Issue Position: The Issues

Issue Position

The highest priorities facing all Arizonans today are jobs and the economy. Having hit the pavement and talked to tens of thousands of my constituents over my decade in office, I see the results that our current economy brings: Joblessness, fear, and despair. This is not how our economy should be and it's not how it always was. When there is economic doubt, less money is spent, which ultimately resolves in less money in the economy. It is then up to the government to ensure that jobs, such as teachers, police officers, and firefighters, are protected to ensure economic stability. Unfortunately, this is not what has happened.

My highest priority, especially as a member of the Economic Development and Jobs Creation and Commerce and Energy committees, has been fighting corporate greed to ensure a strengthened middle class. I saved almost 1,000 jobs at Safelite Auto Glass that were leaving Arizona by blocking legislation that would raise the costs of doing business in the state. Through my legislation--such as SB 1403 that offer tax credits for Arizona companies that invest in clean, renewable technologies--I have fought hard to keep companies employing in Arizona. Having stood against short-sighted legislation, such as selling the Capitol to help solve the deficit, I stand for common sense spending and investments such as our infrastructure and schools. These are the ultimate investments in our future; unfortunately, due to the long-term nature of these investments, some do not see them as viable. Our schools have fallen further and further behind in both funding and test scores, with some schools not even having necessary funding for paper, which only leads to less high-wage jobs being available. By correcting the spending at the state level, we can help lead Arizona fully recover from the recession.

Through my efforts in creating a renewable energy capital in Arizona, we are on a path to becoming the global leader in solar energy. As a member of the Commerce and Energy committee, I recognize that Arizona's greatest natural resources include our near year-round direct access to the sun, as well as our vast amounts of land. Utilizing our resources through key investments and efforts in solar energy, Arizona can become the global leader in solar energy within the decade, bringing countless new jobs in a high-technology field to the Valley, and taking the first step on a journey to a sustainable Arizona.

Ultimately, my record speaks for itself. After serving for a decade at the State Capitol, I know what it takes to get legislation through our gridlocked system that betters our neighborhoods not only for ourselves, but for our children in the years to come. I am committed to bringing the same passion and fight for every constituent that I have had these last 12 years to my next term.

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