An Interview with Catherine Strode

State Representative Pete Lee cites Colorado as the nation’s leader in restorative justice. During his tenure in the legislature, Representative Lee has introduced four bills championing the practice in Colorado’s criminal justice system.  His most recent bill (HB17-1039) passed through the House this week. The bill expands communication issues in the practice of restorative justice. It was originally designed to provide more confidentiality to the process.  However, that portion of the bill was struck. In an interview with Catherine Strode, Representative Lee says although the bill does expand restorative justice in two areas, it doesn’t go far enough.

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An Interview with Catherine Strode

Cars that drive themselves. Autonomous cars that appear on your front doorstep when ordered on a cell phone. Autonomous vehicles equipped for all kinds of riders, including those with companion dogs or those in wheelchairs. That is the vision for transportation in the state being promoted by State Senator Kent Lambert. A bill he is sponsoring (SB17-011) will bring together technical experts and  transportation providers to discuss ways to create an accessible and economically feasible statewide transportation system.

In an interview with Catherine Strode, Senator Lambert says such means of transportation can change the economy and can give people with disabilities more employment opportunities.

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An Interview with Catherine Strode

Over 40,000 warnings for noncompliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) have been filed against Arizona businesses in the past two years. All of the warnings were filed by one attorney claiming to represent the state’s community of individuals with disabilities. The Executive Director of The Arc of Arizona, Jon Meyers, says the lawsuits are only benefitting the attorney who is filing them. They are also causing ill will toward the disability community statewide.

In an interview with Catherine Strode, he warns why other states, including Colorado, should be vigilant of this “drive by lawsuit” trend.

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An Interview with Catherine Strode

Jordana Ash is the first individual to hold the state’s new position of Director of Early Childhood Mental Health. She has developed the Strategic Plan to promote early childhood mental health across Colorado. Mary Anne Snyder is the Director of the State’s Office of Early Childhood, another relatively new state position. They sat down for an interview with Catherine Strode to discuss how their positions represent Colorado’s movement as a national leader in early childhood support systems.

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An Interview with Catherine Strode

The Director of the Colorado Fiscal Institute, Carol Hedges, says despite Colorado’s strong economic activity, the state is facing a budget shortfall in the millions this coming fiscal year.  A recognized expert on the TABOR amendment, she says $257 million of that shortfall is slated for taxpayer rebates. In an interview with Catherine Strode, she proposes a bill being introduced this legislative session as a long term solution to the state’s budget challenges.

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