Network with Andre
Issues
ECONOMY: GETTING OREGON BACK TO BUSINESS
We can make Oregon open for business again. When Oregonians are working, they are contributing to Oregon’s economy. A business-friendly climate is vital for local employers to create new jobs and put Oregonians to work. Andre believes innovation and ingenuity will bring back Oregon’s economy, so long as government gets out of the way of progress. The role of the government is to promote and maintain an environment where businesses grow and thrive. We shouldn’t just stand and watch as states like Idaho and Illinois actively recruit our businesses to leave.
BUDGETING AND FISCAL DISCIPLINE
State spending has increased 39% over the last four years — and 60% over the last six years. Yet the economy and wages have not grown at the same pace. We all have to budget responsibly and live within our means. Why shouldn’t your state government have to?
Whether in the public or private sector, budgeting requires discipline. With the state facing a $2.5 billion deficit, the legislature must exercise discipline in prioritizing Oregon’s needs by critically examining areas of the budget where spending has gotten out of control. Automatic increases to the state budget every two-year cycle, known as “roll-over budgeting,” is not sustainable. A “zero-based budgeting” system would compel all government agencies to examine their priorities and build their budgets from the ground up.
State government must also be disciplined in spending. This means not overspending during prosperous times so we can save in preparation for the next economic downturn. By setting aside a modest amount (1% to 3%) in a rainy day fund, Oregon can have a critical financial safeguard for schools and essential services during hard economic times.
EDUCATION: OUR FIRST PRIORITY
Schools are a fundamental investment in Oregon’s economy and future. Developing and nurturing the next generation is necessary for us to be competitive in our global economy.
Oregon’s education budget should be the first one funded, not the last, to protect our investment in our children. Further, a rainy day savings account specifically for education and essential service will help stabilize funding during economic downturns. Our priorities should be funding for classrooms, school choice and local control of educational decisions while rewarding excellence in instruction and student achievement. Our schools and our kids are the largest part of the state budget, and every dollar should be used responsibly with that same importance in mind.
HEALTH CARE
Andre knows that the health care issue isn’t solely about cost, although we all know how big costs can be. Health care is also about excellent delivery by health care providers, rapid access to care throughout the community, and measurable quality in clinical outcomes, patient satisfaction and the overall health improvement of our community. Andre believes these important factors must be addressed along with cost to ensure that the principals of choice and competition preserve your ability to obtain excellent health care for you and your family.
CRIME: KEEPING OREGONIANS SAFE
Public safety is a necessary and essential service to all Oregonians. Families should be able to count on safe streets, drug-free schools and gang-free neighborhoods. Yet public safety starts with vigilance in our own communities and cooperation with local law enforcement. Andre supports providing appropriate resources for law enforcement and voter-approved mandatory minimum sentences for certain violent offenders . . . because your safety depends on it.
ONLINE VOTER GUIDES
Oregon Voters’ Pamphlet Statement, Primary Election, May 18, 2010
Oregon Voters’ Pamphlet Statement, General Election, November 2, 2010
The Oregonian Voter Guide: State Representative, House District 50