Kefalas wants fair economy

By Dan MacArthur
North Forty News

John Kefalas once again is waging a determined campaign to win the state house seat he was denied two years ago by a thin 484 votes out of the 36,673 ballots cast in House District 52.

The issues are largely the same for Kefalas, who doesn't shrink from characterization as a visionary. "It's important to have that vision because it determines public policy," he insists.

He also embraces his self-described reputation as a "lobbyist for the poor" and believes there is a role for government in creating a "fair and sustainable economy" that supports middle-class workers while providing a safety net for the most vulnerable and those left behind by the growing income inequality.

In keeping with that philosophy, Kefalas said his top priority would be introducing legislation that will make health insurance available to more Colorado residents, especially all children through expansion of the Child Health Plan Plus program.

He believes more money could be freed up toward that end through state efforts to reduce costs--partnering with neighboring states to purchase prescription drugs in bulk at discount prices, seeking federal waivers, facilitating more creative Medicaid spending, and assuming some of the administrative duties largely responsible for premium increases.

Kefalas, a Democrat, said he does not yet have specific plans for expanding the availability of health insurance, but would pull together components of successful approaches taken by other states.

Kefalas also gives great weight to passing a parental leave bill and ensuring that the tax money Referendum C allowed the state to retain is being spent as promised. He wants to direct more money into transportation improvements such as commuter rail along the Interstate 25 corridor. Kefalas believes that can occur through greater state economizing, particularly in the $560 million corrections budget. He advocates reforming sentencing laws to divert from prison nonviolent offenders who can be better treated through alternative programs.

Immigration reform is "very much needed," Kefalas said, but ultimately must be resolved at the national level.

Kefalas, 51, has an extensive background in community, social and political activism since moving to Fort Collins 30 years ago to complete his undergraduate degree at Colorado State University. Kefalas also earned a graduate degree in teaching from Fairleigh Dickinson University in New Jersey.

Internationally, he worked as a Peace Corps volunteer in El Salvador and with schools in Chiapas, Mexico.

Locally and statewide, Kefalas has served as a board member and participant in more than a dozen organizations focused on affordable housing, peace and social-justice issues.

Kefalas currently is director of the Colorado Progressive Coalition's Tax Fairness Project, a grassroots organizing campaign advocating changes in tax and fiscal policies.

He previously was employed as a teacher in the Poudre School District, a migrant health outreach worker for Larimer County and an employment and training counselor for the county. Kefalas also worked seven years with Catholic Charities as a public policy advocate and community development coordinator.