My Priorities
PUBLIC EDUCATION | ENVIRONMENTAL RESPONSIBILITY | HEALTH CARE | WILDFIRE PREPAREDNESS | AFFORDABILITY
PUBLIC EDUCATION
Having been involved in improving schools in Jefferson County for over 20 years, I know firsthand how vital a strong public education system is in shaping a child’s life. From early childhood through higher education, Colorado’s students deserve the best possible foundation for their future. Simply put, investing in public education is investing in the future of our community.
Sadly, an excellent education isn’t available to all kids in our state as many neighborhood schools remain under-resourced. I am committed to addressing these disparities, fully funding our K-12 classrooms, providing the resources educators need, and fighting for competitive teacher pay so we can attract and retain dedicated educators. A quality education also requires a supportive environment, which is why I will continue working to expand student mental health resources and protect essential programs like Healthy School Meals for All, ensuring no child goes hungry in the classroom.
Beyond our K-12 classrooms, I am working to lower the skyrocketing costs of higher education. Whether pursuing a four-year degree, community college, or skilled trade program, cost should never be a barrier to opportunity. As your Representative, I will continue fighting to make post-secondary education affordable for all, so future generations do not begin their adult lives carrying crippling debt.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESPONSIBILITY
Almost 40 years ago, my husband Mike and I moved to Colorado. As we experienced the breathtaking diversity of the state’s landscapes, we knew right away that we were here to stay. Over the decades, I have seen rising temperatures, declining air quality, and threatened ecosystems put this beautiful place we call home at risk.
Human-caused climate change is among the most urgent crises of our time. With devastating wildfires and floods on the rise, we must take concrete action to protect our open spaces, preserve wildlife corridors, and safeguard our forests and waterways before our children face irreversible consequences. I am committed to fighting against corporate polluters who exploit our environment for private gain, which is why I support stronger enforcement, stricter regulations, and higher fines for bad actors who endanger the health of our communities.
Building a clean energy economy is equally vital to creating good-paying, sustainable jobs across our state. Sustainability and economic growth are not at odds with one another, but go hand in hand as we work toward achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 and securing a healthy and resilient Colorado for future generations.
HEALTH CARE
Far too many Coloradans face unmanageable medical costs, forcing hardworking families into impossible choices between getting the care they need and putting food on the table. Whether underemployed, uninsured, or struggling under high deductibles, too many people live in fear that a single unexpected illness or injury could push them into financial ruin.
I believe high-quality, comprehensive health care is a fundamental right, not a privilege tied solely to employment. I am dedicated to lowering out-of-pocket costs, capping the price of life-saving prescription drugs, expanding access to mental health support, and protecting coverage for people with pre-existing conditions so no one is denied the care they deserve. I also support requiring hospitals to be upfront about pricing and eliminating hidden fees, so patients are never blindsided by surprise medical bills.
By holding insurance companies and pharmaceutical corporations accountable, we can build a healthcare system that prioritizes patients over profits. I will continue fighting for commonsense solutions that ensure every Coloradan has access to affordable, reliable care without risking their financial wellbeing.
WILDFIRE PREPAREDNESS
The Jefferson County foothills and our mountain communities face some of the highest risks for destructive wildfires in the country. As wildfire seasons grow longer and more severe across Colorado, protecting our neighborhoods requires proactive, community-wide resilience. We must ensure families, property owners, and local agencies have the planning, resources, and education needed to prepare well before a destructive fire breaks out.
I am dedicated to helping our communities meet this challenge by expanding investments in science-backed home hardening and defensible space. This means giving homeowners the resources to make their properties more fire-resistant, improving neighborhood evacuation routes, and upgrading early warning systems so residents can get to safety quickly.
Equally essential is fully funding our local fire protection districts. By ensuring our brave first responders have modern equipment, reliable emergency water infrastructure, and specialized wildland training, we can stop fires before they spread, protect our homes, and save lives.
AFFORDABILITY
Across our community, families are struggling to afford essentials like groceries, gas, and housing. Having paid the bills on an educator's salary, I know firsthand that today’s economy is not working for everyday families.
While others cave to corporate interests, I work for working people. That means taking on corporate greed by cracking down on price gouging, banning predatory surveillance pricing, and standing up for workers even when it means challenging my own party. I have also delivered targeted tax relief to those who need it most, cutting taxes for working families, helping seniors stay in their homes, and expanding tax credits for essential caregivers.
I will continue fighting for a future where no family has to choose between paying rent and putting food on the table. I am a legislator who puts working people first, dedicated to ensuring the ultra-wealthy pay their fair share and creating an economy that actually works for everyday families.