Michael believes resilient agriculture is vital to a strong, thriving economy. This is certainly true in Colorado, where a proud tradition of farming and ranching generates more than $40 billion in economic output each year. As a longstanding member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, Michael has made it a priority to bring the diverse voices of Colorado to the debate in Washington.

Michael believes we owe it to the next generation to tackle climate change head-on. In Colorado and across the West, intensifying drought and wildfires threaten our farmers, ranchers, and communities. Climate change endangers Colorado’s vital water supplies, precious forests, and outdoor recreation economy. Michael believes in a comprehensive approach to confronting climate change that includes common-sense actions to reduce climate pollution, advance clean energy, increase resiliency of local communities, and grow the economy.

Like many Americans, Michael believes that our democracy is at risk and that Washington’s dysfunction bears much of the blame. That is why he has worked since 2009 to protect the right to vote, improve access to the ballot, and take on Washington special interests.

As the former superintendent of the Denver Public Schools, Michael understands the importance of a high-quality education to a child’s success. Sadly, our schools too often fail at preparing the next generation for the 21st century economy.

Michael believes we need to work together and make the tough decisions necessary to put our nation’s fiscal house in order. Since his first days in the Senate in 2009, he has led the fight for a comprehensive, bipartisan solution to our nation’s unsustainable long-term deficits.

Michael knows our broken immigration system hobbles our economy, reduces our global competitiveness, and keeps millions of hardworking families living in the shadows. He is fighting for commonsense solutions that reflect two bedrock American values: we are a nation of immigrants, and we are a nation that respects the rule of law.

As a member of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, Michael believes in a strong, thoughtful security policy that advances U.S. interests abroad while protecting our nation at home. In the 21st century, events around the world can affect the economic and physical security within our borders. Whether defending against the threat of terrorism, cyberattacks, weapons of mass destruction, or climate change, Michael believes we must use all of our foreign policy tools to strengthen our national security and protect our democracy.

Even though Colorado has been a national leader in growth, job creation, and innovation during Michael’s time in the Senate, too many rural communities have not shared fully in that success. Michael believes our nation’s long-term prosperity depends on a thriving rural America and that we have an obligation to support locally-driven efforts to maintain the health and heritage of Colorado’s rural communities.