Josh Penry on key issues...(click here for issues brochure PDF)
Water. As our population in Western Colorado grows, we need more water -- that means building new reservoirs and expanding those that already exist. In the Statehouse, I authored a new Interbasin Water Compact negotiation framework, a process focused on building and expanding reservoirs. The bill has been called the most significant water legislation in Colorado in 50 years. I’ll continue to push this process toward water solutions. Meeting the water needs of our fast growing region by expanding water storage capacity will be my top priority in the Senate.
Budget, taxes and government spending. I have and will continue to put the needs of taxpayers ahead of the wishes of government. I led the push to force the Legislature to pay off debt and save during this period of economic prosperity, so that the next time the economy turns downward the Legislature won’t have a reason to ask the taxpayers for more of their hard-earned money. Unfortunately, the big-spenders in the Colorado Senate killed the plan. They just didn’t have the discipline it takes to save; they couldn’t resist the urge to spend. Clearly, the Senate needs a strong voice for the taxpayer and fiscal discipline. That’s exactly what I’ll provide.
Illegal Immigration. (click here to view Josh's Summer 2006 Illegal Immigration Action Plan ).
I believe that the United States needs to defend its border. The consequences of our broken border are disastrous– whether it’s the explosion of the methamphetamine trade from Mexico (the overwhelming majority of Meth in Colorado comes via the southern border), the prospect that foreign terrorists could freely enter into the United States, or the enormous social, economic and budgetary impacts associated with a rapidly growing population of illegal residents. The federal government needs to get tough on the border – period. But Colorado should do its part too. In the Statehouse, I co-sponsored legislation that would punish “Sanctuary Cities” (e.g. those cities that have refused to cooperate with federal authorities in enforcing immigration laws), supported tough new sanctions against the “Coyotes” that smuggle immigrants into our State, co-sponsored a bill that would prohibit State contracts from going to businesses that hire unlawful residents, and I support a ballot initiative that would deny non-emergency taxpayer-funded services to those who do not reside in Colorado legally.
The Sanctity of Life. I believe that human life -- living and unborn -- is sacred and deserving of protection by our laws. I am proudly and consistently pro-life.
Education. No job is more important than educating the next generation of Coloradans. Parents should have the power to send their child to the school of their choice, and we should hold our public schools to high standards. Colorado needs to re-focus its education system to make early childhood development the top priority, and ensure that students at all levels receive corrective and remedial education services when they are not proficient at their grade level.
2nd Amendment. The 2nd Amendment is a Constitutional cornerstone of this great Republic. I will defend your 2nd Amendment freedoms in the Senate – not some of the time, not most of the time, but every single time.
Energy production. Growth in the energy sector has sent Western Colorado’s economy surging. Energy production has meant more and better paying jobs, and new tax revenues for our schools and roads. But it also has brought challenges. We need policies that encourage thoughtful and balanced energy production, in a way that accommodates surface owners and our water and wildlife. We also need to keep our mineral severance tax dollars in the impacted communities. Some have tried to make the energy debate a zero sum game, with energy production on one side and wildlife, water and surface owners on the other. I reject this mindset. Through the implementation of thoughtful policies and the use of best practices and technology, Western Colorado can balance the tremendous economic opportunities derived from the energy sector in a way that protects our quality of life.
Marriage. Marriage is between a man and woman. I do not and will not support extending marital rights to those who fall outside the centuries-old definition of marriage.
Public lands. The public lands belong to the public. They should be managed for the enjoyment, recreation and responsible use of this generation and those to come. I will advocate the balanced use of our federal lands at every opportunity.
