English

Yadira Caraveo: “I will protect access to healthcare”

CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT 8 | Yadira Caraveo, Democratic candidate. (Photo/The Colorado Trade)

DEMOCRATIC CANDIDATE FOR CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT No. 8

Newsroom El Comercio de Colorado Newsroom

Haga click aquí para leer la versión en español

Yadira Caraveo is the Democratic candidate for Colorado’s new 8th District. We caught up with the pediatrician, born and raised in Thornton, who has served as a regional legislator for the past four years. “I want to work for the benefit of working families because I know their needs,” this candidate told us.

How would you introduce District 8 to the House of Representatives?

Yadira Caraveo: I would say District 8 is very diverse. Its geography begins in a suburban area and then proceeds northeast to an area that is more rural. People who work in the city live here; others work in the agricultural industry and in energy production. It has diversity in relation to the ethnicity of those who reside here. This is the most Latino district in Colorado. 39 percent of its population is Hispanic. From this district we will be able to demonstrate the power and contributions of the Hispanic community.

What constitutes the first need of District 8?

YC: We have the same needs as all families in Colorado. It is about getting how to provide for everything that is needed for a good quality life. It is something that I have experienced growing up with my father. He has worked in construction all his life. My mother was a housewife. They took care of us and were dedicated to our education. So I understand the needs of all Latino families and especially Hispanic ones.

What legislation would you like to push through Congress?

YC: I am concerned about the cost and access to medical services. When I started working as a pediatrician, I thought I would spend my time focusing on children’s health. I soon realized that I was spending more time talking to my patients’ parents about the cost of health insurance and the cost of the prescriptions I was giving them. They couldn’t always afford it. I want to make sure that we lower the cost of health services and medicines.

Yadira Caraveo: “I will protect access to healthcare”

How do you respond to those who claim that you do not have a productive legislative management?

YC: In the four years that I was a legislator, I passed more than 30 laws. Two-thirds of those laws won support from Republican lawmakers in the Senate or House of Representatives. My legislation covers different areas such as health care and reducing drug prices in Colorado. I pushed for legislation that allows people to take paid time off when they’re sick.

If you had Barbara Kirkmeyer in front of you right now, what would you ask her?

YC: Why is she against working families in Colorado? She has voted against lowering taxes for working families. She has voted against women’s rights. She said a few days ago that she supports the elimination of Medicare and Social Security. I know that thousands of district workers, like my father, need to use those programs for their medical care and retirement.

District 8 is home to the largest oil account in Colorado. What should be done with the energy industry in this area?

YC: I think we should find a balance. That’s what I did with the legislation I proposed. I am referring to a balance between the needs of our community, the needs to protect our health and the environment; and the need to protect jobs in that industry that are very important to the economy in Colorado.

What project would you like to promote in terms of labor for the agricultural sector?

YC: I would like to promote a law similar to the one I promoted in Colorado. For the first time in 80 years we passed a law to protect farmer’s rights. I have uncles who worked as farmers and it was surprising when I learned that farm workers did not have basic protections such as access to shade when it is very hot, to cold water, or to receive medical attention in the workplace.

Should there be any limit to the right to abortion?

YC: Extreme Republicans, like Kirkmeyer, want to take away women’s rights to decide what to do with their bodies. Being pregnant, going through childbirth is dangerous because we don’t always understand that there are many medical problems that can occur during childbirth and during pregnancy. A woman should have the right to decide if she wants to have a child or not.

Mexican origin

Yadira Caraveo comes from a family originally from northern Mexico. She is used to family celebrations with the rhythm of Mariachi and a succulent lunch with homemade enchiladas.

Where are the best tacos in Thornton?

YC: At my mother’s house.