Growing the Economy

Dubuque County, like much of Iowa, needs more family-supporting jobs. To create a thriving business climate, we continue to reduce burdensome regulations and have lowered high tax rates. As a business owner myself, I understand that balancing expenses with income is essential for growth. Iowa's economy can flourish when government policies support business expansion, job creation, and better employee benefits. We need to review and reform regulations that hinder business success, ensuring our state becomes a place where businesses can thrive and contribute to economic growth.

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Workforce Development

Addressing Iowa's workforce shortage starts with providing people the tools and opportunities they need to succeed. Programs like Future Ready Iowa and occupational licensing reform are vital in helping individuals pursue career paths that lead to better-paying jobs. By investing in workforce development, we can fill critical positions and support both workers and businesses in the state.

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Education

Our children must always be our top priority. Parents and educators know this best, and we learned valuable lessons during the COVID-19 pandemic. With remote learning, parents gained insight into the curriculum and how it was being taught. This collaboration between parents, teachers, and students is invaluable. The state must give local school districts more flexibility to determine what works best for the families they serve. While funding—nearly $10.4 billion in 2020-2021—is important, flexibility in how it is allocated is just as crucial. By allowing districts to prioritize funding based on specific needs, we ensure our children receive the education they deserve. At the end of the day, it’s all about the kids.

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Defending Life

I am proud to have been part of Iowa’s efforts to protect life. As the floor manager for the bill banning abortion after 20 weeks, I helped save at least one baby a week in Iowa. I also managed the Heartbeat Bill in 2019 and most recently the 24-hour waiting period law. I am pro-life from conception to natural death, and I will continue to fight for the protection of life at every stage.

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Expanding Brain Health Access

As your representative, I’ve passed several key bills that improve brain health services for adults and children with complex needs. Access to care is essential, but so are the outcomes. I am committed to ensuring that all Iowans can receive the care they need, when they need it, and that these services help individuals become healthy and productive. It’s not just about access; it’s about making sure the care is effective. Additionally, we must have the right providers in place to meet demand. That’s why I’ve worked on legislation to recruit and retain mental health professionals through innovative loan forgiveness programs and expanded telehealth options.

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Safe & Secure Elections

In my role on the State Government Committee, I’ve worked on several important election integrity bills. One major achievement was passing Voter ID legislation, which was upheld as constitutional. Ensuring that only eligible voters can cast their ballots, whether in person or by absentee, is critical to maintaining the integrity of our elections. Iowans deserve confidence that their vote counts.

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Backing the Blue

Supporting law enforcement is more important than ever. Today’s rhetoric and climate have made law enforcement's job more dangerous than before. In Iowa, we stand with our men and women in uniform. Recent legislation has demonstrated our unwavering support, showing that just as they protect us, we will protect them.

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Protecting the First Amendment

The First Amendment guarantees the right to free speech, yet we are seeing increasing attempts to suppress it, particularly from large tech companies, mainstream media, and certain academic institutions. We must protect the right of every individual to express themselves freely without fear of censorship. No organization should have the power to decide who gets to speak and who doesn’t.

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Defending the Second Amendment

The right to keep and bear arms is a fundamental protection under the Second Amendment. I’ve always supported—and will continue to defend—your right to protect yourself, your family, and your business. I believe in ensuring that Iowans can lawfully exercise their right to self-defense.