Phil has defended the Affordable Care Act and the rights of 700,000 Coloradans who have pre-existing health conditions, the 400,000 covered through the Medicaid expansion, and those under 26 years old who are on their parents’ plans. When these rights were challenged by the federal government, Phil defended the Affordable Care Act and Coloradans’ healthcare rights.
As we work to improve our criminal justice system, we must protect victims, increase public safety, and ensure that people in the criminal justice system are treated fairly. This means moving from a system of cash bail that penalizes persons in poverty to ending the school-to-prison pipeline to improving our re-entry system so those leaving prison don’t commit more crimes. It means holding those accountable who harm people—whether drug cartels, human traffickers, or faith leaders who prey on children. And it means adopting appropriate and common-sense gun safety measures.
Accomplishments
Led efforts to combat the opioid epidemic, including a $573 million settlement with McKinsey Company for its role in helping opioid companies sell their drugs. Phil also expanded the multi-state lawsuit against Purdue Pharma fighting to hold the Sackler family accountable and force them to pay a fair share as part of any settlement. He is ensuring that all funds obtained are directed to drug treatment and recovery or education and prevention programs.
Oversaw the investigation and reporting on a 70-year history of Catholic clergy child sexual abuse in Colorado, which resulted in restitution to victims and reform within the Colorado dioceses to prevent and respond to any sexual misconduct and abuse of children.
Accomplishments (continued)
Supported youth by tackling the school-to-prison pipeline and supporting Safe2Tell. Phil rolled out School Justice Partnership Innovation Grants, supporting innovative programs to help students avoid the criminal justice system, which disproportionately impacts youth of color. Safe2Tell is a successful violence intervention and prevention program for students to anonymously report threats to their own, and others’ safety, and keep our schools safe.
Implemented and defended the constitutionality of Colorado’s extreme risk protection order law, also known as the “red flag” law, which comports with due process and respects Second Amendment rights as well as gives law enforcement, victims, and concerned family members a valuable tool to use in a targeted way to keep guns out of the hands of dangerous people or the mentally ill who may be a risk to themselves.
Pushed for a new law to decertify police officers who testify untruthfully and implemented it as part of an overall effort to raise the level of confidence in law enforcement.
More to Do
Continue to advocate for overhauling our flawed cash bail system and replacing it with a fairer system for communities, defendants, and their families.
As the overseer of the State’s Peace Officer Standards and Training program, Phil is working to elevate the effectiveness of police training and accountability, including offering improved guidance to approach the range of challenging situations police officers encounter, as well as supporting officers and providing resources, including for mental health services, to enable them to serve effectively.