Agriculture

In a state where cattle outnumber people, issues regarding the industry of the family farm deserve a champion in the U.S. Congress. Currently, the family farm is being directly challenged by the Obama administration. Farmers in the district often rely on direct payments and crop insurance in order to function and both of these are under attack. These programs provide an important safety net to farmers whose livelihood often depends on elements which are out of their control.

The agricultural industry is an integral part of not only our economy, but also our culture. Agriculture provides thousands of jobs to our district and provides our country and the world with sustenance.

Growing up on the family farm I learned about the challenges faced by Kansas farmers.  As owner of the family farm, I am faced with these challenges firsthand. As your representative I will be a champion of agricultural interests in the U.S. Congress.

Health Care

With health care prices consistently on the rise, we need to find common sense solutions that will provide the best possible care to our residents. Particularly important in a district with many rural citizens is access to health care.

Access to quality and affordable health care is crucial, especially in rural Kansas.  As your representative, I pledge to work tirelessly to ensure that rural health care facilities and their staff receive all of the resources that they need so Kansans get the best care possible.

Second Amendment Rights

As a member of a family that loves the outdoors, I know well that farmers and hunters are the most ardent stewards of the land.  The rights afforded through the Second Amendment are an important part of our culture.  I will work to protect this foundational principle.

Protecting Small Business

Small business is the cornerstone of American prosperity.  My husband Carl and I owned and operated Sportsman’s Supply for over twenty years in Hays, and were members of the local chamber of commerce and the National Federation of Independent Business during that time. We specialized in shooting sports, hunting and fishing, bicycles, and exercise equipment. I understand the challenges and rewards that accompany small business ownership. We must secure an environment conducive to job creation and entrepreneurship, an environment in which our sons and daughters can generate a prosperous future for their families. The viability of rural America depends on their success.  The independent retailer, hunter, and farmer, are the backbone and the tax base of our rural economy.  In Congress, I pledge to work toward a climate where the family business is not a thing of the past, where people with a passion to be their own boss can thrive, and where our children can find or create meaningful employment. 

Energy

Energy security is one of the toughest challenges facing America.  With energy prices on the rise for everyone in the big first district, our energy strategy must take advantage of proven technologies and sources of energy that are readily available. The proposed coal fired power plant in the Big First district would benefit the district by creating jobs that would have an immediate and positive impact on our economy. This plant would also serve as a model of innovation for the entire nation by implementing carbon sequestration technology that captures harmful emissions.

In the long term, I believe that we should be committed to exploring alternative energies that take advantage of the innovative capacity that Americans possess. The need to find alternative energy strategies provides a unique challenge, but America has never been faced with a challenge that its citizens could not overcome.

Education

As an educator for over 35 years, I know the value of education, especially in rural areas.  Education is the great equalizer in America.  It is only through education that we can keep our economy strong and our form of government secure.  Kansas education ranks in the top 10 nationally, traditionally in the top 3 on every major standardized assessment. I understand that many of our school districts are small by necessity, rather than design. I will work to keep quality education a priority in Kansas. It’s time for experienced, responsible education leadership in Congress.