On the Issues

Our community and our state face profound challenges.  It is critical that we have a strong leader representing House District 7 who understands the needs of the district, who is committed to fighting for and building a community that is prepared to face the future, and who will forcefully advocate on behalf of its residents.  I will work with the people of House District 7, with community, business and nonprofit leaders, government agencies, state legislators and the administration to take on some of our most pressing issues, including:

• Quality Public Education - Access to a quality public education is the key to equality of opportunity and the foundation of our democracy.  Our public schools graduate just over 60% of students.  Only 40% of Latino students and just over 50% of African American students graduate high school, leaving far too many of our children ill prepared to face a global employment market. Read More

• Economic Security – If you put in an honest day’s work, you shouldn’t live in poverty. Coloradans are suffering financially, and our district has been particularly hard hit by the foreclosure crisis.  Many are without homes and others have seen the value of their property plummet.  The problem is compounded by job losses, reduced hours and wages that can’t keep up with inflation. Read More

• Health Care is a Basic Right - Coloradans shouldn’t have to choose between prescription drugs and food on the table.  Nor should a choice have to be made between needed medical care and heat in winter.  Hundreds of thousands of Coloradans are vulnerable because of a private insurance system that leaves them without health coverage. Read More

• Colorado’s Budget Crisis - Colorado has already cut services to the bone, and additional cuts will result in the elimination of essential services that could leave us with inadequate infrastructure.   We must ensure that we safeguard critical programs and services that protect us all.

• Equal Rights for All - Colorado does not treat all people with respect or equality under the law.  Discrimination against any group or individual in housing, employment, public benefits or other areas is an affront to us all, and shall not be tolerated. Read More 

• A Clean Energy Economy - We have failed to develop a sound energy policy, leaving Colorado and its people economically exposed and the natural beauty of our state threatened.  We must protect our natural heritage, develop a clean energy economy and take aggressive action to avert climate change. Read More