Issues

  • Government Transparency and Accountability

    Transparency and accountability in government is a discussion that often starts with questions we have about how effective our government is. For example, how much money are we spending in Family and Social Services Administration to provide social services through the third party contract? Are we serving the clients well?

    For years government has used systems that focus on the mechanics of getting information ---the bureaucracy of statutes and rules, and a focus on what’s best for government. In today’s world, a performance management system would provide the best system to produce the results-oriented information that could be evaluated and communicated in a meaningful format.

    So, what does transparency and accountability mean? It means holding government accountable. I had a bill to institute a performance measurement system in FSSA (Family Social Services Administration). The bill died. But, the 2011 session is another year...

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  • Job Creation

    Over 300,000 Hoosiers are unemployed and we continue to see small businesses close their doors and large companies shipping good-paying jobs overseas. This year I voted to pass the Hoosiers First Jobs Plan that focused on helping small businesses grow and succeed through tax incentives for new start up companies and expanding EDGE credits to small businesses. I also supported legislation that would hold large corporations that receive tax breaks accountable to the job promises they make. I believe we must continue to work to find more ways to help Indiana's small businesses because 80 percent of all new job creation will be by smaller companies. We should create a tax credit for small businesses that hire unemployed Hoosiers and establish a low-interest loan program to help them stay afloat.

  • Property Tax Relief

    Hoosiers demanded a more fair and stable property tax system. I supported HJR 1 that would allow voters to decided on whether to amend the property tax caps into the Indiana Constitution and legislation that will help ensure property tax bills arrive on time. I will continue to work to keep taxes on working families low and find ways to streamline state government to save taxpayers money.

  • Adequately Fund Our Schools

    I believe our local schools must have the resources and funding they need to provide our kids with a world class education. Unfortunately, Governor Daniels has cut over $300 million from education, resulting in schools being closed, teachers being laid off, programs being cut, and class sizes growing. I will fight to make sure Southwestern Indiana recieves our fair share of state funding.

  • Working For YOU

    This may be the single most forgotten issue in politics today. I am dedicated to listening to you, working for you, and representing you at the State House. This is YOUR state government and I want to hear from you about the issues that are most important to you. This race is not about me, its about who is best able to fight for your values in Indianapolis.