Issues

  • Our economy is one of the most important things to the people of El Paso County and the country. We must make sure we invest in supporting our local workforce, creating more small business opportunities and lowering costs for working families everywhere.

    • Improve our Workforce: Strengthen and fund more Federal programs like the Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) which provides retraining programs, wage subsidies, Health care tax credits and more for workers. Programs like the TAAF can provide cost sharing assistance to the manufacturing and service industry and investments to agricultural producers.

    • Support Small Business: Expand federal support to small businesses by assisting with contract opportunities, especially in underutilized businesses and creating more friendly term loan programs for independent and family businesses to thrive in the community.

    • Lowering Costs: Drafting and passing bills like Colorado’s Right to Repair Agricultural Equipment (1st in the country) on a national scale, which can greatly help farmers keep costs down and supply our national produce at a lower price. Lower costs essential to  healthcare needs by increasing efforts to negotiate prescription drug prices and removing the power & price hiking of Pharmacy Benefits Managers (PBMs).  Focus on lowering housing costs like creating more down payment assistance programs for home buyers and crack down and remove anti-trust price fixing schemes in rental properties.

  • We need to ensure that Coloradans, especially in the 5th district, have the right to clean air and water and the greatest protections against fire dangers possible. Colorado Springs and vicinity has been home to 2 of the most destructive fires in the state and we must do better in mitigating and preventing future disasters.  Our future and ability to live the American dream will depend on the sustainability of our natural resources that we depend on.

    • Fire Prevention & Safety: Strengthen investments into the FEMA’s Fire Prevention and Safety program that supports fire prevention and invest heavily in fire science research to mitigate climate change that has increased the risk of wildfire dangers to tens of thousands of people in El Paso County.  Wildfires have also posed enormous risks to water resources, elevated ozone matter and air quality risks on top of the physical dangers already present.

    • Clean Air & Clean Water: PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), also known as forever chemicals, contaminate our groundwater/drinking water and contributes to air pollution through industrial processes, wastewater treatments and everyday products – all are constant threat to our residents. These threats are linked to liver damage, certain cancers, childhood developmental issues, immune system impacts and more and elevated levels are prevalent in private wells near Peterson Air Force Base. Strengthen EPA regulation on this matter and federally support research into how to prevent and mitigate this constant threat. Ensure high standards of water testing are strictly enforced and do more to prevent these toxins from entering our air and water in the first place.

    • Protect our Natural Resources: Increase water conservation efforts through waste reduction programs and practices and also create infrastructural improvements of water storage and delivery to maximize efficiency.  Continue to fight for water rights from the Colorado River basin and to expand into the Montgomery Reservoir project.

  • Public education is paramount to our success in creating a sustainable for the future of Coloradans for generations. We need accessible, high-quality education that is equitable, transparent and all encompassing for all communities. As a son of two lifelong public-school educators, I know everyone has a right to a good education no matter what zip code you are in.

    • Address Underfunding: Increase the funding and resources allocated that are impacting teacher/educator low salaries and not enough curriculum materials and building conditions that have gone into disrepair

    • Equal learning Opportunities: Create more accessible opportunities for more enrollment from the community to make sure every student is able to attend. Engage in the community to identify and allow more special needs and students with disabilities access to education. Have strong infrastructure by having effective bussing programs and accessible building facilities.

    • Stable Learning Environment: Reduce any administrative burdens so that the funding is spent efficiently on students and educators. Strong retention programs to keep long tenured educators and to continue fostering strong community relationships. Maintain professional development for all staff and develop stronger ties with parents and educational communities.