Education:
Education and the health and safety of children, are my top priorities. New Mexico consistently ranks last in public education, yet we have a Permanent School Fund, established in 1912, that has over $25 billion in it. We only use a little over $800 million of that per year, even though this fund is self sustaining and increases every year. Our current legislators have added a constitutional amendment to the ballot this year to require the state to use more of these funds for what they are intended. I will continue to fight to use these funds to pay for daycare for working families, and industrial arts classes for students that want to be career ready.
Mental Health & Unhoused People
Too many times these issues go hand in hand. I volunteer with the Otero County Veterans Treatment Court and have seen first hand how mental health, addiction and housing issues affect our citizens. I plan on tackling these problems by getting funding for temporary housing through the use of empty buildings, and securing funding for treatment facilities.
Environment
Oil, natural gas and coal are a finite energy source. In order to extend their availability New Mexico must diversify its energy through the use of solar and wind. New construction should integrate solar power, city buses should begin conversion to electric and state vehicles should transition to electric when feasible. All of these programs have been successful in other states, and will help us reach our goal of clean energy.
Crime
As a survivor of abuse I don’t believe violent offenders should be allowed in society while awaiting trial. I do, however, believe in rehabilitation for certain offenders and giving them second chances. I believe mental health experts should decide which offenders are given these second chances based on criminal and mental history.
Women’s Healthcare
I support laws that give people autonomy over their bodies and lives. The overturning of Roe v Wade didn’t just change abortion laws, it opened up the government to invade our private lives in other ways that can affect other aspects of our health.
Gun Laws
I am in agreement with 88% of Americans who want background checks for all gun sales and 84% who support preventing individuals identified as dangerous by a mental health official from owning a firearm. I also support adding assault rifles to the same category as automatic firearms. This will still allow a citizen to buy the firearm they desire. Under a Federal Firearms License I owned guns as collection pieces.
I support raising the age limit for gun ownership to 21, unless the citizen is in the military. Firearms should be properly secured with children in the home.
Term Limits
I support term limits for elected officials.
