Needed changes in Laws:

Budget and Economy

The State is bleeding red ink to the tune of $3.2 Billion dollars, way past the concept of help from a rainy day fund.  State spending must be brought under control.  The Governor and the Democrats who control the Legislature initiated new biennium programs with no consideration of how they were to pay for these programs.  This is not responsible governing.  Programs and state employment must be brought back to a level supportable by the State's income.  What a new and novel concept!  New taxes and/or a State Income tax are not an acceptable solution.  I will work with my fellow caucus members to rein in the 'do something for everyone' automatic reaction by the Democrats that leads to excessive costs and regulations.

The State has in it's Constitution an important right for citizens to change the laws, that have been enacted by the Legislature by process of initiative. The law also provides that the Legislature can change, modify or even ignore the people's will after two years.  The Democrats have systematically trashed the Initiatives voted on by the people, because they interfere with their social and spend thrift ideas.  It is important for the Legislature to pay attention to what the citizens want.  I will work with my Republican caucus to preserve the will of the people and the Initiative process.

I agree with Dino Rossi in his objective of making this a business friendly state.  An example of needed change is the B & O tax law.  These taxes penalize a startup company and small businesses, as the taxes are based on revenue even though the business may not have achieved profitability.  Small businesses provide the bulk of the jobs in this state and are over burdened with regulations.  All regulation in the state should be reviewed and approved by the legislature before implementation by the state agencies.  I will introduce legislation to improve the business climate in the state for existing as well as new businesses.

Law and Order

Crime is still a problem in our state.  As an example, the Governor has been releasing dangerous criminals, including sex predators, back into our communities, in order to provide room in our over crowded prisons.  Judges and prosecutors are also aware of this situation and are agreeing to excessive plea bargaining with criminals, reducing sentences and even giving these criminals unwarranted second chances.  I will introduce legislation to stop the unwarranted practices, so that strong sentencing guidelines will be enforced.  A companion bill will also require that we build additional prisons to house these criminals.

I will also introduce legislation that calls for stricter sentencing for crimes against pregnant women and crimes committed at public schools.

I favor a revision in the prison system to reduce the cost to tax payers by reducing the amenities available to convicted criminals with a goal of creating more of a deterrent atmosphere.

There is still a significant illegal drug industry in this state and our community.  Although significant progress has been made in our community, it would help to have stricter sentencing for drug-related crimes.  The work that Mr. McKenna, our Attorney General, is accomplishing in this area is significant but we need to increase our drug awareness programs in the schools to deter drug use.  I would like to make it well known to drug lords, Benton County is not a good county to set up a drug business or to prey on our children.

In all of these bills I will introduce provisions that better protect the victim's rights.

Education:

I believe that it is important to legislate with the basic belief that every child should be entitled to and receive a solid education that prepares them for life after school.  We must keep a balance between the skills needed to be taught for college entrance as well as the skills to compete in the work place right out of school.  The basic skills of reading, writing, math, and science are fundamental to all walks of life.  I will introduce legislation to accomplish these goals.

I would support legislation that allows for a return to a more reasonable discipline in schools, with the aim of increasing the student skills.  Of course, more parent acceptance and involvement with the schools would be crucial for effective implementation.

In order to build more pride and knowledge about our great Nation among our students, I would support legislation that requires a return to teaching our children about the concepts involved that led to the adoption of our Constitution, the Bill of Rights and a Nation guided by 'The Rule of Law'.  I would also support, in order to reinforce these concepts, legislation requiring the citing of the Pledge of Allegiance with the inclusion of the phrase 'One nation under God', and a moment for silent prayers in the classroom.

It is also obvious, that there has been a slow but significant change in the public's acceptance of a degradation of moral value in the media.  One need only witness the many seedy sites on the internet, the many magazines, movies, TV, radio, and ads that use bar room language, portray sex vividly, degrade women, and generally take the approach that anything goes if you can get away with it.  Unfortunately, all of these venues are easily available to our children, and by the time they become adults they have been brain washed to think these depictions are appropriate in public, and they are not.  Legislation should be enacted that would make it more difficult for our children to be exposed to and/or obtain access to this type of material.