Schools are of the highest priority for the State of Washington and to me. A better tomorrow starts with the best education for our children. Children that enjoy learning are more likely to succeed in life and less likely to have problems later in life. We need to do a better job of teaching our children and preparing them for life and college. I intend to sit down with parents, the superintendent and the school board to find the solutions to the skyrocketing drop out rate and push legislation for those solutions where necessary.
Our roads, bridges and transportation issues need immediate attention. I have proposals for legislation to get much needed projects started and completed as soon as possible. It is time to take action on these issues. They have all been studied to death. It is my belief that we should look to the tax solutions, already in place, for the money. With one of the highest gas taxes in the country, the money should be there and I will find it or find out why it isn't. There is no excuse for diverting the tax money for infrastructure to any other program or project.
Putting your state government on a diet is next on the agenda. We need to slim down government and reduce taxes, if we plan to rescue our economy. Out of control government growth just takes money out of our economy and hurts us all. In order to grow the economy and create jobs, we need to put more of your hard earned money back into your pockets. Making your state government accountable to you is the best way to curb out of control government growth and spending. I will give you weekly updates, while in session, to keep you informed on what your state government is doing and how I am voting. I will set an example for the rest of the State Representatives and nudge them into doing the same.
I will address the ever increasing budget. Spending is getting out of control and we can no longer afford the strain on our economy. By getting our priorities straight and doing the right things, we will make Washington State the shining example, it should always be, for the rest of the states in our great country.
