As a former Norman Public Schools teacher, I am familiar with the real challenges facing our students, their families and our schools. As a mother, I am familiar with the social and educational challenges facing our youth as well as the economic challenges in raising our families. As a wife of a businessman, I am sensitive to the practical and economic realities which our employers face. Finally, my legal education provides me with the ability to read proposed laws with the people in mind.
A successful educational system attracts businesses, markedly diversifies job opportunities and raises the quality and standards of life for our community. Refocusing our priorities on improving our educational system is our greatest hope to address the most prevalent problems facing our families, communities and state. Additionally, raising our educational level will help address our unacceptable status of having one of the highest incarceration rates in the nation.
Health Care/Insuranc
It is unacceptable and inefficient that one in five Oklahomans are without health insurance. The insured pay higher rates to compensate for those without, hospitals are unnecessarily burdened with otherwise minor health issues and minor health concerns become critical ones because they go untreated. Addressing basic needs health care for all will benefit all Oklahomans.
Roads/Bridges
Our roads and bridges are the lifeline of our economy. Consequently, as responsible caretakers of the system, we should not have allowed the system to degrade to its current level which not only is a deterrant to economic development, but more importantly, may be a threat to the very lives of our citizens.
Energy Development
Oklahoma has the resources, the technology and the opportunity to become the center for alternative energy resources. Providing the correct incentives for alternative energy and transportation development should be our state's priority.