Issues and Answers

Having completed the second session of my first term in the Arizona House of Representatives, I can honestly say that I enoyed every day. More importantly, however, I have been successful in representing the residents of District 3, both through effective legislation and by resolving issues concerning local governments and individual citizens.

Here are some of the legislative highlights:

Tax Cuts and Budget Control: Supported legislation that eliminated state tax on residential property, reduced personal income tax by 5% each year for two years, resolved K-12 and HURF budget "gimmicks" from prior years, and fought successfully to increase NW Arizona's share of the state budget.

Border Security: Supported a comprehensive plan for more border control and denial of benefits to those who are here illegally.

Education: Was successful in extending tuition tax credits to corporations, which will expand voucher programs for low income families and secured funding for voluntary all-day kindergarten programs.

Healthcare: Sponsored legislation intended to increase the number of doctors and nurses in local healthcare facilities, and established a voucher system for low to moderate income working families who otherwise had no access to health insurance.

While enacting a balanced budget and necessary changes to the laws that govern the State are key elements of a representative's job, another important aspect is constituent service to individuals and to local communites as a whole. Some of the most satisfying personally:

Working with Mohave County to clear a logjam in the relief efforts for flood-ravaged Beaver Dam.

Bringing the City of Bullhead City and the State Land Dept. together to resolve the issue of rights of way for needed east-west connectors.

Coordinating with local health care professionals and state regulators to provide faster licensing to needed doctors and nurses in our underserved area.

Or simply helping folks cut through the bureaucrary of state government -- I have been pleased to offer my assistance.

Serving the residents of District 3 has been my distinct honor and privilege, I hope to be able to do so for another two years.