Education

I will advocate that the State of Oregon continue to make education funding a priority, from primary to post-doctorate, including trade schools.  I would like to see public funds remain in public education and would ask that the current voucher system be reexamined.  Parents should not have to home-school or private-school their children for a quality education. Investing in our children will help us create a strong workforce and be innovative in new business ideas that in turn can lead to new jobs and family wage earnings.

In addition to quality education and trade schools, I will advocate for programs for veterans returning from war.

Employment / Workforce Development / Economic Development / Family Wage Jobs

None of these issues can be looked at separately, they are all interconnected.  What I know from my experience in business and social services is that providing a living wage for families builds strong communities and eliminates the need for many services.  Living wage jobs will not be available if we as a state do not invest in economic development to create the jobs and workforce development to have people to perform those jobs in our State.  Oregon has been a pioneer for our county in many areas.  I commit to working with educators, businesses, and labor to help develop the next generation of employment revolution that will make this State a leader for our country yet once again.

Environment

Continue to be a national and world leader in recycling, use of hybrid vehicles, green building and sustainable practices.  Invest in jobs that encourage a sustainable environment such as biofuel production and agri-tourism.  Encourage work practices such as telecommuting to save on emissions.

Healthcare / Housing

Every Oregonian should be able to have a safe place to call home and access to healthcare that will enable them to stay healthy.  Having shelter, food and health are basic fundamentals for living.  Without these basic fundamentals, Oregon’s social service system becomes taxed and cost Oregonians much more to support.

As a state legislator, I will work to ensure that all Oregonians have access to preventative healthcare by advocating for like businesses to combine efforts to purchase health insurance and pool their risk and increase their purchasing power.  I would also work to institute a tax credit for any individual who purchases his or her own health insurance. And I would work to ensure that nutritional and physical education is available in every school district for both children and adults.  With regard to housing, I would like to see how surplus, seized or foreclose property and/or homes could be turned into affordable housing.

As executive director for a non-profit I see first hand the effect not having adequate mental health services has on our community.  Oregon made a huge step forward in requiring mental health parity several years ago.

I would like all Oregonians to have access to preventative health care, including mental health, dental care, nutritional education and physical education. I would like the state to be a national leader in creating public/private partnerships and leveraging existing community based programs to make this work.  I favor bringing like industries together for combined purchasing power of health insurance.  I believe the State should award individuals who purchase health insurance independently through a tax credit for premiums paid.