It is critical that wages reflect the cost of living, and not the amounts that big corporate employers want to pay their employees. This starts with a federal minimum wage that is at least $17 an hour.

The Government has no business telling anyone what they can do with their body, or whom they can marry. Every individual should be able to work with their doctor to determine what the best medical treatment is for them. Whether its gender affirming care or reproductive rights, they are all human rights deserving of dignity and autonomy safe from an overreaching federal government.

Expanding Medicaid is critical to our rural communities surviving here in Kansas. It also would improve the quality of life for all Kansans. We must fund the expansion of medicaid if we are going to reduce poverty and protect our vulnerable populations. We also need a single payer healthcare system that provides care for everyone, regardless of their income levels.

It is time for the United States to remove marijuana from the drug wars. Several states have taken responsible approaches to legalizing the drug. 40 states now allow medical use and 24 have legalized recreational use. There's no reason why it should remain a federal crime. The legalization of marijuana leads to tax revenue and jobs for our communities.

Large corporate landlords are driving up rent for everyday Kansans. I intend to introduce legislation to cap rent increases for these landlords and provide financial assistance for those facing evictions and arrears.

Kansas farmers are bearing the burden of tariffs on imports and exports. This bad economic policy cuts into farmers profits and leaves farmers with a surplus and no market. This policy should be rejected by the Congress. We also need to encourage Community Supported Agriculture programs to expand the local markets. Farmers are the backbone of Kansas, we cannot let them fail.

The housing boom shouldn't just be for the ultra rich. We deserve funding that will create housing for the low income among us. This funding will also provide jobs for people who want to live in the property. Helping to build a home or promising to take care of it gives everyone the dignity they deserve.

Renewable energy doesn't have to clash with private property rights. Landowners deserve to use their land however they choose, whether it be for a mineral lease or a turbine. We have to balance this with protecting our nation's cropland. I plan to invest in urban location of renewable energy sources such as solar to make the best use of our preexisting resources.

I am committed to restoring travel efficiency and lowering the cost of travel for Kansas families. There is no reason why high speed rail cannot be in Kansas, and revolutionize how we get around our state and the country. Imagine being able to take a high speed train from Wichita to Kansas City to see the Chiefs play in a brand new stadium. I intend to revolutionize the way we travel.

I am a proud gun owner, and will always protect the right to bear arms. With great fire power comes great responsibility, and every sensible gun owner knows this. Licensing of weapons and a national database, are just some of the common sense gun solutions we can put to work for us and keep our kids safe.

Our veterans deserve to have every bit of help they can receive when retired from duty. An outdated VA has made this near impossible. I propose housing for homeless veterans be built across the country, starting with a pilot program right here in Kansas. These communities will provide mental health services as well as support from those who know what is means to serve our country.