ISSUES

BALANCE THE FEDERAL BUDGET:

The rising federal deficient is out of control. American households must operate within their means. The federal government should be required to do the same. Senator Rand Paul’s Penny Plan should be seriously considered.

EDUCATION:

If we do not teach what our Constitution represents, our children have little understanding of what freedom and democracy mean. Teaching civics in the classroom with experienced-based opportunities carries on the legacy of civic involvement and why democracy matters. Examples of civics in action is saying the Pledge of Allegiance and upholding dissenting opinions and dialogue on school campuses. Businesses are struggling with finding skilled employees. Bringing students and local businesses together to help students learn specialty skills will help these businesses fulfill these jobs. The Department of Education wants to control state and local decisions. Education decisions are best made at a local level by parents, teachers, and school boards who are informed about their community and its needs.

HEALTHCARE:

Rising monthly healthcare premiums and expensive drug prices are no longer affordable for many of us. We need a competitive market and a transparent system where patients have a clear understanding of all costs involved. In Iowa’s rural areas, there is a shortage of physicians which reduces access to specialized medical care, ability to get timely appointments, and extends travel time to see a physician. Keeping medical clinics and hospitals open in rural communities is critical. Fixing the failed Affordable Care Act is a priority. We need to address mental health issues and stop drug abuse.

IMMIGRATION:

I stand by securing our border, the men and women who defend our border who keep Americans safe, and legal immigration. These things need to be in place especially in order to reduce human and drug trafficking victims.

PRO-LIFE:

I defend the fact that life begins at conception, and I want to support counseling for pregnant women facing unplanned pregnancies. Also, a focus on continuing to improve our foster care system and improving legislation and rules around adopting children for deserving parents who want a child.

RIGHTS & AMENDMENTS:

RURAL REVITALIZATION:

Washington is overlooking rural America. They bow to special interest groups who have relocated factories overseas in the pursuit of cheap labor and materials. Rural revitalization requires less regulation and more incentives for businesses to work and grow in the Fourth District. It is increasingly difficult to farm or diversify because of expensive land and equipment costs and decreasing commodity prices. Creating diversity and viable markets for farmers will allow for new opportunities. Community task force initiatives will address concerns and ideas within the community to create innovative solutions.