Crime
Fighting crime is a complex yet simple issue. Everyone wants to be safe and no one wants to be a victim of crime. As private citizens, we should all be involved in and understand the laws that govern our communities, but also, we must be diligent in engaging privately, professionally, and collectively with our local law enforcement agencies by cooperating with them. Understanding their needs, challenges, and limitations helps us, as citizens, to support legislation that bolsters local and state law enforcement to do their job. Advocating for change in this area, requires representation, support from the community, and open and honest communication of the issues that challenge each community.
Economy
As a State Legislator, there is the ability to influence economic policies and enact changes that can positively impact the state’s economy. Some of those ways are to support small businesses as they are the backbone of the economy. Also investing in infrastructure, which will create jobs and stimulate economic activity. Education and workforce development is imperative. A skilled workforce attracts businesses and promotes economic growth. Finally, review and revise tax policies to create a business-friendly environment while ensuring fair taxation. On a legislative level, ensure prudent budget management, prioritize spending and avoid unnecessary financial burdens on businesses and taxpayers. Constituents must be engaged. The business community must communicate their concerns and needs so that their feedback is taken into consideration for policy-making decisions.
Education
Parental involvement is more important than anything else. Teachers are integral in the educational process, schools are important for structure, skill development, and preparation for future success. The education system should be geared toward fostering holistic development, preparing individuals for their future roles in society, and contributing to the overall progress and well-being of the communities they live in. In addition, provide fair and meaningful assessment methods to evaluate student progress and teaching strategies. Ultimately, holding schools and educators accountable for the quality of education provided.
Health Care
Improving healthcare requires a comprehensive approach. Access to healthcare is of primary concern as well as affordable services. A broad-based view begins with education. Supporting communities to teach preventative measures and healthy lifestyles as well as the early detection of illnesses is foundational. There are many facets to health care issues such as access; technology and innovation; mental health, health care workers, and support programs for them to pursue and thrive in their field of choice. Engaging community input and ideas is vital to addressing the unique issues we face.
Empowerment
The opportunity to empower women begins with ensuring access to quality education. Women need access to financial resources, credit, job opportunities, and entrepreneurship training. Quality healthcare and every opportunity to support her in every area of life: raising children, earning a living, and pursuing a higher education are all areas that can help give women the ability to succeed no matter what they choose to do in life. Ultimately, empowered women make informed choices.
Constitutional Rights
The original intent of the Constitution of the United States of America was written as a framework for freedom. However, with freedom there is responsibility. Government of the people by the people for the people includes protecting individual rights and freedoms that are outlined in the Bill of Rights, such as freedom of speech, religion, and the right to bear arms. In addition to these staples of limited government are the right to own private property, the right to due process, and the rule of law. Defending religious freedom for everyone is also paramount. Judicial activism is of great concern. Judges are not to be legislating from the bench but rather interpreting laws based on the Constitution and existing legal precedence. The Constitution was written to establish government structure, protect individual rights, limit government power, establish a rule of law, and create national unity. It is a flexible and adaptable mechanism that has the ability to evolve with the world we live in. Legislation and amendments provide the opportunity to address changing societal needs and values.