ISSUES

Healthcare: Everyone should be able to have access to an affordable health insurance program of their choice. Everyone should be able to choose their physician, hospital, dentist, etc. Free market competition is always the answer. I do not believe a federal or state government mandated and totally controlled healthcare program will solve the problems that exist.

Taxes: I believe in fewer taxes and spending more efficiently.

Economy: Business must be encouraged to stay and expand. Missouri is a wonderful state with something for everyone – two large metropolitan areas, cultural and art centers, two great symphonies, great sports teams, renowned universities and medical centers, rivers and lakes, the Branson area, the Springfield and Joplin areas, thriving small towns, and the list goes on. Corporate taxation must be fair. We must become a pro-business state without giving away our resources and watching the companies be lured away seeking another more attractive economic development program or making the choice to close in Missouri because it is more cost efficient in another location.

Education: As a state we must set the highest of standards for our children’s education. We need incentives to attract and keep the best teachers. We need to require more high school credits in math and science. Employers and colleges have expressed a need for more math and science education.

Immigration: Our nation is known as a melting pot of tradition and legal immigration is what will continue to keep that melting pot full of new ideas and things to be learned. However, we must stop anyone who tries to enter this state and nation illegally. I will work to strengthen laws regarding this issue and propose any new legislation that may be required.

I promise you that if elected, I will always vote “yes” or vote “no” on legislation that comes before me. I will never vote “present” – the citizens of the 85th deserve to know where their representative stands all on bills. To vote “present” is a cop out!