Candidate for Colorado House of Representatives - District 6 in 2020 Colorado Primary Election.
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Get StartedTeacher’s are some of our state’s greatest patriots. Because of lack of funding, teachers everyday dig into their own pockets to provide school supplies to our children, and many work extra jobs in order to simply afford the cost of living in Denver and surrounding areas. We can and must do better by our teachers, providing them with the resources they need to properly do their job while also guaranteeing a livable wage. Learn more
In order to remain competitive, education of Colorado’s children must start as early as the preschool level. Preschool provides children the socialization and basic skills necessary to succeed in future classroom settings. Preschool shouldn’t be a luxury only available to some of Colorado’s families. A successful program should be phased in over time and state funding can kick in on a tiered, income based system. The investment will not only benefit Colorado long term, but must be a high priority if we want to even the playing field for all students. Learn more
I am committed to keeping our public schools as a top funding priority during any budget conversation. Recognizing that we face serious budget cuts due to the COVID-19 crisis, cuts to education must only be considered or made as a last resort and with the greatest care possible to ensure that teacher salaries and the quality of education do not suffer. In the past, TABOR has been used to justify Colorado’s low rankings in education funding. While TABOR is certainly a part of the funding challenge, it is my belief that education funding has not been considered a necessary priority in the state’s annual budget. Learn more
Our state higher education institutions are an essential part of Colorado’s public educational opportunities. About 76 percent of Colorado’s students attend in-state college or university, which have received less and less state funding every year. We must make certain that we are investing in our state schools, and focusing on lowering tuition for Coloradans — not raising it. We must also commit to public service loan forgiveness programs that incentivize Colorado’s best and brightest, regardless of economic status, to be interested in public service. Lastly, the legislature must explore a model of free college for COVID-19 health care workers and other front-line workers: it is a well-deserved way to repay these individuals for their dedication to Colorado. I also support the Attorney General’s efforts to oppose the federal government’s weakning of the protections for victims of sexual assault on campus. Learn more
Ensuring that Colorado is able to achieve the goal of utilizing 100% renewable energy by 2040 is a priority for me, and I believe we can meet and even accelerate that timeline. The legislature must support this effort, and I will lead on this issue to make sure that we receive our energy from 100% renewable sources in our lifetime. Learn more
As a headwater state for most of the American West, water is one of Colorado’s most important — and fraught — resources. The strain we have put on our environment has threatened the availability of this resource, and limited people’s access to water rights. Without swift and thoughtful action, we will lose this invaluable natural resource. I will make it a priority to enact legislation — solidifying a statewide policy document to guide water-resource allocation, including addressing water in local comprehensive plans — that ensures water does not become a political bargaining chip, but rather remains a viable, accessible, and plentiful resource. Learn more
One of the changes to Colorado law that I will pursue is a clear recognition of health care parity between physical and mental health care. Health care insurers and organizations will be required to provide behavioral health services on par with the physical health services that are provided. This will build on HB20-1086, which has already passed in the Colorado House and will hopefully become law after the legislature resumes its delayed session. I will work with my constituents, providers and insurance companies to ensure this is implemented thoughtfully, with a focus towards increased outcomes with an overall lower cost, and consistent with my belief that we must all work together to face difficult challenges. Learn more
Colorado’s legislature must ensure that legislation is passed ensuring that rent and mortgage assistance programs are effectively allocated to Coloradans and courts are empowered to pause eviction and foreclosure proceedings as necessary. This pandemic has created previously unimaginable financial challenges for Coloradans and Colorado must provide temporary relief from consequences for non-payment of rent or mortgage payments. Learn more
Transportation is one of the easiest and most critical ways that Denverites and Coloradans can reduce their carbon footprint. However, in order to make this a viable option, our public transit system needs to be accessible, affordable, and efficient. Additionally, to make certain that use of public transit is having a positive impact on our planet, we must ensure that it is carbon-neutral. That’s why the implementation of a carbon-neutral rail system, including to and from outdoor recreation areas, is one of my core priorities in office. Learn more
Like public transit, opting for transportation options other than driving — like walking or biking — can significantly reduce Coloradans’ environmental impact. But, for those riding their bicycles to their daily activities, residents of HD6 know that the bike lanes we do have are insufficient. Many of our neighbors feel that they put their lives at risk every time they get on their bikes. Creating safe and ample bike lanes throughout our city will encourage Coloradans to use bikes rather than cars — reducing their carbon footprint — while also ensuring no one feels put at risk when they opt for this environmentally friendly option. Learn more
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