Economy
Indiana and the Nation are facing some of the hardest financial times in recent memory. Families and government are drowning in debt and need a way out. It is time we as a people and as a State, begin to spend less and save more. In order to grow, the state must take less from Hoosiers. Perhaps an equation explains it best.
Government spending less + Government controlling less = Your Success
Unemployment is high. Without a job, it is hard to achieve your dream. The government cannot give everyone a job, but they certainly can create an atmosphere that is welcoming for businesses. Job creation is much like agriculture. One can have a good seed, but plant it in dry ground and it will not grow. Low taxes and a state with a safety net will water the ground to produce a strong crop of jobs in Indiana. We can achieve this fertile soil by:
1. Streamlining Government
2. Lower overall taxes
3. Property Tax Caps
4. Meticulous State Budget
Your State Representative will ultimately vote for you on many of these issues. Perhaps the most important of these issues is the State Budget. I will support a budget that includes:
1. No tax increases
2. A safety net of at least $1 Billion
3. Spend a dollar, cut a dollar pledge
4. One time funds for one time purposes only
5. Honest estimates and reporting
Education
Education in Indiana will write the story of our states' success or author our failure. Education funding continues to increase while academic achievement decline. Class sizes are too large, teachers have limited ownership of their classroom and education funding is wasted on redundant administration and systems with little to no accountability. I support a plan that champions:
1. Competition: Education that is competitive nationally and internationally regardless of zip code and family situation.
2. Freedom: You know better than bureaucrats, period. Parents are entitled to use their tax dollars for the education that best meets the needs of their child, including private, charter and homeschooling.
3. Accountability: Education is about children, not adults. It is time the people hold School Boards, Superintendents and Teachers responsible for outcomes.
4. Conversational: While holding teachers accountable, the State must listen to their needs and do whatever is necessary to aid them in the classroom.
5. Fiscally Responsible: Money should follow kids, not school systems! While over 48% of Indiana’s general fund is spent on K-12 education, we know that money does not equal love or results. Only 60 cents of every educational dollar is spent in the classroom. Redundant administration should be removed and smaller classrooms should be funded with the excess.
Visit: TeachforAmerica.gov
University Education
The 5 points discussed above, directly relate to University education. It is unacceptable that universities subsidized with tax dollars place the responsibility of high tuition rates on students, that inflate at a ridiculous rate. Accountability is greatly needed within our public universities. Education is about students, not about building buildings or building names.
Environment
Our state is beautiful and fruitful. It is important to protect our resources. Indiana can diversify and see that new types of energy are viewed as economic development opportunities. At no point should cost of living, jobs or personal liberties be affected in the name of climate control.
Coal is the states greatest natural resource. Technologies in Coal gas-purification and synthetic natural gas are underway. While many oppose clean coal energy, it is important to understand that the state of Indiana has more energy in coal than Saudi Arabia has in oil.
Currently 15 counties in the state of Indiana have some type of wind activity. It has provided over 1,000 jobs for Hoosiers. By the end of the year, Indiana could bypass traditional wind states such as Wyoming. With an atmosphere ripe for jobs, Indiana can be a leader in energy independence.
Neighborhoods in Need
It is no secret that families in our community are struggling. Some of our neighborhoods suffer from great poverty. Working around the world with the poorest of the poor, I have learned that poverty is often complex and cyclical. In our state it is not a problem of availability, but perhaps accessibility. If we are honest with ourselves we will admit that the State of Indiana cannot change society or culture, yet we can be a voice for those who would otherwise have no voice. Within our community there are organizations and people that are making a true difference. Indiana should listen close and work with the true experts treating poverty. While government can give handouts, it cannot heal hearts. As State Representative I will listen closely and stand by those making a real difference. Please note the organizations below do not endorse any candidate.
Shepherd Community
The summer program alone…
1. Feeds 4000 meals a week (that they might not receive otherwise)
2. Provides daily reading time
3. Allows the fun exploration of science and math
4. Works on basic hygiene skills
5. Provides free medical care
6. Takes teenagers to businesses and college for possible future exploration
Wheeler Mission
1. Emergency Shelter Services
2. Rehabilitation Services
3. Clothing
4. Center for Women and Children
…making the real difference in our neighborhoods in need.
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