On the
Issues

My top priority is to defend individual rights of liberty, freedom of religion, and the second amendment. Our constitution guarantees these rights to every citizen, and it is our responsibility to uphold and protect them. As a pro-life Christian, I strongly believe that every life matters and we need to focus on supporting mothers and bolstering the foster care and adoption process. In Kentucky, there are currently more than 8,000 children in foster care waiting for a permanent home, and we must do everything we can to ensure they find loving families.

As someone who grew up in rural Kentucky, I understand the unique challenges faced by our rural communities. I believe that we need to support small businesses and create an environment for larger industries to expand and support job growth. This will not only help boost our economy but also improve the overall standard of living for residents. We also need to limit bureaucratic red tape to promote a prosperous Kentucky. Did you know that Kentucky ranks 47th out of 50 states in terms of economic opportunity? We must work to improve this and ensure that all Kentuckians have access to good jobs and economic stability.

In order to create a thriving economy, we need to invest in our workforce. That's why I am committed to expanding trade and vocational schools by working with local industry and community colleges. This will provide more opportunities for individuals to gain the skills they need to succeed in today's job market. We must also allocate resources to meet our workforce development goals and attract new industry opportunities. According to a report by the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce, there are currently more than 100,000 unfilled job openings in the state. We need to address this skills gap and ensure that our workforce is equipped for success.

Our teachers are the backbone of our education system, and we need to prioritize their needs while ensuring parents have a say in their children’s education. As the son of a former public school teacher, I know firsthand the challenges that teachers face on a daily basis. We must protect them from unnecessary agendas and allow them to focus on teaching the basics. We also need to increase resources and address the mental and behavioral health crisis in classrooms. Did you know that Kentucky ranks 41st out of 50 states in terms of overall education? We need to do better for our teachers and students.

According to the Kentucky Office of Drug Control Policy, there were nearly 2,250 drug overdose deaths in Kentucky in 2021 (a 14.5% increase from 2020). This staggering number highlights the urgent need for action, as the crime and drug crisis is not limited to the larger population areas of Kentucky, but is also a major issue in many rural communities, deepening the workforce crisis and leading to fatalities. As a solution, I am committed to providing maximum resources and staffing to combat crime and drugs, while also supporting law enforcement efforts. Together, we must find answers and ensure that all Kentuckians feel safe in their communities.