ISSUES & LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES

PUBLIC BANK

"Part of our economic success in the Northeast, I believe, can be attributed to the creation of a public bank last year.  The bank's two primary goals were to provide for better management and oversight of the government's revenues and give financial assistance to investors for job creation.  Similar policies have worked in North Dakota, which is the only state in the United States to have a public bank, and the only state in the United States that avoided the 2008 financial collapse."

 

GRANTS TO SMALL FARMS LOOKING TO INNOVATE

"Farms are the backbone of our economy, and bring much needed funds to poor rural communities.  The purpose of a farm reinvestment program is to provide money for capital investment to small farms seeking to improve efficiency.  These competitive matching grants will be awarded for the use of expanding existing agricultural facilities, or diversificaiton-expansion into new production areas, as well as site improvements."

 

A JOB RELOCATION AND ASSISTANCE PROGRAM FOR COALMINERS

"Instead of pointing fingers at one another and blaming politicians for the state of the coal industry, legislators should work together to develop a plan that will help coalminers find jobs as our energy economy transitions to renewable fuel sources."

 

CUTTING WASTE

"Spending reforms in the Northeast and in Nyman have enabled us to identify areas of unnecessary spending, and modernize the structure of our government.  My plan will reduce unnecessary spending as well as incentivize state departments to save money over time."

 

CAMPAIGN FINANCE REFORM

"Meaningful reform that bans corporations with 20% or more foreign ownership from influencing election outcomes through the use of campaign contributions, and prevents recipients of federal or state bailouts from making political contributions.  My proposal will also give the general public access to information regarding corporate and interest group campaign expenditures with our government websites."

 

ABORTION
"It should come as a surprise to few that I am staunchly pro-choice.  While I question the wisdom of those who terminate their pregnancies on account of gender preferences, I view laws that counter a woman's right to choose on that basis as not only incredibly intrusive, but nearly unenforceable.  I realize the principle differences on this issue that exist between the bill's supporters and its opponents, and while I understand the pro-life position, I cannot in good conscious endorse the measures outlined by the Mideast bill.  I will firmly oppose any measures in the IDS that compromise a woman's right to choose."

 

GUN CONTROL
"Like Representative Hagrid, I am hesitant to support the A Firearm Policy for the South bill that's currently being considered by the Legislature.  I admit that although I am weary of certain forms of gun control, there are certain reforms I can happily get behind such as background checks and restrictions for incompetent persons.  However, given that comprehensive gun control has already been passed by the federal government, I would likely be a Nay vote on the final form of this bill."