Senate hopeful Trish Zornio wants to use science to better Colorado, U.S.

May 13, 2019 — Trish Zornio, a candidate for U.S. Senate, says science isn’t a belief, it’s a fact.

A 33-year-old Colorado scientist, Zornio said she has worked for over 15 years in some of the nations’ top hospitals, clinics and universities. She added, due to her background, she’s worried by the lack of scientific representation in Congress.

Zornio said no scientists are currently on the U.S. Senate science committee, despite her belief that many of the nation’s most important concerns require knowledge in science and technology,

She explained this and more to about 15 people at a get-together at a Montrose resident’s home Saturday afternoon, where people met Zornio and heard about her policies.

She enters a packed Democratic race trying to unseat Republican Cory Gardner, who has been U.S. senator since 2015. But Zornio, who currently teaches behavioral neuroscience and research methodology at the University of Colorado Denver, said she believes she’s running from an angle based on science.

“I’m coming from this perspective,” Zornio said. “… I’m not doing this for a career. I’m doing this because I believe in something passionately.”

Education

Zornio said her goal is to reduce the overall cost of college and student loan interest. She also hopes to make sure there are debt-free college opportunities, improvements in trade schools and extended learning programs and increased pay and benefits for non-tenure teachers.

For the kindergarten through 12th-grade students, a robust public education system which includes a public education system needs to be put in place, Zornio said. This is coming off of Colorado being ranked 49th in state higher education funding (which is only behind Mississippi), she explained

She said she wants to increase teacher pay, school supply funding and funds for infrastructure updates. By doing so, it’ll create a better learning atmosphere for both educators and students, she said.

Environment

Protecting the air, water and land for future generations is not only good for the planet but for our physical and emotional well being, Zornio said.

The senate hopeful said more scientific experts need to be elected so they can help fight climate change. As a scientist, Zornio said she would use her own background to make comprehensive plans to address climate change.

One such concern is wastewater treatment plants and recycling facilities near communities. By having them close to people, it can create “even worse public outcomes,” she said.

“One of the things that we forget to take into account is that so many of these communities are deeply impacted in ways that we don’t even think about,” Zornio said.

Zorino also said she has larger scale goals, which include assisting farmers in the transition to less water-intensive crops such as hemp and working on building a strong market for such products.

Healthcare

Zornio said she’s worked in medical research for years which has helped patients receive the medical care they need.

Through her experience, Zornio said she believes in universal healthcare, and the need for non-elective healthcare services to be not-for-profit. She is also an advocate for comprehensive healthcare which includes mental health, women’s services, addiction services and vaccinations.

Zornio said if she’s elected she’ll be able to give a woman’s voice to topics like birth control.

“I have a really big ethical concern that only men are deciding what I can do with my body,” she said.