Economy / Jobs
The economy is the engine to our nation's future. I will work tirelessly to help create more jobs by reducing government legislation that hampers business; supporting local job re-training initiatives and helping communities leverage their unique strengths to increase their economic vibrancy. This is vital to every family and individual who lives in the 47th Congressional District.
It is imperative that we explore the “Green Economy” through new sustainable technologies: alternative energy / biofuels; solar and wind energy; recycling programs. By adopting these initiatives, thousands of jobs will be generated and we can create a clean energy economy.
Education
Across America, many students abandon the classrooms daily. Addressing this crisis in education requires working together as a nation. Parents and family must once again become the principal agents of support to their children. Next, local, state and federal government must create effective, new partnerships with parents. And, new school leaders are needed to help motivate students into understanding that their future opportunities rely on a solid, quality education.
With urgency, we must instill the importance of civic values in our youth. We must teach young people to become volunteers and leaders in our communities while encouraging them to continue their education to achieve their goals. Our current educational system needs to be updated with resources and training for our future generations to focus on the new ecological era such as "green jobs" and technology --- the new universal languages.
Immigration Reform
This is one of the most divisive issues facing us today and requires that we come together to resolve it. Inherent in a long-term solution must be stopping human trafficking for labor and exploitation while also respecting our nation's immigration laws. True reform must be enforced in a humane process for all immigrants ---differentiating between criminals and those who have contributed to our economy and shown good moral character while residing in the United States.
National Security
Our National Defense requires a comprehensive approach that includes addressing critical decisions for our Armed Forces deployed in Iraq and Afghanistan to effective Homeland Security. Also, we must empower our elected leaders and law enforcement to pass and enforce laws that make our communities safe from drugs, gang violence and other criminal activity.
Social Programs
We must ensure that the needs of Seniors are being heard and met to take care of those who worked so hard before us. Also, Veterans must be honored and cared for since they defended our Country and risked their lives on our behalf.
It is important that citizens faced with an unforeseen hardship have access to vital human services. However, public assistance is not an entitlement, rather a precious resource for a limited amount of time. For this reason, able-bodied individuals need the necessary tools to rebuild their lives. Doing so requires collaborations and coalitions between Social Welfare programs, local businesses and the public school system to enable people to again become positive contributors to our community.
