Fiscal Responsibility – My experience as a school board president has taught me valuable lessons in fiscal restraint. Every government program, no matter how many people it helps, has a cost to taxpayers. Tools like zero based budgeting and revenue caps can help enforce fiscal discipline. But electing leaders who accept the responsibility for their budgets is the key.
Controlling the Border – If the federal government won’t control the border, then Texans will. The state can take steps to cease cities from adopting sanctuary policies. We must continue to send aid to border sheriffs and provide state DPS resources to the area. Passage of a strict voter ID law should be a priority.
Lowering Property Taxes – Previous efforts to lower property taxes have been erased by increased appraisals. We need meaningful property appraisal caps or true statewide revenue caps for all levels of government.
Improving Public Education – Setting high standards and then being held accountable to those standards is the hallmark of a good public school. Limiting administration and bureaucracy, letting classroom teachers teach, and rewarding excellence are key tools. Federal and State governments approach of providing less money and more mandates – needs to change. One size doesn’t fit all in public education, and locally elected school boards, principals, teachers and parents are in the best situation to make decisions affecting our students.
Growing the Economy and Creating Jobs – Texas continues to prosper because we have relatively low taxes, sensible regulation, and an environment that rewards innovation and hard work. We must be vigilant. Competition will be keen as the rest of the country and the world weathers tough economic times.
Accountability for State and Local Government – We live in a society that has forgotten the lessons of personal responsibility. It has spilled over into the public sector. We must hold government accountable for their actions and the consequences of those actions. We must rededicate ourselves to the highest standards of accountability and begin with real ethics reforms.
