Where I Stand
Jobs
As a small business owner, I understand the pressures of increasing property taxes, a slow economy and the challenge of living within your means. As a member of the Indiana General Assembly, past member of the Jay County Economic Development Corp. and the Portland Area Chamber of Commerce, I understand the need for good paying jobs in our area. I have been a tireless advocate for bringing new jobs to House District 33. We need to continue to keep taxes low to strengthen the economy and to provide incentives for business to locate in Jay, Randolph and Delaware counties.
Education
Since my election in 2004, I have promoted strong education initiatives, including Dollars to the Classroom. The poor economy has created a major downturn in taxes collected therefore a reduction in school funding. It is very important that education dollars keep teachers in the classroom first and foremost. We need to continue to invest in educational programs that will help all of our children to prosper and become productive, hard-working citizens of Indiana.
Wasteful Government Spending
As a member of the House Ways and Means Committee, which molds Indiana’s biennial state budget, I have been a part of three budgets since my election in 2004. The 2009 budget was by far the most challenging. With income falling far below projections, crafting a biennial budget was a daunting task. The fact that we had a billion dollar surplus allowed us to continue to fund areas such as education, medicaid and corrections.