Priorities

When families are strong, communities thrive. We must ensure parents have the support they need and children have every chance to succeed.

• Childcare & Early Education: Affordable childcare and strong early childhood education allow parents to work and kids to get the best possible start.

• Safe Schools: Every school needs safe, solid buildings, buses, restrooms, libraries, and classrooms.

• Healthy Meals: Hungry kids can’t learn. All children should have access to good breakfasts and lunches, no matter their family’s income.

• Opportunities for Growth: From after-school programs to job training, students need chances to explore, play, and prepare for life after graduation. Local internships, apprenticeships, and skills programs can help young people plan their futures.

The federal government is cutting support for families, so Virginia must step up. I’ll fight in Richmond to ensure our children and schools have the resources they need.

Too many families in our district live in unsafe or substandard housing, which harms their health and children’s education. Others struggle to afford rising rents and home prices.

We need state support to:

• Build more affordable housing,

• Renovate existing homes, and

• Make sure every family has a safe roof over their heads.

Housing is not a luxury—it’s the foundation for healthy families and thriving communities.

Our economy isn't just about big corporations and high-tech data centers. Here in Southwest Virginia, it's about:

• Farms and Agriculture: Our farmers need fair support to keep agriculture strong—the backbone of our economy and our way of life.

• Tourism and Natural Beauty: Protecting our forests, mountains, and parks not only preserves our heritage but also brings in visitors and dollars.

• Local Arts and Culture: Our theaters, museums, and music venues enrich our communities and attract people from across the region.

I’ll make sure Richmond doesn’t forget rural Virginia—that investments here go into the things that make our communities work.

Health care is one of the toughest challenges facing our district.

• Availability: We don’t have enough doctors, nurses, or caregivers. We must expand healthcare training and raise wages to keep good workers here.

• Affordability: Over one in ten residents live below the poverty line without insurance. Many more depend on Medicaid, which is facing cuts. We need state resources to protect coverage for families, children, and seniors.

• Seniors: Nearly 19,000 seniors live in our district, but there are only 738 licensed nursing home beds. We must expand options for aging in place, assisted living, and nursing care.

Healthcare is not optional—it’s a basic necessity.

Families facing poverty, substance abuse, or mental health struggles are more likely to experience violence and disruption.  Without support, children too often end up in foster care.

• Food Security: Cuts to SNAP will leave families hungry. The state must fill the gap.

• Mental Health & Addiction: Our communities face a crisis like never before. We need more counselors, more treatment options, and better local support—not just empty promises.

In today’s world, reliable internet and cell service are not luxuries—they are lifelines. They affect public safety, education, small business, and even healthcare.

I’ll fight for the state investments needed to expand broadband and cell service so our communities aren’t left behind.