Learn About the Issues

Education
Education is one of my top priorities. We must make sure that our children get the best education possible so that they will have the skills they need to compete in tomorrow's global economy. In spite of the fact that we cut the state's budget by 10%, we were able to protect education in the last legislative session. Research suggests that the teacher in the classroom is the single most important element in providing a good education. I was instrumental in reallocating funds which allowed us to protect 1600 teaching positions. Not one teacher in Guilford County lost his/her job - good for children and good for the local economy. I will continue to work to improve the educational opportunities for the children of North Carolina and Guilford County.

Education and the Economy
Education and the economy are closely linked. That is why I have worked hard to support our universities and community colleges. For example, I fought to bring one of the UNC system's most innovative educational initiatives to Greensboro - A&T and UNCG's Joint School of Nanoscience and Nanoengineering currently under construction on East Lee Street. WFMY News reports that the school will have a $2.6 trillion impact on the world's economy by 2014. Funding has also been approved for a new engineering school at A&T.

In the last legislative session I fought for full funding for our community colleges so that they can expand their programs and faculties to accommodate the increased enrollment brought about by the current unemployment situation. GTCC is at the forefront in training and retraining citizens of Guilford County for well paying jobs. Jobs in fields like biotech, nursing, automotive, electronics and other trades will pay well and will not be outsourced.

The Economy and Small Business
I believe that small businesses are the backbone of our economy. The only way out of our current economic recession is to ensure that our small business community prospers and creates jobs. I have and will continue to push for tax incentives that will create hiring opportunities for our small business communities. I favor tax relief for small businesses that hire workers and tax credits so small businesses can provide health insurance to employees. Of the funds allocated in the current budget to the One NC Small Business Fund, which helps recruit national and international business and industry to the state, 3% is for small business expansion. I will continue to work to improve our economy in North Carolina and here in Guilford County.