TAXES & SPENDING
I believe more money in your pocket equals a stronger Oregon economy.  Government must live within its means just like you.  I support the “Back to Basics Budget Plan” protecting K-12 schools, higher education, public safety and human services all without raising taxes by prioritizing our state’s spending and finding savings in our non-essential spending.  Did you know in the first quarter of 2010 Oregon businesses paid $64.7 million more in taxes than in 2009? Current state spending is unsustainable and acting to correct this mismanagement will continue to be my mission in the legislature.

JOBS
Salem insiders call it a revenue problem.  Wrong.  We have a jobs problem.  Finding ways to get Oregon and Oregonians back to work is my number one priority. Businesses create real jobs.  However, the legislature can support small and large businesses by encouraging growth, streamlining regulations and restrictions, lowering, not raising taxes and doing all we can to get out of the way of lasting job creation. 

AGRICULTURE
Agriculture, from nurseries to forest management, is vital to our area and represents a $4.9 billion industry, providing 214,500 jobs statewide.  I am a constant voice for this industry and am honored to serve on the House Agriculture, Natural Resources and Rural Communities Committee. My work on a variety of issues, from field burning to combating invasive species, has led to endorsements from every major agriculture group in our state, including Oregon Farm Bureau, county farm bureaus, Oregonians for Food and Shelter, Oregon Seed Council and Oregon Association of Nurseries.

ENVIRONMENT & ENERGY
Oregon can be a leader in natural and renewable alternatives.  We need renewable energy policies that are cost-effective and energy efficient. In 67 days of Columbia River water flow, there is enough hydrogen to equal the remaining oil reserves of Saudi Arabia.  Hydrogen energy is one example of using Oregon’s unique resources, allowing for the production and storage of this clean-burning fuel. The process and by-product are environmentally friendly and utilize our existing natural resource economy while reducing reliance on petroleum.  I lead a bi-partisan group of legislators in passing legislation, promoting hydrogen hubs and creating partnerships so we become a world leader in a new hydrogen economy