Boebert and Laubacher clash on Medicaid, taxes, and rural hospitals

Lauren Boebert and Eileen Laubacher are contesting the seat for Colorado's 4th Congressional District, a region that stretches from the eastern plains to Douglas County and Loveland. Boebert, the 39-year-old Republican incumbent who has represented the district since 2024, faces Laubacher, a 58-year-old Democrat who retired as a rear admiral from the U.S. Navy in 2024. Libertarian candidate Douglas Mageris also appears on the ballot.

The candidates disagree on the permanent tax provisions of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. Laubacher supports making tax exemptions for tipped workers and overtime pay permanent and proposes raising the child tax credit to $2,200. She intends to eliminate a $70 billion tax benefit for companies building data centers. Boebert argues that all tax cuts in the legislation should become permanent, including provisions for seniors and tipped workers. She also seeks to lower capital gains taxes for senior homeowners and reduce payroll taxes on tips.

Medicaid work requirements present a second point of contention. Boebert states that physically capable adults should work rather than receive benefits, noting that exceptions exist for single mothers and those with disabilities. Laubacher supports work requirements in principle but criticizes the administrative burden. She argues that the current design causes people to lose coverage while they navigate paperwork, a structure she believes is intended to save government money temporarily.

The candidates also diverge on rural hospital funding. Laubacher calls for increased financing for rural hospitals, warning that many executives fear no hospitals will remain in the eastern plains within five years if current payment structures persist. She describes the $50 billion Rural Health Care Transformation Program as fundamentally defective, despite Colorado receiving $200 million in the first year. Boebert rejects the need for additional funding, arguing that previous Medicaid cuts by Colorado Democrats hurt rural facilities. She views the transformation program as a huge benefit for these hospitals.

On infrastructure, Boebert is pursuing legislation to fund the Arkansas Valley Conduit project. The House approved the measure in September, but it awaits Senate action, where Senator Michael Bennet is working to secure passage. Trump vetoed a similar project the previous year. Both candidates support the water project, with Laubacher stating it is important that it moves forward.

Regarding energy, both candidates say the United States should not stop using carbon-emitting sources. Laubacher cites battery storage limitations as the reason for continuing to use fossil fuels while investing in clean energy. Boebert argues the market should determine energy sources and called electric vehicles a great failure. She advocates for using hydroelectric, fossil, and nuclear energy to keep costs accessible.

Laubacher proposes periodic reviews of federal oil and gas royalties to ensure taxpayers receive fair compensation. Boebert contends that current payments are sufficient because they help fund local schools and fire stations without raising resident taxes. The candidates also split on immigration, with Laubacher favoring a path to residency for workers and Boebert stating that those in the country illegally must leave.