Jamie Jeffery
DemocraticQ1 What advisory mechanisms will you implement to ensure that evidence and scientific findings play a crucial role in your policymaking process?
“As an educator, data and research are important to me. Opportunities for new data to be sent to us, to meet with researchers and have a clear understanding of the evidence and scientific findings is critical to me. If there are not clear processes and procedures that include this as we consider new legislation, then I will introduce new legislation to update our processes.”
Q2 Colorado farmers are facing multiple threats, amidst water scarcity and rising prices for fertilizer and other imported materials. As agriculture is our #1 export sector, in what ways do you imagine using your role to support evidence-based advancements to protect and support our farmers and natural resources in the years ahead?
“Agricultural lands comprise the staggering majority of land in Senate District 1. It is critical to look at everything from water efficiency with irrigation to reusing run-off water to developing drought-resistant crops. Protecting farmers from price-gouging of fertiziler and imported materials is also critical. If we could subsidize or incentivize farmers so that they can use local resources and we rely less on importing, I would support that, too.”
Q3 America has a growing AI industry, supporting cutting-edge innovation but raising issues of resource use, privacy, and economics. What is the right balance of costs and benefits for new data center construction in Colorado, and how would your policies accomplish that balance?
“At this time, I do not think we have the regulations and infrastructure in place to develop new data centers. It is critical that we do the research and lay groundwork BEFORE we push this agenda forward. I am not in support of approving more until we have a better understanding of the effects on agriculture and humans, the actual use of resources, and being intentional about gathering information–including hearing and addressing concerns from constituents.”
Q4 Colorado has experienced a lingering measles outbreak since March of 2025. What evidence-based policies do you support to improve community and preventive health for your constituents, for infectious diseases and other threats?
“I believe in and support vaccines. Understanding how to control and reduce the outbreak is critical, so I would support any safe way to get this outbreak stopped. Offering free vaccines to people who live in poverty and holding immunization clinics in spaces that are accessible to Coloradans is important.”
Q5 What are your opinions on the current state of science literacy, and how could K-12 education standards be adapted to form a better public understanding of and relationship building in science?
“I am proud of the work that educators are doing to build science literacy. I feel that our standards in Colorado are working well. Stabilizing and prioritizing FUNDING for public education will ensure that school districts can provide the curriculum AND the lab kits that really help enhance learning of science.”