As a true conservative Democrat, I blend fiscal responsibility with compassionate solutions to build a stronger Texas. No new taxes—just smart reforms that put families first. From ending forensic backlogs to expanding healthcare and securing our borders with dignity, here's my plan rooted in real experience.

Forensic Reform: Ending the Backlog

Justice delayed is justice denied. As a true conservative Democrat, I'll modernize our forensic labs to ensure swift, accurate results—without raising taxes.

• Projected Cost: To fully modernize our labs and sustain a 45-day mandate, we project a one-time statewide investment of $85 million for technology and facility upgrades, with a $18 million annual increase for personnel.
  Net Savings: Faster justice reduces court delays and wrongful convictions.

• Appropriation: I propose funding this through a dedicated "Justice Accountability Fund." By shifting a portion of current court-fee diversions away from general revenue and back into public safety, we can fund this mandate without raising taxes on hardworking families.

Healthcare Reform and Medicaid Expansion

Healthcare is a right and a fiscal imperative. I'll expand access responsibly, saving taxpayer dollars and keeping rural hospitals open.

• Expansion Position: I support full Medicaid expansion under the 90/10 federal matching formula. It is fiscally irresponsible to leave billions of our own tax dollars in D.C. while our rural hospitals close.

• 5-Year Fiscal Impact: Modeling suggests that expansion would result in a net saving of $1.2 billion over five years. This is achieved by drastically reducing "uncompensated care" costs—the ER visits currently subsidized by local property taxpayers.
  Win: $1.2B in savings for Texas families.

• ACA Stability: My plan for "Nonprofit Insurance Co-Ops" is designed to complement, not replace, the Marketplace. By allowing these co-ops to compete across state lines, we introduce downward pressure on premiums. To prevent coverage loss, I support a "Grace Period Protection" statute that prevents disenrollment during any administrative transition.

Tax Adjustments and Revenue Modeling

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Shift the burden from Main Street to Wall Street for fair, pro-growth taxes that create surpluses for relief.

• The Model: We have conducted revenue modeling based on shifting the burden from "Main Street to Wall Street."

• Net Revenue Impact: By lowering the small business rate to 6.25% and adjusting the corporate rate for large wholesalers and retailers to 1.25%–1.5%, we project a net revenue surplus of $920 million per biennium. This surplus is earmarked for property tax relief and school lunch funding.
  Surplus: $920M every two years—no tax hikes!

Public Health and Safety Beyond the Lab

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Public safety starts with health and prevention. Let's invest in mental health, hospitals, and community programs.

• Public Health: I am fighting for every nonprofit hospital in Texas to have a Level 2 NICU by 2030.

• Mental Health: We must treat mental health as a public safety issue. I support a $500 million "Community Care" grant program to fund local crisis centers, reducing the burden on our county jails.
  Investment: $500M for safer communities.

• Violence Prevention: I advocate for "Redemption through Work" vocational programs in at-risk communities to provide a pathway out of crime, alongside state grants for practical gun safety training.

Veterans: A Personal Mission

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As someone who fought cancer at MD Anderson following my service, I know the gaps in the system. Veterans deserve seamless support.

• Rural Access: I support a State Veteran Health Supplement that allows rural vets to see local doctors when the VA is too far, with the state billing the federal government for reimbursement.

• Transition: We need to translate military MOS codes into Trade School Credits automatically. If you can maintain a jet engine, you shouldn't have to start from scratch to be a mechanic in Texas.