District 86 priorities
Protecting Oklahoma’s Natural Resources.
District 86 encompasses the foothills of the Ozarks. Many creeks and streams are in this area, along with the Illinois River and its watershed. Double Spring Creek runs through my family’s land, so this issue is personal to me. I will work to strengthen protections for our waterways and natural resources. Northeast Oklahoma is more than a place of extraction for profit. We must protect the natural resources and beauty of District 86 for future generations.
Securing Access to Public Education in Rural Schools.
Oklahoma ranks last in education. Rural public schools deserve to be funded appropriately. No child should receive a lesser education because of their ZIP code. I will fight against school vouchers that redirect taxpayer money intended for public schools into for-profit private schools.
Enhance Access to Healthcare and Reform Policies that Harm Oklahomans
Not long ago, Oklahomans voted to expand Medicaid funding through a ballot measure. Now, the state’s Republican supermajority wants to roll back that expansion. Rural Oklahoma benefits from Medicaid funding, and many elders in nursing homes depend on it. If funding is reduced, medical facilities may be forced to close. The Stilwell hospital closure is one example. Medicaid provides dignity and protects our most vulnerable populations.
Strengthening Tribal Sovereignty and State Relations
All residents of Oklahoma benefit from respectful relationships with sovereign tribes. Tribal entities contribute in many ways to our state’s well-being, including road improvements, the development of small businesses, and the creation of opportunities in rural communities.