Get Hoosiers Working
“Entrepreneurs and their small enterprises are responsible for almost
all the economic growth in the United States.” - Ronald Reagan. The
role of government is not to create jobs, but to create an environment where
jobs can grow. In order to create lasting economic success we must rely
on the hard work and ingenuity of the American worker. Through small business
and innovation we will continue the successes that have made America the
world leader it is. Northwest Indiana should be proud of our industrial
heritage, but we need to prepare ourselves for the rapidly-changing global
economy, and realize that the way to become more prosperous is through fostering
small business and innovation.
Stop Reckless Spending
Taxes are for the purpose of paying for what is necessary. Our constitution
allows for taxation with the intention of paying for the common defense
and general welfare. It is not an instrument to be manipulated in such a
way as to engineer expansive, and often unsuccessful, new government programs.
We are a capitalist nation that has grown and prospered by fostering free
markets and rewarding those willing to work hard. Government spending is
way out of control with pet-projects and earmarks being doled out to special
interests. Our government has not been living within its means. A fiscally-responsible
government is the only way for our prosperity to remain sustainable for
the generations to come.
Fuel the Future with Energy Innovation
Having a broad and diverse energy portfolio will be critical to our country's
vitality in the 21st century. We must continue to responsibly utilize traditional
energy sources while constantly striving to lead the world in green and
renewable innovations. Fostering green technologies and renewable energy
sources is a priority that all Americans should embrace, but it should not
be done in a fashion that picks winners and losers by handing out unsustainable
grants and tax incentives. I have been fortunate enough to be involved with
a developmental stage company that is doing just this. Over the last year
we have been developing a process that turns everyday household waste into
a reusable source of fuel. What excites me the most is that this technology
has the ability to be profitable from Day One without the help of bailouts,
earmarks or grants. It is this type of innovation that we need to continue
to incubate in Northwest Indiana.
Guard our Nation and Support our Troops
I support our military and a strong national defense in all aspects, both
abroad and at home. It is important that we see to it that our armed forces
are brought home as quickly as possible without creating a vacuum of power
in the countries they are stationed. The key to our success abroad is to
continue to develop our intelligence community. This is an invaluable asset
to our nation and our allies. 21st century security issues will continue
to be unlike any obstacle we have ever faced, and it is crucial that America
maintains a military edge to confront potential threats in an effective
yet ethical manner.
Sensibly Reform our Health Care
As the world's most advanced industrial society, we should work hard to
make sure that our citizens have access to adequate and affordable health
care. However, the answer to this problem does not lie in a massive government
takeover of the existing system. Rather than starting from scratch, Washington
needs to tackle the underlying issues as to why sensible health coverage
is not available for so many Americans. Washington needs to take real action
to address medical malpractice, tort reform, Medicare/Medicaid fraud, allowing
competition and openness within the insurance industry, and cracking down
on powerful special interests who are jeopardizing the health and financial
security of millions of Americans. Another important aspect for the health
and welfare of our nation is to support wellness programs at home and in
the workplace. I am currently participating in one with my coworkers and
can say from experience that it is surely an incentive to address many common
health ailments before they can become problematic.
Protect the Right to Life
I unapologetically support the right to life for all, both born and unborn.
Invest in Education
In order to reach kids no one else is reaching, we must do things no one
else is doing. We must give states the right to manage education as they
best see fit. I also support innovative technologies that allow schools
to learn the best way to teach their students. Not everyone learns the same.
Some students learn by listening, others by sight and still others by reading.
We must be aware of every student’s strengths and weaknesses in order
to develop the next generation of American leaders.
Return the Power to the States
“The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution,
nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively,
or to the people.” I believe that states are best-suited to deal with
the issues at their door steps. Indiana is an excellent example of this.
Under the leadership of Governor Daniels our state is in better shape than
most of the states across the nation. In 2004, when Governor Daniels took
office, Indiana was running at an $800 million dollar deficit. Four years
later we had a $1.3 billion surplus. This was accomplished without raising
taxes. This conservative fiscal leadership is now helping us weather the
economic storm better than all of our neighbor states. The federal government
has an important role to play, but states can more effectively and efficiently
address the unique issues that face them.
Defend Our Constitution and the 2nd Amendment
I believe in the citizens’ right to keep and bear arms. It's an important
part of our country's proud heritage.
Make Government Transparent and Accountable
The government is no longer accountable to the very people they’ve
been hired to work for. We must continue the development of websites that
allow for openness in reporting of proposed legislation, spending and other
key government procedures. Budget negotiations should be done openly, and
not brokered in backroom deals with lobbyists and special interest groups.
Federal spending should be presented in a way that is easy to access and
easy to understand by ALL Americans.
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