u     Jobs and the Economy

Although we have not been hit as badly as some, District 69 has lost several thousand jobs since the fall of 2008 with the closing of Vetrotex, Washex, ABB, and many layoffs.  We will weather the storm by encouraging local employers to hold jobs, by using local “stimulus” funds to add and attract new jobs, and be ready for state action, as needed, when the Legislature meets again in January 2011. 

u     Quality  Public Education

Education will continue to be a huge priority as we work to refine the school finance system.  Many school districts are at their limit in receiving state school finance funds and must have relief. One of my priorities in education will be to work for the full funding of the current half-day four-year-old pre-kindergarten program statewide.  I will also work hard for an increase for retired Texas educators and support staff.   They have had no increase in their retirement pay in over eight years.

u     Energy and the Environment

Texas must guard our energy resources (solar, wind, and hydrocarbons) for the benefit of its citizens, but we must also must guard against harm to our citizens, our communities, and the future use of our energy resources.  The question of the benefit of electrical power deregulation to our citizens is high on my list.  Has it worked and are we paying a fair price for electricity compared to other states?

u     Public Health

We must continue to improve our health outreach programs to make sure health services are available to all our citizens, especially to all our children.  I will work hard to make sure all counties in Texas have doctors and other health professionals available within a reasonable distance. 

u      Cost Effective State Government

We need to streamline our state government, but not to the detriment of needed services for our citizens.