Issues
Our issues and policy stances show one thing: We listen. Every policy proposal comes from listening to the things most important to our community and we took it a step further by asking one more question: “What do you want to see done?”
You told us what you wanted to see, so here’s what we want to do.
*Underlined points are specific policies Gabriel is running on
Securing a better future for all
It is much more difficult more for people and families of all ages and sizes to lead a good life than a generation ago. We can do a few things that will ensure families can do more than just survive- but live.
Ban Corporate Ownership of Single-Family Homes in Colorado
Families are being outbid by private equity and investment firms all over the Denver-Metro. This inflates housing costs that working families can’t keep up with and increases property taxes that seniors can’t afford. Banning corporations from competing with families is a needed step towards improving affordability.
Grants and Credits for Organizations Supporting Seniors
One in 5 Coloradoans will soon be seniors- This often-overlooked population deserves to keep or sell their homes without being crushed by taxes. We can support local and state programs that provide services that help them maintain independence.
Support Transitional Workers
Workers have been left behind too much in the clean transition. It's critical to work with communities to ensure that the clean energy sector has strong unions, local workers, and energy communities that aren’t left behind.
Create a Legal Pathway for Colorado to Prosecute ICE Agents Overstepping Authority
Immigration enforcement, more specifically, ICE, has been given blanket powers by the federal government to act with near impunity, with almost no way to hold the agency nor its agents accountable. Creating a legal pathway to criminally prosecute ICE agents overstepping their authority will ensure our communities are safe and protected from government overreach.
Foster Reproductive Justice
Economic ability is the largest determinant of whether or not a couple will have children. Just as families have the right to choose not to have children, it is also important for them to have the financial ability to start a family through higher wages and lower costs.
Give Municipalities Authority Over Mobile Home Park Communities.
Many mobile home communities in Colorado are faced with corporate landlords who aren’t held responsible for sewage spills, maintenance, or community safety. Taking weight off the state and giving cities proper authority will make sure residents will have clean water coming out of their faucets.
Clean air, clean water
If you stand on the hill off 104th and Colorado, you used to be able to see Denver like it was in your backyard. Now, its beautiful skyline is hazy from smog. We can make our communities breathable with clean water coming out of every faucet again.
Prioritize Transitional Workers
The biggest opposition to the clean energy transition isn’t massive corporations, it’s honest workers who want to feed their families. It's critical to support workers leaving a fossil-fuel industry so we can create a vibrant, clean, and locally worker-powered economy.
Increase Multi-Modal Transportation
Increasing transit reliability and community walkability should be a priority for everyone. Giving people the same ability to get from A to B as a car means faster commutes, less cars on the roads, less accidents, lower vehicle costs, and cleaner air.
Foster Environmental Justice
Lower-income communities face the impacts of climate change far more. The state can work with communities to create more walkable, economically healthier, and energy efficient communities so they can push back against climate change.
Good education not just for our families, but for ourselves, too.
Even with the passing of 5B, Adams-12 Public Schools and Mapleton Public Schools remain some of the lowest funded districts in Colorado. It is important for our communities to support our public schools to provide a good education for all.
Close Loopholes for Giant Polluters
When polluters are fined by Colorado, they can often appeal to have part of the fine waived. Getting rid of this ability will make sure fines from polluters go directly back into communities to support schools and local businesses that will make a difference.
Change Funding Structures to Support Struggling Schools, NOT Punish Them
Schools that take in non-traditional students, students who struggle, immigrant students, whatever the reason- Are often punished because it takes extra effort and time to help these students succeed. The state needs to supplement these schools, not strip them of funding.
Investing in Early-Education
The returns are staggering: For every $1 we spend on early education in children, we make $12 back in economic input when they’re adults. Investing in childcare and early-education is just good policy.
Teachers Deserve Better
Colorado has the 2nd most educated populace due to migration but is 42nd in funding. Increasing wages and benefits increases home grown education, secures better teachers, and allows teachers to teach in the communities they live in and love.
