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. Idaho continually underfunds our public education system and is currently providing state dollars to pay for private or religious schooling. I will continue to work for solutions to fund our public education system and pay our teachers a living wage.
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. The state of Idaho is in the grip of a drought. I have always vogted to support water conservation and water infrastructure upgrades. I will continue to advocate for our agricultural sector to ensure they have the resources needed to provide food to Americans.
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
I will continue to fight every day to protect the right of all Idahoans to choose how they live, who they love, how to raise a family, and what kind of medical care they can receive. I support the right of freedom for all Idahoans