My Legislative Priorities
Economy and Inflation
I am concerned about where we are going. We are experiencing record inflation and seem to be entering a recession. This is not a partisan issue. This is a spending issue. In Utah, we understand what it means to live within our means. Our budget is balanced, we have a surplus each year, and we continually rank as the best-managed state in the nation. Washington could learn a lesson from Utah. To fix this issue, we need to look for ways to ease the burden on Utah families. Easing this burden could include lowering gas taxes as prices remain high, keeping taxes low on Utahn's, and ensuring Utah remains an affordable place to raise a family.
Education
Education is foundational for success in life, development in Cache Valley, and for economic growth in Utah. I will work to maintain funding and attention for both the K-12 school system and Utah State University. I have worked in education for my entire professional life. This issue is very important to me. I am proud to say the past few sessions I have fought to achieve record funding for our children's education. I have worked to ensure no child goes to school hungry by providing breakfast for those that need it. And I cosponsored a bill to provide teachers an additional 4 paid days off to ease their workload. In the upcoming session, I will continue to fight for record funding and ensure that our kids have the tools needed to provide them with success, our teachers have the support they need to continue doing what they do best, and our parents are partners in our children's education.
Infrastructure
Logan, Richmond, and Cove have infrastructure needs, especially related to transportation, that need to be addressed by the state with innovation and resources. I will look for opportunities to keep our roads, facilities, and services up to date.
Clean Air, Clean Water, and Environment
Cache Valley’s natural beauty is unrivaled. Protecting our beautiful canyons, lakes, rivers, and air is one of my top priorities.
Our County knows the pains of inversions and poor air quality. Air pollution in Utah has dropped in half in the last 20 years, even though the population has increased by more than 1 million people during that time. This is a great step but we still have more to do. Our county should look for ways to partner with private industries to expand our EV networks. We should also incentivize good decision-making like buying low-emission cars, converting to gas fireplaces, telecommuting, and not burning wood on bad air days.
Our state has experienced serious drought for many years now. Having enough water and having clean water is something I have prioritized. I have supported and passed many bills that will support water conservation efforts and fund environmental protection projects through increased coordination and strategic planning, as well as passing a bill that will reduce water use by 20-30%.
Healthcare & Social Services
Individuals with healthcare and disability needs far outweigh the funds available to provide those services. I understand these challenges and will work to pursue fairness for all citizens. The health and well-being of our friends and neighbors are one of my top priorities. Utah's youth suicide rate is unacceptable, and I am working hard to change this. In the Legislature, we have worked to pass the SAFEUT app, which provides support to our struggling youth. I am also proud of the work I have done to provide funding and support to CAPSA and the Family Place, which supports at-risk youth and those suffering from domestic abuse. Providing these resources is one step in the right direction. I will continue to find ways to provide support to our friends and neighbors that are struggling with their mental health.
Juvenile Justice
The legislature is currently leading juvenile justice reform focused on cutting costs for rehabilitation and investing in early interventions to prevent youth from ending up in the justice system. These are complicated issues, and I will bring my experience working with youth and those who care for them in finding solutions.
Utah Values
Carol and I have seven children we have raised with core values. I believe in the importance of family and honor those who sacrifice to serve our local community and country. I appreciate and celebrate diversity and believe that we need to look out for the individual. We have lived in Logan since 1990 and love our community and the people who live here. I look forward to doing what is right for Cache Valley and for Utah.