Posted October 15, 2026
On Tuesday night, Denver City Council unanimously passed a proclamation formally opposing Proposition 132. The measure, backed by conservative political operatives and MAGA billionaires, is a dangerous, costly and ineffective approach to the drug crisis that will cut funding for health care, treatment and education while diverting hundreds of millions in taxpayer dollars to fund private prisons.
“We can’t continue to have these types of billionaire-backed measures on our ballots,” said Denver Council President Pro Tem Serena Gonzales-Gutiérrez. “Denver is facing a real overdose crisis. That should be addressed with real public health solutions, not fear and punishment.”
Denver is facing a real overdose crisis. That should be addressed with real public health solutions, not fear and punishment.”
Denver Council President Pro Tem Serena Gonzales-Gutiérrez
Denver District Attorney John Walsh and Theresa Cobleigh, a mother and advocate, accepted the proclamation on behalf of the more than 250 Colorado leaders and organizations that make up the No on 132 coalition.
“The fentanyl crisis is real. I’ve supported strengthening penalties for fentanyl distribution. Our office prosecutes dealers,” said Denver District Attorney John Walsh. “Talking tough about the fentanyl crisis isn’t enough. We need to be effective in the real world. Proposition 132 fails that test. Prop 132’s mandatory treatment services may sound good. But they won’t be because Prop 132 provides zero money for treatment. That is why I and a bipartisan coalition of law enforcement leaders across Colorado, including Sheriff Diggins and DA Michael Dougherty, oppose it.”
The proclamation affirms Denver City Council’s commitment to holding high-level traffickers accountable, while underscoring that the city has a responsibility to support policies that “reduce addiction and overdose deaths rather than relying primarily on increased incarceration.”
“I have buried both of my beautiful sons to addiction,” said Theresa Cobleigh, a Colorado mother. “Nobody hates fentanyl as much as I do. But I know Prop 132 won’t fix the drug crisis, in fact, it will devastate people that have been affected by it.”
The proclamation highlights that Proposition 132 fails to distinguish between “young people experimenting with or struggling with drugs and high-level fentanyl traffickers,” and warns about the significant financial impact on local governments. The measure will require hundreds of millions of dollars to increase incarceration, but provides no dedicated funding for additional jail capacity, prevention, treatment or recovery services.
Denver is the latest jurisdiction to formally oppose Proposition 132, joining Aurora and Boulder City Councils, Boulder, Gilpin, La Plata, and San Miguel Counties, and a coalition of more than 250 Colorado leaders and organizations.
Learn more about the dangers of Prop 132 at noon132.com.
- Denver City Council Passes Proclamation Opposing Proposition 132 - October 15, 2026
- Retired Rear Admiral Eileen Laubacher Puts Congresswoman Boebert on the Defense During Debate - October 15, 2026
- Post Office and Election Officials Urge Voters to Mail Ballots Before Deadlines - October 15, 2026
