Rep. Schafer’s priorities are creating jobs, particularly in Colorado’s new energy economy; health care and education policy; and protecting seniors, veterans and children.

Over the last few years, she has sponsored bills lowering premiums for women in private health insurance, certifying speech-language pathologists, protecting at-risk adults, reducing bullying in K-12 schools, shielding victims from excessive appeals by violent offenders, and allowing military veterans to renew their Colorado occupational licenses up to six months after discharge instead of demanding payment while they’re still serving in war zones.

Rep. Schafer has a bachelor’s degree in secondary education from the University of Nebraska, a master’s from the University of Colorado in counseling/psychology, a Doctorate of Education from the University of Northern Colorado, and a principal’s license from Colorado State University. She lives with her life partner of 22 years. She has two married daughters and two grandchildren.