These are important issues for District 25:

   1.   The top priority for our state is to have an education system that is second to none.  To accomplish this goal, the most significant step would be that the Texas Legislature and the political leadership of this state recognize the fact that a superior public education system is THE most important responsibility of state government.

    The last legislature refused to even consider school finance and relegated it to a special session that was doomed to fail because the majority party will not act responsiblity.  In fact, it is impossible for a majority of the legislature to act responsibly because they have been bought and paid for by the special moneyed interests that now have a stranglehold on our state government. 

  "Robin Hood" was a "quick fix" that has lasted too long and proven unpopular.  We must devise a school finance system in this state that will equip all Texas students for the 21st Century and meet the requirements of court-ordered mandates.

    First, we must have agreement on how much funding is needed to get the job done.  Second, we must agree on the funding responsibilities of the federal, state and local government.  And third, we must deivse a taxing system that equitably distributes the cost of education in Texas and gives relief to residential property taxpayers. 

    As for school voucher proposals, public funds should not be used for private or parochial school education.  Period.

2.  The majority in the last legislature denied health insurance to 141,000 Texas children, and that number will continue to grow if their policy is allowed to continue.  I want to help those children and their families by providing an affordable health care system for all Texas children.

3.  We need strict and aggressive oversight of the insurance industry in Texas.  The Texas Insurance Commission must have strong support from the legislature if there is to be meaningful regulation of insurance rates in this state.

    As a state representative I will demand that the Commission exercise the powers given it by the legislature to ensure that insurace premium costs are fair and I will do all in my power to give the Commission the resources it needs to carry out this mission.

If you want to have a part in making these changes happen, please donate so that we can reach our fundraising goal.