Issues

Why I'm Running for Re-election

I am running for re-election because I want to ensure middle class Idahoans have a voice at the table when tough decisions are made in the Legislature. Idaho is facing some tough issues over the next few years, to include finding a solution to address Idaho' transportation infrastructure funding shortfall. As your State Representative, I will work to ensure our government addresses the state's most critical needs and does so efficiently and effectively. In just two years, I have build a strong legislative record of standing up for the middle class and protecting the interests of Idahoans. I appreciate the opinions and correspondence I receive from constituents and will continue to work for you. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time in the Idaho Legislature, and it has been an honor to serve the people of Bannock County in this capacity.

Communications with Constituents

When I was elected to the Idaho House in 2006, I made communicating with constituents a cornerstone of my time in office. Whether it is responding to e-mails, phone calls and letters; writing articles for the newspaper; or meeting with civic groups, I want to make sure your voice is heard and that you know about the public policy decisions facing the State. I want to hear your ideas and concerns.

Health Care

As I serve in the Legislature, addressing the problems with our crumbling health care system is one of my top priorities. I believe every Idahoan deserves access to affordable and effective health care. However, most middle-class families know they are only one major illness away from bankruptcy. It is important to me that we increase the ratio of doctors to population, provide mental health care parity and treatment for addiction, and simplify Idaho's health care system.

Education

Because my wife, Wendy, is a public school teacher, I understand the challenges that teachers face every day. The legislature consistently underfunds our classrooms to the point that parents are forced to pay for classes like art, music, and even chemistry. We have students in our community using textbooks that are inaccurate and outdated. Teachers are forced to pay for classroom supplies out of their own pockets and are asked to do more and more with less and less.

We need to educate kids, not just test them. I understand different students have different educational needs. Effective teaching means that students learn about their world for life, not just memorize rote facts for the next test. Because of this, I will work hard to ensure classrooms have adequate resources so our children can succeed.

Higher Education

My parents retired from Idaho State University after a combined 41 years of service. Their commitment to Idaho State University taught me the importance of an affordable and effective higher education system. I am committed to ensuring an education at our state colleges and universities is affordable to everyone. Families who can't afford the annual increases in tuition and fees are forced to go deeper into debt. This creates a financial burden for Idaho families who are striving for future economic opportunity and success. I will fight to make sure everyone can afford a college education because it benefits not only individuals, but also improves our economy and betters our society.

Health, Safety and Security

Each and every Idahoan deserves the opportunity to lead a healthy and safe life in this great State. Sometimes, that means we need extra protections for society's most vulnerable. While in the Legislature I sponsored bills to protect the elderly and disabled from those who would take advantage of them and to have higher standards for daycares, including background checks for workers. I will continue to fight to ensure Idaho can maintain the safe quality of life we have come to expect.

Idaho's Transportation System

I believe one of the responsibilities of government is to adequately prepare for the future. As one of the fastest-growing states in the nation, Idaho needs an efficient and effective plan to ensure our infrastructure can stand up to the increased demands placed on it. This includes having good roads and transportation options and meeting our own energy needs. Our roads need work. The situation is getting desperate. The Legislature needs constituent input as it decides how to address these needs.

Special Interest vs. Idaho Families

During my time in the Legislature, I saw first hand how special interests fight to exert influence on the legislative process. Regular Idahoans are having their voices replaced by those asking for special favors. Middle class families work hard and play by the rules. They deserve representation in state government that does the same. I will continue to work to ensure accountability and transparency in government and to restore representation for all Idahoans. I will always fight for the interests of the middle class over those of special interests because I understand the middle class is the backbone of Idaho.

We must have a two party system and a more balanced Legislature. Democrats, including myself, have consistently stood up for the middle class and opposed those who are willing to cut important state programs that benefit average middle class families.

Business

As your state representative, I will make it my responsibility to work for a diverse economy with strong businesses that provide opportunities and good-paying jobs. Two major components of attracting businesses to Bannock County are developing an excellent education system and protecting our unique quality of life.

Unions

I support union workers and the issues that are important to the middle class. As your representative, I will work to increase workers' wages. It is time to stand up for our working men and women.

Veterans' Issues

Because I have served on active duty in the military, I understand the challenges that our state's military members and their families face, especially when deployed. Deployed service members and their family members need a voice in the Legislature that understands their situation and can express their concerns.

Farming/ Ranching/ Agriculture

I am dedicated to representing the needs of all people in our District and will work for Idaho's farmers and ranchers. I have made it one of my priorities to visit with people in the rural areas of Bannock County, to listen to their concerns and to learn about the issues that are important to them.

Conservation and Outdoor Recreation

Here in Bannock County our way of life is closely tied to open land, clear air, and clean water. As Idahoans, we believe access to public lands, hunting areas, fishing streams and mountain trails is our birthright. I will fight for that birthright.

I, like many Idahoans, enjoy spending time in the outdoors. Idahoans love to hunt, fish, and camp. I am concerned the access to the public lands we all enjoy is threatened. Idaho public land should not be sold to wealthy developers who will cut off access to our hunting, fishing, and camping areas.