Civil Rights
"But you must remember, my fellow-citizens, that eternal vigilance by the people is the price of liberty, and that you must pay the price if you wish to secure the blessing. It behooves you, therefore, to be watchful in your States as well as in the Federal Government." -- Andrew Jackson, Farewell Address, March 4, 1837
Defending Fundamental Freedoms
Civil Rights Enforcement assures citizens that they will have real remedies when their civil rights are violated.
In 2008, Cheri sponsored legislation defending the rights of the accused. House Bill 1397 requires that any evidence containing DNA must be kept for the life of the person convicted, allowing an opportunity for later exoneration. Cheri also sponsored Senate Bill 205 which provides convicted person with a remedy for the loss or destruction of DNA evidence. They may now petition the court for a new trial after such loss.
Juvenile Justice - The Fight Continues
Juveniles Sentenced to Prison Without a Chance of Parole
Colorado’s Juvenile Justice System is broken. Current law states that if a juvenile is found guilty of certain felonies, it’s prison for 40 years before there’s a chance at parole, no matter what. Cheri believes that some of these juveniles deserve the right to clemency. Cheri worked to create a Juvenile Clemency Board that would give some of these juveniles a second chance.
In spite of Cheri’s efforts, there are 18 requests to this Board, and all of them have been denied. What has changed? The problem is that in the statutes, juveniles are treated differently than adults for certain felonies. Even though some of these crimes were atrocious, Cheri finds it troubling that children have been declared by society to be absolutely irredeemable. The evidence used to reach a decision to try a juvenile in Colorado is left to the District Attorney, not a judge. Cheri thinks that these laws need to be reconsidered because sentencing should be in the hands of a judge, not the prosecutor. In the Senate, Cheri will fight to reduce the 40-year minimum and put the decisions in the hands of judges, not DAs.
Ensuring Equal Opportunity
Civil Rights Enforcement is an essential part of making the Fourteenth Amendment's promise of equal protection under the law a reality.
Disability Rights
Cheri sponsored legislation that provides disabled individuals with the right to direct their own personal care services. This legislation was aimed at preserving the dignity and self-respect of Colorado’s Disability Community.
Equal access to and reasonable accommodations for public participation, housing and employment is essential to individual freedom. At a time when more and more American Veterans are returning home with devastating injuries and lifelong disabilities, we must reassert our efforts toward creating a fully accessible society. We must eliminate barriers to employment, transportation, public accommodations and public services, or be prepared to face staggering economic and social consequences.
Voting Rights – the work continues
For American democracy to function effectively, all eligible voters must be allowed to participate in elections. We must have a verified voter paper trail and accountability, and in the Senate, Cheri will fight for funding to make that a reality.
Fair Housing
In the House, Cheri proudly voted for SB08-200 which updated Colorado’s anti-discrimination law in all areas of public accommodation, including housing. This bill added the prohibition of discrimination based on sexual orientation to the non-discrimination statues. It also allowed the appointment of people to the Civil Rights Commission who have been discriminated against because of sexual orientation.
Employment Non-Discrimination
Cheri voted to expand protections against discrimination to include sexual orientation, creed, disability, national origin, ancestry, gender, race and marital status. (SB08-200)
To most of us, the right to have and keep a job is taken for granted. Employment is essential to survival. To unreasonably deprive anyone of employment is to deprive them of life. Workers have rights to fair compensation, fair treatment, protection against unfair labor practices, and protection against discrimination.
Reproductive Rights- Constant Vigilance
Decisions about reproductive care should always be protected against interference from government.
These decisions should remain the private province of the woman, her family, and her medical providers. In 2007, Cheri voted to ensure that hospital ER staff provides information about emergency contraception to victims of sexual assault. In 2008, Cheri voted to allow the Attorney General to review the sale of a hospital where reductions in available services may be the direct result of the sale or transfer of ownership.
Stopping Family Violence
Cheri Jahn organized the Stop Family Violence postage stamp program that had a successful three-year run in Colorado. The additional cost of the postage stamp went to the local organizations that work to support victims and stop domestic abuse. Partly due to Cheri’s work, the Governor proclaimed March 15, 2004 as Colorado Stamps Out Domestic Violence Day.
