Legislation
Budget
Our state budget and fiscal strength are as strong as ever with plenty of reserves to get us through downturns in the energy sector. This has not been the case for years. As a state, we can neither continue to spend more money than we take in nor can we continue to undervalue our state’s resources and income generators. We know during lean financial times and times of increased inflation, it is necessary to cut back on secondary expenses, re-evaluate all primary expenses to ensure they are necessary and cost appropriate, and find other ways to generate more income through other revenue sources. I will continue to bring a common-sense approach to budgeting in the OK State House that you expect.
Small Business
My wife and I own Distinctive-Decor.com, a local small business located on Main Street in Duncan and Whitten-McEntire Insurance Agency. Small business is extremely important to our local economy because small businesses bring economic growth, innovation and taxes to our community. I understand the financial risks small business owners take and I understand how important it is to protect them. I will protect small businesses from increased taxation and regulation. I will support legislation that stimulates, supports, and encourages small business growth and development because successful, small, local businesses strengthen our community.
Education
Over 90% of Oklahoma’s children are educated via the public school system. My kids are part of that 90% and it is important to me that Oklahoma offers a competitive, relevant, and rigorous education to our state’s future workforce. Our children deserve a quality education experience. We must find better ways to retain and attract quality teachers while containing costs and increasing our children’s educational attainment. We cannot afford to be represented by legislators who write and pass bills taking money away from public education during a time when public education is already underfunded and overburdened with unfunded mandates.
Healthcare
Oklahoma citizens passed a constitutional Medicaid Expansion referendum in 2020. I have been and will continue to be a guardian of Oklahoma’s taxpayer funds to ensure we are not overspending in the Medicaid program and are successfully administering care to those enrolled in the program. We are at the cusp of rural hospitals being financially self-sufficient since the ACA was passed.