ISSUES

Health Care

The health care crisis is a national problem driven in large part by failed federal policies.  Here at home too many families suffer under skyrocketing costs, restricted access, or no coverage at all.  
 
There are things we can do at the state level to improve the situation, and when elected I’ll use my experience to make progress in this important area.
 
Protect and Expand Access in Rural Communities
The state already supports rural care clinics but more can be done to bring specialty care and other services to areas that are currently lacking needed care options.  
 
Reduce Costs for Small Business
I’ve worked for years to help family owned business thrive by promoting land use and local economic policies that support local employers.  In Olympia I’ll bring the same commitment to addressing health care costs, including looking for ways to pool coverage to reduce costs, cut red tape, and other reforms.
 
Continue Progress for Kids and Seniors
In recent years legislative leaders and the Governor have made a commitment to cover every child with basic health care, and seniors have access to more affordable prescriptions.  The next step is to continue reducing costs for seniors, making sure long term care is available and affordable so seniors can live with dignity in their homes or in safe, comfortable skilled care environments.   Kids need access to the tools for a healthy lifestyle in addition to quality basic care.
 
Respect our Veterans
I’ve worked to bring new veteran’s health care facilities to the North Sound as a San Juan Council member and in Olympia will continue the fight.  I will also fight to expand basic access and coverage for military families and veterans, including stopgap coverage if a family loses coverage while a loved one loses employment while serving oversaes.
 
 

I have current experience working in different areas of healthcare around the region.

• For several years, I have worked with Washington State's First Gentleman Mike Gregoire, Washington Department of Veterans Affairs Director, John Lee and staff from the US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to secure increased services for local veterans.  Shortly after I was elected to the San Juan County Board of County Commissioners in 2004 it was brought to his attention that local veterans needed to commute over three to five hours in each direction (depending on traffic and ferry lines) for basic VA health care and services.  Since that point he has been working with state and national leaders to secure support for local veterans in need recognizing that many of our senior veterans can not make the journey and therefore do not receive the support they need.  In 2008 the US Department of Veterans Affairs Regional Director and State Director of Veterans Affairs John Lee agreed to develop a program that will provide local veterans services and support for San Juan County's veterans population.  
• As a local elected leader and the husband of a local physician, I have worked with the local hospital district to help them in the expansion of local services provided to the community and the development of a new medical facility.
• As Vice Chair of the Northwest Regional Council Area Agency on Aging, I have worked on legislation, policies, and initiatives for our senior citizens' needs in Olympia for several years - including healthcare, prescription drug access and community support services.
• Since being elected, I have developed a reputation as an outspoken advocate for increasing benefits and health care services for County Employees.