Issues
I am a pro-life, pro-Second Amendment conservative looking to bring reason back to political discourse while focusing on solutions that make us and our children better off and ensure the American Dream. I believe our forefathers gave us the greatest gift in the Constitution by which every piece of legislation should be measured and by which its integrity and intent must be maintained.
Jobs
Though our industries need to be competitive globally in terms of both prices and services, we need to fully understand the costs and economic impact with outsourcing overseas. We need to re-establish an environment where companies are compelled to manufacture and operate in America by providing incentives for businesses who keep jobs in America.
Taxes
Keeping taxes at a minimum is essential in creating jobs, spurring economic growth, and helping Illinois families to thrive and prosper. Lowering taxes provides an opportunity for growth and personal investment for the future and creates an economic environment that lends itself to becoming a more financially stable nation.
Economy
Government should not be exempt from the same budgeting we do in our daily lives. It's imperative that our government stops the current out-of-control spending habits that has sent our economy in a downward spiral. Deficit spending and selling debt ultimately creates a burden that our children and grandchildren will have to pay. We need to streamline programs, cut spending, reduce taxes and limit the role of government in order get back to prosperity and growth. Encouraging free-market principles among our nation's businesses and industry will get us on the road to recovery.
Ethics and Government Transparency
Backroom deals and pay-to-play schemes have for far too long hurt Illinois families and taken advantage of the public's trust. It's important for the American public to hold politicians accountable for their actions and demand honesty and integrity in our government. Our elected officials should work in full disclosure which includes contributions, amendments to legislation, and relationships with lobbyist and special interests.
Healthcare Reform
The root cause of the issues with healthcare is based on access to care and cost of care. The initial steps we should take in health care reform should include a Patient's Bill of Rights, tort reform to reduce malpractice costs and ultimately, malpractice insurance for doctors, creating a more free-market approach and eliminating market barriers that drive up insurance costs such as being allowed to choose providers across state lines.
Homeland Security and Foreign Affairs
We must have a definitive strategy and set of objectives when comes to our military activity and amply provide our military and intelligence services the tools, resources, and support they need to effectively and efficiently do their jobs. We must plan troop deployment in advance with the means to adequately take care of them when they return home.
We mustn't forget or ignore emerging threats with nations that have nuclear ambitions and unstable political and social climates. We must commit to keep strong ties with U.S. Allies and keep our forces strong and prepared.
Our Veterans
Our service men and women deserve the utmost respect for completing their duty and selflessly serving our country. We can continue to protect them when they return from war by ensuring they receive care for, and maintain, their physical, emotional, and mental health. As a nation we owe it to our veterans to assist them through the process of re-entering civilian life and guarantee their safety and security through job placement assistance, adequate health care, and housing opportunities if necessary.
Environmental Stewardship
The preservation of our natural resources and Illinois' own treasure, Lake Michigan, which provides for our drinking water and supports interstate commerce, should be priority for the future of our state. Maintaining our current open lands, forest preserves, and local wetlands are an integral part of environmental initiatives. Actively and assertively protecting our current resources and working to prevent further depletion of those is key to passing those treasures on to our children and grandchildren.
Energy Independence
Domestic energy production while pursuing alternative energy sources is the key to becoming energy independent. America should lead the world's energy economy through the innovative research and development of new ideas and strategies to utilize clean energy sources. For the future of our economy and the future of our national security, America must become energy independent.
Immigration
Being second generation American, I understand many of the challenges immigrant workers face in integrating into the American society and economy. Current immigration laws must be enforced, and deficiencies must be dealt with accordingly. Those who are undocumented pose a risk to our national security and need to be provided a path to legal status or to exit the country. We must afford those who are here legally every opportunity to create a rich family life and the opportunity to become productive members of our society.
