Office and district sought: State House 14
Name: Karen Teja
Party affiliation: Democrat
Website: www.electkarenteja.com
E-mail:karenteja@earthlink.net
Age: 47
Last degree earned: AA Degree from Fullerton Jr. College, Fullerton, Calif.
Occupation: Consultant
Hobbies: Hiking and cooking
Family: Married 23 years, two children
How long have you lived in Colorado? Where did you live before? 12 years; I grew up in Washington State, and lived in California for 15 years.
Last book read: “Overcoming Dyslexia,” by Sally Shaywitz MD
Civic Involvement:
Katrina Disaster Relief in Colorado Springs, education support; Colorado Springs School District 11 Board of Education; Board of Community Partnership for Child Development; coordinator of Title IX National Public Hearing in Colorado Springs; founding president of Reed Ranch Neighborhood Home Owners Association
Major endorsements: Colorado Fund for Children and Public Education; COPOPS Colorado Protectors of Public Schools; American Federation of Teachers; Colorado Education Association
Why are you running?:
I want to continue serving my community, using my knowledge and experience to tackle the most difficult issues facing our state – jobs, education, and healthcare.
What are the top three challenges facing Colorado or the institution you seek to represent?
(1) How to provide a quality education for our children
(2) How to make healthcare affordable and available to all Coloradans
(3) How to attract primary jobs to our state
What is your top priority in the next session if you should win?
Education: I will strengthen our education system
Jobs: I will improve the economics in our state
Healthcare: I will help pass prescription drug pool
What proposal in the last session did you oppose the most? HB06-1123 charges a minor with class 2 misdemeanor if they run away from home – 12 months in jail/$1000 fine; they need help/counseling not jail time.
What proposal in the last session did you agree with the most? SB06-046, which establishes a pre-kindergarten through higher education legislative council to address the state’s economic viability by preparing students to enter the work force.
