keeping it local

I like to focus on solutions that matter to regular Montanans.   Here are a few ideas for what I can do in the legislature, to make those opportunities available. Let me know what you think.

Cascade County is the heart of Montana.  Great Falls attracts small businesses with its livability: good public schools, quality of life, abundant health care options, and access to public lands.

Optimizing our community means being smart economically; prepared for long term, balanced prosperity.

We all deserve an opportunity with hard work to make families thrive. We get there by supporting families, kids, and workers with affordable healthcare, affordable housing, tools for small businesses to thrive, and tax fairness. A level playing field is the foundation of economic security and a whole community.

Education:
    -Invest in public access for four year olds to attend pre-kindergarten, which has been shown to provide benefits that last into adulthood.
    -Expand eligibility to SNAP and TANF assistance in post-secondary education so students don’t have to go hungry while pursuing higher education.
    -Boost the dual credit program in Great Falls high schools so kids can walk off the high school graduation stage and have college credits and good job offers.

Affordable Healthcare:
    - Create a statewide family and medical leave insurance program so that employers can retain workers and ensure a healthy workforce. Businesses will save money and employees can build and sustain financial security in the face of the unexpected.

Supporting Small Businesses
    - Encourage investment in our community through renewable energy initiatives.
    -Provide on-bill, low and no-cost financing for energy efficiency upgrades and renewable energy installations.
    -Create workforce housing by supporting non-profit entrepreneurs.
    - Job training and skill development through apprenticeships and trade schools.

Tax Fairness:
    -Eliminate the capital gains tax credit, which only applies to people who pay federal taxes on estates and trusts - not most Montanans. That would bring $49m in revenue.
    - Expand the state Earned Income Tax Credit, supplementing the wages of hard-working families, to allow parents to provide for their children and purchase needed goods in their local communities.