Priorities
I will work to increase funding for public pre-school, elementary, and secondary education.
Outstanding public education is a benefit for the whole community. A well-educated population is the key to a strong economy. Good schools lead to good jobs and increased opportunity for our children. Increased funding for public education is my top priority. The Columbia and Southern Boone School Districts have suffered because of the Republicans' (and Ed Robb's) vote to change the way in which Missouri funds public schools. Columbia School's budget deficit, and the prospect of a large tax increase, is a direct result of that misguided vote. I oppose vouchers, which draw public funds away from public schools. My wife and I sent our daughter to a Catholic school, but we did not expect the government to pay for our educational and religious choice.I will vigorously support the teaching, research, and service missions of the University of Missouri.
The University of Missouri is Boone County's biggest employer. It brings jobs, expertise, healthcare, culture, and entertainment to the community and makes all of our lives richer. Supporting the University in its missions of education, research, and service is vital for our quality of life. The University of Missouri is the State's flagship university. It provides opportunities for our children to build their careers and their futures and for our community to build its economy. The funding for MU proposed for the next fiscal year will only bring the budget back to the 2002 level. It is time for the Governor and the Legislature to support MU. Research at MU advances knowledge, supports the economy, and improves our lives. As a result of bills passed by the Legislature, politics has been inserted into the research role of the state's flagship university. MU has lost some of its finest researchers and has been unable to hire outstanding young scholars from throughout the nation. I will work to free the research mission of the university from political interference.I will work for health care for all Missourians.
During his first year in office, Governor Blunt deprived almost 100,000 low income Missourians of their health care coverage. The money saved was distributed as tax cuts to corporations and political supporters. At the same time, by cutting state expenditures, Missouri forfeited over one BILLION dollars of federal matching money for health care. These cuts have had a negative impact on the University of Missouri and on the local economy. Uninsured individuals come to the MU for healthcare. These health care cuts must be restored. Rather than reducing the number of insured, Missouri must extend insurance options to all its citizens.I will work to bring civility to the Missouri House.
Elected officials in Missouri must work together to solve the many problems facing the State of Missouri. I have always gotten along with people of both parties, and pledge to work with Republicans as well as Democrats to improve the lives of Missouri citizens. Neither party has all the answers, and neither party can govern alone. The people of Missouri will benefit if both parties work together to pass well-crafted legislation.Chris Kelly... Your Voice in Jefferson City
Paid for by Friends of Chris Kelly — Bill Fairman, Treasurer