Mark E. Lewis Jr.

Drug Policy

Repeal the tobacco age increase. Learn more

Legalize the sale and use of marijuana. Learn more

Economy

Private storeowners should be able to sell liquor, just like they can sell anything else. Learn more

Education

We should expand school choice so parents can send their children to the schools that best reflect their values and priorities, and to allow students to transfer out of bad situations. Learn more

Although I support tax credits and vouchers, I oppose using them as an excuse to increase government regulations on private schools. Learn more

Tax credits and vouchers both reduce the burden on the state’s education budget, because the amount redirected to private schools per student is less than the current public school spending per student. (Private schools have a significantly lower expense per student than public schools.) More competition will reduce costs, foster innovation, and lead to schools that better satisfy students, teachers and parents. Learn more

Environment / Energy

If a mining company or energy company produces pollution that harms people in the surrounding area, those people should be fully compensated, perhaps through a class-action lawsuit. Learn more

The Virginia legislature has no business subsidizing energy companies.  In particular, the legislature should not try to push one form of energy over another. Learn more

Government Reform

We should replace mandatory government licensing with optional private certifications. Learn more

Guns

Although the thought of “guns in churches” may sound dangerous or even comical to many people, I believe that the churches themselves should make the decision whether to allow firearms. Learn more

I oppose laws that prohibit people from carrying weapons into certain private venues. I believe that private property owners should make the choice whether to allow firearms, not the government. Learn more

Healthcare

Removing barriers to telemedicine will make it easier for patients to get help with minor problems at a lower cost. Learn more

Repealing restrictions on which insurance policies people can buy will reduce costs and improve competition. Learn more

Medicaid spending is around one-fourth of Virginia’s total budget. I want to cut that by at least 10% Learn more

Another change that can help health care in Virginia is to repeal Certificate of Public Need (COPN) laws. Learn more

In 2018, they passed laws to expand Medicaid eligibility. That increases federal spending on Medicaid (which increases the burden on all taxpayers, including Virginians), and it also increases state government spending on Medicaid. It’s a double blow to Virginia taxpayers. I support the repeal of that expansion. Learn more

Immigration

I oppose using Virginia taxpayers’ money to enforce federal immigration laws. Learn more

I also oppose taxpayer-funded welfare for foreigners, but of course, I generally oppose those programs for citizens as well. Learn more

Social Services

I also oppose taxpayer-funded welfare for foreigners, but of course, I generally oppose those programs for citizens as well. Learn more

Taxes / Budget

I also want to cut Virginia taxes, especially the individual income tax. I want to cut each bracket by at least 10%. Learn more

I also want to cut the state sales tax, which is currently 4.3%. Learn more

Corporate welfare does not create a net increase in jobs. Government should not distort the markets like this. We should end these subsidies. Learn more

I propose cutting the next biennial operating budget by 10%. So, for 2020-2022, that would be a total of $108.5 billion. Learn more

Wages / Job Benefits

If an employer and employee want to strike a deal, the state should not interfere with rules like minimum wages. Learn more