Luke on the Issues
There are many issues in our state affecting the lives of the people of Missouri. The number of uninsured Missourians continues to climb at triple the national average. It is getting harder for Missouri students to afford a college education because of the lack of state funding and the continuing increase in tuition. Missouri also ranks near the bottom in funding for our public schools and in teacher pay. Missouri’s economy also continues to lag behind our eight neighboring states and our unemployment rate is one of the highest in the nation.
We must work harder to make health care more accessible and affordable for all Missourians, obtain better funding for public colleges and universities, and to bring a strong economy back to our state with good paying jobs that also offer benefits.
Economy
Missouri is losing jobs at an alarming rate, and our unemployment rate is well above the national average. I support economic development programs and tax incentives that will help reverse this trend. (Learn about this issue...)
Education
Decreased funding for our public colleges and universities is making it difficult for Missouri students to afford a college education. Higher education is a priority, and I support increasing funding to provide the level of support our institutions need. (Learn about this issue...)
Government Accountability
I believe that the limits on campaign contributions, recently re-instated by the Missouri Supreme Court, reflects the desire of Missouri citizens who voted for campaign contribution limits in 1994 with 74% support. I will continue to fight to oppose any new attempt to repeal the campaign donation caps. (Learn about this issue...)
Health Care - "Insure Missouri"
Insure Missouri would do nothing to help uninsured children, senior citizens or the disabled. And, because it relies heavily on health management organizations, it would do little for rural Missourians. (Learn about this issue...)
Health Care - "Restorations"
The 2007 HealthNet bill re-authorized women’s health programs and “optional” Medicaid services such as vision and dental. These are important programs, and I support funding them. (Learn about this issue...)
Immigration
Illegal immigration is an issue of concern in Missouri as it is across the nation. I believe we must address this issue, but we must address it with legislation that is legal and will effectively address the issue. (Learn about this issue...)