Top issues
I know that Blaine, Jerome, and Lincoln counties have a great many shared goals. On behalf of all members of these communities, I want to protect:
Quality education for our children
Idaho is known as the Gem State. But, right now, our education system is not living up to that standard. Why are we bragging about a state budget surplus when our schools are trailing the nation? Our school facilities need to be state of the art, our teachers need to be compensated at a livable rate, and our children should not have to want for school supplies. Our children are our future and I see a future in which Idaho truly is the Gem State.
Access to public lands for hunting, fishing, recreation, and tourism
Public lands belong to the people of Idaho. They should remain free and accessible for all of us to enjoy. Right now, Idaho is selling its public lands to private individuals and corporations. This will have devastating consequences for agriculture, recreation, and tourism alike. It is not acceptable. These lands belong to the citizens of Idaho and should remain open, accessible, and free to all.
Preservation and management of Idaho’s water resources to sustain our agricultural heritage and recreational riches
Water is the single most important resource that Idahoans share and protecting it is paramount to our survival. We rely on water for agricultural purposes, recreation, and tourism. We must keep this resource from literally draining away through cooperation among all water users - from the single family home owner to a wide range of commercial operations, upgrading and improving infrastructure locally and statewide, and increasing our conservation efforts.
Our standard of living - access to housing and ability to afford that housing with local jobs
Our district has experienced unprecedented growth over the past couple of years. This growth, while positive for the economy, has put a significant strain on the ability of people who work here to live here. Real estate prices are at an all-time high and inventory is at an all time low. Short-term rentals have all but eliminated affordable long-term rentals. This has created not only severe housing and workforce instability, but also created a childcare crisis as workers have increasingly long commute times. While the free market is wonderful in many instances, it is clearly not sustainable in this circumstance and the legislature will need to get involved to devise solutions.
The freedoms of all Idahoans
If you send me to the State Senate, I will fight every day to protect the freedoms of all Idahoans. This includes some of our most fundamental freedoms: how and when you choose to build a family, the healthcare you receive from your physician, and who you choose to love and marry. The government has no right to be in our doctor’s offices or our bedrooms. I will fight to ensure that every Idahoan has the right to choose.