Issue Position: Goals

Issue Position

Economy, Environment, Education

Continue the fight for "Common Sense" state budgets
I have introduced measures to reduce state spending and borrowing. I will continue to propose and fight for additional measures to cut wasteful state spending. I lead by example and do not use the "Franking Privilege", which is a mailing allowance used by all state elected officials at taxpayer expense. I will propose legislation to limit this costly and unnecessary practice.

Eliminate red tape & and the tax burdens on small businesses
I want to eliminate the Business Entity Tax, review and replace additional outdated regulations, and produce an environment that enables businesses to thrive and grow jobs. We need to change the climate for everyone -- not just hand out costly incentives to a select few.

Help improve the Salmon River State Forest & and Airline Trail
I plan to work with CT Dept. of Energy and Environmental Protection to revitalize the "Firemen's Grounds" at Salmon River State Forest. I will fight for a public hearing on all plans of improvement. I will continue to advocate for the expansion of the Airline Trail towards Portland and improve other areas of the trail. I will continue my work to improve the Trout Management Area, along the Salmon River.

Support for our Lakes and Streams battling invasive species
I was proud to co-sponsor legislation that provides municipal grants to help our lakes and streams, fighting invasive species. I look forward to working with both our private organizations and municipalities to make sure they are aware of and apply for these critical funds.

Reduce excessive testing and expose the true cost of Common Core and its burden on students and teachers
I introduced legislation to pause the implementation of Common Core and proposed a true unbiased committee to review CCSS. I also helped to force a public hearing when Democrat legislators refused. Much more still needs to be done to assist teachers and students with Smarter Balanced Assessment and teacher evaluations. I will also work to expose the actual costs of this Federally imposed unfunded mandate.

Eliminate unfunded state mandates, especially those driving up the cost of local education
I will continue to use my position on the MORE Commission to advocate for the elimination of costly unfunded state mandates. We need to examine items like: special education, reporting requirements, professional development, and student data collection. I will also meet with local school districts to identify the most burdensome to the local taxpayer.

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