(Click on a heading for more detail on my position)
Health Care Reform:
Our current health care system is not working. Health care is too expensive and unavailable for many working people. Colorado is at the forefront of meaningful reform, and I will make it a legislative priority. I want to work toward a single-payer system including provisions for mental health and disabilities.
Choice:
I am, and always have been, completely and strongly pro-choice.
K-12 Education:
We must provide all our children with the tools they need to build secure futures. Public education must be a top priority. I support full-day kindergarten, steps toward funding early childhood education, higher pay for teachers, and smaller class sizes.
Higher Education:
We must find ways to support our higher education institutions at a higher and more meaningful level.
Job Security:
All our jobs must pay a living wage. I'll focus on strengthening Colorado's economy so we are all financially secure. I'll also work to make sure small businesses continue to thrive in Colorado.
Fiscal/Constitutional Constraints:
Colorado faces serious fiscal challenges because of several Constitutional provisions as well as a statutory provision that have been passed over the years concerning how the state can spend revenues. I will work to bring about reform of the process for amending the Colorado Constitution and to correct the fiscal constraints imposed on the state by many of the current Constitutional and statutory restrictions.
Gay/Lesbian/Transgender Rights:
I fully support equal rights for gay, lesbian, and transgender members of our community. I supported Referendum I and opposed Amendment 2.
Public Safety and Corrections:
Safe neighborhoods are a priority. We need to combine the right prevention efforts that address causes of crime with strong law enforcement. I'll champion early intervention programs that invest in kids. We must also provide better mental health care in prisons and more support for reintegration programs. I will support a bill to abolish the death penalty in Colorado.
Incarceration in Colorado:
There is no question that violent and dangerous offenders must be incarcerated. However, I support exploring alternatives to prison sentences for non-violent offenders, particularly juvenile offenders.
Immigration:
We need to bring immigrants out of the dark shadows, identify them, and work with them to provide opportunities that are beneficial to both the individuals and to our businesses and agricultural interests that rely on their labor. I support strong border enforcement, coupled with a guest worker program and opportunities for immigrants to become citizens.
Energy Security:
Global warming and dependence on foreign oil are two consequences of our nation's addiction to fossil fuels. Colorado is in a unique position to show the nation how to use a wealth of natural resources to grow our economy and protect our environment. I support Governor Ritter's climate action plan.