Health Insurance
I believe every child in Texas should have health insurance. Anything less is unacceptable. And the first step in solving this problem is fully funding the Children's Health Insurance Program, something my opponent voted against just a few short months ago.
Public Education and Teachers
I believe every child in Texas deserves a classroom with a qualified, competent teacher who is paid at least the national average. I believe every child in my district should have the opportunity to achieve an exemplary public education. I believe risky voucher schemes are nothing more than the siphoning of tax dollars out of an already under-funded public education system.
Higher Education
I believe every kid in my district should have the opportunity to attend the great University that they grow up in the shadows of. Tuition deregulation has cast a huge cloud over that dream for many. We need to make our colleges and universities more accessible and more affordable, especially for hard working, middle class Texans.
Affordable Housing
I believe our elected officials must do something to ensure that the elderly and the underprivileged aren't priced out of East Austin. There is simply a lack of affordable housing in our community, and this problem must be addressed.
Economic Development
I believe the leaders of East Austin must take an active role in steering business into this community so that economic development extends to all families in East Austin, and not just those with a certain last name.
The Environment
I believe we need to enact progressive public policies to ensure clean air, clean water, and well-funded parks. We need to increase renewable energy generation, enact energy efficiency measures, and prohibit the expansion of dirty coal plants.
Toll Roads
I believe we must stop the double taxation of our citizens. It is unfair to force drivers to pay a toll on a road their gas taxes have already paid for.
Ethics
I believe East Austin deserves a representative who is honest, ethical, hard working, and actually shows up to do the job the people elected them to do.
