TAXES

• More local control
  I believe that local units of government are more responsive to people within their community. Revenue generated at local levels should stay at local levels to promote prosperity and investment in our communities.
  

• Reduce tax burden on businesses
  Economic growth in Minnesota is stagnated by the burdensome tax code for businesses and working families alike. Minnesota needs to be a more attractive place for businesses and corporations to locate and expand.

• Reduce property taxes
  I will strive to lower property tax classification rates.

STATE GOVERNMENT

• Promote fiscal responsibility
  State government needs to find more innovative ways of operating, rather than increasing their budgets.

• Reduce fraud and wasteful spending
  It doesn't take much digging to find that we have many wasteful programs, as well as programs that allow for widespread fraud. Recently, the Minnesota House Republican caucus published a map showing that welfare cash benefits are being spent in all 50 states - including locations such as Alaska and Hawaii.

• Keep government growth equal with state economic growth
  The state needs to reprioritize and make better use of existing resources. Government spending in Minnesota has far outpaced our sagging economy.

  
  

HEALTH CARE

• I support the deregulation of health care
  Health care mandates in Minnesota drive up the cost of coverage and require coverage for health benefits many enrollees never use. The state should allow individuals to purchase a policy with fewer mandates that are more tailored to their needs and financial situation.

• Increased privacy and security
  As technology has increased, the state and health care providers need to ensure health data is in a safe and secure environment. In addition, they should be held accountable for leaks in confidentiality of patients' records.

• Keeping health care in the private sector
  Our health care system is the most competitive in the world because it was built in a competitive, free-market environment. People from foreign countries come to the United States - very often right here to Minnesota - to have their medical needs met. Having a son with Spina Bifida, who has had over 60 surgeries to correct and enhance his life, I know this would not have been possible within a "socialized medicine" system.

FAMILY ISSUES

• Pro-life
  I will defend life from conception until natural death. I support banning the use of public funds for abortions and prohibiting any medical procedure or therapy that would deliberately cause or hasten death.

• Marriage
  I support marriage between one man and one woman and nothing else as its legal equivalent.
  

• Education
  Being deeply concerned about the future of our children, we must make education improvements a priority. I believe competition fuels motivation and innovation. I believe all children deserve the best education possible and all children should be well educated in the core subjects of reading, writing, math, science and history. I believe parents are the best equipped to determine where and how their child is educated. I would support options for parents including public, charter, private, or home school.