Issues
EDUCATION
I am a strong advocate for the public school system and will work to attract and retain quality teachers, increase resources for the classroom, and reduce class size. I understand the value of quality nutritional choices in schools ensuring that students have a solid foundation for proper learning. I adamantly oppose voucher programs that take resources away from public education. As a believer in lifelong learning, I encourage every opportunity to engage in the educational process. I support investment in early childhood education which has been shown to improve student performance in later years. I will work to restore appropriate levels of funding for higher education so that quality students can remain in state, thus allowing Colorado to remain competitive as a resource for local employers.
HEALTH CARE
My personal experience with a health crisis has given me cause to stand up for affordable health care. I will seek concrete measures to ensure that all Coloradans have access to health care coverage. I recognize the importance of securing coverage for the uninsured and support the idea of neighborhood community health care centers to fill the void for those who currently seek emergency care as their only means of treatment because they lack sufficient coverage. I will work to put medical decisions back into the hands of doctors and I will push for investment in primary and preventative care. I will seek transparency in our health care system because I believe patients have a right to know the cost and quality of the care they receive. Because I believe that no one should have to choose between food and medicine, I will support innovative ideas to reduce the costs of prescription drugs, including pooling Colorado’s purchasing power with that of other states.
See my mailing on health care issues: “No Surprises”
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
According to the Metro Denver Economic Development Corporation, 80% of metro Denver’s job growth will come from existing businesses. I will work to encourage retention of these existing businesses, as well as the relocation of outside companies to Colorado, through support of measures that provide the “quality of life” attributes that employers seek. These attributes include open space and trails, adequate funding of higher education, opportunities for workforce training, transit options, and sustainable development. I will seek support for the emerging aerospace, bioscience and research and renewable energy industries. I will also seek opportunities to aid small businesses pushing for programs that allow the pooling of resources to lower health care costs. Because I believe those who work a 40 hour week should not have to seek welfare support to make ends meet, I will support an increase in minimum wage to a truly “living wage” that keeps pace with increased costs of living
Small Business – Dianne will join with the Governor to create programs that allow small businesses and their employees to access affordable health care. She will build coalitions between small and large business owners and their elected representatives and will create a Small Business Advisory Committee giving House District 33’s small business owners a voice at the state legislature. Dianne will fight to improve our education system so that the number of qualified employees increases and she will identify new opportunities for small businesses to find and access sources of capital.
ENVIRONMENT
I recognize the importance of our unique natural environment here in Colorado. I believe that we should be at the forefront of new environmental technologies that protect our Colorado lifestyle. I will encourage wind, solar, hydroelectric, and biomass renewable energy alternatives and will push to prioritize research dollars for these options. Renewable energy alternatives will not only reduce our dependence on foreign oil and ease associated cost burdens, but will also create new jobs in research and development. I will support increased energy efficiency and will ask the State to lead by example and require all new state buildings to be LEED certified “green” buildings, which will follow EPA Energy Star guidelines. I will encourage increased development of transit options to reduce the impact of cars on the road and improve air quality, and I will promote collaboration between local and state entities to find funding to implement transit strategies. I will also call for smart land use policies which encourage things like transit-oriented development and result in smaller environmental footprints.
See my mailing on energy and the environment: “Better Choices.”
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
I have sent out several mailings on my background and where I stand on important issues. You can view these on-line in pdf form by clicking on the following links:
- Introducing Dianne Primavera – The courage to fight for what’s right.
- WHERE I STAND
- My Position on Immigration Issues