ON THE ISSUES
Climate Change
We must recognize that man made climate change is real. The debate on this issue is closed. In Colorado, climate change means reduced snowpack, larger and more frequent wildfires, extreme heat, and worsened air quality. First, we must stand up and act now. We can work to combat climate change by investing in energy efficient jobs. Energy efficiency jobs are growing at twice the rate of regular job growth. When we create these jobs, we don’t lose the recreation and agricultural sectors that have been so beneficial to CD3, we only expand and diversify our economy.
Health Care
Colin believes that health care is a fundamental right. We need to tackle health care, but that means not only tackling the high cost of healthcare with a government paid care model but also figuring out how to get more people the access to the health care providers they need. This is a focus not only of physical health care, but also mental health care – a whole health care model.
There’s always been a stigma surrounding addiction and mental health. Colin Wilhelm has personal experience with both. With increased costs of living and a nearly 50% surge in overdoses since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, the time is now to finally reckon with these tough issues through lower cost and more access to vital mental health and addiction recovery services.
Unity
For too long this country has been divided.
Yes, we all know we have been divided on the national level for years, but in this past decade we have become increasingly so at all levels of society. Who among us hasn’t said those words "let’s not discuss politics" or hasn't seen headlines before a major holiday: "16 ways to avoid politics at Thanksgiving dinner."
We have all spent time thinking about how to avoid those subjects because it could ruin dinner.
When we say those words or have those thoughts what we are saying is..."let's not discuss the issues that are important to our society." We are saying that we are so far apart that we can't even begin to find common ground much less common-sense solutions to these issues. The issues that affect the day to day lives of the Democrats are the same issues that affect the Republicans, and the independents. We need the help of every member of our great society to open up their minds, to tell their solutions, to listen to the solutions of their friends, their neighbors, their extended families. We as a society need to have discussions about politics, so that we can create the individual bricks to build our bridge to solve our common problems with common solutions
Criminal Justice Reform
There are many things that we as a Country need to do in order to reform our justice system. Currently our justice system fosters, unintentionally and possibly intentionally, segregation, discrimination, the erecting of walls between people. Further, the goal of our criminal justice system is retribution not rehabilitation. We know when a society focuses on rehabilitation of those in the criminal justice system, the rate of recidivism drops dramatically. A large portion of crimes committed in our Country are related to addiction and/or mental health.
Colin says "and mental health" because 80% of the people who suffer addiction are actually suffering from untreated underlying mental health issues. Most of these crimes are also non-violent offenses. Non-violent offenders suffering from addiction or mental health issues should not be incarcerated but should be eligible for forms of treatment, including in-patient rehab, drug courts, IOP, and mental health counselling.
Jobs on the Western Slope
Colin is running for Congress to create good-paying jobs and a Western Slope economy that works for everyone. As Congressman, he will use his years of experience to continue to work with all stakeholders to create more economic opportunities for everyone and help retain and attract investments to Colorado's third congressional district.
Respect the 2nd Amendment
The 2nd amendment is enshrined in our constitution but it is not unregulatable. Colin believes in a 6 point gun violence prevention plan that does not infringe on the rights enshrined in the 2nd amendment.
1) Increase funding and access to mental health.
2) Allow doctors to inform patients, should they want to, about the possible dangers inherent in gun ownership,
3) Full criminal and psychological background check on all gun purchases,
4) 48 hour waiting period on all gun purchases.
5) 5 year mandatory renewal of firearm licenses with an appeal system in place.
6) Red Flag Bill: A judicial system in place whereby a doctor or police officer can remove firearms from a potentially dangerous person, but a hearing on this decision must take place within 7 days
Affordable Childcare
The impact of insufficient childcare effects more than just Colorado Families. The growing childcare crisis
is felt nationwide, especially in Colorado’s rural areas- by parents, business owners, and taxpayers.
Colin recognizes that inadequate infant and toddler childcare imposes substantial and long-lasting
consequences. The result is major strain on parents and a drain on our economy.
Access: Currently 51%-53% of all Colorado residents live in a childcare desert, meaning that there are
more than three times as many children as licensed childcare slots. In many cases this creates waitlists
that are unrealistic and unmanageable.
Affordability: Currently the average annual care for an infant exceeds the annual cost of public college
tuition. The cost of childcare is out of reach for many families, especially those with lower incomes. In
most places throughout Colorado, the cost of childcare exceeds more than 30% of a family’s annual income.
Economic Impact: For employers, insufficient childcare for their employees results in lost revenue and increased hiring costs and more frequent turnover. Colorado employers lose $680 million annually due to childcare challenges faced by their workforce.
Taxpayers: Even if you do not have children, the loss of tax revenue now from lower GDP, Lost sales and
consumption tax revenue will continue to impact you as well until there is a solution.
Colin supports policy initiatives for infant and toddler care as well as continuing innovations at
the local, state and federal levels. Colin believes in a childcare system that will support a more
productive Colorado workforce and economy. Its time to stop making people choose between families
and careers.
Equality vs. Equity
In The United States Of America we have a belief that all people are created equal and deserve equal treatment under the law.
We have created many laws and policies that help us to ensure equality of race, gender, sexual orientation, heritage, creed, or religion.
We also know that treating every person the same does not always lead to the best outcomes. I want us as a Country to work towards equity for all. That means giving all individuals the tools and support they need to become productive members of society based on their specific needs, motivations, goals, and obstacles.
Pro-Choice
Recently the State of Texas enacted SB8. The so-called "heartbeat law."
This and other bills like it are blatant restrictions on a woman's right to medical freedom. Not to mention, the extreme irony and hypocritical use of the phrase "My Body, My Choice" by those looking to simultaneously dictate what a woman can and cannot do with her body and deny the effectiveness and validity of life saving vaccines during a global pandemic.
Enshrined in the Constitution is a right to privacy between a patient and their doctor. It is Government over reach to dictate what procedures are off the table. What is more, from a legal standpoint it will create frivolous lawsuits that will cost taxpayer dollars.
I strongly support a woman's right to choose.