Duty
Do better for our fellow Missourians
The last twelve years have brought an economic assault on the small towns and communities of our home. More than 1/4 of children born in southeast Missouri live under the poverty line. The median income for women here is ranked 435 out of 435 congressional districts. If you go north, south, east or west, you will find people doing better than we are economically. There is more we can do to create jobs for the families of our district to help ensure they can live safe, secure and happy lives. I believe the best way to help someone is simple - to provide more jobs and economic opportunity to help them live their own lives.
Honor the culture of service in America
The strong spirit of service to a greater good has built our great country. We have more than 70,000 veterans and families who live this call to service every day. We need to do more for those who chose to serve. Current services for returning veterans are entirely insufficient. We need to make sure that those who have put their lives on the line for their country have help readjusting to their communities when they return home.
We should also nurture a culture of service in all areas of life. Tutoring students, volunteering at your church or serving in the military are all ways we can give back to and help improve our community and our country. As a member of Congress, I will create more opportunities for citizens to serve.
