Investing in early childhood education: The state recently announced, with just days of notice, that quality childcare rates and copays will be soaring. This pulls the rug out from under the progress we’ve made to make quality, affordable early childhood education services available to working families. We need to fund and expand these programs, so more kids can develop early literacy skills and receive a developmentally appropriate education.

Supporting our educators: Let’s continue to invest in public schools and teachers by increasing salaries. More professional development opportunities will attract and retain the talented educators who inspire and equip our kids. I have done this work for years at UAMS for our doctors and medical professionals.

Modernizing school infrastructure: Updating facilities and providing access to technology will create conducive learning environments for all students. It’s clear this investment pays off in the long-run; our students, our athletes, and our teachers deserve a safe, world-class facility to go to every day.

Championing career and technical education: Equipping students with practical skills prepares them for in-demand jobs and builds a strong workforce. Not every student is looking for a college degree. I know from my work that some students need a different entry into a good career. Let’s make that a priority for all Arkansans.

Fighting for affordable prescription drugs: Lowering the cost of medication will alleviate financial burdens and improve health outcomes for our seniors and families. Our state government can build on the historic improvements the federal government is making like capping insulin at $35 a month for seniors.

Supporting rural healthcare: Expanding access to telehealth and investing in rural hospitals will bridge the healthcare gap. We should encourage our families to build up our rural areas.

Expanding Medicaid access: Ensuring healthcare coverage for every Arkansan, regardless of income, leads to healthier communities and a stronger economy. This year over 400,000 Arkansans (including thousands of newborns) had their Medicaid coverage stripped or interrupted. This policy is tragic and a product of a government burden by red tape. We can do better.

Protecting the Freedom of Information Act: Ensuring timely and open access to government records strengthens public trust and empowers citizens to hold elected officials accountable. We cannot allow our representatives to continue to try and shield how they spend our tax dollars.

Fighting corruption: I will stand against any form of political corruption and prioritize ethical conduct in government. I don’t care if they are Democrat or Republican; if they are corrupt they don’t deserve to be paid a public salary and should be thrown out.

Promoting a Limited Government: I will promote responsible budgeting and prioritize investments that truly benefit all Arkansans. Together with colleagues from across the aisle, I will work to reduce unnecessary regulations and eliminate burdensome regulations. I know firsthand that this work will encourage innovation and economic growth.

Soaring costs are squeezing every family in District 70 - from housing costs, to grocery costs, to health insurance rates that will double in 2026, to increasing childcare costs, to ever-rising costs of care and elder care. We need policymakers focused on bringing down costs for working families, instead of pulling the rug out from under communities like ours with reckless state program cuts.