Susan Beckman, candidate for state House District 38

(Incumbent)

Party: Republican

City of residence: Littleton

Profession: Legislator, House District 38

Campaign website: ElectSusanBeckman.com

What makes you the best choice for this office?

I have the commitment and the proven track record. My husband Bruce and I have lived in House District 38 for over 30 years. We raised two children and built our home and lives in this community. I served this area as a respected Arapahoe County commissioner for 12 years. As a Colorado state representative. I have made positive impacts in areas of attainable housing, health-care cost transparency, school safety, transportation and senior services.

What can the Legislature do to ease the strain of rising housing prices on Colorado residents?

Keep property taxes low, especially for our senior citizens living on fixed income. Currently, the senior property-tax exemption provides some tax relief for seniors over 65. The Legislature has the ability to eliminate this exemption, and there has been much discussion this year about eliminating this tax relief. Property tax is increasing, and seniors would be negatively impacted and feel the pain of tightened budgets. I support keeping the senior property tax “homestead” exemption.

What can be done to ensure the state's transportation system will be able to accommodate continued population growth?

In November, we have the opportunity to vote on initiatives to improve our transportation system. I support the ballot initiative “Fix Our Damn Roads.” This proposal would authorize the bonding of $3.5 billion to upgrade Colorado's road and highway system with no additional taxes. This measure is similar to other successful voter-approved bonding efforts in Colorado. Hopefully, the voters will help the Legislature prioritize our budget and provide the citizens safer, better roads.

What two issues demand more attention in the upcoming legislative session than they received in the previous one, and why?

Health-care costs have skyrocketed. Higher out-of-pocket expenses can be mediated with true health-care price transparency. Public safety is eroded with illegal drug trafficking and urban encampments. Over 900 Coloradans lost their lives this year because of drug overdoses, many from illegal heroin and fentanyl. There has been a staggering increase of urban encampment across the state. These encampments are an immediate threat to the public health and public safety. Our communities must be safe!

If elected, what must you accomplish in order for you to consider your term a success?

Last year, over 700 legislative bills were introduced. That is insane. With all these new laws, we are negatively impacting our citizens, local governments, school districts and small businesses with a barrage of unneeded mandates and regulations that increase costs and restrict flexibility. We need less legislation and less regulation. I would like to work in bipartisan effort to rewrite the rules and limit the number of bills a legislator may introduce. Less legislation, better results!