A Stronger America Begins at Home

BUILDING THE AMERICA WE WANT

Common Interests instead of Special Interests

I believe that our American system must work for ordinary Americans, not against them. I believe the focus must be on the issues that unite us for the common good.

PROTECTING OUR EARTH, ENSURING OUR PROSPERITY

Strengthening Our Economy and Protecting Our Environment

I am a strong advocate for bringing companies to Colorado from the renewable energy industry. By bringing these companies we will create jobs for Coloradans, strengthen our economy around an industry that will continue to grow, and make Colorado a leader in creating the energy solutions of the future.

Colorado is the ideal location for research, manufacturing, and development of renewable energy and sustainability technologies. I will be a leader and an advocate for creating incentives to bring these companies to Colorado.

I support a balanced energy policy that addresses the demand side of our dependence on foreign oil. Smart policies that encourage conservation will make us more self-sufficient without damaging sensitive habitats.

I believe in good stewardship through common sense policies that protect our air and water for human health and future prosperity.

It is much smarter to safeguard the environment for the future benefit of all, than to cater to the short term profits of a few.

HEALTH CARE

Healthy people are the backbone of a strong workforce and a strong nation.

I believe that health care is a basic right that all developed nations should provide for their residents.

The U.S. spends more of its economy on health care than any other nation, yet nearly half of all Americans lack access to health care.

We are getting a poor return on our health care investment. Making health care accessible and affordable to all Americans is not only the right thing to do — it will also be more cost effective by getting people to doctors for preventive care, rather than driving the uninsured to emergency rooms where health care is most expensive.

Lack of health care results in loss of productivity, premature deaths and increased risk of communicable diseases.

I believe in a “smart” approach to health care spending. We call for a hard look at policies that prohibit taxpayers from getting quantity discounts for Medicare and Medicaid drugs.

EDUCATION

A strong education system is essential for a thriving economy. We need to support our schools to ensure that our students are being provided the skills necessary to compete in our global economy. Quality education builds a stronger America with educated voters and a productive workforce.

Research proves that good preschool education pays for itself by ensuring that all children can start school ready to learn. K-12 Education prepares our students to attend college or enter our workforce.

Our students need to be focusing on developing skills, not taking standardized tests that fail to provide helpful information. I will advocate for real measures of performance and ensure accountability from our schools. We must ensure that our students are graduating from high school ready for college.

I will fight to ensure that we support higher education and make Colorado a leader again. Colorado ranks 48th in the Nation for its support of its colleges and universities. I will work to find creative solutions for funding higher education so that we can prepare our students to be the leaders of tomorrow.

FAIR DAY´S PAY FOR A FAIR DAY´S WORK

Hard-working Americans deserve to be able to pay for their housing, food, clothing, medical and childcare expenses.

Fair pay for workers reduces the tax burden on all of us. Workers who can meet their family´s basic needs don´t need public assistance.

Well-paid employees are good for business. Business benefits from reduced turnover, absenteeism and the costs of training new employees.