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.
Water is the lifeblood of our state. Our agricultural economy, tourism industry, and quality of life in this beautiful state depend on it. Colorado faces a simple math challenge—our population is increasing and natural storage and flows of water are decreasing on account of climate change. We can meet this challenge, but only with the innovative and collaborative leadership that Colorado is known for.
In 2018, we are, once again, experiencing drought-like conditions. This year, our snowpack level is far below average1, with some areas of the state hovering around only 50% of normal2. These areas are unlikely to return to the norm, which is a painful consequence of climate change. As a headwater state, Colorado’s water flows to eighteen states and Mexico and is subject to nine different formal agreements3. And the projected growth of Colorado’s population—which could see a 50% increase by 2050 from 2015 levels4—means that we cannot be complacent in how we manage our water.