Personal freedom means making our own choices. With over two years since Roe v. Wade was overturned, Kentucky's abortion ban has created significant barriers to care. For example, in 2023, over 4,450 Kentuckians traveled out of state to seek abortion care. This impacts not only abortion access but also maternal health and contraceptive services. I’m committed to protecting reproductive rights and ensuring everyone can access the care they need. I will fight to preserve abortion rights and oppose harmful restrictions that impact our health and freedoms.

Education transformed my life, and I want every child in our community to have the same opportunities. We must fully fund our public schools, expand access with universal pre-K, and vote NO on Amendment 2, which would divert our public tax dollars to unaccountable private schools through vouchers. Our dedicated teachers deserve support, and our kids need the best tools to excel. Investing in public education means investing in a brighter future for everyone.

Healthcare is a fundamental right that should be accessible to everyone, especially in rural areas where services are often limited. I’ve seen firsthand how health issues impact families, and I’m committed to expanding access to quality healthcare and lowering prescription drug costs. We need to ensure that no one faces financial hardship or discrimination when seeking medical treatment. By addressing these challenges, we can make healthcare fairer and more accessible for all.

Investing in our roads, bridges, public transit, and utilities is crucial for connecting people, driving economic growth, and enhancing quality of life. In our area, we face significant challenges, including 420 miles of roads without water access and limited public transportation. Upgrading our infrastructure will address these issues, improve safety, and support local businesses. Better infrastructure also attracts new enterprises and creates jobs, fostering economic development. By investing in these improvements, we invest in a stronger, more connected community.

In our district, 1 in 5 families and 15% of children experience food insecurity. These are hard-working families who are struggling to afford basic necessities as the cost of living continues to rise.

Instead of supporting them, my opponent voted to cut programs like SNAP that help families put food on the table. I will fight to protect and expand food assistance, support our local food banks, and work with farmers to ensure fresh, affordable food is accessible to everyone in our community.

Kentucky faces a critical nursing shortage, with a projected deficit of 20,000 nurses by 2025. With close family members and friends in the profession, I know how demanding the job can be. We must invest in nursing education and retention programs to keep our healthcare system strong. I support funding for full-time nurses in every school and advocate for increasing Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANEs) across the state to provide essential care to survivors. By supporting nurses, we ensure better healthcare for all Kentuckians.

Growing up on a family farm in Meade County, I've seen the importance of supporting hard-working rural communities. I'm dedicated to helping Kentucky farmers thrive while promoting sustainable practices that combat climate change's impact on our farms. Let's work together for healthier food, a stronger environment, and a brighter future for our state.

Our senior citizens have given so much to our community, and it's time we give back. With cherished memories of my own grandparents, I understand the importance of ensuring our seniors receive the care and support they deserve in their golden years. Let's prioritize accessible healthcare, affordable housing, and comprehensive social services, so our beloved elders can enjoy a comfortable and fulfilling life.

I believe in compassion and second chances, and I’m dedicated to making our criminal justice system fairer and more humane. We need to address disparities, focus on rehabilitation over punishment, and build trust between law enforcement and our communities. By working together, we can create a system that supports rehabilitation and justice for everyone.

In our tight-knit community, I've witnessed firsthand the strength that comes from embracing our differences. LGBTQ+ rights are not just a political issue; they are about standing up for our friends, family, and neighbors who deserve equal rights and respect. I will work tirelessly to break down barriers and create a more inclusive society where everyone feels safe and supported, no matter their sexual orientation or gender identity.

In March 2023, Kentucky approved medical cannabis, a positive step forward. As your representative, I aim to build on this progress. I support expanding qualifying conditions, removing restrictions for physician-patient decisions, and decriminalization. Additionally, I advocate for extending the law to include recreational marijuana, aligning with the positive outcomes seen in neighboring states. Let's prioritize healthcare, reduce legal burdens, and position Kentucky for a progressive and prosperous future.