Local Priorities

It is no secret that our community needs change, and as someone who was born and raised in Northern Utah, I believe Utah’s values uniquely prepare me to help resolve issues facing our nation and communities. I believe that my community values uniquely prepare me for the challenges facing our country and state. The best quality a representative can have is their ability to make and build relationships. As a freshman congressman, I will not be in the same position to pass legislation that other veteran lawmakers have but if we send someone from Northern Utah who values community and cooperation, we can work across party lines and ideological divides to create a strong path toward prosperity for America. I believe the best way to strengthen our nation is to have a network of incredibly strong and unified communities. My first term will be marked by a focus on a few very important priorities:

Base – Bachelors – Business

In my first term in Congress I will work with Weber State University to secure funding for a state of the art veteran’s support center at Weber State. Our community has shown dedication to the brave men and women who serve in our armed forces and I believe that it is time for a community based approach to defending this vital asset in our community. I envision a support system where we use our community’s great educational assets to transition veterans from military professions to our community. As a community, this will demonstrate to both our veterans and to the department of defense that Northern Utah is committed to measurable goals of integrating our veterans into civilian society. Adopting a community approach to protecting Hill Air Force Base means not only that the issue is depoliticized, but also that a strong focus remains on the men and women who serve on base. We have witnessed a complete lack of notice given to the workforce at Hill Air Force Base and I believe it is time for a much needed change of pace.

Invest in Education

As someone who is paying off student loans, I understand that we must make student loans more student centered. In my first time, I will work for legislation to further reform student loans and decrease financial burdens placed on graduates. I have personally benefited from Pell Grants and student loans and as a result I will work to increase funding for Pell Grants to nontraditional and first generation college students, which will provide instant support to many of the nontraditional students attending Weber State and Utah State University.

Affordable Housing and a Fair Economy

The housing crisis of the last few years has created long-term issues in our community. I believe we must work for the creation of fair housing practices that work with homeowners and create compassionate responses to financial hardship. Immediately after my election I will create an economic advisory committee focusing on finding solutions to the unfair practices used in eviction and foreclosure proceedings. It is a moral imperative that we find a sensible solution that allows families to stay in their homes and still provide a mechanism for financial institutions to remain profitable.