1. Education Education is my number-one priority because it determines the future of our children, our workforce, and our economy. Every child deserves a quality public education,
regardless of background or ZIP code. I will continue . ghting for adequate school funding, competitive teacher salaries, smaller class sizes, and the resources necessary for students to succeed. Literacy is especially important. I strongly supported and spoke from the well of the Georgia House of Representatives in support of literacy legislation that passed the General Assembly. Children who cannot read pro. ciently face serious challenges throughout their education. We must strengthen early childhood education, expand career and technical training, and prepare students for college, employment, and responsible citizenship. Our public schools need investment, accountability, and experienced leadership – not empty promises.
2. Veterans and Seniors Care As a retired Army Colonel and Vietnam combat veteran, caring for veterans is both a responsibility and a personal commitment. I serve on the Georgia House Defense and Veterans Aff airs Committee, where I have the opportunity to address issues aff ecting those who served our nation. Veterans deserve timely healthcare, earned bene. ts, housing assistance, and support when transitioning to civilian life. We must never forget their sacri. ces. Our senior citizens deserve equal attention. Many live on . xed incomes while facing rising healthcare, housing, and prescription drug costs. I will continue supporting aff ordable healthcare, protection against exploitation, and programs that help seniors remain independent and live with dignity. A society should be judged by how it treats those who served and those who helped build it.
3. Medicaid Healthcare should not be a privilege reserved for those who can aff ord it. Too many hardworking Georgians struggle to obtain necessary medical care. I support expanding access to aff ordable healthcare, including responsible Medicaid expansion, while maintaining . scal accountability. We must protect rural hospitals, strengthen community healthcare services, and ensure that children, working families, seniors, and vulnerable citizens receive appropriate care. Preventive healthcare saves lives and can reduce expensive emergency treatment. Strong communities require healthy families, accessible hospitals, and healthcare policies that put people . rst.
4. Public Safety Every citizen deserves to feel safe at home, at school, at work, and throughout our communities. I support law enforcement offi cers having the training, equipment, personnel, and resources necessary to protect the public. I also believe eff ective public safety requires accountability, community trust, and cooperation. We must address the causes of crime through education, youth development, mental health services, and economic opportunities. Prevention and enforcement must work together.