Issues

Indiana needs reform of property taxes and the gasoline tax, which hits twice, both as a fuel tax and as a sales tax. When I was a state representative, we cut taxes overall, from lowering the income tax to 2.9% to cutting the utility tax. We can reform and reduce these taxes, but it has to be done in a way that doesn't bloat the sales tax.

The recent shooting death of a Beech Grove policeman indicates we have a lot of work to do to prevent and punish crime. But it goes beyond the rule of law — to local governments having respect for the federal government's work on illegal aliens, especially those wanted for heinous crimes such as sex crimes. The DHS and ICE must be respected by Indiana officials. I also supported your right to carry, as I am an NRA life member and big supporter of self-defense and stand-your-ground.

Your electricity bills must be kept low, and Indiana must also provide cheap power to employers who want to come here and grow. Coal is a great answer. Indiana, particularly Sullivan, Greene and Knox counties, have a lot of it. In fact, the United States has between 400 to 500 years of recoverable coal to use for power. We must make sure coal is part of the Indiana and USA power equation.

What's the main economic issue in your life if you are between 17 and 65? Probably jobs. I will never stop fighting to retain and bring employers to Southwest Indiana and the Wabash Valley. We need our children and grandchildren to have economic opportunities.

Other issues I have heard from you about include K-12 education; roads and bridges; workforce preparation; veterans' care; medical freedom; and farming. For example, there is concern about solar power using up farmland that even President Trump shares. And, of course, there is concern about the Communist Chinese Party buying up our farmland acres, something I opposed in the past. I have the experience to deal with all these issues. if you have questions at all, please contact me.