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Jobs and the Economy
There is nothing more important to the American people right now than having jobs. The creation of more jobs in the 16th District will provide solutions to many issues. In our district, Winnebago County has an unemployment rate nearing 20% - moreover, 1 and 5 people do not have a job. Other counties within the 16th District are struggling with record unemployment levels as well.
We need to concentrate on keeping companies here and to provide them with the tools for expansion. The role of government in job creation should be to set the landscape for companies. The government should focus on building infrastructure in the major growth sectors of the economy - information and financial systems, energy technology, and health care systems - and then letting the market respond. Small businesses will be able to compete globally with a fair corporate tax structure, access to capital, tax credits for hiring and for "going green".
Health Care
Every citizen deserves affordable access to quality health care. Now that health care reform has passed in Washington, we must look to fix the problems that inflate cost. Many citizens without healthcare insurance use the emergency room as their primary care, and this drives the cost up for everyone. Our physicians set aside 8 to 10 years of earnings as they attend college and medical schools, only to come out with thousands of dollars in medical school debt. The costs and the waiting lists to get into medical and dental schools are tremendous. We must expand the facilities to increase the number of eligible students to get into these institutions.
Energy & Technology
In northern Illinois, we live in the renewable energy corridor. We live amongst nuclear power plants and the corn that provides ethanol for our gasoline. Wind power, ethanol, bio diesel and nuclear power are clean and they work.
Manufacturing
I am a firm believer in manufacturing. We have to use common sense and the best technology to bring manufacturing jobs back to our country. The manufacturing industry has been the backbone of America for decades, and as we ship more jobs overseas, they become the backbone of other countries. In the 16th Congressional District, local companies need the capital to expand and acquire new technology to bring our jobs back to the United States. The role of government in our economy is to set the landscape for companies, so the market can respond accordingly. We need to enforce our current trade laws and regulations.
Right to Bear Arms
I believe that the people have the right to bear arms - to protect their families and their properties. However, gun ownership comes with responsibility and accountability. As an avid hunter, I believe that the people have the right to gun ownership. I am a current member of the National Rifle Association and my brother teaches a course in gun safety and certifies over 200 people a year. I have recently introduced my son to hunting.
Education
Our region’s economic vitality and the success of our nation depends
On the next generation’s readiness to compete in the global economy.
A father of four children, I recognize that preparing our children for
the future requires making significant changes to our nation’s
education system. We must provide a stable and adequate funding
source for all K-12 public schools so that our students are prepared
for higher education in universities, community colleges or technical
colleges. This includes early learning as an important step toward
academic achievement and a key to drop-out prevention. Ensuring
support for teaching professionals and working to attract quality
teachers who can provide our children with the best education possible,
is one of my top priorities.
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