Over the summer, the Inflation Reduction Act became law. Should Coloradans support this law? Why or why not?
Absolutely. Colorado played a major role in shaping this bill, which is the largest investment we’ve ever made to tackle climate change. The bill includes clean energy tax credits to create good-paying jobs, funding for forestry, conservation, and drought, all investments in rural Colorado. The bill ensures Colorado’s seniors will pay no more than $2,000 a year for their prescription drugs, including $35 a month for insulin, and requires Medicare to negotiate drug prices on behalf of the American people. It lowers health care premiums for tens of thousands of Coloradans. It is largely paid for by my bill requiring the largest corporations in America to pay a corporate minimum tax of 15%. No Colorado teacher or firefighter should pay a higher percentage in taxes than Amazon.
What is something unique you bring to the Congress?
I’m the only senator who’s been a businessperson and school superintendent. These unusual experiences have given me a unique perspective on our economy and democracy. Having spent much of my life outside politics, I’ve had the chance to bring a practical perspective to Washington rooted in the everyday lives of the people I work for in Colorado. With Colorado as an example, I’ve worked to overcome Washington’s dysfunction and create a policy record that has benefited our country and state. (Recent examples include $42.5 billion broadband investment based on the work of the Delta-Montrose Electric Association; an expanded Child Tax Credit that benefitted 90% of Colorado’s kids and cut childhood poverty in half last year; $4 billion to help tackle drought in the Colorado River basin.).
If your party holds the majority in your chamber next session, what should be its top priority?
No matter who holds the majority, my priority will always be building an economy that grows for everyone, not just those at the top. We can begin to build that economy by ending Trump’s tax giveaways for the wealthiest Americans and passing tax cuts for working Coloradans. We started this transition last year when we passed my bills to expand the Earned Income Tax Credit and the Child Tax Credit, which cut hunger by a quarter and child poverty nearly in half. But, we must do more. Rising income inequality is an urgent threat to our democracy.
What, if any, action should Congress take on abortion?
I am grateful to live in a state where women’s access to abortion is protected. The Supreme Court’s reversal of Roe vs. Wade has stripped the country of a fundamental, constitutional freedom. To restore this freedom, Congress must codify a woman’s right to choose at the national level. This is not a matter properly left for the states to decide — consider, for example, the case of women serving on US military bases in states that have criminalized abortion.
The chambers may be split between Republican and Democrat control next session. Where do you see actionable, common ground with the opposing party?
I’ve written and passed 101 pieces of legislation, 82 of which were bipartisan, including my bills to stop surprise medical billing and to fast-track drugs for serious diseases, like cancer. After years of partisan strife, Congress recently has enacted important bipartisan bills relating to infrastructure, veterans, and reshoring of our semiconductor industry. I’m working with Senator Crapo from Idaho on a bipartisan bill to modernize our visa system for farm workers, which will help lower food costs. I’m also working with Senator Romney to protect the Colorado…
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