Chris deGruy KennedyD

Chris deGruy Kennedy is the president and CEO of the Bell Policy Center, a Colorado nonprofit organization, and a former Democratic state representative. The Bell Policy Center describes itself as dedicated to advancing economic mobility for every Coloradan through public policy. Before joining the organization in July 2024, deGruy Kennedy served four terms in the Colorado House of Representatives, representing areas of Jefferson County including Lakewood and Edgewater. He concluded his legislative tenure as Speaker Pro Tempore. He also serves on the board of directors for Connect for Health Colorado.

DeGruy Kennedy is a proponent and campaign co-chair for Amendment 87, a 2026 ballot measure that would replace Colorado's flat income tax rate with a graduated tax structure. He filed the initiative and co-chairs the Protect Colorado's Future Coalition, the primary issue committee supporting the measure. He has publicly stated that the amendment is necessary to address state budget shortfalls and affordability issues by raising taxes on the highest earners and corporations to fund public services like education, healthcare, and childcare.