PRIORITIES GEORGIA
Public Education
PRIORITIES
Georgia’s school funding formula is based on a model created in 1985, and it no longer reflects today’s realities. Inflation has driven up costs, yet many critical positions like assistant principals, school nurses, social workers, and bus drivers are still not fully funded by the state.
As a result, local school systems are forced to rely more heavily on property taxes just to operate. That’s not sustainable for families or communities.
We need to modernize the funding formula so schools can meet today’s needs without continually raising taxes locally, while also holding school systems accountable for how taxpayer dollars are spent.
Education should also prepare students for life, not just college. Career academies at every high school provide real pathways into the workforce. That includes expanding access to school choice options for foster families and students with unique needs. Every child is different, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach to education.
Public Safety
I am honored to have the endorsement of Oconee County Sheriff James Hale. He and I both believe that keeping our communities safe should never be a partisan debate.
Law enforcement officers, deputies, and first responders put their lives on the line every day. The state must ensure funding is directed to the agencies that are doing the work on the ground.
That includes ensuring schools have properly trained resource officers and that public safety agencies are communicating and coordinating effectively.
Health Insurance
Our citizens in Clarke and Oconee counties have access to great healthcare. What many Georgians struggle with is access to affordable healthcare. As a small business owner, I have seen premiums rise year after year. As your representative, I will work hard to make sure insurance companies are not taking advantage of hard-working Georgians and small businesses.
Mental Health & Homelessness
Georgia is facing a serious mental health crisis, and too often it goes unaddressed until it becomes an emergency.
Many individuals experiencing homelessness are also struggling with untreated mental illness. Law enforcement spends a significant portion of time responding to mental health-related calls.
We need to equip and fund agencies with proper training, facilities, and processes that connect people with real help and long-term rehabilitation.
Affordability
We haven’t yet recovered from Biden's disastrous economy. Families across Georgia are still feeling the pressure of high costs from groceries and gas to housing and insurance.
While inflation is driven largely by federal policy, state leaders can and should take action. That starts with continuing to responsibly reduce Georgia’s state income tax.
Insurance costs, home, auto, and property, demand closer oversight, and Georgians deserve a fair and competitive marketplace.
Property Taxes
Property taxes are one of the fastest-growing financial pressures facing Georgia families, especially seniors and long-time homeowners.
Too many people who worked hard to pay off their homes are now being priced out by rising assessments that don’t reflect their actual income.
We need commonsense protections that limit how quickly assessed values can rise, while protecting funding for public safety, schools, and essential services.
Transportation
I have been in the transportation and logistics business all my adult life. This is an issue I am passionate about. House District 121 and neighboring counties are undergoing tremendous change when it comes to our highways, roads, and bridges. As you may know, 441 is a direct road through the district from the Port of Savannah and Highway 316 is becoming a limited-access highway. There are also plans for a truck bypass in outer Watkinsville. The bottom line is this, we need transportation infrastructure that is safe and efficient for all our citizens, I will champion this issue in the General Assembly.
Higher Education
District 121 is proud to be home to the University of Georgia and the University of North Georgia.
These institutions are essential to world-renowned research, the local and state economy, and an established workforce, and I will work to ensure they remain strong and accountable.
Farmers & Agriculture
I grew up on a beef and poultry farm, and I understand the challenges farmers face as Georgia continues to grow.
Many people would be surprised to learn that Clarke and Oconee counties farmers produce over $100 million per year in agricultural goods, supplies, and products.
We protect our farmers' rights to farm their land and their ability to sell their goods.
Business & Workforce
As a small business owner, I understand the needs of our state’s business leaders. I believe small businesses deserve relief from unnecessary regulations, while large corporations should be held to the same standards.