Over the summer, the Inflation Reduction Act became law. Should Coloradans support this law? Why or why not?
The Inflation Reduction Act lowers health care and energy costs and, among other policy advances, marks the federal governmentap single largest investment in tackling the climate crisis in our nation’s history. I am proud to have championed this legislation which will save American families money while also investing in our future.
What is something unique you bring to the Congress?
I have been an advocate for the people of Denver and Colorado my entire career. Whether itap securing millions of dollars to address homelessness in CD1 or successfully passing climate legislation in Congress, my focus is always the same: to represent the values of my constituents, serve them to the best of my ability, and do whatap right for them. I have built relationships that allow me to get things done. Whether I’m in the majority or minority, I am able to put together coalitions to further the rights of all Americans.
If your party holds the majority in your chamber next session, what should be its top priority?
Protecting Americans’ access to abortion care across the country, advancing crucial voting rights and environmental justice legislation, and ensuring that all Americans can earn a living wage and have access to quality, affordable health care.
What, if any, action should Congress take on abortion?
Codifying abortion rights by passing the Women’s Health Protection Act and repealing the Hyde amendment, an awful and discriminatory policy restricting access to abortion for marginalized groups, should be Congress’s first action. We know that an overwhelming majority of Americans, across party lines, support legal access to abortion care. Abortion is health care, and like any medical decision, it should be made by a patient in consultation with their doctor, not politicians. And I will never stop fighting for women – regardless of where they live – to have a federally protected right to access the care they need.
The chambers may be split between Republican and Democrat control next session. Where do you see actionable, common ground with the opposing party?
My work on behalf of Denverites and the American people more broadly cannot just grind to a halt if the chambers are split between the two parties. Over the course of my career, I have prided myself on getting things done regardless of party politics. For example, I’ve worked across the aisle on health care issues, including capping the cost of insulin and investing in transformative biomedical research to find cures for the world’s most serious diseases. I have also seen important issues, such as protecting our public lands, garner bipartisan support. If there is a divided government, I am ready and able to remain an effective legislator for my constituents.
What is the biggest threat facing the integrity of our elections?
These threats include the spread of misinformation and a myriad of state laws restricting voting rights. This is why I cosponsored the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act (HR.4) and the For the People Act (HR.1). Together, these bills will ensure access to the ballot box and make important reforms to our campaign finance system. I will continue fighting to get these bills signed into law.
Over the summer, the Inflation Reduction Act became law. Should Coloradans support this law? Why or why not?
It costs the taxpayers money to implement the act. We are leaving a tax burden on future generations, which is unethical and illegal. Coloradoans should demand solutions without a high price tag. Keeping more money in the taxpayers’ pockets now and in the future will stimulate the economy organically, curb inflation and allow the market and citizens to find innovative ways to participate in a healthy financial state.
What is something unique you bring to the Congress?
I have several unique qualities.1) I want to consider all generations in my decision-making. 2)I also would like to right the dispossessed, and I have a plan for how to do that without blanket monetary reparations that would be burned through by inflation and price gouging. It needs to be generational and sustainable for the long term. 3) I want to focus on education to ensure that those who want a college education can get this at an affordable price, or those who want to earn a trade can receive quality training again at an affordable price. 4)I want to focus on homeownership and invest in America with 3-D printed bungalows that build equity. I want to foster world peace by following negotiation tactics and helping warring countries find meaningful relations.
If your party holds the majority in your chamber next session, what should be its top priority?
Dealing with the deficit and stopping it from spiraling out of control. Reverse our leaving future generations with a debt they did not incur.
What, if any, action should Congress take on abortion?
Congress should not interfere with the decision of it being deferred to the states. Justices do act in good faith rather than partisanship, which is our hope. I do not think Congress should interfere on a federal level that is at risk of becoming overreaching. Worst case scenario, it could lead to forced abortions to receive food, housing, etc., and loss of free will. This is my understanding of the kind of intimidation we see in a country like China.
The chambers may be split between Republican and Democrat control next session. Where do you see actionable, common ground with the opposing party?
Eradication of pollution and carbon capture methods that can be used for farming. The electrical grid should be cycling backward, and we have the means to do that with wind and solar if every rooftop is utilized and wind farms are built. This would be a great use of taxpayer dollars.
What is the biggest threat facing the integrity of our elections?
Big Tech and foreign intervention.
Efforts to reach John C. Kittleson were unsuccessful.
