ISSUES
As your candidate for Kansas State Representative, I am dedicated to addressing the key issues that matter most to our community. Guided by my faith and a commitment to principled leadership, I stand firmly on the values that reflect our shared beliefs and priorities. My focus is on promoting life, supporting businesses, protecting our Second Amendment rights, and ensuring fiscal responsibility in government.
I believe in a transparent and accountable government that respects your hard-earned money and works diligently for the betterment of all. I am committed to serving the people of our district with integrity and dedication.
Explore this page to learn more about my positions on the critical issues facing our community and state. Your support is crucial as we work together for a brighter future. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out.
The Issues
Protecting the Right to Life: A Stand Against Abortion
Every individual is entitled to the right to life, and that right begins at the moment of conception. Each life is a precious gift, and it is deeply troubling to see what has been allowed to happen in our state. The Supreme Court of Kansas has opened the door for Kansas to become a destination for abortions, a situation that goes against the value of life that God has instilled in us.
As Jeremiah 1:5 reminds us, "Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you." No baby is a mistake—each one is a unique creation, a blessing from God. Life is sacred, and we must protect it at all stages. It is our responsibility to ensure that every child is given the chance to live and be treated as the precious gift they are.
Protecting the Second Amendment: The Right to Bear Arms
The Second Amendment to the Constitution, which guarantees the right to bear arms, is a fundamental protection for the citizens of the United States. This right was established to ensure that people can defend themselves—not only from those who wish to do them harm, but also from any potential overreach by the government.
For over 200 years, Americans have enjoyed the freedom to own and carry firearms, and this is a right that must be preserved for future generations. Restricting this right through gun control measures often ends up empowering criminals, while infringing upon the rights of law-abiding citizens who simply want to protect themselves and their families.
The Second Amendment is more than just a legal provision—it's a safeguard of our liberty, and it should remain intact for the next 200 years and beyond.
Medicaid Expansion: Key Questions and Considerations
Medicaid expansion has been a significant issue in Kansas for several years. While many states have accepted federal funds to expand Medicaid, Kansas has taken a more cautious approach. Before we decide to move forward with expansion, it’s important to ask a few common-sense questions.
Currently, less than 10% of Kansans are without medical insurance. But why is that? Is it due to personal choice, financial constraints, or simply a lack of awareness about existing programs? Understanding the reasons behind this gap is crucial.
We also need to consider the potential strings attached to federal funding. History has shown that federal programs often come with conditions, and it's essential to understand what those might be. Additionally, we must evaluate the long-term sustainability of Medicaid expansion. Will the federal funds continue to be available, or will Kansas taxpayers be left to pick up the tab through higher taxes, insurance premiums, or medical costs?
Finally, we should carefully analyze the experiences of other states that have expanded Medicaid. What benefits have they seen, and what challenges have they faced? Weighing the pros and cons is essential before making a decision that will have lasting impacts on our state.
I believe these questions, along with others, must be thoroughly addressed before Kansas makes any decisions regarding Medicaid expansion.
School Financing: A Closer Look at Kansas Education Funding
School financing has been a long-standing debate in Kansas, with K-12 funding currently consuming approximately 51% of the state budget. That means one out of every two dollars in our state goes toward education. But this raises an important question: how much is enough?
I strongly believe that quality teachers deserve quality pay—this is how we attract and retain the best educators for our children. However, it's crucial to ask: where is all this money actually going?
Despite the significant investment, our schools are still struggling. Since 2019, public school enrollment across the state has decreased by 4%. Before we continue increasing funding, we need to closely examine how the current budget is being allocated and whether it’s truly benefiting our students.
Rather than just throwing more money at the problem, let's ensure that existing funds are being used effectively to improve educational outcomes for our kids.
Property Taxes: Reducing the Burden on Kansas Residents
Property taxes have been a significant burden for Kansas residents, particularly when compared to our neighboring states, where property taxes are much lower. Here in the southeast corner of Kansas, we frequently see the impact of this disparity as people choose to live in nearby states while commuting to work in Kansas, avoiding the higher tax rates.
The reliance on property taxes to fund schools and county services creates an imbalance. Property owners are shouldering the entire burden, even though everyone benefits from the schools, roads, and public services these taxes support. This system is inherently unfair.
Addressing and reducing the property tax burden should be a top priority for both state and local elected officials. We need a more equitable approach that ensures all Kansans contribute fairly to the services that benefit us all, while providing relief to those who currently bear the brunt of these taxes.
Welfare Reform: Promoting Independence and Opportunity
Welfare reform is essential at both the federal and state levels. Too often, the success of government programs is measured by the number of people who rely on them. However, true success should be defined by how many individuals are able to transition off assistance because they've been empowered with the tools and opportunities to thrive independently.
I believe in providing a hand up, not a handout. The goal of welfare programs should be to help people achieve self-sufficiency, not to keep them dependent on assistance. Equality should focus on providing equal opportunities for everyone, not guaranteeing equal outcomes.
By reforming welfare to emphasize personal growth and independence, we can create a system that truly helps people build better futures for themselves and their families.
