Issue Position: I Will Vote to:

Issue Position

Help hardworking taxpayers and build a healthy economy

Over 90 million Americans are not working, families and small businesses are struggling in this tough economy and recent college graduates are having difficulty finding quality jobs. This lack of opportunity for people to use their God-given talents in America is unacceptable. As a small business owner, I know we can grow our economy by reducing the burdens of the federal government on families and businesses. This benefits all citizens. Requiring the federal government to live within its means, reducing the tax burden, and expanding American energy sources will grow our economy. Repealing the government takeover of health care and replacing it with patient-centered solutions such as allowing the purchase of insurance across state lines, stopping lawsuit abuse, and encouraging health savings accounts will make health care more affordable. Stopping the Asian carp from destroying our Great Lakes and empowering states and local schools to enhance educational opportunities will help our Michigan economy. There are many important, common sense steps we can take to build a healthy economy. I look forward to working on your behalf in Congress to advance solutions to help hardworking West Michigan taxpayers.

Balance the budget

The $17 trillion national debt is a threat to our country but especially to our children and grandchildren. The interest cost on this debt consumes a significant and growing part of the federal budget and at a time when interest rates are being held artificially low. We need to quickly reverse course and start moving the federal budget toward balance. I support the House Republican "Paul Ryan" Budget that would cut $5 trillion in spending, reduce the deficit by 90% over three years, lower tax rates, and repeal Obamacare. Additionally, I support a Balanced Budget Amendment, which will require the federal government to live within its means--just like we all have to do in our daily lives.

Reduce the tax burden and simplify the tax code

High taxes discourage hard work, investment, and job creation. The 4 million word tax code is a frustrating disaster desperately in need of simplification. I support lowering tax rates, both for individuals and businesses, and dramatically simplifying the tax code. There are multiple ideas on how exactly to reform the tax code and I look forward to being a part of the solution in Congress. In the meantime, I will support opportunities to reduce the tax burden, such as a 20% tax cut for small businesses and repeal of the medical device tax embedded in Obamacare.

Expand American energy sources

I support a comprehensive energy approach that puts us on a path of American energy independence by increasing natural gas and oil exploration, building the Keystone Pipeline, and encouraging technological advancement and free market renewable energy sources. A pro-American energy production policy will lower energy prices, create jobs, and reduce our dependence on unstable oil markets.

Protect the rights of the unborn

Life is a precious gift from God. I will vote 100% pro-life.

Defend our Constitution

The Constitution and Declaration of Independence are the frameworks that secure life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness for each of us blessed to be Americans. I will vote to limit government, expand freedom, protect our liberties, and defend Americans. We owe our strong and consistent support to members of our military and veterans who sacrifice to protect our Constitutional Republic.

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