Cathy Kipp

What counties do you represent? If this is a statewide office, please put statewide.

Larimer (Fort Collins)

Have you or someone you loved ever experienced a mental health and/or substance use condition?

Yes

Question #1: Colorado, like the rest of the nation, is facing a youth mental health crisis. Do you support school policies and funding that increase the availability of mental health services and supports in schools and early childhood settings?

Yes

Would you like to explain your response to question #1?

Question #2: Do you believe mental health and substance use are serious issues your constituents are experiencing that deserve legislative attention and action? Please explain.

Yes. The evidence is clear the mental health and substance use are having a huge effect on Coloradans. It was bad before the pandemic, but as with many things the pandemic has worsened many of these issues. Also, the Fentanyl crisis exploding has also made things worse. I have consistently voted to support solutions to these issues during my 4 years in the Colorado House.

Question #3: Extreme risk protection orders, also known as red flag laws, allow law enforcement to temporarily remove weapons from individuals at significant risk to themselves or others. Colorado has a red flag law. Do you support extreme risk protection orders?

Yes

Would you like to explain your response to question #3?

Question #4: Overdose deaths are at an all-time high nationally and in Colorado. Many believe increasing criminal penalties for people who use drugs is the answer. Do you support increased criminal penalties for people who use drugs? *
(Please note that we are asking about personal use, not distribution)*

Would you like to explain your response to question #4?

Question # 5: As a follow up question, did you support legislation in the 2022 session that drastically increased the criminal penalty for possession of any substance over 1g if that substance contains any amount of fentanyl?

Would you like to explain your response to question #5?

Question #6: Do you believe the State should invest more funding for mental health and substance use? If yes, please explain where you would want additional funding to be directed. If no, please explain why.

We can always use more money to address mental health and substance abuse. Because there is always more need than money, I would need to better understand how and where the money could be most effectively used prior to making a recommendation. I am just a legislator, not the expert. Part of my value add is knowing who to listen to. That being said, one area I am concerned about is Medicaid provider reimbursement rates. I have heard from many providers that they would like to take Medicaid patients, or more Medicaid patients, but the issues with low reimbursement rates and the issues with getting paid (and other red tape) make it undoable. If we are are to ensure that the neediest segment of our population gets their behavioral health needs are addressed, we have to make sure there are providers who can help them.

Question #7: People needing care, supports, and services for their mental health and substance use often experience discrimination as a result of their health condition. Would you support legislation that would protect people needing care, supports, and services for their mental health and substance use conditions from discriminatory practices?

Yes

Would you like to explain your response to question #7?

Question #8: For too long the state’s criminal justice system has acted as a substitute for a comprehensive mental health care system. Would you support policies that would disentangle mental health from the criminal justice system and promote the expansion of programs like Denver’s STAR program?

Yes

Would you like to explain your response to question #8?

Is there anything else you would like to share?

Thank you to Mental Health Colorado for your advocacy! Please let me know if you have any additional questions. I think my record demonstrates my commitment to behavioral health solutions.