My Priorities

I plan to advocate for increased and equitable school funding to ensure all students have access to quality education. I support investing in public schools, expanding early childhood education, and addressing disparities in resources between affluent and underfunded districts. The aim is to provide a fair and high-standard education for every student, regardless of their socioeconomic background.

That’s why we need to offer a complete curriculum provided by professional teachers who have the training and resources to give the individualized attention that every child needs. Public schools serving our families and our communities must provide each child with the opportunity to reach their fullest potential in life. Fully funded schools allow school districts to offer competitive salaries and benefits to recruit and retain professional educators.

When one Kansan doesn’t have health insurance, other Kansans end up paying for it. If an uninsured Kansan goes to the emergency room and can’t pay for care, the hospital must raise prices for other patients to cover the costs. While waiting to expand Medicaid, eight rural hospitals have closed, healthcare workers are leaving for higher pay in neighboring states that have expanded Medicaid, and Kansas has lost out on more than $7B in federal funds.

Expanding Medicaid in Kansas is not just a matter of policy; it’s a matter of compassion. Expanding Medicaid will provide essential health coverage to thousands of Kansans who are currently uninsured, improving health outcomes and supporting local hospitals. It’s a step towards a healthier, more equitable Kansas, where everyone has the opportunity to lead a healthy life.

We must protect reproductive healthcare. This is a deeply personal issue, and every individual deserves to make their own decisions about their body and their future. I will fight to ensure that reproductive rights remain protected and accessible, upholding the principle that healthcare decisions should be made between a patient and their healthcare provider, without unnecessary interference.

I support granting local governments the authority and autonomy to govern themselves and make decisions that best suit their communities.  Local officials are often more attuned to the unique needs and preferences of their residents. By empowering local governments with more control over issues like zoning, taxation, and public services, I believe communities can address their specific challenges more effectively and foster more responsive and accountable governance.

While I recognize the burden high property taxes can place on homeowners, we must emphasize the importance of maintaining robust funding for public services, including education and infrastructure. I would advocate for targeted relief measures or reforms that balance tax relief with the need to ensure stable funding for essential services, rather than broad-based tax cuts that could impact public resources.

As a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) advocate I see the need for us to continue to create environments where individuals from all backgrounds have equal opportunities and feel valued. We must emphasize the importance of actively promoting diversity in workplaces, educational institutions, and communities, ensuring that underrepresented groups are included and supported. By fostering more equitable treatment, and cultivating inclusive cultures where everyone can thrive, we can create a more fair and representative society that leverages diverse perspectives and experiences for collective benefit.

I advocate for fair wages and support policies aimed at ensuring that all workers receive compensation that meets their basic needs and reflects their contributions.  We must look at raising the minimum wage, promoting pay equity, and supporting workers' rights to negotiate for better wages and benefits. The goal is to reduce income inequality, improve living standards, and ensure that wages keep pace with the cost of living. Fair wage policies allow equitable pay and contribute to a stronger economy and a more just society.

I hope to protect rural hospitals by emphasizing the critical role these institutions play in providing essential healthcare services to rural areas.  I support measures such as increased funding, improved reimbursement rates, and targeted grants to ensure these hospitals can remain operational and deliver quality care. I also advocate for policies that address the unique challenges faced by rural hospitals, such as lower patient volumes and higher operational costs. The goal is to ensure that rural communities have reliable access to medical care and to prevent the closure of these vital healthcare facilities.

Legalizing cannabis can provide several benefits, including generating significant tax revenue, reducing the burden on the criminal justice system, and diminishing the illegal drug trade. I would also highlight potential health benefits, such as improved access to medical marijuana for patients and harm reduction through regulated, safer products. , I believe that legalization can contribute to social justice by addressing disparities in drug-related arrests and convictions. Although, I would call for a regulated market with appropriate controls to ensure public safety and health.