Ronald Tupa

[{"question": "Ballotpedia survey responses", "answer_html": "<p>See also: <a href=\"/Ballotpedia%27s_Candidate_Connection\">Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection</a></p>\n<div class=\"row\"><div class=\"col-xs-10 col-md-6 col-xs-offset-1 col-md-offset-3\"><p><a href=\"https://ballotpedia.org/Ballotpedia%27s_Candidate_Connection\"><img align=\"middle\" alt=\"Candidate Connection\" src=\"https://cdn.ballotpedia.org/images/8/88/Candidate_Connection_Logo.png\" width=\"90%\"/></a></p></div></div>\n<p>Ron Tupa completed <a href=\"/Ballotpedia%27s_Candidate_Connection\">Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection</a> survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Tupa's responses.</p>\n<p><span class=\"expand-all\">Expand all</span> | <span class=\"collapse-all\">Collapse all</span></p>\n<div aria-multiselectable=\"true\" class=\"panel-group\" id=\"accordion\" role=\"tablist\"><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-bio-203130-2024-01-17\" id=\"heading-bio-203130-2024-01-17\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse-bio-203130-2024-01-17\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-bio-203130-2024-01-17\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWho are you? Tell us about yourself.\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading-bio-203130-2024-01-17\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse-bio-203130-2024-01-17\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tI’m a former Colorado state legislator, high school social studies teacher, and union member. I served as a State Representative and Senator for 14 years until I was term-limited out of office. I unaffiliated from the Democratic Party in 2023 after I became increasingly disillusioned by the toxic partisanship in Washington, DC and the corrupt dysfunction that pressures members of Congress to vote with special interest groups over their own constituents. Like 49% of Coloradans, I chose to unaffiliate because I felt the Party no longer represented my values and their candidates were more interested in personality and publicity rather than progress and sound policy. \r\n<p>Outside of the Legislature I’m a single dad with 2 teenagers about to graduate from high school. I’ve also been a public-school teacher, small-business owner, political consultant, and I’ve worked as a Director for political and education reform nonprofits. \r\n</p><p>I am running as an INDEPENDENT voice in Colorado’s 7th Congressional District for the 49% of unaffiliated voters who feel neither Party represents them well in Washington. My candidacy as an INDEPENDENT gives voters more choices on the ballot to better represent their values, not those of a particular political party. \r\n</p>\n</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-key-message-203130-2024-01-17\" id=\"heading-key-message-203130-2024-01-17\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse-key-message-203130-2024-01-17\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-key-message-203130-2024-01-17\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tPlease list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading-key-message-203130-2024-01-17\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse-key-message-203130-2024-01-17\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\"><ul><li>I will introduce Political reform measures to allow more citizen input while fixing Congressional corruption, partisanship, and dysfunction.</li><li>I will Focus on Education, Environment, Healthcare, Housing, Immigration, Job Training &amp; Technology, Transportation</li><li>I am concerned about Debt and support Deficit Reduction to reduce inflation – I will vote vs. a budget that doesn’t balance over time</li></ul></span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse1-203130-2024-01-17\" id=\"heading1-203130-2024-01-17\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse1-203130-2024-01-17\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse1-203130-2024-01-17\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading1-203130-2024-01-17\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse1-203130-2024-01-17\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tPolitical Reform, Public Education (Social Media), the Environment (Climate Change), Affordable Healthcare and the cost of Pharmaceutical Drugs, Housing (the lack of affordable housing)/Homelessness, the Economy and Job Training, Income Inequality/Tax Reform, Immigration Reform, Science and Technology (Artificial Intelligence), interest on the Debt and Deficit Spending (I support a Balanced Budget Amendment).....<br/><br/>\n<p>while in office as a state legislator in CO I introduced 200 bills and passed 100 into law, a 50% passage rate.... I Chaired or Vice-Chaired several committees including the Education Committee, the State Affairs Committee, and the Legislative Audit Committee....1/2 of the current Congress were also members of their state legislature, just like me...so I have the skills and experience to do the job beginning on day one.<br/><br/>\n</p>\nMy past legislation includes bills on Education, Elections, the Environment/Renewable Energy, Political Reform, Privacy, Technology, Tax Fairness, Immigration, Transportation, Taxation, Military Affairs, Justice, Fiscal Accountability, etc.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse2-203130-2024-01-17\" id=\"heading2-203130-2024-01-17\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse2-203130-2024-01-17\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse2-203130-2024-01-17\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tIs there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading2-203130-2024-01-17\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse2-203130-2024-01-17\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tI'm a former HS Social Studies teacher - I read books on politics, history, society, and philosophy. Knowing history is important for understanding people, how societies function, and the limitations of government. \t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse3-203130-2024-01-17\" id=\"heading3-203130-2024-01-17\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse3-203130-2024-01-17\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse3-203130-2024-01-17\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading3-203130-2024-01-17\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse3-203130-2024-01-17\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tHonesty, Integrity, Accountability, Humility, Responsibility, Intelligence, and Ability. It also helps to be self-deprecating and have a sense of humor.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse4-203130-2024-01-17\" id=\"heading4-203130-2024-01-17\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse4-203130-2024-01-17\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse4-203130-2024-01-17\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading4-203130-2024-01-17\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse4-203130-2024-01-17\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\t\"Make public service respectable again!\" <br/>\r\nWork with other members of Congress in a cordial, professional, sdImutually respectful way....be as proactive and service-oriented as possible; try to solve problems before they occur; be responsive to constituents as soon as possible and as often as necessary; become an expert in priority issue areas so that constituents don't have to be; work hard; sleep little; drink coffee. \t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse5-203130-2024-01-17\" id=\"heading5-203130-2024-01-17\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse5-203130-2024-01-17\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse5-203130-2024-01-17\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat qualities does the U.S. House of Representatives possess that makes it unique as an institution?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading5-203130-2024-01-17\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse5-203130-2024-01-17\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tWhen originally proposed, House members represented only 30,000 residents, not the 750,000 that make up a Congressional district today. However, the 2-year term allows Congresspersons to be responsive to a wide swath of voters – not just those affiliated with the Democratic or Republican Party. If elected, I will regularly solicit the input of up to 30,000 residents before deciding how to vote on major issues. \t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse6-203130-2024-01-17\" id=\"heading6-203130-2024-01-17\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse6-203130-2024-01-17\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse6-203130-2024-01-17\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tDo you believe that it's beneficial for representatives to have previous experience in government or politics?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading6-203130-2024-01-17\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse6-203130-2024-01-17\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tAs a former state legislator, I know that having prior knowledge or experience in the legislative process is helpful - but not necessary – to being an effective Representative. It is far more important to elect individuals that are intelligent, hard-working, and whose strong character, principled ethics, and moral integrity are used in service to their constituents rather than political parties, special interest groups, or lobbyists. \t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse7-203130-2024-01-17\" id=\"heading7-203130-2024-01-17\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse7-203130-2024-01-17\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse7-203130-2024-01-17\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat do you perceive to be the United States' greatest challenges as a nation over the next decade?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading7-203130-2024-01-17\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse7-203130-2024-01-17\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\t(1) Enacting across the board political reform measures that encourage consensus and reduce partisan dysfunction to achieve common-sense solutions. (2) Investing in long-ignored priorities like education reform and adequate funding for schools, reining in the cost of healthcare and pharmaceuticals prices, providing incentives for affordable housing and job (re) training, addressing the immigration and climate crisis, and keeping the government from infringing on individual liberties and civil/privacy rights. (3) Reversing the national debt that is driving inflation &amp; reducing the annual $1 TRILLION deficit that forces taxpayers to spend more in interest on the debt than on other pressing issues like education, housing, healthcare, immigration reform, job training, tax reform, etc. \t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse8-203130-2024-01-17\" id=\"heading8-203130-2024-01-17\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse8-203130-2024-01-17\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse8-203130-2024-01-17\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tDo you believe that two years is the right term length for representatives?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading8-203130-2024-01-17\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse8-203130-2024-01-17\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tYES\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse9-203130-2024-01-17\" id=\"heading9-203130-2024-01-17\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse9-203130-2024-01-17\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse9-203130-2024-01-17\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat are your thoughts on term limits?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading9-203130-2024-01-17\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse9-203130-2024-01-17\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tI support many political reform measures including term limits for federal office. If elected, I pledge to limit my service to just 3 terms in the US House of Representatives (maximum of 6 years) and I have signed the TERM-LIMITS pledge to also co sponsor a Constitutional Amendment limiting all members of Congress to a maximum 3 terms in the US House and 2 terms in the US Senate. \t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse10-203130-2024-01-17\" id=\"heading10-203130-2024-01-17\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse10-203130-2024-01-17\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse10-203130-2024-01-17\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tIs there a particular representative, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading10-203130-2024-01-17\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse10-203130-2024-01-17\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tI have served with several former members of Congress when they served in the CO State Legislature including Congressman Perlmutter and Senator Udall. \t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse11-203130-2024-01-17\" id=\"heading11-203130-2024-01-17\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse11-203130-2024-01-17\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse11-203130-2024-01-17\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tBoth sitting representatives and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading11-203130-2024-01-17\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse11-203130-2024-01-17\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tDuring my 14 years serving in the Colorado House of Representatives and State Senate I introduced 200 bills and passed 100 into law - so there are at least 100 memorable stories I could recount……\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse12-203130-2024-01-17\" id=\"heading12-203130-2024-01-17\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse12-203130-2024-01-17\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse12-203130-2024-01-17\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tDo you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading12-203130-2024-01-17\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse12-203130-2024-01-17\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tYes, bi-partisan compromise is essential for enacting good public policy; without it, the American public is victim to the see-saw of back and forth partisan maneuvering that wastes billions of taxpayer dollars and undermines the long term success of government programs that could ultimately benefit the public.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse13-203130-2024-01-17\" id=\"heading13-203130-2024-01-17\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse13-203130-2024-01-17\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse13-203130-2024-01-17\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tThe Constitution says that all bills for raising revenue must originate in the House. What role would this power play in your priorities if elected?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading13-203130-2024-01-17\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse13-203130-2024-01-17\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tSimilar to my actions as a CO state senator, I support a Balanced Budget Amendment to the US Constitution and pledge to vote against any irresponsible budget measure that doesn’t put us on a path of fiscal solvency during my 6 year pledge term.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse14-203130-2024-01-17\" id=\"heading14-203130-2024-01-17\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse14-203130-2024-01-17\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse14-203130-2024-01-17\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tHow should the U.S. House use its investigative powers?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading14-203130-2024-01-17\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse14-203130-2024-01-17\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tIn the most ethical, principled, and non-partisan way….not as a political weapon by one political party to score points over the other.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div></div>\n<div class=\"small\" data-nosnippet=\"\"><p><i><b>Note:</b> Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.</i></p></div>", "answer_text": "See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection\n\nRon Tupa completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Tupa's responses.\nExpand all | Collapse all\nWho are you? Tell us about yourself. I’m a former Colorado state legislator, high school social studies teacher, and union member. I served as a State Representative and Senator for 14 years until I was term-limited out of office. I unaffiliated from the Democratic Party in 2023 after I became increasingly disillusioned by the toxic partisanship in Washington, DC and the corrupt dysfunction that pressures members of Congress to vote with special interest groups over their own constituents. Like 49% of Coloradans, I chose to unaffiliate because I felt the Party no longer represented my values and their candidates were more interested in personality and publicity rather than progress and sound policy. Outside of the Legislature I’m a single dad with 2 teenagers about to graduate from high school. I’ve also been a public-school teacher, small-business owner, political consultant, and I’ve worked as a Director for political and education reform nonprofits. I am running as an INDEPENDENT voice in Colorado’s 7th Congressional District for the 49% of unaffiliated voters who feel neither Party represents them well in Washington. My candidacy as an INDEPENDENT gives voters more choices on the ballot to better represent their values, not those of a particular political party. Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office? I will introduce Political reform measures to allow more citizen input while fixing Congressional corruption, partisanship, and dysfunction. I will Focus on Education, Environment, Healthcare, Housing, Immigration, Job Training & Technology, Transportation I am concerned about Debt and support Deficit Reduction to reduce inflation – I will vote vs. a budget that doesn’t balance over time What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about? Political Reform, Public Education (Social Media), the Environment (Climate Change), Affordable Healthcare and the cost of Pharmaceutical Drugs, Housing (the lack of affordable housing)/Homelessness, the Economy and Job Training, Income Inequality/Tax Reform, Immigration Reform, Science and Technology (Artificial Intelligence), interest on the Debt and Deficit Spending (I support a Balanced Budget Amendment)..... while in office as a state legislator in CO I introduced 200 bills and passed 100 into law, a 50% passage rate.... I Chaired or Vice-Chaired several committees including the Education Committee, the State Affairs Committee, and the Legislative Audit Committee....1/2 of the current Congress were also members of their state legislature, just like me...so I have the skills and experience to do the job beginning on day one. My past legislation includes bills on Education, Elections, the Environment/Renewable Energy, Political Reform, Privacy, Technology, Tax Fairness, Immigration, Transportation, Taxation, Military Affairs, Justice, Fiscal Accountability, etc. Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy? I'm a former HS Social Studies teacher - I read books on politics, history, society, and philosophy. Knowing history is important for understanding people, how societies function, and the limitations of government. What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official? Honesty, Integrity, Accountability, Humility, Responsibility, Intelligence, and Ability. It also helps to be self-deprecating and have a sense of humor. What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office? \"Make public service respectable again!\" Work with other members of Congress in a cordial, professional, sdImutually respectful way....be as proactive and service-oriented as possible; try to solve problems before they occur; be responsive to constituents as soon as possible and as often as necessary; become an expert in priority issue areas so that constituents don't have to be; work hard; sleep little; drink coffee. What qualities does the U.S. House of Representatives possess that makes it unique as an institution? When originally proposed, House members represented only 30,000 residents, not the 750,000 that make up a Congressional district today. However, the 2-year term allows Congresspersons to be responsive to a wide swath of voters – not just those affiliated with the Democratic or Republican Party. If elected, I will regularly solicit the input of up to 30,000 residents before deciding how to vote on major issues. Do you believe that it's beneficial for representatives to have previous experience in government or politics? As a former state legislator, I know that having prior knowledge or experience in the legislative process is helpful - but not necessary – to being an effective Representative. It is far more important to elect individuals that are intelligent, hard-working, and whose strong character, principled ethics, and moral integrity are used in service to their constituents rather than political parties, special interest groups, or lobbyists. What do you perceive to be the United States' greatest challenges as a nation over the next decade? (1) Enacting across the board political reform measures that encourage consensus and reduce partisan dysfunction to achieve common-sense solutions. (2) Investing in long-ignored priorities like education reform and adequate funding for schools, reining in the cost of healthcare and pharmaceuticals prices, providing incentives for affordable housing and job (re) training, addressing the immigration and climate crisis, and keeping the government from infringing on individual liberties and civil/privacy rights. (3) Reversing the national debt that is driving inflation & reducing the annual $1 TRILLION deficit that forces taxpayers to spend more in interest on the debt than on other pressing issues like education, housing, healthcare, immigration reform, job training, tax reform, etc. Do you believe that two years is the right term length for representatives? YES What are your thoughts on term limits? I support many political reform measures including term limits for federal office. If elected, I pledge to limit my service to just 3 terms in the US House of Representatives (maximum of 6 years) and I have signed the TERM-LIMITS pledge to also co sponsor a Constitutional Amendment limiting all members of Congress to a maximum 3 terms in the US House and 2 terms in the US Senate. Is there a particular representative, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after? I have served with several former members of Congress when they served in the CO State Legislature including Congressman Perlmutter and Senator Udall. Both sitting representatives and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful? During my 14 years serving in the Colorado House of Representatives and State Senate I introduced 200 bills and passed 100 into law - so there are at least 100 memorable stories I could recount…… Do you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking? Yes, bi-partisan compromise is essential for enacting good public policy; without it, the American public is victim to the see-saw of back and forth partisan maneuvering that wastes billions of taxpayer dollars and undermines the long term success of government programs that could ultimately benefit the public. The Constitution says that all bills for raising revenue must originate in the House. What role would this power play in your priorities if elected? Similar to my actions as a CO state senator, I support a Balanced Budget Amendment to the US Constitution and pledge to vote against any irresponsible budget measure that doesn’t put us on a path of fiscal solvency during my 6 year pledge term. How should the U.S. House use its investigative powers? In the most ethical, principled, and non-partisan way….not as a political weapon by one political party to score points over the other.\nNote: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it."}, {"question": "Campaign website", "answer_html": "<p>Tupa’s campaign website stated the following:\n</p>\n<div style=\"height:400px;overflow:scroll;border:1px solid gray;margin:20px;padding:10px;\">\n<table data-nosnippet=\"\" style=\"border-collapse: collapse; border: none;background-color: transparent; auto; ;\">\n<tbody><tr>\n<td style=\"border:none; color:#B2B7F2;font-size:35px;font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-weight: bold; text-align: left; padding: 10px 3px;\" valign=\"top\" width=\"20\">“\n</td>\n<td style=\"border: none; padding: 4px 10px;\" valign=\"top\">\n<p><big><b>Cost of living</b></big><br/>\nBetween rising food, housing, healthcare, and energy costs Coloradans are feeling the pinch of higher prices and inflation. And it’s not only price gouging by corporations - Congress is partially to blame by irresponsibly borrowing trillions every year through deficit spending and adding to the $36 TRILLION in overall debt they leave for our children and grandchildren to pay off. Everyone knows neither party in Congress will ever be fiscally responsible - so I support a Balanced Budget Amendment to the US Constitution to reduce the debt and force Congress to live within its means, thereby putting downward pressure on inflation.\n</p><p>The price of housing is triple inflation because high interest rates discouraged sales and regulations made previously affordable options like condos too expensive to build. I support down payment assistance and low-interest 30, 40, and 50-year mortgages backed by the government for first-time homebuyers (which also helps renters). I also support increasing the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit to incentivize building more affordable units.\n</p><p>I would also vote to increase the Child Tax Credit back to pandemic levels of $3600 to help with the cost of childcare and raise the federal minimum wage to $15 an hour to increase workers’ purchasing power. Finally, I support penalizing companies guilty of price-gouging.\n</p><p><big><b>Education</b></big><br/>\nA public schoolteacher myself, I am a champion of high-quality education. I started my teaching career right here in CD-7 at Evergreen High School in 1996. Since then, I have taught at three other school districts (and five other high schools). Things have changed a lot in education since the nineties, and not for the better. America’s students continue to fall behind those of other industrialized countries.\n</p><p>With state budgets increasingly under pressure to rein in K-12 spending and inflation now at double-digits, it’s no wonder fewer applicants are entering the teaching profession here in Colorado and across the country. When you factor in the lingering effects of COVID absences, the distractions and dangers of social media, and the emergence of artificial intelligence, its not hard to understand the burnout of veteran teachers and the hesitance of others to join the profession.\n</p><p>For these reasons and many others, I am a strong supporter of more funding for education along with school choice. Public charter schools have been a wonderful option for many families, and they’ve served particularly well in areas where students are at a socioeconomic disadvantage.As a first-generation college student, I experienced the magic of equal educational opportunity coupled with a wide slate of higher-ed offerings. Some students thrive in a college setting, while others reach their potential through vocational and technical training. In a complex global economy, individuals should have as many options available to them as possible.\n</p><p><big><b>The Environment</b></big><br/>\nClimate change is real and the consequences of its denial will lead to more hurricane Helenes and Miltons and other destructive weather events in the future. As the world’s largest economy, America is also among the world’s worst polluters. However, this is not just an American problem. The issue is global and all countries have a part to play if meaningful progress is to be made to cool the planet, especially BRICS countries such as China, India, Russia, and Brazil. I support adding sanctions to the Paris Climate Accords to make them binding on major polluters and developing countries as a condition of Most Favored Nation (MFN) trading status.\n</p><p>Here in America, we must do more to address the climate crisis by taking action now. Renewable energy sources should continue to receive additional funding and development incentives to ensure continued private sector investment. I support increasing the fuel economy standard for cars and income-based subsidies for hybrid and electric vehicles and vehicle charging stations. I also support many aspects of the Green New Deal and the Build Green Infrastructure and Jobs Act, including offering job opportunities and retraining for displaced coal and oil and gas workers.\n</p><p>Finally, as we transition away from fossil fuels to a greener future that halts global warming and provides the energy we need, members of Congress must work together on a diverse, yet reliable, energy portfolio. To that end, the potential for clean, plentiful nuclear power has been largely missing from the energy conversation. With safeguards, I support nuclear power as a part of our comprehensive energy portfolio.\n</p><p><big><b>Foreign Policy</b></big><br/>\nCongress spends nearly $900 Billion a year to maintain over 700 military bases located in 80 countries around the globe. While America faces no immediate military threat similar to the USSR during the Cold War, we now spend MORE on our defense than the next 10 countries combined! With the Department of Defense representing nearly half of all discretionary spending, we simply cannot afford to maintain this level of spending while other critical areas like education, healthcare, housing, job training, social services, and transportation remain woefully underfunded. As a member of Congress I would oppose the recently passed $900 Billion National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that funds the Dept. of Defense, and reallocate a chunk of that money to these underfunded areas.\n</p><p>I support an immediate, permanent ceasefire in Gaza as the best and fastest route to peace and security in the region. Congresswoman Pettersen has taken $114,000 from pro-Israel lobbies[1] and refuses to call for a ceasefire or condition aid to Israel on a lasting peace plan.\n</p><p>As part of a comprehensive immigration reform package, the Cold War initiated trade embargo should be lifted from Cuba, opening up that nation of 11 million people to US products and the mutual cultural, economic, and societal benefits of renewed trade.\n</p><p><big><b>Guns</b></big><br/>\nI support the 2nd Amendment; I own a shotgun and bought my son a .22 caliber rifle so I have no issue with citizens owning firearms. That said, the right is not unlimited and I do support common sense restrictions to keep guns out of the hands of dangerous individuals intent on doing harm, such as an assault weapons ban, background checks and red-flag Laws, banning ghost guns and bump stocks, etc.\n</p><p><big><b>Healthcare</b></big><br/>\nI believe that healthcare is a human right and support Medicare for All: a single-payer, national health insurance program that will provide everyone in America with comprehensive health care coverage, free at the point of service. This is supported by nearly 70% of voters.[1]\n</p><p>I support drug importation from Canada to lower the cost of pharmaceuticals. I would introduce legislation to allow the FDA to regulate the price of drugs, similar to how Medicare and Medicaid costs are regulated. Since drug prices are anywhere from 15-20% of the total cost of healthcare in America, it makes NO SENSE that we are the only industrialized country that does not have a pricing formulary on what the government will pay for ALL prescription drugs, not just a handful.\n</p><p>By now, we are realizing that Republicans and Democrats are all in the pocket of Big Pharma and Big Insurance. Your costs go up, while access and quality of care suffer. The Health insurance industry has donated heavily to Congresswoman Pettersen, and in return, she continues to back privatized, for-profit insurance that leads to billions in profit[2] and increases the massive administrative-cost burdens within our system.\n</p><p>Congress must work together for the sake of our growing elderly population to address healthcare costs and provide as many options as possible for dignity in aging and quality of life. Americans need to know that the government will do what’s best - within the legislature, as well as with the private sector and other countries - to provide a system of healthcare excellence. Universal health care, along with drug reforms, would go a long way toward disrupting the status quo.\n</p><p><big><b>Immigration</b></big><br/>\nIt’s obvious neither party is willing to work with the other to solve this issue. The earlier Senate legislation was only an election year ‘band-aid’ that didn’t address the underlying drivers of supply and demand necessary for a real long-term solution. Instead of playing politics, a progressive path forward ensures a workable policy that is both compassionate to immigrants, but also respectful of the rule of law; it will balance the needs of new immigrants for a better life with the needs of the business community for workers.\n</p><p>That means more border patrol agents and asylum officers to expedite claims of asylum, cutting down the current 7-year window for processing cases (that both parties seem to be OK with). But it also means working with governments of native countries to improve their own economies and reduce the demand to emigrate to America in the first place. Congress should work with the US Chamber of Commerce and all 50 state Chambers on a ‘needs assessment’ to establish how many immigrants are needed in each state and in what professions, with a pathway and incentive for citizenship for those arriving legally.\n</p><p><big><b>Political Reform</b></big><br/>\nI spent my entire 14-year tenure in the Colorado legislature fighting for campaign finance and lobbying reform, never accepting a dime of special interest PAC money or gifts from lobbyists. Congresswoman Pettersen's campaign, on the other hand, has taken over $1,170,000 in PAC money. Over 90% of her campaign contributions have come from PACs and large contributions.[1]\n</p><p>I support a lifetime ban on former members lobbying their Congressional colleagues, and a ban on lobbyists’ gifts to members of Congress. Former members of Congress trading their influence for private gain on behalf of a private entity is contrary to the public good.\n</p><p>Money plays far too great a role in what happens in D.C. Both Democrats and Republicans refuse to ban insider trading. Politicians get richer, while the working class struggles to stay afloat. Whether Republicans or Democrats are in charge, the debt skyrockets, health care costs spiral out of control, and the middle class pays the price for all of it. I agree with Republicans’ calls for advance notice of 24-48 hours before voting on bills. Legislators need time to review and thoroughly understand the consequences of the bills they vote on.\n</p><p><big><b>Social Security</b></big><br/>\nSeniors who have sacrificed and contributed so much to making America strong deserve a dignified and stress-free retirement. The Social Security Trust Fund will be depleted by 2035 unless Congress passes legislation to increase revenue and ensure its solvency. As an Independent I would work with progressive Democrats and pragmatic Republicans to ensure the long-term solvency of the fund by lifting the current cap on wages subject to the payroll tax (currently set at $168,000). The Social Security 2100 Act is one such measure that I would support that lifts the cap.\n</p><p>For example, it’s fiscally irresponsible that billionaires such as Jeff Bezos or Elon Musk only contribute as much as your neighbor making $168,000. This change alone would add billions to the trust fund annually. Doing this not only keeps the Social Security Trust Fund solvent, but it also increases benefits to seniors while addressing the regressive nature of the payroll tax.\n</p><p>Finally, I would work to increase cost of living adjustments (COLA) to be AT LEAST 1% above inflation to ensure seniors are not simply treading water with inflation, but doing slightly better every year. Not surprisingly, I would oppose any cuts to social security or attempts to raise the age of retirement.\n</p><p><big><b>Taxes</b></big><br/>\nTrump’s tax cuts added TRILLIONS to the national debt (now at $36 Trillion) and represent a regressive change in tax policy, resulting in a disproportionate share of the benefit going to high-income households (benefit for the top 1% = $61,000 tax cut vs. $500 tax cut going to the bottom 60% of taxpayers). Trump also permanently reduced the corporate tax rate from 35% to 21% and doubled the estate tax exemption for millionaires.\n</p><p>I support extending the tax cuts for income earners who make less than $400,000, but rates should return to pre-Trump tax cuts for corporations and high-income earners (returning from 37% back up to 39.6%). I also favor a few of the Democratic plans to increase taxes on BILLIONAIRES and closing tax loopholes for Wall Street.\n</p><p>To reduce our annual deficits in the future, I support and have advocated for a Balanced Budget Amendment to the US Constitution to force Congress to live within its means and stop passing debt along to our children and grandchildren.\n</p><p><big><b>Women’s Health</b></big><br/>\nI believe that every woman deserves the freedom to choose what is best for her body, her family, and her future. My past voting record on women’s health has consistently earned 100% ratings from abortion rights organizations here in Colorado. Politicians simply have no place in decisions that should be left to a woman and her healthcare provider.\n</p><p>I wholeheartedly disagree with the Supreme Court overturning Roe v. Wade with the 2022 Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization decision. It was simply a terrible decision for women’s rights. To counter the conservative SCOTUS decision and other conservative state court rulings across the country, I would not only cosponsor a federal law codifying Roe v. Wade such as the Women's Health Protection Act of 2023, but also support a Constitutional Amendment guaranteeing a woman’s right to an abortion in the US Constitution. Falling short of passing a Constitutional Amendment, I would continue to support federal protections against harassment and discrimination to ensure women had access to In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) and over the counter abortion drugs such as mifepristone and misoprostol.<sup class=\"reference\" id=\"cite_ref-quotedisclaimer_2-0\"><a href=\"#cite_note-quotedisclaimer-2\">[2]</a></sup>\n</p>\n</td>\n<td style=\"border: none; color: #B2B7F2; font-size: 35px; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-weight: bold; text-align: right; padding: 10px 1px;\" valign=\"bottom\" width=\"20\">”\n</td></tr>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"cquotecite\" colspan=\"3\" style=\"border: none; padding-right: 4%\"><cite style=\"font-style: normal;font-size: smaller; float: right;\">—Ron Tupa’s campaign website (2024)<sup class=\"reference\" id=\"cite_ref-3\"><a href=\"#cite_note-3\">[3]</a></sup></cite>\n</td></tr></tbody></table>\n</div>", "answer_text": "Tupa’s campaign website stated the following:\n“ Cost of living Between rising food, housing, healthcare, and energy costs Coloradans are feeling the pinch of higher prices and inflation. And it’s not only price gouging by corporations - Congress is partially to blame by irresponsibly borrowing trillions every year through deficit spending and adding to the $36 TRILLION in overall debt they leave for our children and grandchildren to pay off. Everyone knows neither party in Congress will ever be fiscally responsible - so I support a Balanced Budget Amendment to the US Constitution to reduce the debt and force Congress to live within its means, thereby putting downward pressure on inflation. The price of housing is triple inflation because high interest rates discouraged sales and regulations made previously affordable options like condos too expensive to build. I support down payment assistance and low-interest 30, 40, and 50-year mortgages backed by the government for first-time homebuyers (which also helps renters). I also support increasing the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit to incentivize building more affordable units. I would also vote to increase the Child Tax Credit back to pandemic levels of $3600 to help with the cost of childcare and raise the federal minimum wage to $15 an hour to increase workers’ purchasing power. Finally, I support penalizing companies guilty of price-gouging. Education A public schoolteacher myself, I am a champion of high-quality education. I started my teaching career right here in CD-7 at Evergreen High School in 1996. Since then, I have taught at three other school districts (and five other high schools). Things have changed a lot in education since the nineties, and not for the better. America’s students continue to fall behind those of other industrialized countries. With state budgets increasingly under pressure to rein in K-12 spending and inflation now at double-digits, it’s no wonder fewer applicants are entering the teaching profession here in Colorado and across the country. When you factor in the lingering effects of COVID absences, the distractions and dangers of social media, and the emergence of artificial intelligence, its not hard to understand the burnout of veteran teachers and the hesitance of others to join the profession. For these reasons and many others, I am a strong supporter of more funding for education along with school choice. Public charter schools have been a wonderful option for many families, and they’ve served particularly well in areas where students are at a socioeconomic disadvantage.As a first-generation college student, I experienced the magic of equal educational opportunity coupled with a wide slate of higher-ed offerings. Some students thrive in a college setting, while others reach their potential through vocational and technical training. In a complex global economy, individuals should have as many options available to them as possible. The Environment Climate change is real and the consequences of its denial will lead to more hurricane Helenes and Miltons and other destructive weather events in the future. As the world’s largest economy, America is also among the world’s worst polluters. However, this is not just an American problem. The issue is global and all countries have a part to play if meaningful progress is to be made to cool the planet, especially BRICS countries such as China, India, Russia, and Brazil. I support adding sanctions to the Paris Climate Accords to make them binding on major polluters and developing countries as a condition of Most Favored Nation (MFN) trading status. Here in America, we must do more to address the climate crisis by taking action now. Renewable energy sources should continue to receive additional funding and development incentives to ensure continued private sector investment. I support increasing the fuel economy standard for cars and income-based subsidies for hybrid and electric vehicles and vehicle charging stations. I also support many aspects of the Green New Deal and the Build Green Infrastructure and Jobs Act, including offering job opportunities and retraining for displaced coal and oil and gas workers. Finally, as we transition away from fossil fuels to a greener future that halts global warming and provides the energy we need, members of Congress must work together on a diverse, yet reliable, energy portfolio. To that end, the potential for clean, plentiful nuclear power has been largely missing from the energy conversation. With safeguards, I support nuclear power as a part of our comprehensive energy portfolio. Foreign Policy Congress spends nearly $900 Billion a year to maintain over 700 military bases located in 80 countries around the globe. While America faces no immediate military threat similar to the USSR during the Cold War, we now spend MORE on our defense than the next 10 countries combined! With the Department of Defense representing nearly half of all discretionary spending, we simply cannot afford to maintain this level of spending while other critical areas like education, healthcare, housing, job training, social services, and transportation remain woefully underfunded. As a member of Congress I would oppose the recently passed $900 Billion National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that funds the Dept. of Defense, and reallocate a chunk of that money to these underfunded areas. I support an immediate, permanent ceasefire in Gaza as the best and fastest route to peace and security in the region. Congresswoman Pettersen has taken $114,000 from pro-Israel lobbies[1] and refuses to call for a ceasefire or condition aid to Israel on a lasting peace plan. As part of a comprehensive immigration reform package, the Cold War initiated trade embargo should be lifted from Cuba, opening up that nation of 11 million people to US products and the mutual cultural, economic, and societal benefits of renewed trade. Guns I support the 2nd Amendment; I own a shotgun and bought my son a .22 caliber rifle so I have no issue with citizens owning firearms. That said, the right is not unlimited and I do support common sense restrictions to keep guns out of the hands of dangerous individuals intent on doing harm, such as an assault weapons ban, background checks and red-flag Laws, banning ghost guns and bump stocks, etc. Healthcare I believe that healthcare is a human right and support Medicare for All: a single-payer, national health insurance program that will provide everyone in America with comprehensive health care coverage, free at the point of service. This is supported by nearly 70% of voters.[1] I support drug importation from Canada to lower the cost of pharmaceuticals. I would introduce legislation to allow the FDA to regulate the price of drugs, similar to how Medicare and Medicaid costs are regulated. Since drug prices are anywhere from 15-20% of the total cost of healthcare in America, it makes NO SENSE that we are the only industrialized country that does not have a pricing formulary on what the government will pay for ALL prescription drugs, not just a handful. By now, we are realizing that Republicans and Democrats are all in the pocket of Big Pharma and Big Insurance. Your costs go up, while access and quality of care suffer. The Health insurance industry has donated heavily to Congresswoman Pettersen, and in return, she continues to back privatized, for-profit insurance that leads to billions in profit[2] and increases the massive administrative-cost burdens within our system. Congress must work together for the sake of our growing elderly population to address healthcare costs and provide as many options as possible for dignity in aging and quality of life. Americans need to know that the government will do what’s best - within the legislature, as well as with the private sector and other countries - to provide a system of healthcare excellence. Universal health care, along with drug reforms, would go a long way toward disrupting the status quo. Immigration It’s obvious neither party is willing to work with the other to solve this issue. The earlier Senate legislation was only an election year ‘band-aid’ that didn’t address the underlying drivers of supply and demand necessary for a real long-term solution. Instead of playing politics, a progressive path forward ensures a workable policy that is both compassionate to immigrants, but also respectful of the rule of law; it will balance the needs of new immigrants for a better life with the needs of the business community for workers. That means more border patrol agents and asylum officers to expedite claims of asylum, cutting down the current 7-year window for processing cases (that both parties seem to be OK with). But it also means working with governments of native countries to improve their own economies and reduce the demand to emigrate to America in the first place. Congress should work with the US Chamber of Commerce and all 50 state Chambers on a ‘needs assessment’ to establish how many immigrants are needed in each state and in what professions, with a pathway and incentive for citizenship for those arriving legally. Political Reform I spent my entire 14-year tenure in the Colorado legislature fighting for campaign finance and lobbying reform, never accepting a dime of special interest PAC money or gifts from lobbyists. Congresswoman Pettersen's campaign, on the other hand, has taken over $1,170,000 in PAC money. Over 90% of her campaign contributions have come from PACs and large contributions.[1] I support a lifetime ban on former members lobbying their Congressional colleagues, and a ban on lobbyists’ gifts to members of Congress. Former members of Congress trading their influence for private gain on behalf of a private entity is contrary to the public good. Money plays far too great a role in what happens in D.C. Both Democrats and Republicans refuse to ban insider trading. Politicians get richer, while the working class struggles to stay afloat. Whether Republicans or Democrats are in charge, the debt skyrockets, health care costs spiral out of control, and the middle class pays the price for all of it. I agree with Republicans’ calls for advance notice of 24-48 hours before voting on bills. Legislators need time to review and thoroughly understand the consequences of the bills they vote on. Social Security Seniors who have sacrificed and contributed so much to making America strong deserve a dignified and stress-free retirement. The Social Security Trust Fund will be depleted by 2035 unless Congress passes legislation to increase revenue and ensure its solvency. As an Independent I would work with progressive Democrats and pragmatic Republicans to ensure the long-term solvency of the fund by lifting the current cap on wages subject to the payroll tax (currently set at $168,000). The Social Security 2100 Act is one such measure that I would support that lifts the cap. For example, it’s fiscally irresponsible that billionaires such as Jeff Bezos or Elon Musk only contribute as much as your neighbor making $168,000. This change alone would add billions to the trust fund annually. Doing this not only keeps the Social Security Trust Fund solvent, but it also increases benefits to seniors while addressing the regressive nature of the payroll tax. Finally, I would work to increase cost of living adjustments (COLA) to be AT LEAST 1% above inflation to ensure seniors are not simply treading water with inflation, but doing slightly better every year. Not surprisingly, I would oppose any cuts to social security or attempts to raise the age of retirement. Taxes Trump’s tax cuts added TRILLIONS to the national debt (now at $36 Trillion) and represent a regressive change in tax policy, resulting in a disproportionate share of the benefit going to high-income households (benefit for the top 1% = $61,000 tax cut vs. $500 tax cut going to the bottom 60% of taxpayers). Trump also permanently reduced the corporate tax rate from 35% to 21% and doubled the estate tax exemption for millionaires. I support extending the tax cuts for income earners who make less than $400,000, but rates should return to pre-Trump tax cuts for corporations and high-income earners (returning from 37% back up to 39.6%). I also favor a few of the Democratic plans to increase taxes on BILLIONAIRES and closing tax loopholes for Wall Street. To reduce our annual deficits in the future, I support and have advocated for a Balanced Budget Amendment to the US Constitution to force Congress to live within its means and stop passing debt along to our children and grandchildren. Women’s Health I believe that every woman deserves the freedom to choose what is best for her body, her family, and her future. My past voting record on women’s health has consistently earned 100% ratings from abortion rights organizations here in Colorado. Politicians simply have no place in decisions that should be left to a woman and her healthcare provider. I wholeheartedly disagree with the Supreme Court overturning Roe v. Wade with the 2022 Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization decision. It was simply a terrible decision for women’s rights. To counter the conservative SCOTUS decision and other conservative state court rulings across the country, I would not only cosponsor a federal law codifying Roe v. Wade such as the Women's Health Protection Act of 2023, but also support a Constitutional Amendment guaranteeing a woman’s right to an abortion in the US Constitution. Falling short of passing a Constitutional Amendment, I would continue to support federal protections against harassment and discrimination to ensure women had access to In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) and over the counter abortion drugs such as mifepristone and misoprostol. [2] ” —Ron Tupa’s campaign website (2024) [3]"}]