Key Issues
Excessive Government Spending and Taxation:
Irresponsible spending in Washington has put our country and our children’s future in jeopardy. Congress has generated a skyrocketing national debt and a trillion-dollar budget deficit. Federal spending is out of control. Members of Congress who continue to “spend the country into prosperity” are quickly spending us into adversity. They must be removed, and replaced with fiscally responsible legislators. This issue inspired me to organize a local TEA Party in March of 2009.
State Sovereignty:
The 10th Amendment to the Constitution reads, “The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people.” Congress has acted beyond the scope of the enumerated powers granted by the Constitution. As government grows, so does its intrusion into our lives and the affairs of the states. I am proud to be a citizen of Florida, a state proposing legislation to protect itself from the over-reaching arm of the federal government.
Energy:
U.S. energy policy should rely on free markets for solutions, not government directives and policies based on unproven science. Research and development within the private sector can provide the technology for protecting the environment and developing new energy sources. Business can and will provide the leadership and ingenuity required to develop new energy sources that are efficient and affordable. We need a comprehensive energy policy with an emphasis on nuclear technology. Dependence on foreign sources of energy is a serious threat to our country’s economy and security, and must be decreased.
Environment:
As responsible citizens, we must be good stewards of our natural resources. Federal responsibility for care of the environment is limited by the Constitution. Environmental policy must be based only upon proven science. Regulatory authority must be carefully monitored to ensure it does not burden commerce or the people.
Immigration:
The United States is a country of immigrants, and a sensible immigration plan will ensure our future growth. Effective immigration policy starts with proper enforcement of existing laws. Our immigration process must be constantly improved to ensure it is efficient and fair, while protecting our national security throughout the process. We welcome immigrants who enter our country legally, with the hope of leading free and productive lives in the United States
Border Security:
Securing our borders is critical to our nation’s defense. The best solution to border security is a strong Border Patrol with a force and budget adequate for its mission. Close communication between federal, state, and local law enforcement is essential to protecting our borders.
Education:
Parents and students must have the freedom to choose between public, private, religious, home, or virtual schools. Educational choice fosters competition and improvement. We must place more responsibility at the community level to ensure education is responsive to the people it serves. Federal education mandates should be eliminated because they raise the cost of education but fail to improve its quality.
Second Amendment:
Our Constitution protects the right of every citizen to own and bear arms. This right must not be trampled upon by federal regulation or any other attempt to impede ownership.
Sanctity of Life:
Life is our most precious gift—from the moment of conception to final breath. A sound government must uphold its solemn obligation to safeguard life at every stage.
