Candidate for Colorado State Representative, House District 22
Issues & Priorities
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Health CareHealth Care Reform is not only a national issue but a very important issue at the State level. In order to have successful reform we must take health care decisions out of the hands of insurance companies who are only concerned with creating a healthy profit margin for their shareholders. Whether you agree or disagree that the single payer option or government option should be included in the current health care reform, it is clear that the current monopoly enjoyed by the insurance companies must be abolished and decision making power shifted to the individual and the medical provider. The goal of reform is to allow individuals to change jobs without losing their health coverage, eliminate pre-existing condition clauses and take away the power of the insurance claim adjuster to deny claims in order to protect their bottom line. |
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Energy and EnvironmentThe beauty of Colorado makes this a special place to live. But that beauty is jeopardized by pollution, global warming and growth. Colorado is leading the challenge in developing new energy resources that will reduce our nation’s reliance on carbon-based fuels as well as help to reduce pollution and slow global warming. Global warming is more than experiencing a hot summer in Colorado: it alters climate and effects ecosystems. We want to continue to enjoy our Rocky Mountains and I am committed to preserving our environment for now and for future use. |
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EconomyGetting Coloradoans back to work is a priority. Our state government can do much more to assist struggling small businesses and the middle class family. The budgeting process needs to be streamlined and it is time to eliminate the tax incentives and loopholes enjoyed by the corporations wooed to our beautiful state during a time when such tax breaks made sense. With today’s economy, we will recover faster if everyone pays their fair share. |
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EducationIn our public education system, we need to look beyond standardized testing as a measure of success. You do not need me to tell you that funding of public schools in our state is appalling – we continue to rank in the bottom five states for funding for public education. Our state legislature needs to explore all avenues with regard to expanding student funding. If we continue to fund our schools at the same level the result will be to drive away businesses if we are unable to provide them the a well-educated and highly trained work force |
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ChoiceA woman’s right to choose is a private matter. Government should not interfere with a woman’s privacy as protected by the Fourteenth Amendment. |
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Equal RightsAll men and women, regardless of their race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, age, disability, or religious affiliation should be afforded all the rights and responsibilities under the United States and Colorado Constitutions. |
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Worker’s RightsAll workers should have a fundamental right to assemble, organize, bargain collectively, and jointly petition businesses and government for better working conditions. Workers should receive equal pay for work that is comparable in terms of skill, effort and responsibility, regardless of gender; race; age; disability; ethnicity; sexual orientation; or religious affiliation. |
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Rights of Domestic PartnersIn 2009 Governor Ritter signed a bill extending health insurance benefits to domestic partners of government employees. Governor Ritter also signed legislation that provides gay and lesbian couples and other unmarried adults legal rights for each other, including inheritance, the ability to make medical decisions and hospital visitation rights. I support the Governor on these issues. |