Why are you choosing to run for the state legislature?

I am running to help bring more balance to our statehouse, and to help get our legislature out of the divisive culture wars that have caused a lot of harm, and to help get Idaho back to common sense governance. As a former educator, a small business owner, and as a lawyer with a wealth of experience in child welfare, I am committed to ensuring freedom, fairness, and good governance to benefit every Idahoan. My campaign is driven by a deep belief in service and the desire to create a brighter future for our children and families.

As a state legislator, what would be your top 4 priorities in your first 100 days in this position?

• Education: Secure funding for public schools and improve infrastructure to ensure a quality education for all children.
• Mental Health: Expand mental health resources, especially in schools, to address the crisis affecting our youth and vulnerable populations.
• Economic Development: Support small businesses and create job training programs to enhance Idaho’s workforce.
• Maternal Healthcare: It is absolutely imperative that we make sure we are listening to our medical community to protect our pregnant patients. The ripple effect of our abortion bans is driving out good people from this state – much more than just doctors. I am watching the EMTALA case currently in the Supreme Court closely and I will work with anyone willing to make the changes we need to make to protect our pregnant patients, their pregnancies, and to restore dignity and respect for their privacy.

What policies would you champion as a legislator to improve Idaho’s economy?

• Supporting Education: Investing in education to produce a skilled workforce ready to meet the demands of modern industries.
• Small Business Support: Providing tax relief and cutting red tape to help small businesses thrive.
• Workforce Development: Expanding vocational training programs and partnerships with local businesses to ensure our workforce meets the needs of our growing economy.
• Infrastructure Investment: Enhancing infrastructure to support economic growth and improve the quality of life for all Idahoans​​​​.
• Supporting our medical community, our educators, our librarians, and listening to stakeholders: We have a labor shortage in Idaho, and draconian divisive policy is not helping.

What are your views on the ways in which we can ensure all students are reading by third grade, with a particular focus on the early elementary grade years?

To ensure all students are reading by third grade, we must invest in early childhood education and literacy programs. This includes expanding access to quality pre-K programs, providing professional development for teachers on early literacy instruction, and ensuring that classrooms are equipped with the necessary resources. Additionally, engaging families in their children’s learning through community partnerships and literacy initiatives can help foster a love of reading from an early age​​​​.

What is your view of creating flexibility on state education dollars to allow school districts and charter schools to fund school readiness programs?

I support creating flexibility on state education dollars to allow school districts and charter schools to fund school readiness programs. By granting local education agencies the autonomy to allocate funds based on their unique needs, we can better address disparities and ensure that all children have the foundational skills necessary for academic success. This approach empowers schools to innovate and tailor their programs to effectively support early learning​​​​.

How familiar are you with local early learning programs in your area?

In Bannock County, all pre K children in the Child Welfare system are automatically screened for Infant Toddler services and/or the Head Start program. I have seen first hand what a difference this makes to children who have experienced trauma, and how it builds their resilience.

How familiar are you with child care providers in your area?

We are a small community and I know personally many of the folks who run the preschools and daycares in this community. I know their struggles when government funding is held hostage, I know the thin margins they have for operating their business. I know how committed they are to making sure they have enough staff to provide quality care, because I know how much they also love the children and families they serve.

How familiar are you with the level of access to these services for families with young children?

I have studied the data in Idaho and I am fully aware of how thin the operating margins are for our daycares in my region and all over the State. I also know that with other rising costs including inflation and housing costs, it is becoming even less affordable for our lower income families to find quality child care without government assistance.

As a legislator, what steps would you take (if any) to ensure the communities you represent (or hope to represent) have the needed access to child care to accommodate its workforce?

• Advocate for increased funding to expand early learning and child care programs.
  Support legislation that provides grants and subsidies to make child care more affordable.
• Collaborate with local organizations to develop more child care facilities, ensuring they are accessible to all families in need​​​​.
• I would not turn down federal funding to help reach these goals. This is Idaho’s money, and it benefits no one here to send it back to be used for some other state’s programs.