VOTE411 Voter Guide

I am most passionate about "kitchen table" issues that directly impact the lives of everyone living in our community. Issues like economic opportunity/poverty reduction, cutting excessive government red tape, improving education, and crime reduction/supporting our law enforcement officers are what I spend the most time working on while I am in the Capitol.

Increasing educational opportunities and supporting successful nonprofit programs to reduce poverty are key to the success of our community and State. I am proud of legislation I sponsored that was signed by the Governor which made transformational reforms to our state's welfare programs by structing them in a way that they provide a "hand up" to help people out of poverty rather than an "anchor" keeping them in poverty. Along the same lines, I have secured millions of dollars in the budget to support local non-profits with proven track records of helping people get out of poverty and lead more financially secure lives.

I stand for limited government and believe individuals know how to live their own lives better than politicians and government bureaucrats. I am skeptical of increasing government power and as State Representative, routinely vote against legislation sponsored by both Republicans and Democrats which excessively grow government. My decisions are based on facts and data, rather than emotions.

Additionally, not every issue needs to be a partisan fight. When there are opportunities to work across the aisle, I do that. Of the numerous bills I have sponsored that have passed the House and have been signed by the Governor, almost every one has received bipartisan support. They did not all start out as inherently bipartisan bills, but I worked with folks on both sides of the aisle to address concerns, make the bills better, and ultimately win their support.

I was born and raised in Springfield. As the dad of three young kids and husband to a wonderful wife, I know well the challenges facing our area's families. I work as a local attorney with community members and businesses and also know what makes our area thrive. I have built relationships with legislators, political and community leaders, and constituents which have allowed me to serve our district and state effectively. My colleagues have chosen me to serve as the next Majority Floor Leader for the House of Representatives and I will be the first Majority Leader from Springfield in 100 years. This is one of the most important leadership positions in the Capitol and my service in this role will ensure our region is well represented.

Having served as State Representative of the 134th District for the past four years, I work with residents and businesses to advocate for them, connect them with answers, and solve problems. I attend as many community meetings and events as possible and frequently speak at services to honor district residents. My family and I are active in our church and are strong supporters of several local faith based organizations which provide community support. I have been a longtime member of The Network (the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce’s young professionals organization) and the Springfield Metropolitan Bar Association.