The Issues

Below are my legislative priorities. See my News and Events page for latest legislative activity.

Education

My top legislative goal will be to improve the quality and accessibility of public education in Kentucky. This starts with making high-quality preschool available to every Kentucky child. We must also provide support to all of our school-aged children through increased funding for K-12 education, family resource centers, arts and gifted student programs, and professional development for teachers. 

We must continue our progress toward Top 20 status for the University of Kentucky, which is a treasure within in the 75th District. This means ensuring the that faculty and staff are paid competitively, and research programs are funded adequately.

Kentucky's universities and technical schools must be affordable too. Rising costs and budget constraints put higher education out of the reach of increasing numbers of Kentuckians. Often middle-class students suffer the most because they are not eligible for any need-based grants and aid. I am committed to finding the money that makes higher education attainable for all Kentuckians.

Health Care

I support national, universal health insurance. On the state level, I'm committed to expanding health coverage for Kentucky children (through the K-CHIP program), and making young adults up to the age of 25 eligible for coverage by family health-insurance plans.

A natural source of revenue to fund state health-care programs is a higher tax on tobacco. Higher taxes on cigarettes have proven to reduce smoking rates, among younger people especially, and are a fair way of raising funds to pay for state programs that address health problems caused by tobacco use.

I also will be an outspoken advocate for access to quality reproductive health care for women across the state.

Fairness

I believe in the dignity and worth of each person. I will oppose racial, ethnic, gender, and religious discrimination, discrimination against people who have different physical or mental abilities, and will speak out against homophobia in all its guises.

Environment

It is our responsibility to protect Kentucky's extraordinary natural resources. With good stewardship, we can can build on our natural assets and work toward food and energy independence. The health of our families and the strength of our economy depend on the wise use of our land, air and water. 

I reject the false choice between a healthy economy and a healthy environment; a cleaner environment means a stronger economy. I will fight to strengthen the laws that ensure Kentuckians have clean air to breathe and clean water to drink. I will work to protect our precious natural resources while advocating their appropriate use to feed our people and meet our energy needs. I will back safe mining practices, and preservation of our mountains and rivers.

Arts

The arts play a critical role in building strong communities, promoting cultural tourism, strengthening education, and enhancing economic development. As your legislator, I will promote state funding for artists, arts education and organizations that support the arts.