Qualifications
What training, experience, and characteristics qualify you for this position?
I’ve been involved in policy as a Republican for my entire adult life, serving as a local volunteer and leader in the party and then on the Clear Creek ISD school board for six years. In all of those roles, I’ve brought a problem-solving mindset that I’ve developed in my professional life as a chemical engineer. I’m a lifelong resident of the district, having grown up in Clear Lake and still living there today, and I know the needs of our region and our industry well. I also know the needs and challenges that face our public schools and will be an advocate for parents and our schools at the state level. I have the experience, the knowledge, and the passion to ensure our district continues to be represented well in the Texas Legislature.
Healthcare
Texas has the highest uninsured rate in the nation. What steps would you take as a state representative to ensure access to affordable healthcare, including mental health services, for residents who are currently uninsured or underserved in your district?
The best approach for ensuring healthcare access is to decrease costs across the board and provide price transparency. People seeking care need to know upfront what their costs will be and have the flexibility to choose providers who best meet their needs and will cost the least. Greater supply means lower costs--so we need more doctors, nurses, and other professionals trained to prevent shortages and allow competition. I am a strong believer in maintaining a culture of life. I support legislation which has ensured new mothers in need (and their newborns) are able to receive Medicaid or low-cost medical care during pregnancy and for the following year after childbirth.
Education
What measures would you support to ensure adequate state funding for public schools and accountability for taxpayer funds used in voucher or education savings account programs?
High performing public schools should receive the funding they need to excel, especially our suburban schools which receive less funding than the state average under the current formula. I oppose Robin Hood and will work to reduce or eliminate it, ensuring tax dollars remain within our districts. For any school choice program, the greatest form of accountability is parental choice. Parents know what options are best for their children and for their families and we should trust them. However, we need accountability measures in place to ensure that all funds are spent for education, and not for other purposes--the program as it exists has those guardrails but we need to ensure they have worked properly as the program enters its first year.
Issues
What are the two most pressing issues unique to your district, and what specific, measurable actions would you take to address them during your term?
Property taxes--I support Governor Abbott’s plan to reduce taxes by granting a 100% homestead exemption to the school property tax (using the state sales tax surplus to replace school district funding). Beyond that, we need to limit appraisal growth to no more than 3% per year and reduce the frequency of property reappraisal. Insurance--The best way to reduce windstorm insurance is to help people upgrade their homes. I support making grant funds available up to $10,000 per homeowner in high risk areas to do this (and Gov. Abbott supports this as well). Vehicle insurance can best be reduced by getting uninsured motorists off the roads and by allowing drivers with safe records and few violations to claim discounts from their insurers.
