Let’s talk about the issues….

    • I strongly support public education because it is the foundation of opportunity in our communities. Public schools serve every child who walks through their doors, regardless of income, background, ability, or belief. That universal commitment is one of the pillars of a strong democracy.

    • I oppose school voucher programs because they divert taxpayer dollars away from public schools and redirect them to private institutions. Evidence from states that have implemented similar programs indicates that a significant percentage of voucher recipients are families whose children are already enrolled in private schools. In those cases, public funds are not expanding access to new students — they are subsidizing expenses families are already paying. Unlike public schools, private schools are not required to accept every student. They may set their own admissions standards and are not held to the same transparency, accountability, or non-discrimination requirements as public institutions. This creates the potential for increased inequity, as students with greater needs may remain concentrated in underfunded public schools while public dollars are redirected elsewhere.
      School vouchers risk widening the gap between wealthy families and middle- and lower-income Texans. Instead of fragmenting our education system, we should invest in strengthening it.
      Every child deserves access to a high-quality education. That means fully funding public schools, supporting and retaining excellent teachers, reducing classroom overcrowding, and ensuring resources reach the students who need them most. Texas has not increased its contribution to public schools since 2019, this has got to change
      Public education is not a private enterprise — it is a public trust. Our responsibility is to strengthen it, not siphon resources away from it.

    • I believe that every citizen deserves access to affordable, reliable health insurance. Healthcare is not a luxury — it is essential to the well-being of families, communities, and our economy.
      Texas has the opportunity to adopt federal Medicaid expansion funding, yet we continue to decline it. These federal dollars are already allocated for this purpose, and by refusing them, Texas taxpayers are effectively sending money to other states instead of investing it here at home. Expanding Medicaid would provide coverage to working families who earn too much to qualify under current rules but not enough to afford private insurance.
      The consequences of inaction are especially visible in rural Texas, where hospitals are struggling or closing their doors. When uninsured rates remain high and families cannot keep up with medical bills, local hospitals absorb uncompensated care costs. That strain threatens access to emergency services and critical care for entire communities.

    • In addition to expanding Medicaid, I support increasing healthcare options for Texans. One option worth serious consideration is a Medicare-for-all–type program, designed to simplify the system, reduce administrative costs, and lower premiums and out-of-pocket expenses for families. Any comprehensive plan should include vision care, glasses, hearing aids, and dental coverage — services that are often excluded but are essential to overall health.
      At the same time, citizens should retain the freedom to choose their doctors and select the coverage option that best meets their needs. Expanding public options does not eliminate choice — it creates it.
      Healthcare reform should be about lowering costs, improving access, and giving Texans real options. We can reduce the financial burden on families, strengthen rural hospitals, and build a system that works better for everyone.

    • The cost of living is rising faster than wages, and families across our communities are feeling the strain — especially at the grocery store, the gas pump, and in everyday household expenses. Working Texans should not have to fall behind simply to keep up with basic necessities.
      A significant driver of rising prices has been the use of broad tariffs, particularly those implemented under President Donald Trump. Tariffs function as taxes on imported goods, and those costs are often passed directly to consumers. As these added costs move through the supply chain, families experience higher prices on a wide range of products.
      At the same time, some large corporations have used tariffs as cover to increase prices beyond what may be justified by actual cost increases. When market transparency and oversight weaken, consumers can end up paying more than necessary.
      The weakening of federal consumer oversight agencies, including parts of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, has raised concerns about whether families are adequately protected from unfair financial practices. Strong consumer protections are essential to maintaining a fair marketplace.
      Economic policy should put working families first — not give unchecked power to large corporations. We need leadership that prioritizes affordability, responsible trade policy, wage growth, and strong consumer protections.

    • I support practical solutions that lower costs, increase transparency, and ensure our economic system works for citizens — not just for those at the top. Affordability and cost-of-living relief must remain central priorities in public policy.

    • I believe climate change is one of the most serious challenges facing our world today. Its impacts are not theoretical — they are visible in shifting migration patterns, strain on food and water supplies, declining air quality, and the increasing frequency of extreme weather events.
      Across the United States, we are seeing more severe floods, stronger hurricanes, prolonged droughts, and record-setting temperature extremes. The overwhelming scientific consensus is that human activity — particularly the burning of fossil fuels — is a major driver of these changes.
      While there are still differing opinions about climate policy, the evidence around us is increasingly difficult to ignore. Preparing for and mitigating these impacts is not about politics — it is about protecting our communities, economy, and future generations.

    • We should accelerate the transition to renewable energy sources such as wind and solar power, expand the use of electric vehicles, and invest in battery storage and modernized energy infrastructure. These technologies are no longer experimental — they are rapidly becoming cost-competitive and, in many cases, more affordable than traditional energy sources.
      Moving toward cleaner energy can also lower long-term energy costs, reduce dependence on volatile fuel markets, and create new jobs in growing industries. Environmental responsibility and economic growth are not mutually exclusive — they can and should go hand in hand.
      Protecting our water, air, and natural resources is a fundamental responsibility of government. I support practical, forward-looking policies that strengthen environmental protections while positioning our state and nation as leaders in innovation and clean energy.
      The choice before us is whether we prepare responsibly for the future or allow short-term politics to delay necessary progress. I believe we must move forward.

    • Homeowners insurance premiums in Texas are rising at an unsustainable pace. Many families are struggling to afford coverage, and some are dropping it altogether — putting their homes and financial security at serious risk.
      The Texas Department of Insurance is responsible for regulating more than 3,400 insurance companies operating in our state. However, Texas operates under a “file-and-use” system, which allows insurers to file for rate increases and implement them immediately without prior approval from regulators. While the department may review rates after they take effect, this structure limits proactive oversight.
      The result has been steep premium increases that place a growing burden on homeowners. Texas consistently ranks among the states with the highest homeowner’s insurance premiums in the country, and many policyholders’ report frustration with claim denials and lengthy disputes.

    • We need stronger consumer protections and more meaningful oversight. Insurance companies should be required to provide clear, data-driven justification for rate increases before they take effect. Greater transparency would help ensure that premiums reflect legitimate risk factors — not simply market leverage.
      Additionally, I support establishing an independent review process or oversight board where homeowners can appeal denied claims. Families who faithfully pay their premiums deserve fair treatment when they file a claim.
      Insurance is meant to provide security and peace of mind — not uncertainty and financial strain. Reforming our oversight laws would help restore balance, protect homeowners, and ensure that the system works for the people it is meant to serve.

  • As a dog owner, the protection of animals and their welfare is deeply important to me. Animals depend on us for care, safety, and compassion, and they deserve to live free from abuse and neglect. To help ensure accountability and prevent further harm, I believe we should establish a public registry for animal abusers. Pennsylvania has already taken a meaningful step in this direction with Aimee’s Law, which provides a strong foundation we can build upon to better protect vulnerable animals and promote responsible ownership.