THE ISSUES
Cost of Living
Role of a State Representative
The rising cost of living is something I hear about at kitchen tables, school events, and neighborhood conversations across Colorado Springs. Families are working hard, but too many are finding that hard work is not stretching as far as it used to. Folks are working full-time jobs, but are only able to afford half a life. Whether it is housing, insurance, groceries, gas, or childcare, the pressure on household budgets is real. This is not an abstract policy debate. It is everyday life for people in our community.
A state representative does not control prices directly, but I will be able to help shape the conditions that drive them when elected. That means making thoughtful decisions about housing policy, infrastructure investment, insurance regulation, workforce development, and long term planning. It also means listening to local communities to understand where the pressure points really are, instead of applying one size fits all solutions from Denver.
At the end of the day, reducing the cost of living is about steady, practical leadership. It is about making it easier to have a home, raise a family, run a small business, and stay in the community you love. When families can afford to live here, Colorado Springs stays strong, stable, and connected.
Home Prices and Rent
Buying a home in Colorado Springs has become increasingly out of reach for many working families, especially first time buyers and young families trying to put down roots. As a state representative, I would support efforts to increase housing supply in a responsible way, including workforce housing, missing middle housing like duplexes and townhomes, and smarter land use policies that reduce unnecessary delays. We cannot solve affordability if we are not willing to build enough homes for the people who already live here and the people who want to stay.
Renters are feeling the squeeze just as much as buyers. When supply is limited, rents rise faster than wages. While the state does not set rent prices, it can help by encouraging more housing development, reducing regulatory bottlenecks, and supporting local efforts that expand affordable and attainable rental options. Stability in housing starts with simply making sure there are enough homes to meet demand.
Groceries
Grocery costs are hitting every family, and there is no single switch the state can flip to lower prices. But Colorado can support policies that improve supply chain resilience, reduce transportation bottlenecks, and strengthen local and regional food systems so we are less vulnerable to disruptions. Supporting agriculture, small producers, and efficient distribution helps keep more predictable pricing at the store.
Insurance
Insurance costs, especially homeowners insurance in Colorado, have become one of the fastest growing expenses for families. State policy can make a difference here. We can invest in wildfire mitigation, forest health, and disaster prevention so risks are reduced before they become claims. We can also strengthen building standards, encourage transparency in rate setting, and support a competitive insurance market so families are not left with limited or unaffordable options.
Gas and Transportation
Gas prices and transportation costs affect everything from commuting to the cost of goods on store shelves. While fuel prices are influenced globally, the state can reduce overall transportation costs by investing in road maintenance, improving traffic flow, and expanding practical public transit options where they make sense. Better infrastructure saves people time and money every single day.
Childcare
Child care is one of the biggest hidden costs facing working families. Too often, it costs as much as a second rent or mortgage payment. This is why I started my own legal practice. I didn't have the money to afford student loan payments, a mortgage, and two kids in daycare. The state can help by expanding childcare capacity, supporting early childhood education programs, reducing administrative barriers for providers, and investing in workforce development so childcare centers can hire and retain qualified staff. When childcare is stable and affordable, parents can stay in the workforce and families can plan with more certainty.