Issues

What do I stand for?

I hold strong conservative values: low taxes, small government, pro-business climate, world-class education, sanctity of life and strong families. I believe these are the values of my fellow Hoosiers and, particularly, of southwest Indiana. 

• Economic Development

  • I will focus on growing and attracting high tech, high value industries. These industries bring high quality jobs which allow opportunities for our skilled and educated young adults: engineers, technicians, IT professionals, managers to name a few.
  • I will encourage, support and nourish entrepreneurship by proposing, for example, a tax credit on profits for the first 1-3 years in business and exploring ways to make healthcare affordable and accessible to an entrepreneur during his/her first years.
  • I will seek out and support programs and engagement processes that will help our small towns build thriving community development.
    

• Education

  • I will support our best and brightest by proposing, for example, partial loan forgiveness to those who gain degrees in these STEM-related (science, technology, engineering and math) careers and make Indiana their home upon graduation.
  • To increase the number of post-secondary degrees in the region, I will ensure every high school has access to an alternative school and/or programs which provide an avenue for a troubled or challenged youth to gain a high school diploma. I will pursue programs, collaborations, and campuses that will provide District 74 adults access to the professional degrees and certifications needed in a strong workforce.
    

• Business and Industry

  • I will work to reduce the constraints placed on employers regarding who they can hire. Indiana has a strong pro-union heritage. However, that heritage is not working as we just saw 1100 union jobs leave SW Indiana with Whirlpool. I will work to make employment easier, not harder for the employer and ensure potential employees have access to as many available jobs as they can.
  • I will work to ensure the enforcement of existing state and federal laws before creating new hurdles for businesses; immigration and environmental being two key areas. Every new regulation increases the cost for an employer to do business in Indiana. This is good, not only for existing Hoosier businesses, but it can be a successful tool for attracting new industries to our state.
    

• Sanctity of Life

  • I will promote the sanctity of life by working to strengthen laws that ensure Hoosier medical professionals are not “forced” into unconscionable acts and to ensure that our state tax dollars do not fund abortion.
  • I support a culture that respects life, including those with disabilities and the elderly. I believe we must continue to dialogue and problem solve with those of all perspectives so that we can be proud of the care and support provided within our borders to all Hoosiers.

This is not intended to be an exhaustive list.  However, it should provide my thoughts and ideas to grow southwest Indiana. I am learning more and more as I travel across the district conducting Listening Sessions, joining your community events, and speaking with you on your front porch. Please continue to share your dreams, concerns and expectations as I grow into your District 74 Legislator.