Sustainable Economic Growth

Small Business Support

12 district employers are creating jobs, increasing opportunity, and creating a sustainably economy. A vibrant private sector is the key to a sustainable economy. Small business already pay a majority of all taxes in the state. I understand the issues that face our small business community in the 12th district. Issues like health insurance options, over regulation, taxes, education and the importance of a skilled workforce are among many of the things that face small businesses in our four county area. I will go to Olympia and advocate for a business environment that allow small business to work, employ and give back to our communities.

Healthcare

Healthcare is one of the most prominent rising costs for both small and large businesses today. Small employers struggle to continue to provide health care benefits to the employees they care about and value. All employers are struggles to stay on top of the constant changes and components of the Affordable Care act and our state creates new standards and criteria.

In many of our communities around the 12 district our health care systems are some of the largest employers. I will work with our health care systems, districts and providers to ensure they have the resources and support necessary to be successful. This includes work to improve the current health care structure in our state.

Transportation

Freight mobility in the 12th district is essential to the success of the agricultural industry and commerce in general. I will work to secure funding for the projects in our communities that matter most to the people of the 12th district. I want to make sure the legislature upholds it commitments to the 2015 Connecting Washington revenue package.

I will work to understand the transportation needs of the 12th district. In a 2014 study conducted by the Chelan-Douglas Transportation Council over 57% of the respondents reported moderate to severe traffic congestion as a problem. I want support reforms that reduces projects costs, and delays.

I also oppose implementing stricter fuel standards and other carbon pricing proposals that increase transportation and energy costs for the businesses in the 12 district.

Tourism

Tourism and hospitality are one of the major industries in the 12th distinct. Washington State is the only state in the nation that does not have a dedicated State Tourism Agency or effort. I will work to find funding for a statewide tourism Initiative.

In Chelan County over $446 million dollars were spent in 2014 on accommodations alone. For just every $61,000 dollars spent in Chelan County tourism spending, one job is created.

Tourism in Washington is a $16-billion-dollar industry and generates over 170,000 jobs. A state wide tourism Initiative should be a priority for the legislature.

Education and Workforce Training

The Mcleary court decision to require ample funding of education in our state continues to be a major pressure point for the legislature. I believe that all education funding should provide students with additional opportunists and develop clear and rigorous academic standards.

Students and teachers in the 12 district should have the resources they need to succeed, but we need to make sure every penny we invest is making a difference and addressing the changing landscape of education. I believe we should continue to expand STEM programs and I admire the schools in our 12th district schools that are already focusing on this area of expansion.

I will support and work toward increasing funding for the community colleges and career and technical programs in our district accompanied by clear expectations for student success.

I support creating additional opportunities for youth employment and training to encourage innovative work-based leaning strategists. The employers of our district need a skilled workforce.

I believe we have to carefully examine increases to the minimum wage. We need to work with small businesses to ensure we are finding solutions that are not about simply increasing the cost of living at all socio-economic levels, increasing the costs of goods sold and make hing employees in all industries more restrictive and less likely.