Values
Jobs and the Economy
These tough economic times call for an increased focus on improving the state’s economy and creating jobs that support Missouri families. A strong commitment to developing businesses and job training programs will give us the foundation we need to continue to grow and attract high quality jobs to the 21st District. Small businesses will continue to be the framework of our area economy.
Fiscal Responsibility
My family, like every Missouri family, is forced to live within our means, and I believe it is important that our state’s government does the same. With a tight budget, we have to ensure that government can continue to serve the people more efficiently. Using my experience working with the legislative budget, I know we can find ways to cut costs and streamline government while improving services. Demanding accountability in all areas of state government will provide that the people in the 21st District are well served.
Health Care
Missouri cannot have a healthy economy without healthy families. Unfortunately, insurance premiums continue to go up year after year, businesses are struggling to provide health care to their employees, seniors are paying too much for their prescription drugs, and parents are choosing between health care for their children and themselves. Politicians in Washington can’t solve our health care problems; we must focus instead on improving health care and increasing access here in Missouri. One of the first bills I will file is the “Medical Red Tape Reduction Act.” By bringing together doctors, office managers, hospitals, insurance companies, and fraud investigators, we will be able to streamline billing and reimbursement practices. This legislation will reduce billing errors, waste, fraud, while also clarifying for patients what they are being billed for and what their insurance is covering.
Education
I come from a long line of teachers. My mother, mother-in-law, and grandmother all shaped my understanding about how difficult teaching has become and how Jefferson City policy proposals play out in the classroom. It is essential that every child in the state has the opportunity to a world-class education. To improve education, the legislature needs to focus on keeping class sizes small, increasing access to technology, recruiting and retaining qualified teachers, and ensuring money allocated for education stays in the classroom. Higher education and lower tuition are key for our next generation to compete in a global marketplace. In addition, I will work to support individuals returning to school to learn new jobs skills in a shifting economy.
Rural Communities
Our neighbors know the importance of hard work, responsibility and service; the same qualities I will bring to Jefferson City every single day. I believe it is vital to our economy and our energy stability to work with a broad coalition of alternative energy producers including ethanol and biodiesel. Our economic development and quality of life require that the entire 21st District has access to broadband technologies. Decisions I will make in Jefferson City will be based on whether it makes sense for our families in central and northeast Missouri.
