Economy

Our economy can do better than it has in recent years.  In order to grow, we need to reform our tax code, strengthen workforce training programs, and ensure we have a smart regulatory system.   

I frequently hear from my constituents about the excessive time and cost they spend doing taxes with our overly complicated, outdated tax code. The last major tax reform was passed in 1986 during the Reagan administration.  In the last 30 years, we have seen the development of computers, the Internet, and cell phones.  Yet, the tax code hasn’t been updated to reflect the modern world.  I strongly support efforts to update and simplify our tax code to ease the burden on individuals, families, farmers, and businesses.

We also need to ensure our workforce is prepared for our modern economy.  Prior to serving in Congress, I had a career in workforce training.  I support career training programs because I have seen firsthand how job training can change the life of an individual and their family by setting them on the path to success. 

We cannot regulate our way to a strong economy.  The opposite is true: governmental overreach cripples the economy.  From my years of running a business, I have firsthand knowledge of how excessive regulations make it harder to succeed.  While some regulation is necessary, we need to ensure that the regulations we do have in place are smart: that they are necessary, designed efficiently and have the put the least possible strain on those trying to make the economy move.