Issues
Broadband Deployment: Connecting to Tomorrow's Jobs
As our campaign travels across the district, leaders in business, education and the community all say the same thing – we need the technology to compete in the 21st Century. The citizens of the First District do not have all the tools needed to compete in a globalized economy. Universal broadband access is the first phase of turning the First Congressional District into an attractive business destination.
Business is no longer constrained to brick and mortar establishments. Telemedicine allows a community clinic to have access to doctors around the world. Distance learning provides college level courses and degrees that are not be offered at local institutions. Insourcing allows stay-at-home mom’s to establish call centers at the kitchen table, bringing jobs back to America. Finally, telecommuting helps business to reduce costs and gives workers more flexibility.
Investments made in the 2009 Recovery and Investment Act for broadband were a good start, but we need more. Though there are many ways to get connected - cable, WiMAX (wireless), satellite or fiber - the only real solution to this problem will be making this a long-term priority on the national level, with a significant investment and permanent funding.
Education: Building Tomorrow's Virginia
The 21st Century has become one of rapid and unpredictable change. Global economic and political networks are making the world a place where everyone can be significantly affected by events continents away. America needs an educational system that will prepare our children to meet the challenges of this century with competence, inventiveness, and resilience.
The current trend of expanded career and technical training in high schools should be accelerated in breadth, depth, and realism. The participation of local and national industries in curriculum development will be essential. Also important will be some universal instruction in principles of business, not only to inspire future entrepreneurs but also to educate all future employees in the challenges that face business in the modern world.
The principles and practice of personal finance and general economics should be included in life skills curricula beginning in middle school. All our citizens need to know more about how our economic system works. Interactive educational computer programs have been developed for these subjects and have the side benefit of demonstrating the relevance of math and reading skills in daily life.
Veterans: Serving those who Served
As a retired veteran I am committed to legislation that supports our veterans and the brave men and women in uniform. We can never fully repay the sacrifice our veterans have made for our country, but we can provide them with the best possible benefits and health care.
I will be committed to improving Department of Defense and Veterans Affairs information sharing programs to create a seamless transition for veterans moving from military medical care to the care under the Veterans Affairs system.
Reducing the number of benefit denial claims and increasing benefit approvals and fund disbursements to veterans will also be a prioritiy. I am committed to preventing any increases in TRICARE premiums and/or co-payments for pharmaceuticals.
I will also be committed to providing specialty mental health services programs to service members who have traumatic brain injury (TBI) and post traumatic stress disorder.
I am an advocate of the 2008 GI Bill. We need to ensure implementation of the bill. Specifically, we need to ensure timely payments of the GI Bill for education payments to service member attending college.
