Issues

I'm committed to bringing accountability and transparency to Colorado government. I pledge to focus on those issues that matter most to people, that preserve our communities and protect the middle class, while also making the tough choices and tough cuts needed to balance the budget.

Bringing New Jobs to Colorado

I sponsored crucial legislation to leverage up to $50 million in loans from the private sector for Colorado's small businesses, so they can grow and thrive, even in these tough times (SB 09-067).
I carried legislation to increase nurse applications, and to encourage health care professionals to work in rural and underserved areas of the state, bringing new jobs and ensuring Coloradans have access to the care they need (HB 10-1138, SB 10-058).
And I co-sponsored one of the most aggressive job incentives in state history, the Colorado Jobs Tax Credit (HB 09-1001).

Protecting our Communities

I sponsored critical legislation aimed at keeping kids safe by improving child protection and child welfare systems. The measure creates an independent ombudsman to review and resolve complaints, and to investifate cases when it's appropriate (SB 10-171).

I wrote -- and the Governor signed -- critical legislation to keep patients safe by ensuring that drug addicted health workers do not expose patients to illness. The legislation was brought in response to the incident at Rose Hospital where patients were exposed to Hepatitis C by one surgical technician (HB 10-1414 & HB 10-1415).
I authored legislation to help those Coloradans facing foreclosure in their homes who are acting in good faith (HB 08-1402).
And I supported legislation curbing predatory lending by capping the interest rate on payday loan companies (HB 10-1351).

Energizing the Economy

I supported legislation directing utilities like Xcel to produce at least 30% of their energy from renewable sources -- like wind and solar -- by 2020. This bill will bring thousands of new, good-paying jobs to Colorado, increase our energy independence, and protect Colorado's natural beauty.

I wrote the "Innovative Auto Act," extending an innovative tax credit for low-pollution cars and trucks. Already the legislation is helping new businesses locate to Colorado, and helping Colorado consumers save money on gasoline (HB 09-1331).

Increasing Government Transparency & Accountability

We have a responsibility to make sure taxpayers' hard-earned money doesn't go to waste. We are fighting abuse in the state Medicaid system by aggressively pursuing those who seek to defraud the state, and in the process, saving taxpayers millions of dollars (SB 10-167)
I co-sponsored the SMART Government Act, because Coloradans deserve a government that is honest, transparent and accountable. This legislation ties funding to actual results, and helps shine a light on what works -- and what doesn't work -- in state government.

Holding Corporations Accountable

I co-sponsored legislation requiring insurers to replace confusing legalese with transparent "plain language" to make policies transparent, and so Coloradans know what they're paying for (HB 10-1166).

I supported legislation holding insurance companies accountable by ensuring women and men pay the same price for the same health insurance policy. Now, being a woman can no longer be considered a pre-existing condition.

Sara Gagliardi
Colorado State Representative, District 27
sara.gagliardi.house@state.co.us
303.866.2962