Issue Position: Education

Issue Position

*Fully fund public education using tools like a simple accounting fix to the Hospital Provider Fee to free up funds under TABOR.
*Increase state funding to reduce the achievement gap between lower and higher income districts.
*Work with teachers to promote testing that doesn't distract from learning objectives and provides feedback that helps both students and teachers improve.
*Expand efforts to retain, recruit, train, and reward our most effective educators, because teachers are the key to a quality education.

In order to create a 21st Century economy that works for everyone, all Colorado students need access to a high-quality public education. Everyone benefits when more people have the tools they need to get good-paying jobs to support themselves and their families.

I'm a product of our Colorado public schools, and I'm also surrounded by teachers. My mom was a teacher, and so was my mother-in-law and my grandma. My wife is getting her PhD to become a teacher, and my aunt currently teaches in Cherry Creek Public Schools. Making sure that all of our kids have the opportunity to succeed with a public education that's one of the best in the nation is a core value I'll fight for in the State House.

Getting Colorado's teachers and students the tools they need to succeed starts with better funding for our public schools. It's a testament to our teachers that the quality of education we have here is so high despite per-pupil spending on par with Alabama. We have got to find a way to better support our public schools--including higher education. College graduates shouldn't have to start their careers under mountains of debt. We also need testing in our schools that doesn't detract from a good education, but actually helps students and teachers improve.

More than ever, the jobs of tomorrow will demand a well-educated workforce. We must ensure that all of our students have the tools they need to do those jobs and build a better life for themselves and their families.
Public education is one of the best ways to create the opportunity for people to achieve the American dream, reach the middle class, and help grow our economy.

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