Job Growth
Arizona is on the rise. As the Commerce Chair, I have worked hard to create an environment that grows and attracts jobs. Arizona is now ranked in the top 10 for job growth, regulatory climate and tax policy. Industrious states are prosperous states. I have been a leader that promotes hard work, innovation and ingenuity. I have supported legislation that provides certainty to businesses so that they have the confidence to invest in Arizona. As a top regulatory reformer, I have removed barriers that dampen the entrepreneurial spirit. Government should not take the credit for our economic gains. Our businesses merit that praise. However, as government we can get out of the way, so businesses can grow and thrive.
Protecting Families, Life and Small Businesses
Legislation should be supportive of the family. Children are entitled to good parents. Most families are so busy dealing with life that they do not have time to watch every bill that is passed by the state. I have been a voice for the people to protect their interests and their rights.
I am a proven Pro-Life candidate that believes our first inalienable right is that to life.
Small businesses are the lifeblood of our economy. I have worked hard and passed legislation to remove arbitrary paperwork, permits and licenses that do not promote the general welfare or serve a meaningful purpose. I have had the opportunity to work with many business and government leaders. A common concern shared by all involved has been over-regulation by the state. The state of Arizona has more than 140 agencies. I am familiar with many of them. I will continue to work with heads of these agencies and business leaders to remove the shackles that are restricting small business growth. Some of these agencies and departments need to be eliminated. I sponsored and passed legislation to eliminate a state department. This has made government more efficient and saved the taxpayer money.
Fiscal Discipline
We need to run the State the same way a good business or home is run. We must spend less than we bring in. We need to understand the difference between needs and wants. I have always pushed and worked hard for structurally balanced budgets. I’m proud to say that Arizona recently passed its first structurally balanced budget in a decade. I ran legislation to implement zero based budgeting at the state level. Paying down debt should be a top priority when we have surpluses. I will continue to push for obsolete and inefficient government programs to be eliminated.
Public Safety
One of the most important roles of the government is to protect the safety of it’s citizens. Counties and communities deserve honest and competent police and fire officials. State laws and agencies must allow the local communities to do their jobs. I have worked hard to ensure that our public safety officials have the tools they need to be effective and keep our communities safe. I have been honored to be consistently endorsed by the law enforcement community for my focus on a safe and secure Arizona.
Education
Arizona businesses need an educated and skilled work force. We should make sure we are always providing useful and relevant education so that Arizona citizens will be hired for high paying jobs. When it comes to priority of funds, we need to make sure that more money makes it to our children and their teachers in the classroom. The best teachers and educators should be rewarded for their hard work, dedication and effective teaching practices. I have protected the rights of parents to choose the best education options for their children. Since I have been elected the legislature has increased education funding by hundreds of millions of dollars. These increases have put us close to eclipsing our all time high funding levels. Education funding consists of 1 of every 2 dollars the state spends and continues to be the number one budget priority for the State. We are the only state in the nation to have 3 top 10 high schools. Also, ASU is #1 for student enrollment in the entire nation. More students choose ASU than any other college.
Border Security and Immigration
Securing the border is the responsibility of the federal government. Unfortunately, the federal government has failed at it’s job. The Tucson corridor is the busiest area in the country for drug and human trafficking. This illustrates the fact that the federal government has left Arizona and its citizens unprotected. While I believe that immigration and border security are the role of the federal government, Arizona and its citizens cannot be left unprotected. Therefore, we must ensure the safety and welfare of Arizona’s citizens by implementing legislation that supports a secure border and enforces the law including prohibiting sanctuary cities that foster and encourage illegal and dangerous activity.
2nd Amendment Rights
I agree with a statement that has been attributed to Jefferson that says “Laws that forbid the carrying of arms…disarm only those who are neither inclined nor determined to commit crimes.” I have proven record of protecting your right to keep and bear arms. Consequently, I have received A ratings and endorsements from the National Rifle Association and the Citizens Defense League.