Issues

Clean and Renewable: Solar energy is a clean, renewable resource that reduces exposure to fluctuating utility rates.
Increased Property Value: Homes with solar panels often sell faster and at a premium.
Cost Savings: Solar energy reduces utility costs, saving consumers money that can be allocated to other needs.
Local Economic Boost: Supporting solar installations creates local jobs in installation and maintenance.
Investment in Clean Technology: Encourages investment in clean tech and infrastructure in Southern Illinois communities.

Lack of Licensed Care Options: Many rural areas lack sufficient licensed childcare options.
Financial Relief for Families: Affordable childcare can reduce reliance on programs like SNAP, TANF, and housing assistance.
Stress Reduction: Affordable or no-cost childcare allows parents to allocate funds to housing, food, and healthcare.
Increase in Household Incomes: More parents working leads to higher household incomes, benefiting local businesses.
Community Growth: Encourages young families to stay in the area, boosting school enrollment and workforce participation.
Improved Parental Mental Health: Provides peace of mind for parents, improving their mental health and productivity.

Equal Assessments: Ensuring fair assessment across all areas of the counties.
Residential TIF Districts: Advocating for proper implementation to avoid wealthier areas benefitting disproportionately.
TIF Oversight: Ensuring transparency and oversight to ensure funds benefit economically distressed areas.

Creating good-paying jobs and revitalizing the economy is a top priority.

Infrastructure Investment: Improving roads, broadband access, and energy systems to attract businesses.
Support for Local Industry: Modernizing agriculture, coal, renewable energy, and manufacturing industries.
Workforce Development: Partnering with local colleges and unions to expand training programs and apprenticeships.
Business Growth Incentives: Offering tax incentives and streamlined permitting for businesses, especially in rural communities.
Investment in Small Towns: Supporting entrepreneurship and local investment to create and retain jobs.

Environmental Benefits: Reduces landfill waste, protecting soil, water, and wildlife.
Job Creation: Expanding recycling can create jobs in collection, processing, and repurposing.
Civic Engagement: Encourages sustainable practices and community involvement.
Comprehensive Recycling Infrastructure: Prioritizing funding, education, and infrastructure for better recycling services across the region.

Education and Research: Supporting SIU Carbondale’s mission to empower students and foster research, including initiatives like Carbon Capture.
Medical Education: Supporting the SIU School of Medicine and training future healthcare providers.
Local Educational Opportunities: Providing local students with access to excellent education and research opportunities.

Worker Rights: Supporting unions to ensure fair wages, safe working conditions, and equitable treatment.
Democratic Voice for Workers: Unions help ensure transparency, accountability, and mutual respect in the workplace.
Long-term Stability: A unionized workforce contributes to long-term stability and trust.
Union Advocacy: I am a lifelong union member and advocate for union rights.

Education Pathways: Expanding vocational and technical programs in fields like healthcare, manufacturing, agriculture, and IT.
Career Readiness: Providing hands-on skills to students and adult learners, preparing them for high-demand careers.
Community Impact: Vocational programs unlock the potential of underserved communities and create opportunities in high-demand fields.
Partnerships for Success: Collaborating with schools, businesses, and local leaders to modernize facilities and raise awareness about vocational education.