Issues

Why I’m running for re-election

Some folks show up in Richmond because they have absolutely the very best idea that will revolutionize everything in Virginia, and they are there to ensure that that happens. And maybe they do have the best idea. Some folks are there because they are very wed to your party ideology, and there’s nothing wrong with that, either. We all certainly represent our respective parties.

But having worked as a legislative aide for legislators in this area for a number of years, I bring a different perspective to Richmond. I look at everyone in the 71st District, the organizations and businesses that serve our community, and I carry those ideas with me to Richmond. I strive daily to listen very carefully to what the folks in our community really want. I recognize that we are unique in relation to all the other areas of the Commonwealth.

I take seriously the privilege of participating in our representative democracy. Over the course of the past fifteen years, my political volunteerism evolved into a vocation, thereby affording me the privilege of working with residents and stakeholders to address the challenges and opportunities facing our region. I know firsthand the issues affecting the district, and I look forward to continuing to serve constituents and champion commonsense solutions.

Economy/Cost of Living

As I speak with constituents, the high cost of living is constantly mentioned. I will work to carefully assess the hidden and overt costs of each policy to ensure that the price is not simply passed along to consumers. For example, a substantial percentage of the cost of new construction is directly tied to regulatory requirements. Similarly, energy bills include a growing list of fees (known as “riders”) that directly result from legislation passed by the General Assembly. Well-intentioned policies can often place an undue burden on those already facing financial struggles.

As part of my legislative agenda during my fifth year in office, I plan to reintroduce bipartisan legislation codifying consumer protections for users of earned wage access (EWA) services. These widely used services allow workers to access the pay they have earned at work but have yet to receive due to the payroll cycle. No current protections exist in state law, leaving consumers vulnerable to potentially predatory practices.

Abortion

I believe Virginians can reach a consensus on commonsense policies regarding abortion. Most Virginians oppose late-term abortion and are rightfully appalled by the concept of abortion for any reason up until the moment of birth. Governor Youngkin’s proposed 15-week restriction (with exceptions for rape, incest, and the life and well-being of the mother after 15 weeks) mirrors many longstanding European policies. I expect Virginians can use this proposal to begin a reasonable and science-based policy discussion.

Public Education

Pandemic-induced learning loss poses a grave challenge to our Commonwealth and is our most critical issue. Ensuring that students are reading and achieving math competency is vital to the future success of our nation, and we must pursue every option—and seek innovative solutions—to tackle this challenge. Science-based reading instruction will be critical to this outcome, and I look forward to expanding Virginia’s literacy programs.

Virginians expect high academic standards and student proficiency in basic subjects. Every instructional minute is valuable, and parents rightfully believe the classroom needs to be an orderly space in which demonstrable academic skills are acquired and measured. Time spent pursuing partisan or subjective issues detracts from instructional time. The focus and goal must remain centered on teaching students how to think—not what to think.

Political Discourse

Disagreement on policy is a feature of our democratic republic; however, every perspective is unique and valuable. As an elected legislator, I serve and represent all constituents—regardless of their political affiliation—and consistently act with respect and civility.