In this week's episode, NewDEAL CEO Debbie Cox Bultan speaks with Colorado Representative Meghan Lukens, a former high school government teacher who went from encouraging her students to be civically engaged to running for office herself. She shares her story of entering politics, what it has meant to represent her hometown, and how she has found success addressing some of the state's biggest issues with her "Western Slope Way" approach to governing. Her many accomplishments this past legislative session focused on addressing affordability, from landmark action on property taxes to her bills making it easier to operate childcare centers and increasing healthcare access in rural communities. Lukens also previews this year's election in Colorado, which includes twelve ballot initiatives on topics from reproductive rights to ranked choice voting to wildlife management. Tune in to learn which issues Coloradans care the most about this November.

• [01:05] Introducing today's guest, Colorado Representative Meghan Lukens.

• [02:13] Meghan tells us about the beautiful district she represents.

• [03:41] What her experience has been representing a more rural area in Colorado.

• [06:33] The inspiration behind running for office as a government teacher.

• [09:19] Some of the factors that Meghan thinks led to her success.

• [12:02] How things have changed for voters since her first election.

• [14:52] Meghan tells us about the property tax issue she tackled and how that went.

• [20:56] How she addresses affordability and how she manages to get legislature passed.

• [31:47] What Meghan thinks will drive voters to the polls in November.