JOBS AND THE ECONOMY
Just a few short years ago North Carolina was a national leader in attracting new jobs. Now, with soaring deficits and the highest marginal tax rates in the Southeast, we are at a competitive disadvantage. Our tax rates hurt small businesses, family budgets and are damaging to economic development. We need to lower our tax rates, streamline regulations and take the steps necessary to encourage more investment and job creation in our economy. We must establish an economic environment to reward innovation and encourage capital investment.

STATE'S BUDGET CRISIS
The next General Assembly will face a projected $3 billion budget shortfall. We must establish a set of real funding priorities for our State and allocate our resources to meet our top priorities. We need to evaluate programs which are duplicative, no longer necessary or can be consolidated. We can no longer afford to be everything to everyone and fund every special interest, we must be focused on those services which directly impact the health of our citizens, public safety, the education of our children, and boost our economy. 

SPENDING REFORM
I have introduced HB 2079, State Savings Act, which is a constitutional amendment mandating the State to save for the future. When the economy is growing, we should put money aside so we can avoid cutting services or raising taxes in downturns. My plan would also establish funding for critical infrastructure needs without increasing the State's debt. We can reform state government, address the needs of our State, and get ahead of the curve for the future.

TAX REFORM
We need to modernize our tax code to remove as many of the thousands of special provisions as possible. Our system needs to be simpler, fairer and much easier for businesses and citizens to interpret. I oppose expanding service taxes in the midst of the most significant recession in our lifetime. Now is not the time to be raising taxes especially on hard pressed small businesses.

IMPROVING EDUCATION
Our children deserve the opportunity to learn in classrooms equipped for the 21st Century. Our economic future depends on a well educated workforce. I will continue to work to cut the high school dropout rate and improve basic math, reading and writing skills in the early grades, restore discipline to the classroom, and support our teachers.

REAL REFORM
It's time to reform state government. Our State has suffered under a rising tide of liberal Democrat waste, abuse, and corruption in Raleigh. It's time to end the cycle of higher taxes, more spending and deeper debt. We can do better! I am working to restore real spending priorities and accountability to our state institutions. It's time to set North Carolina on a new course to modernize our state institutions, change how we budget and fund programs, set priorities for the services we need, and demand public accountability for the results.

ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION
In North Carolina the influx of illegals is straining our schools, our social services, and law enforcement. We cannot afford to allow benefits designed to help our citizens be abused by those here illegally. I will continue to take a firm stand on illegal immigration and advocate legislation to ensure our tax dollars are spent only on the needs of our citizens and those here legally.