First Termer Learns the Issues at ALEC Academy

 

This week, ALEC and FreedomWorks introduce Representative Susan Beckman from Colorado’s 38th district. Rep. Beckman has lived with her family in Arapahoe County for over 30 years. Before becoming a legislator, Rep. Beckman served as Araphoe County Commissioner. As Commissioner, Rep. Beckman fought to lower taxes and cut regulations. In 2016, she ran for state legislator focusing on free markets and limited government. Rep. Beckman is serving her first term as a state legislator and is a new ALEC member. We caught up with her at the Fiscal Responsibility in Higher Education Academy at the Antonin Scalia Law School at George Mason University.

You are attending your first ALEC Academy, how is it going?

I am very impressed. I learned a lot during this academy and plan on marking my calendar for all upcoming academies.

As an ALEC member, what do you find most helpful?

For starters, ALEC has helpful model legislation. Additionally, being able to meet other legislators is equally as helpful. There is much more that unites us as legislators than I thought. We are all dealing with the same issues, whether it is public union pensions, healthcare, higher education or K-12 education. There is so much value in learning from legislators in other states that face the same issues.

What issues have you tackled as a County Commissioner that you think will help you in your time as a State Legislator?

As County Commissioner, our taxes were the lowest in the entire Front Range. I worked to eliminate more than 800 rules and regulations.  As a legislator, I will continue to work on these issues and make government efficient and accountable for the taxpayers.

As a first term legislator, what advice would you give to new colleagues?

My advice to new legislators would be to join ALEC. As a legislator, time is a limited resource and ALEC is worth your time. ALEC provides legislators with experts in many fields to discuss new and innovative ideas that you are able to take back to your state. It’s going to help me be more successful at my job.


Each week, ALEC and FreedomWorks showcase legislators who embody the principles of limited government, free markets, and federalism.