rural agenda for district 18

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For far too long, rural communities in Arkansas have been ignored by both major political parties. Some in my own party have given up on areas seen as more conservative while Republicans have only given lip service to rural areas - refusing to actually solve the issues we face. That is why our campaign is focused on sharing a RURAL Agenda for District 18: 

Small, locally owned businesses should be favored over corporations & large businesses when it comes to taxes they pay & capital they have access to. I propose to increase grant & loan programs to small businesses in rural areas & make corporations pay their fair share in taxes. 

Ensuring every Arkansan has access to affordable, high-speed internet which is a necessity to succeed and do life in today’s world. I propose increased state funding for broadband projects using our billion dollar surplus and piloting investments in municipal broadband.  

We should excellently fund our public schools from Pre-K to graduation, raise teacher and staff salaries, and end the focus on standardized testing to prepare students for jobs & college. 

Rural areas are in decline because of the lack of housing & affordable options. We should be investing in family-centered and community-controlled housing, making homes energy efficient, and increasing buying options for young and potential home-buyers.  

Agriculture is what makes Arkansas such a great state. But corporate farming and large profits have taken over while family farms and access to fresh, local foods have dwindled. We should invest in farmers markets, local product purchasing, and funding for small-scale, family farms.”