Expand access to mental health care

Life is getting more stressful for people of all backgrounds and we need to talk openly about our mental health. Quality of care should not depend on the quality of an insurance plan. Moreover, it is often the people who protect us who suffer the most: first responders and veterans. We know that people can give more to the community when they are healthy and well. I will fight to give these heroes access to high quality care from providers who care. And while I am at it, I will fight for high quality preventative and emergency health care for people of all incomes.

Make housing accessible

Our district’s need for housing security is no exception to what is happening across Colorado. People want to live and work in their communities, but demand is far outpacing what is available, especially in our mountain communities. We need to work together with county and municipal governments to bring creative and realistic solutions to the table. Hard-working people deserve a reliable place to live. This is good for people and good for our economy.

Manage public land for the people

We have many city, county, and federal lands in our district. This gives us vast educational, recreational, and health opportunities for the people of District 49 and its visitors. As a mental health counselor who uses exposure to nature as a therapeutic tool, I know very well how the outdoors can benefit our well-being. I will fight to give greater sustainable access to our public lands in an effort to improve who we are as a people. People should be able to access our public lands regardless of ability or income.

Fund student-centered education

Our education system should not be a one-size fits all, testing-oriented structure. We are a pluralistic democracy, and diverse interests and needs should all have a voice in education. Science and technology along with arts and humanities should have equal footing so to encourage robust and diverse Colorado communities. Students who feel valued tend to perform better, learn more, and ultimately find meaningful work. We also need to value our public school teachers with better pay and funding for resources so that they can reach students with their own unique strengths.

Pass common sense gun reform

This is an issue close to my heart. As a gun owner myself, I am sickened that the powerful gun industry advertises violence and plays into the culture war that is tearing our society apart. Common sense says that violent offenders and those who make threats should not have access to deadly weapons of war, period. Even legislators who ultimately vote against common sense gun laws agree with this in private. I will fight for wait periods, universal background checks, red-flag laws, and mandatory education for gun owners.

Protect women’s reproductive choice

In the post Roe vs Wade world, Colorado has taken steps to ensure women can make their own choices about their health. But we need to continue the fight against any efforts to restrict women’s sovereignty over their bodies and lives. The government has no place making medical decisions and restricting essential reproductive health care. I will never stop fighting to ensure women can get medical care of their choice.

Support worker-friendly businesses

As a business owner myself, I know how hard it is to start from the ground up. House District 49 is full of small businesses from Georgetown to Nederland, Estes and Red Feather Lakes, Boulder to Lyons and all the places in between. We’ve got to help businesses who are supportive of paying their workers a fair and livable wage, and incentivize people to open new socially responsible and environmentally minded businesses throughout the foothills and mountains.

Combat climate change locally

Mountain dwellers and mountain-adjacent residents know what it means to live with the dangers of climate change: Wildfires, floods, hotter summers and more mercurial winters. The consequences are far-reaching: Susceptible populations facing greater health risks, increased homeowner’s insurance premiums or the inability to secure insurance at all, changes to wildlife migration and forest health. We must combat climate change at its source, but also protect each other from its consequences. I will work with fellow legislators to develop a comprehensive package that protects us from these dangers.

Develop a property tax circuit breaker

Low income property owners and renters are the hardest hit by the seismic increase in property taxes. Currently, Colorado only has laws protecting those with disabilities and seniors, and we need to expand these protections. Imagine buying a home at market value ten years ago, only to see your property taxes double while you maintain the same salary. Also imagine being a renter, and your small scale landlord has to transfer the tax burden onto you. This is what House District 49 faces, both in the mountains and urban areas.