Candidate for Idaho House of Representatives - District 6B in 2018 Idaho 2018 General Election.
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Get Startedthe best thing that could be done for drug treatment and recovery in Idaho is to make sure there is coverage (ie, expand Medicaid) for treatment and rehab services. Learn more
As prescription abuse became more prominent, I helped create a prescription drug taskforce, now working in the Governor’s Office of Drug Policy. Learn more
Drug abuse has been a problem since before I joined the Legislature in 2004 Then it was Meth, and I wrote the bill to close down meth labs by restricting the chemicals used. Learn more
Pre-K early education programs are of proven value in helping at risk kids learn and prevent them from falling behind. Investments in early education are smart. Learn more
Funding has not always followed the vision, however. As the student population of Idaho grows, appropriations need to keep pace.Being lowest in cost in the nation is not a good thing. Learn more
I believe we have made progress in public schools. But there are still some real holes to fill. And we have a lot to do for post-secondary education. Learn more
There is no more important role for our State than to prepare our citizens for the future. That is why public education is so prominent in our State Constitution and is our biggest State expense. Learn more
Equally important, especially for the 21st century economy, is an educated and skilled workforce. Learn more
Good public schools, community colleges and universities, affordable and with the capacity to meet workforce development needs, is essential. Learn more
The transfer of patient records between hospitals, labs and offices is essential to rapid and correct care. Learn more
I do not think that Idaho should “take over” federal public land. Learn more
I believe in public ownership of these lands. Learn more
I had bipartisan support from Republicans and Democrats, representative and senators. I will continue to push given the opportunity. Learn more
For three years I sponsored an Inspector General bill to add to State governmentimproved oversight and accountability. Learn more
It has been a goal of mine while representing the citizens of our area to try to figure out a way to make things work better. Learn more
I also co-chaired the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee which has investigated numerous State departments and does audits on executive department finances. I will continue to provide leadership for open, accountable State government. Learn more
In the future, a more responsive Mental Health system for the State, coverage for low income Idahoans, and effective use of technology in healthcare will continue to be one of my legislative focuses to make behavioral health services available and timely. Learn more
The development of telehealth provides a real opportunity for patients and for hospitals and providers, allowing access to specialists where none are physically located. Learn more
I also sponsored legislation to improve the EMS first responder and trauma system that should improve Idaho’s high rates of trauma death. Learn more
I have consistently pushed for programs that train (and retain) medical and mental health providers in those parts of the State that have difficulty. Learn more
The presence of a physican’s office, a pharmacy and a hospital are essential for the survival of many of our rural communities as well as a great benefit to citizens living there. Learn more
I helped create the Idaho Health Insurance Exchange and, as a Board member, have helped save Idaho individuals more than $12 million in administrative costs while giving them one of the most efficient exchanges in the US. Learn more
I helped design the Idaho Immunization Registry and the Childhood Vaccine Assessment Program which assures families and insurers of Idaho that they get the lowest vaccine prices in the nation. Learn more
I also authored the telehealth licensing and regulation legislation to improve care to rural Idaho. Learn more
Most of the doctors and hospitals participate in by the Idaho Health Data Exchange which I co-authored. Learn more
Uninsurance is a particularly big issue for rural communities, hospitals and providers. Learn more
The easiest and likely most cost effective is to expand Medicaid as allowed by the ACA. Learn more
We need to make sure that everyone has coverage for preventive care and to avoid financial catastrophe that may come with illness, Learn more
The telecommunications, good air travel connectivity, and the system of roads and rails are other important factors for businesses. Learn more
During my time in the legislature I voted for reasonable, focused tax reductions Learn more
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