The strength and dedication of the middle class have long driven America’s economy. Hardworking men and women are the backbone of our nation, and ensuring their success starts with policies that support both businesses and workers. Reducing regulatory burdens and expanding access to affordable capital allows small businesses to grow, innovate, and create jobs, strengthening local economies. Investing in American manufacturing through targeted tax incentives encourages companies to bring jobs back home, revitalizing domestic industries and providing stable employment opportunities. To further ease the financial burdens on middle-class families, we must manage the cost of living by addressing rising healthcare, housing, and education expenses. Expanding apprenticeship programs, vocational training, and technical education equips workers with the skills needed for high-demand careers, helping them secure long-term financial stability in an evolving economy. By prioritizing these measures, we can empower the middle class, drive economic growth, and ensure opportunity for all.
Access to quality, affordable healthcare is essential to the well-being of all Americans. By strengthening the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act while maintaining competition, we can lower costs and ensure that individuals and families have choices that best fit their needs. Tax credits and incentives for employers help more businesses offer affordable healthcare coverage, ensuring that workers and their families can access necessary services. Additionally, protecting and strengthening Medicare and Medicaid is vital to the well-being of seniors, low-income families, and disabled individuals. Rather than cutting these essential programs, I support improving efficiency to reduce fraud and waste, ensuring that resources are directed where they are needed most. Expanding Medicaid eligibility in states that have yet to do so will provide critical healthcare access to more low-income individuals and families, improving public health and financial stability for millions. And we must honor our veterans by expanding access to quality healthcare, mental health services, and job training programs, ensuring they receive the support they deserve after they serve our great nation.
A secured, well-managed, and non-porous border is crucial to national safety and a fair immigration system. By leveraging modern technology, drones, and increased manpower, we can enhance border security effectively, preventing illegal crossings while ensuring the smooth flow of lawful trade and travel. A balanced approach to enforcement upholds the rule of law while treating individuals with dignity and fairness. We can protect national security through innovative, strategic policies while fostering a compassionate and orderly immigration system that welcomes those who seek to contribute to our nation. Those who seek to build a better life here should be met with a process that is orderly, humane, and grounded in American values. We can protect our borders and still lead with our hearts because that makes us who we are.
A compassionate and balanced approach to any abortion policy should respect both the rights of women and the value of life. I am not an advocate for abortion except in cases of rape, incest, and maternal health risks. However, I firmly believe that a woman should retain dominion over her body, free from government impositions. Decisions about reproductive health are deeply personal, and while I support measures that reduce the need for abortion, such as expanding access to contraception, comprehensive sex education, and adoption services. I also believe we must respect a woman’s right to make her own healthcare choices. The focus should be on providing support, education, and resources that empower women and families rather than imposing restrictive laws that limit personal freedoms. We can promote compassionate, practical solutions that protect women’s health and well-being by fostering a society that values personal beliefs and individual rights.
As a strong supporter of the Second Amendment, I believe in the constitutional right of law-abiding citizens to bear arms; it’s a deeply respected right. But I also believe that with that right comes a shared responsibility to protect our communities, especially our children. As a parent, nothing matters more than knowing our kids are safe at school. I support upgrading every school’s entry points to keep potential threats out and give families peace of mind. I also believe we must do everything we can to keep firearms out of the hands of dangerous individuals. Universal background checks and red flag laws aren’t about taking rights away; they’re about saving lives. These are common-sense steps we can take while still honoring our Constitution. This isn’t a partisan issue; it’s personal. It’s about protecting what we love and coming together as Americans, united in our commitment to creating a safer, stronger country for everyone.
As a parent and a firm believer in the power of education, I know that a strong educational foundation is one of the greatest gifts we can offer our children. Every child, no matter their ZIP code, deserves access to a high-quality education that prepares them for a successful and fulfilling future. I support increasing funding for public schools to ensure students have the tools and resources they need to thrive. Expanding school choice, including charter schools, with strong accountability measures, empowers families to make the best decisions for their children while ensuring public funds are used responsibly. Strengthening STEM education and career training programs prepares students for high-demand industries, while teaching financial literacy and civics equips them with the practical knowledge to navigate life and engage in our democracy. Supporting competitive pay for teachers is essential to attracting and retaining top talent in our classrooms and improving student outcomes. Education isn’t just policy, it’s personal. It’s how we unlock potential, lift up communities, and build a brighter future. Here in Tennessee, we’re fortunate to have programs like “Tennessee Promise”, which gives high school graduates the opportunity to attend community or technical college tuition-free, and “Tennessee Reconnect”, which helps adult learners return to school to gain new skills. These programs reflect the kind of forward-thinking investment in education that I believe we must build on to ensure opportunity for all Tennesseans.
