My Legislative Priorities

HEALTH CARE

Affordability

The increasing cost of health insurance and health care is driving people away from getting the early help they need. Delay results in higher costs when treatment is sought.

Containing these costs must be addressed.

Access

Those who can not afford insurance turn to hospital emergency rooms or walk-in mall clinics; health care is more costly in these settings. Making informed decisions about health care availability is of utmost importance.

Quality

Infant mortality and life expectancy statistics for the U.S. are not as favorable as in many other countries. Kansas health statistics must be analyzed and solutions developed that allow us to target our resources to those in greatest need.

EDUCATION

Investment in quality education leads to life-long learning.

Early Childhood Learning

Brain development studies show marked changes in the first 3  5 years of life as children are learning at a rapid rate. Children enrolled in quality early learning programs are better prepared to learn when they enter grade school. For every $1 invested in Pre-K, the state saves $7 later.

Secondary Education

Quality education in all Kansas public schools is essential. Sufficient funding to open doors to a variety of educational experiences is an investment in the future.

Higher Education

Affordable access to quality programs and facilities is essential to economic development in Kansas communities.

Skilled work force

Complex challenges in a changing world will encourage innovation and create new jobs requiring new skills. Training programs within the state must be in place and accessible.