State Sen. Gail Schwartz, who is challenging incumbent U.S. Rep. Scott Tipton in November’s race for Colorado’s 3rd Congressional District, on Wednesday promoted her views on reforming student testing and bringing high-speed internet to rural America.

Schwartz, a Democrat from Crested Butte, spoke to a crowd of about 20 people at Spruce Tree Espresso House in Cortez.

She criticized Tipton, a Republican from Cortez, for focusing on cutting budgets and government, straining resources that might have an impact in Colorado. The district needs a candidate who will run a race to stand up to Tipton, Schwartz said.

“We’re serious,” she said. “We’re here to win and work hard.”

Schwartz shared ideas about education policy, saying that kids are being over-tested, and the nation needs standards reform. Everyone should have access to secondary education opportunities, but that doesn’t always mean a four-year degree, she said.

Investments in broadband infrastructure will elevate connectivity and increase education opportunities for rural areas, Schwartz said. Rural communities need access to the same opportunities as metro areas, she said.

“We need to make sure the bar is raised for every student,” Schwartz said.

The state senator also criticized Tipton for not focusing on education issues and instead paying attention to issues of finance and banking. Schwartz said those issues aren’t as important as education in Colorado’s 3rd Congressional District.

Schwartz said she had worked to bring bipartisan legislation to the Colorado Senate during her time in office. She said her opponent hadn’t done the same.

“Scott Tipton doesn’t have a bipartisan bone in his body,” she said.

If elected, Schwartz said she would continue to try and bring bipartisan legislation to the table and find ways to work with Republicans. She promised to focus on ways to serve the interests of Colorado’s 3rd District if she’s elected to Congress.

“I guarantee I will be an informed, prepared vote,” she said.