Jobs and the Economy
The government doesn't directly create jobs, but the government can foster an economic climate that allows and encourages private-sector businesses to create jobs. All too often, government regulations, reporting requirements, and taxes lead to an environment that discourages business creation, business expansion, and job growth. We need to take opportunities whenever possible to prevent the government from being a hindrance to businesses and economic growth. Does anyone really believe that we can improve our economy and standard of living by having more red tape, more reporting requirements, more regulations, and more taxes? We need to put a lot more freedom into free enterprise.
Education
Our children will grow up to compete with people from all over the world, and our children will be at a terrible disadvantage if we don't give them a much better education than they are getting now. Improved education relates directly to jobs and the economy. Better education ultimately leads to better jobs and a stronger economy, and a stronger economy leads to more revenue to provide added funding for essential government services such as education with no need for any tax increases. This cycle will feed upon itself and make things better for everybody. We must start the cycle by improving education.
Education in the United States was once the envy of the world, but we now sadly trail dozens of other countries. We can be the best again, and we must be if we want to sustain and improve our standard of living.
Our per-student spending in Arizona ranks near the bottom compared to other states (ahead of only 3 other states according to a recent census report). Arizona should never be in such a dismal position. We want to be the best state with the best economy, and we can't get to that goal if we don't improve education. I don't for a minute think funding alone is the answer, but a reasonable level of funding is certainly one important ingredient in our effort to improve education. We need to target funding so it goes directly into the classrooms, to the teachers who are educating our students. Finding the money is a tough challenge because cuts to any other government programs will draw protests from someone, but we can and must do it.
Education in the United States was once the envy of the world, but we now sadly trail dozens of other countries. We can be the best again, and we must be if we want to sustain and improve our standard of living.
Our per-student spending in Arizona ranks near the bottom compared to other states (ahead of only 3 other states according to a recent census report). Arizona should never be in such a dismal position. We want to be the best state with the best economy, and we can't get to that goal if we don't improve education. I don't for a minute think funding alone is the answer, but a reasonable level of funding is certainly one important ingredient in our effort to improve education. We need to target funding so it goes directly into the classrooms, to the teachers who are educating our students. Finding the money is a tough challenge because cuts to any other government programs will draw protests from someone, but we can and must do it.
Government Spending
Fortunately, the state cannot print money and run an irresponsible deficit the way the Federal government does, but states still find ways to spend too much and go bankrupt. We need to control our spending so we don't follow the perilous paths of states like Illinois, California, and Michigan.
Controlling government spending is a difficult challenge because every government program is a priority for someone. We need to resist the efforts of those legislators who think that increased spending and higher taxes are the answer to every problem. I pledge to examine each expenditure closely and carefully so I can propose reasonable and rational measures to economize.
Controlling government spending is a difficult challenge because every government program is a priority for someone. We need to resist the efforts of those legislators who think that increased spending and higher taxes are the answer to every problem. I pledge to examine each expenditure closely and carefully so I can propose reasonable and rational measures to economize.
Border Security
Several people have asked me about border security and illegal immigration. Border security and illegal immigration are federal issues, of course, but I still feel strongly about those problems even though I am running for a state office. I believe that the federal government can and must secure the border. I also believe that the federal government must enforce its own immigration laws. If our border is so porous that even children can easily cross it, how can we expect the border to be a barrier against terrorists and drug smugglers? Securing the border is admittedly a difficult task, but it is not impossible. The federal government has the duty to secure our border, and we must continue to make our voices heard until the federal government steps up to that duty. I will support efforts to keep the federal government accountable for securing the border and enforcing the law.