Investing in Education
“Democracy cannot succeed unless those who express their choice are prepared to choose wisely. The real safeguard of democracy, therefore, is education.”
-Franklin D. Roosevelt
The above quote has been on a poster on my classroom walls since I began teaching. In order for our democracy to be successful, it is imperative we have a quality education system. However, Colorado consistently ranks lowest in comparison to other states when it comes to supporting education, so much so that teachers in Colorado are struggling to afford to live in our beautiful state, leading to unfilled teaching positions, especially in our rural communities. The teachers that do manage to stay in Colorado are immensely hard-working and extremely supportive of students. That is why it is so crucial for us to continue to make strides to support Colorado’s students and teachers, especially in rural districts, at the State Capitol.
My 2024 Sponsored Legislation:
HB24-1096: School Psychologist Compact
Similar to the Interstate Teacher Mobility Compact, legislation I passed in 2024, this bill will support and uplift high-quality school psychologists who are trying to move to Colorado, by removing the barrier of re-licensure.
HB24-1320: Educator Safety Task Force
Establishes the Educator Safety Task Force, a coalition of education professionals dedicated to enhancing the safety of public school students and staff.
SB24-132: Evaluation Protections & Educators
This bill extends the privacy of our educators by balancing an educator’s accountability with their right to personal privacy.
SB24-188: The School Finance Act 2024
Eliminates the Budget Stabilization Factor (BSF), which has restricted funding for Colorado's K-12 public schools for more than a decade. Additionally, this year’s school finance act increases the total funding for public schools by more than $500 million which raises per-pupil funding by $736, bringing the total to $11,406 per student.
HB24-1448: New School Funding Formula
Updates the public school finance formula to a student-centered formula that increases money to rural schools.
My 2023 Sponsored Legislation:
HB23-1064: Interstate Teacher Mobility Compact
Addresses the teacher shortage by making it easier for teachers to move from out-of-state.
SB23-094: School Transportation Task Force
Creates a task force to compile a report with findings and recommendations to improve public school transportation services.
HB23-1198: Teacher Externship Program For S.T.E.M Disciplines
Establishes a teacher externship program for teachers to participate in external opportunities in S.T.E.M.
SB23-287: School Finance Act 2023
The largest commitment to public education in Colorado history. It reduces the Budget Stabilization Factor by $180 million, invests $30 million into rural schools, and commits lawmakers to fully fund public schools in the 2024-2025 school year. Additionally, it raises the statewide average of per-pupil funding to $10,614.
As your representative, I will continue to:
Utilize my perspective as a high school teacher and my Master’s degree in Leadership in Educational Organizations to advocate for educational policy that promotes a quality education system.
Work to invest in a strong education system.
Increase access to mental health resources in Colorado schools.
Prioritize public school funding.
Mitigate the educational workforce shortage.
Promote access to affordable early childhood education.
Represent constituents and stakeholders invested in education.