EDUCATION
My thirteen plus years as a teacher have shaped my understanding of the importance of Oregon's schools. A high-quality pre-K through post-secondary education system remains vital to Oregon's future. I will continue to push for stable and adequate classroom funding while demanding efficiency, accountability, and transparency for the expenditure of Oregon taxpayer dollars. Oregon's quality of life and economic strength are tied directly to our system of public education. We should expand vocational training, mentorship programs, and school-to-work partnerships. Finally, we must not only create a skilled and educated workforce, but an engaged and thoughtful citizenry as well. Oregon's children deserve nothing less than a full school year and smaller class sizes. We should look to lottery funds and the corporate kicker to provide resources for Oregon schools K-16.

HEALTH CARE
We must provide health insurance coverage for Oregon's children by expanding opportunities for low-income working families not qualifying for federal programs to obtain affordable health insurance. We must increase transparency among hospitals and healthcare providers by requiring disclosure of billing practices for both the insured and uninsured. With over 600,000 Oregonians without health insurance, the emergency room has become a source for primary care for many. This is extraordinarily expensive and wasteful. Healthcare reform must be a top priority for the Oregon Legislature in 2007.

FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY
Oregon's budget is made up of your money, and I am determined to make sure it is spent efficiently and effectively. We need greater transparency, accountability, and responsibility among our government agencies. I will work to rein in state spending by providing agencies incentives to locate efficiencies in their budgets. I believe in pay-as-you-go government and living within our means.

SAFETY
Oregon children deserve a safe place to go to school. That is why I will continue my fight to keep guns out of schools. We can all agree that concealed weapons don't belong in classrooms or on school buses and you can trust me to work for common sense laws to deal with that problem. Also, we must protect Oregon's children from sexual predators. That is why I voted for Jessica's Law and believe repeat sex offenders should wear tracking bracelets and be monitored by law enforcement. Commitment to Public Safety is why I've earned the support of the Oregon State Police, and many sheriffs and police officers throughout Washington and Multnomah counties.

ECONOMY
Oregon's economic competitiveness necessitates a diversified combination of small and large businesses. A vibrant economy requires a strong partnership among the public and private sectors, and business and worker-friendly policies that not only attract newcomers, but that facilitate the growth of our Oregon-based enterprises. Because of this, I will continue my efforts to strengthen our economy by working for efficient state spending and a reduced tax burden on families and Oregon businesses. I will work to ensure that the state government lives within its means and focuses on growing jobs and strengthening our economy.

SENIOR CITIZENS
Oregon owes a great deal to its senior citizens. I will continue to fight for lower prescription drug costs and stable funding for home care services because I want Oregon's seniors to be healthy and financially sound. When it comes to threats to our seniors, I have no tolerance for elder abuse or identity theft and I will crack down on these unlawful activities. My 2005 legislative session voting record illustrates my support for Oregon seniors, and I will continue fighting for Oregon seniors should I win re-election in 2006.