaps by continuing to be a hub for global and Western capital investment, and leaning into that role it has carved out for itself.
Part of this major global investment is in digital transformation, especially for data centers, a sector that in Malaysia alone is projected to be valued at over $13 billion by 2030. Many of the big players--Google, Amazon, Microsoft--have established and growing presences in Malaysia, attracted by the country's innovative "Green Lane Pathway," and its Corporate Renewable Strategy that, as pointed out by Tim Fourteau, "allows operators to procure renewable energy directly from developers via the national grid... driving faster and more sustainable energy adoption." Data centers are now projected to contribute RM14.1 billion ($3.5 billion) to the economy in 2025 alone, and their energy demands are in turn accelerating the construction of large-scale solar infrastructure.
But Malaysia needs to be wary; what attracts investors to the country, and has made it a regional player, is exactly what other neighboring economies are relying on. Vietnam alone recorded nearly 8% GDP growth in 2025 and attracted $38 billion in foreign direct investment (FDI), concentrated in AI infrastructure. This is the exact market that Malaysia is courting--and Vietnam offers lower labor costs. Not only this, but Malaysian goods currently experience a 19% tariff from the US, weighing on export performance.
There are both structural and political reasons, however, that mean Malaysia will continue to stand apart from its neighbors. The fact that English is taught in schools across the country means that the population's proficiency in English is high (roughly 60% and growing), keeping an open door to the West, compared to much lower rates in Vietnam (approximately 10%) or Thailand (around 35%).
Malaysia's fortunes are bright, and its economy is set to benefit from a global boom in the sectors it has long excelled in. It will require careful statecraft from its political elite to make hay while the sun shines, and help the nation to stand head and shoulders above its competing neighbors.
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Dr Jake Scott is a political theorist specialising in populism and its relationship to political constitutionality. He has taught at multiple British universities and produced research reports for several think tanks.
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Original text here: https://fee.org/articles/malaysias-resurgence/
Reason Foundation: West Virginia House Bill 4819 Reduces Licensing Barriers for People With Criminal Records
LOS ANGELES, California, March 18 -- The Reason Foundation issued the following news:
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West Virginia House Bill 4819 reduces licensing barriers for people with criminal records
The bill would strengthen licensing reforms and give people with criminal records clearer access to stable employment.
By Vittorio Nastasi and David L. Morgan
Access to gainful employment can reduce the likelihood of criminal recidivism. Yet state occupational licensing restrictions create unnecessary government-imposed barriers that prevent people with criminal records from accessing stable careers, undermining
... Show Full Article
LOS ANGELES, California, March 18 -- The Reason Foundation issued the following news:
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West Virginia House Bill 4819 reduces licensing barriers for people with criminal records
The bill would strengthen licensing reforms and give people with criminal records clearer access to stable employment.
By Vittorio Nastasi and David L. Morgan
Access to gainful employment can reduce the likelihood of criminal recidivism. Yet state occupational licensing restrictions create unnecessary government-imposed barriers that prevent people with criminal records from accessing stable careers, underminingboth individual rehabilitation and public safety.
Occupational licensing restrictions create significant barriers to employment for people with criminal records.
* One in five workers is required to hold an occupational license, and many licensing boards categorically deny applicants with criminal records--even when convictions are unrelated to the occupation.
* Research finds that stable, gainful employment significantly reduces recidivism.
* However, people with prior convictions don't know if their record disqualifies them until after they've completed all the licensing requirements and submitted their application. This uncertainty creates a barrier to entry and can waste applicants' time and money.
West Virginia recently adopted positive reforms, but significant gaps remain.
* In 2021, West Virginia enacted reforms establishing a "rational nexus" standard for considering conviction records and creating a predetermination process so applicants can petition a licensing authority to determine if their record is disqualifying before investing in required training and fees.
* However, the "rational nexus" standard leaves boards with broad discretion which may still result in arbitrary denials and the predetermination process was limited to people who had not previously applied for a license.
House Bill 4819 would improve West Virginia's current licensing laws by:
* Replacing the "rational nexus" standard and instead requiring boards to determine that a conviction directly and specifically relates to the duties and responsibilities of the occupation before denying an applicant based on their criminal record.
* Expanding predetermination eligibility to individuals who have previously applied for--but not held--a license.
* Requiring licensing boards to consider specific evidence of rehabilitation.
* Prohibiting licensing boards from considering arrest-only records or non-violent convictions after 5 years of good behavior.
These reforms align West Virginia with policy in other states.
* Since 2017, 44 states and the District of Columbia have enacted occupational licensing reforms to reduce barriers for people with criminal records.
* At least 26 states have adopted predetermination processes like the one expanded by HB 4819, including recent reforms in Virginia (2025), Colorado (2024), Nebraska (2024), and South Dakota (2024).
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Vittorio Nastasi is the director of criminal justice policy at Reason Foundation.
David L. Morgan, Jr. is the government affairs associate at Reason Foundation.
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Original text here: https://reason.org/backgrounder/west-virginia-house-bill-4819-reduces-licensing-barriers-for-people-with-criminal-records/
National Right to Work Foundation Issues Legal Notice to Greeley JBS Meatpacking Employees Affected by UFCW Strike Order
SPRINGFIELD, Virginia, March 18 -- The National Right to Work Legal Defense Foundation posted the following news release:
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National Right to Work Foundation Issues Legal Notice to Greeley JBS Meatpacking Employees Affected by UFCW Strike Order
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Notice reminds workers wishing to return to work that they must resign their union memberships to avoid potentially ruinous strike fines
Greeley, CO (March 18, 2026) - Today, the National Right to Work Legal Defense Foundation issued a special legal notice for workers subject to United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 7 union bosses' strike
... Show Full Article
SPRINGFIELD, Virginia, March 18 -- The National Right to Work Legal Defense Foundation posted the following news release:
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National Right to Work Foundation Issues Legal Notice to Greeley JBS Meatpacking Employees Affected by UFCW Strike Order
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Notice reminds workers wishing to return to work that they must resign their union memberships to avoid potentially ruinous strike fines
Greeley, CO (March 18, 2026) - Today, the National Right to Work Legal Defense Foundation issued a special legal notice for workers subject to United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 7 union bosses' strikeorder against meatpacking company JBS. News reports indicate the strike order covers nearly 4,000 employees at JBS' facility in Greeley, Colorado.
The legal notice informs these workers of rights that union officials often do not want them to know. First and foremost, JBS employees who want to keep working to support their families should resign their union memberships before returning to work to avoid union fines and internal discipline.
"The situation presents serious concerns for JBS employees who believe there is much to lose from a union-ordered strike," the legal notice reads. "That is why workers confronted with strike demands frequently contact the National Right to Work Legal Defense Foundation to learn how they can avoid fines and other union discipline for continuing to work to support themselves and their families."
The legal notice alerts workers to the fact that UFCW Local 7 officials are currently facing a federal prosecution for imposing illegal discipline on King Soopers employees in connection with a 2025 strike action against the supermarket chain. "JBS employees should read this notice carefully and consider contacting Foundation staff attorneys for assistance to ensure UFCW officials cannot impose any fines against them," the notice says.
The notice is available at: https://www.nrtw.org/jbs/.
A Spanish version of the notice can be found here: https://www.nrtw.org/es/jbs/.
Foundation: Resign Union Membership Before Returning to Work to Avoid Fines and Discipline
Most importantly, the notice informs meatpacking plant employees who want to keep working that the safest way to avoid strike fines by union bosses is to resign their union memberships before returning to work. "[I]f an employee is not a member of a union, union officials have no power to fine or discipline him or her during a strike.," the notice says. "By resigning their membership, employees can rebuff union strike demands and return to work."
The Foundation's special legal notice provides workers sample union resignation letters, as well as information on how to exercise their right under the CWA v. Beck Supreme Court decision to opt out of paying dues for union politics, if union officials succeed in their push to impose a forced-dues contract. "Because Colorado lacks Right to Work protections, workers who have abstained from union membership may be required to pay partial union dues after a new contract is finalized," the notice says. "However, union nonmembers have a right...to refuse to pay for union political expenses and other expenses not related to collective bargaining and contract administration."
The notice also gives workers information on the process to submit a "decertification petition," in which employees request a workplace election to remove the union.
"While many JBS employees may already be questioning whether UFCW Local 7 officials really have their best interests in mind by calling this strike, the fact that these very union bosses are currently being prosecuted for illegal strike discipline is a reminder that workers should be vigilant to protect their legal rights," commented National Right to Work Foundation President Mark Mix. "JBS workers should know that they have the right to resign their union memberships and return to work to support their families, no matter what UFCW chiefs might tell them."
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The National Right to Work Legal Defense Foundation is a nonprofit, charitable organization providing free legal aid to employees whose human or civil rights have been violated by compulsory unionism abuses. The Foundation, which can be contacted toll-free at 1-800-336-3600, assists thousands of employees in about 200 cases nationwide per year.
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Original text here: https://www.nrtw.org/news/jbs-ufcw-strike-notice-03182026/
MHUB and Rockefeller Foundation Power HardTech Innovation To Strengthen U.S. Economies
NEW YORK, March 18 -- The Rockefeller Foundation posted the following news release:
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mHUB and Rockefeller Foundation Power HardTech Innovation To Strengthen U.S. Economies
New $1 million grant will support mHUB's work to lower barriers for hardtech founders and scale innovations in clean energy, advanced manufacturing, and sustainability -- creating jobs and economic opportunity across the United States.
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CHICAGO -- The Rockefeller Foundation has awarded a two-year, $1 million grant to mHUB -- the nation's largest independent hardtech innovation center -- to deepen its support for hardtech
... Show Full Article
NEW YORK, March 18 -- The Rockefeller Foundation posted the following news release:
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mHUB and Rockefeller Foundation Power HardTech Innovation To Strengthen U.S. Economies
New $1 million grant will support mHUB's work to lower barriers for hardtech founders and scale innovations in clean energy, advanced manufacturing, and sustainability -- creating jobs and economic opportunity across the United States.
*
CHICAGO -- The Rockefeller Foundation has awarded a two-year, $1 million grant to mHUB -- the nation's largest independent hardtech innovation center -- to deepen its support for hardtechfounders in the United States and launch a new accelerator focused on data center sustainability solutions. The funding will advance hardtech innovation and lower barriers for undercapitalized founders who are driving innovations in clean energy, advanced manufacturing, and industrial sustainability. Through this new collaboration, mHUB and The Rockefeller Foundation aim both to create jobs and ensure that industrial investments in hardtech benefit American communities.
"We are proud to help American entrepreneurs turn their bold ideas into cutting-edge solutions that help people thrive amid rising energy costs and the effects of climate change," said Derek Kilmer, Senior Vice President of U.S. Program and Policy at The Rockefeller Foundation. "mHUB has already supported more than 1,100 entrepreneurs and helped create nearly 7,000 jobs in energy storage, grid management, clean manufacturing, and more. We look forward to working with mHUB to help more entrepreneurs make big bets to help tackle today's energy and climate challenges and create jobs."
Every year, mHUB supports over 300 startups to commercialize new physical products in areas such as medical devices, energy, sustainability, and smart manufacturing. While hardtech and physical technologies will play an outsized role in solving some of society's biggest challenges, from devices that transform patient outcomes in healthcare to industrial solutions that mitigate impacts of the compute-energy nexus, the value chain of bringing a physical product to market is capital-intensive. It requires materials, manufacturing costs, and supply chain alignment at an early stage. Meanwhile, software companies secure more than twice as many early-stage rounds as hardtech companies where execution and capital risk is lower up-front. These barriers can hold back America's entrepreneurs, particularly those facing challenging socioeconomic limitations.
Funding from The Rockefeller Foundation will allow mHUB to continue overcoming the common pitfalls that stall hardtech innovation and commercialization. The grant will support resources and interventions for founders at all stages, from idea to growth, including the funding of mHUB's Experts-in-Residence program, a pre-accelerator for idea stage founders, and pilot and manufacturing readiness technical assistance for later stage founders. Additional funding will partially support a cohort of mHUB's venture-backed accelerator with a focus on data center sustainability.
"mHUB is proud to collaborate with The Rockefeller Foundation to strengthen U.S. hardtech commercialization and advance a new era of industrial revitalization," said Haven Allen, CEO and Co-founder of mHUB. "The next chapter of American innovation will be defined by physical technologies that are complex, resource-intensive, and built in the real economy. Creating clear pathways is essential to scaling solutions from lab to market and ensuring the economic benefits of reindustrialization are widely realized. This backing enables mHUB to expand support for founders at critical stages of commercialization and to put sustainability, communities, and prosperity for all at the center of this transition."
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About mHUB
mHUB is an innovation platform that drives the commercialization of hardtech, helping companies build, scale, and innovate with speed and purpose. The platform includes a Chicago-based incubator and prototyping lab, venture and real estate investment company mHUB Ventures, and consulting and engineering arm. Together, infrastructure, capital, and expertise combine to enable emerging technologies, create new manufacturing businesses, and strengthen U.S. industry. To date, mHUB has worked with over 200 public and private partners and supported over 500 startups that have collectively generated $4.5B in economic activity.
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About The Rockefeller Foundation
Investing $30 billion over the last 113 years to promote the well-being of humanity, The Rockefeller Foundation is a pioneering philanthropy built on unlikely partnerships and innovative solutions that deliver measurable results for people in the United States and around the world. We leverage scientific breakthroughs, artificial intelligence, and new technologies to make big bets across energy, food, health, and finance, including with our affiliated public charity, RF Catalytic Capital (RFCC). For more information, sign up for our newsletter at www.rockefellerfoundation.org/subscribe and follow us on X @RockefellerFdn, Instagram @rockefellerfdn, and LinkedIn @the-rockefeller-foundation.
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Original text here: https://www.rockefellerfoundation.org/news/mhub-and-rockefeller-foundation-power-hardtech-innovation-to-strengthen-u-s-economies/
Lack of Copyright Reform Leaves UK Lagging in AI, Says Center for Data Innovation
WASHINGTON, March 18 [Category: Computer Technology]-- The Information Technology and Innovation Foundation posted the following news release:
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Lack of Copyright Reform Leaves UK Lagging in AI, Says Center for Data Innovation
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LONDON-Following the UK government's Copyright and AI report -a report intended to offer a clear path forward for the UK on copyright law reforms, but which instead offered no proposal or timeline for reaching one-the Center for Data Innovation released the following statement from Policy Analyst Matthew Kilcoyne :
The UK will never achieve its AI ambitions if
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, March 18 [Category: Computer Technology]-- The Information Technology and Innovation Foundation posted the following news release:
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Lack of Copyright Reform Leaves UK Lagging in AI, Says Center for Data Innovation
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LONDON-Following the UK government's Copyright and AI report -a report intended to offer a clear path forward for the UK on copyright law reforms, but which instead offered no proposal or timeline for reaching one-the Center for Data Innovation released the following statement from Policy Analyst Matthew Kilcoyne :
The UK will never achieve its AI ambitions ifit does not reform its copyright law. Right now, the country remains one of the most restrictive major AI economies on copyright, limiting commercial AI training without permission from copyright owners. While taking more time to avoid a flawed policy is preferable to rushing into the wrong one, the current policy is unworkable for the long term. The government should introduce a broad text and data mining exception to allow commercial AI models to learn without unnecessary restrictions on their inputs and continue to protect creators by enforcing copyright protections for infringing outputs.
Contact: Nicole Hinojosa, press@datainnovation.org
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Original text here: https://itif.org/publications/publications/2026/03/18/lack-of-copyright-reform-leaves-uk-lagging-in-ai/
Foundation for Economic Education Posts Commentary: Monaco's Unlikely Savior
DETROIT, Michigan, March 18 -- The Foundation for Economic Education issued the following commentary on March 17, 2026, by Portuguese writer and political commentator Claudia Ascensao Nunes:
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Monaco's Unlikely Savior
How gambling built a tax-free paradise.
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At a time when gambling is increasingly treated by governments as a vice to be regulated or restricted, it is worth recalling a curious episode in European economic history: a casino once saved a country. In the 19th century, Monaco went from being a virtually bankrupt state to the playground of millionaires that we know today.
In
... Show Full Article
DETROIT, Michigan, March 18 -- The Foundation for Economic Education issued the following commentary on March 17, 2026, by Portuguese writer and political commentator Claudia Ascensao Nunes:
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Monaco's Unlikely Savior
How gambling built a tax-free paradise.
*
At a time when gambling is increasingly treated by governments as a vice to be regulated or restricted, it is worth recalling a curious episode in European economic history: a casino once saved a country. In the 19th century, Monaco went from being a virtually bankrupt state to the playground of millionaires that we know today.
Inthe 19th century, the Principality of Monaco lost the territories of Menton and Roquebrune, which were annexed by France in 1861. With this territorial loss, the small principality was left with almost no tax base, since much of its revenue had come from taxes on agricultural production, particularly olive oil and fruit.
It was in this context of near bankruptcy that the Monegasque government made an unexpected decision: to bet on gambling.
The idea was to create a luxury casino capable of attracting the European elite and generating new revenue. Across much of continental Europe, gambling was prohibited or heavily restricted, which made Monaco a particularly attractive destination for aristocrats and wealthy visitors seeking entertainment.
The casino proved so successful that it allowed investments in infrastructure such as hotels, roads, and railway connections, gradually transforming Monaco into an increasingly luxurious destination.
By 1869, casino revenues had grown so large that Prince Charles III abolished all direct taxes for Monegasque citizens, a policy that remains in place today.
This story becomes particularly interesting when we consider how many governments view gambling today, primarily as a moral vice that should be limited.
John Stuart Mill, in his essay On Liberty, argued that the state should only limit individual freedom when there is direct harm to others. Activities that involve personal risk, even when imprudent, do not in themselves justify government intervention.
For Mill, private betting between consenting adults can be tolerated. He acknowledged that restrictions on public gambling houses might be justified if they exploit vulnerable individuals or cause serious social disruption. However, he rejected general prohibitions or punitive taxation as forms of paternalism.
In Monaco, the approach diverged from modern trends in a nuanced way. Rather than imposing broad restrictions or heavy "sin taxes" on gambling for moral reasons across the entire population, the principality strategically liberalized access to non-residents and visitors, attracting those already seeking such entertainment elsewhere, while maintaining a longstanding paternalistic ban on its own citizens entering the gaming rooms.
This prohibition dating back to the 19th century, and initiated to protect locals from financial ruin, remains strictly enforced today.
The result was sustained prosperity funded by voluntary foreign participation, rather than coercive taxation on citizens.
The principality also became an example of tax competition and low taxation. Over time it attracted wealthy residents, international banks, and businesses, transforming a tiny territory into one of the most prosperous places in the world, with GDP per capita exceeding $250,000 in recent years.
Today the casino contributes only a modest share of government revenue, roughly 4-7% in recent years, according to reports from the Societe des Bains de Mer and industry analyses. However, it was the initial catalyst.
Monaco's economy eventually diversified into luxury tourism, financial services, and high-end real estate, all supported by a light tax regime that encourages wealth creation.
While many modern governments expand regulations, maintain state monopolies over lotteries, or impose sin taxes on gambling, the case of Monaco suggests that a strategic liberalization can sometimes generate more collective prosperity than decades of prohibition or paternalistic policy.
This is not about glorifying gambling, which can be destructive for some people. The real question is whether the state should decide for responsible adults what counts as a "vice" and punish it through taxation or intervention.
Freedom also includes the freedom to make mistakes, as long as one person's choices do not harm others. This principle sits at the core of the classical liberal tradition.
For this reason it is worth reflecting on the growing powers that governments claim in the name of protecting citizens from gambling addiction, powers that often go far beyond targeted safeguards and extend to broad restrictions on consenting adults.
In the United States, proposals such as the SAFE Bet Act include mechanisms like financial affordability checks and advertising bans that are concerning from the standpoint of privacy and market interference.
Mill would likely recognize the lesson implicit in Monaco's experience. When risk is assumed voluntarily and without direct harm to others, individual freedom, including the freedom to offer and consume risky entertainment, can generate unexpected positive outcomes such as economic innovation and lower tax burdens.
The history of Monaco shows that activities often treated as marginal can, when approached pragmatically, become unexpected engines of prosperity.
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Claudia Ascensao Nunes is a Portuguese writer and political commentator. She is the President of Ladies of Liberty Alliance - Portugal and a columnist featured in both national and international publications. Claudia collaborates with Young Voices and focuses on economic freedom, European policy, and transatlantic cooperation. She has over 20,000 followers on X (formerly Twitter), where she shares insights on politics, liberalism, and cultural issues.
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Original text here: https://fee.org/articles/monacos-unlikely-savior/
Denver Foundation Engages Colorado Legislature on Affordability, Housing and Nonprofit Sector
WASHINGTON, March 18 -- The Denver Foundation announced its 2026 policy positions for its fifth Colorado legislative session, prioritizing legislation aimed at advancing affordability, housing and environmental justice for Metro Denver residents.
The foundation is monitoring HB26-1046, which would regulate earned wage access services, citing concerns that the proposed framework falls short of existing consumer lending protections, while supporting HB26-1003 to broaden Colorado's small business recovery loan program beyond COVID-19 relief.
-- Shanskar Shaw, Targeted News Service
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2026
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, March 18 -- The Denver Foundation announced its 2026 policy positions for its fifth Colorado legislative session, prioritizing legislation aimed at advancing affordability, housing and environmental justice for Metro Denver residents.
The foundation is monitoring HB26-1046, which would regulate earned wage access services, citing concerns that the proposed framework falls short of existing consumer lending protections, while supporting HB26-1003 to broaden Colorado's small business recovery loan program beyond COVID-19 relief.
-- Shanskar Shaw, Targeted News Service
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2026Policy Positions
As a community foundation, we are proud to provide grants to nonprofits in the community to advance our mission. For 100 years, we have activated this kind of funding to meet the most pressing needs of the community.
Several years ago, we heard from the community that we could supplement our grantmaking by offering our voice to policy and advocacy efforts. In this way, we could support systemic changes to positively impact our community. We are proud to be engaged in this way in our fifth legislative session.
This session, we are prioritizing engagement on legislation that furthers affordability in areas related to economic opportunity, housing, and environment and climate. We are also focused on preserving funding for programs that support youth well-being and the nonprofit sector. Lastly, we remain committed to engaging on policy proposals that respond to timely issues impacting our community.
We will update this blog throughout the legislative session.
Economic Opportunity
We believe economic opportunity is achievable when the community has the tools and resources to build individual and community wealth.
(Monitor) HB26-1046: Regulate Earned Wage Access Services
What is this about: This bill establishes a regulatory framework for earned wage access (EWA) service providers operating in Colorado. EWA services let employees access earned but unpaid wages before their regular payday.
Why we care: Colorado has established safeguards for other lending tools to help prevent individuals from entering long-term cycles of debt. While this bill establishes a framework and requirements for EWA providers to operate in our state, we, along with our partners, have concerns that the proposed framework does not align with existing consumer lending protections, and more is needed to truly protect against potentially predatory practices
To learn more about this policy, click here (https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/HB26-1046).
(Support) HB26-1003: Small Business Recovery Modifications
What this is about: This bill updates and broadens Colorado's small business recovery and resiliency loan program to support small businesses generally, rather than only applying to COVID-19 pandemic recovery.
Why we care: Small businesses play a critical role in Colorado's economy, and this bill makes it easier for small businesses to access the capital they need to continue and grow their business.
To learn more about this policy, click here (https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/HB26-1003).
Economic Opportunity | Housing
We believe economic opportunity is achievable when the community has the tools and resources to build individual and community wealth.
(Support) HB26-1013: Ratio Utility Billing Systems
What is it about: This bill provides technical clarification regarding the use of Ratio Based Utility Billing Systems (RUBS) under Colorado law. RUBS are used to allocate the cost for utilities in multi-family housing, such as apartments. This fix is intended to prevent confusion in the implementation of HB25-1090.
Why we care: Clarity on the use of RUBS will increase transparency across tenants and landlords. Consumers and landlords will experience more consistent enforcement, clarity around what is allowed, increased fee transparency, and the prevention of disruption of existing billing systems that comply with the law.
For more information about this policy, click here (https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/HB26-1013).
Economic Opportunity | Environment and Climate
We believe that environmental justice must be rooted in policy change and government investments in under-resourced communities to reduce the impacts of climate change.
(Support) HB26-1007: Improve Customer Use Distributed Energy Resources
What this is about: This bill expands customers' ability to install and use distributed energy resources (DERs), like small-scale solar systems, by removing certain utility restrictions and updating interconnection requirements.
Why we care: This bill removes barriers for individuals to utilize devices that can save them money while also reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
To learn more about this policy, click here (https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/HB26-1007).
Housing
We believe the continuum of housing programs designed to address affordable housing and homelessness should be well-funded and respond to the history of exclusionary housing policies.
(Support) HB26-1001: Housing Developments on Qualifying Properties
What is this about: This bill would allow local governments to use a streamlined review process for certain land owned by school districts, state higher education institutions, public housing authorities, or nonprofit organizations with a demonstrated history of providing affordable housing.
Why we care: This bill expands housing opportunities by allowing housing-focused nonprofit organizations and educational institutions to develop housing on land they own, helping to address the housing crisis. The bill promotes community development by reducing administrative barriers, aligning with our mission.
To learn more about this policy, click here (https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/HB26-1001).
(Support) HB26-1202: Strategy to Reduce & Prevent Homelessness
What this is about: This bill instructs the Department of Local Affairs to create a statewide plan to combat homelessness, creates a special district and response authority for collaboration between local governments, and allows housing fee revenue to be used for homelessness response.
Why we care: The Denver Foundation has supported local ballot measures to raise funds to address housing affordability and homelessness response efforts. This bill will simplify the requirements for local governments to develop regional solutions and funding to address homelessness.
To learn more about this policy, click here (https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/HB26-1202).
(Support) HB26-1015: Colorado Homeless Contribution Tax Credit Extension
What this is about: This bill aims to extend the homeless contribution tax credit through 2030 income tax year. Through this tax credit, Colorado taxpayers are encouraged to make contributions to nonprofits that provide housing and services for individuals experiencing homelessness.
Why we care: This bill protects funding for nonprofits that address homelessness.
To learn more about this policy, click here (https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/HB26-1015).
Philanthropy and Nonprofit Sector
We support policy proposals to promote charitable giving and foster collaboration among philanthropists, nonprofit organizations, and government entities in Metro Denver.
(Support) SB26-009: Charitable Organization State Sales & Use Tax
What is this about: This bill would ensure that legitimate 501(c)(3) organizations keep their state tax exemption, even if the federal government takes away their federal tax-exempt status for political reasons. At the same time, it would allow the state to deny tax exemptions to organizations that lose their federal nonprofit status for valid, non-political reasons.
Why we care: Nonprofits are the cornerstone of our communities. It's imperative to ensure that nonprofit organizations are recognized as tax-exempt in Colorado, regardless of actions taken at the federal level, to prevent disruptions to their programs and operations that families and individuals rely on.
To learn more about this policy, click here (https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/SB26-009).
Support) SB26-118: Legacy Giving to Charitable Organizations
Plain language rewrite: The bill establishes that if a bank or other financial institution is holding money or benefits, such as retirement earnings, that a donor has promised to a charity, it must pay that money to the charity within 60 days after the charity submits a sworn statement confirming the donor has died and provides specific information.
Why we care: Legacy gifts are a key part of nonprofits' funding streams, enabling them to provide essential services, meet community needs, and carry out their charitable missions. We believe that uniformity can bring a sense of certainty to nonprofit organizations in uncertain times.
To learn more about this policy, click here (https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/SB26-118).
(Support) HB26-1274 State Agency Payments to Grant Recipients
What this is about: This bill stems from the unsuccessful efforts to advance House Bill 25-1101, which the foundation supported. The bill allows a state agency to dispense up to 25% of the total grant amount to the grantee immediately upon signing or renewing a contract. A grantee may use this payment only on expenses related to the contracted work.
Why we care: This bill ensures more equitable and timely funding for nonprofit organizations, allowing them to provide critical services without financial delays. By requiring transparency in leadership and business structure, the bill also promotes accountability and equity in state funding, aligning with our commitment to fostering inclusive and well-supported communities.
To learn more about this policy, click here (https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/HB26-1274).
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About The Denver Foundation's 100 years
For 100 years, The Denver Foundation has been building a stronger, thriving Metro Denver, Colorado, and beyond. We've received $2.1 billion from generous donors and given $1.6 billion in grants to support community initiatives. We're the foundation of Denver, connecting and collaborating to address the current and future challenges of our community.
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Original text here: https://denverfoundation.org/2026/03/2026-policy-positions/
