I want Kentucky to be an excellent place to start a small business, build something new, employ your neighbors, and earn a living. That means supporting entrepreneurs and locally owned businesses through grants, financing opportunities, sensible regulation, technical assistance, and thoughtful development incentives.

It also means supporting workers.

I support organized labor and the right of workers—including teachers, firefighters, utility workers, public employees, tradespeople, and private-sector employees—to organize and advocate collectively for better wages and working conditions.

Economic development shouldn't simply mean handing incentives to the largest corporation willing to build something.

Let's invest in our own communities.

Kentucky has vacant warehouses, empty storefronts, former schools, aging shopping centers, and other properties that could become small-business incubators, recreation facilities, housing, community spaces, restaurants, arts venues, or places for young people to gather.

I especially want communities to create more opportunities for children and teenagers beyond sports and religious activities. Young Kentuckians deserve safe places to create art, make music, play games, learn skills, meet friends, volunteer, and simply belong.

Development should be responsible and community-driven. We can welcome new businesses and new ideas while preserving the history and character that make our towns special—and without pricing longtime residents out of their own communities.