Brent’s Top Priorities

		Quality Schools
		Safe Roads and Bridges
		Affordable Healthcare
		Family-Wage Jobs
		Strong Public Safety

Quality Schools:

As a product of Oregon public schools, Brent understands that public education is society’s great equalizer and that every child deserves access to excellent public education.  Strong schools require funding that is both stable and adequate.  We must stop playing politics with our children’s – and our state's – future.  We must eliminate inefficient overhead costs that prevent funds from entering the classroom.  Brent is an enthusiastic supporter of the Rainy Day Fund and the School Stabilization Fund, which ensure predictable funding in today’s uncertain economic climate.  Because college isn’t for everyone, Brent will be a tireless advocate for expanding vocational training, mentorship programs, and school-to-work partnerships for students that are more geared toward working with their hands.   

Transportation:

Everyone in our district knows the frustration of sitting in traffic – whether on Interstate 205 or Highways 212 or 224.  The countless hours we waste on the road makes us late to work and keeps us away from our families.  Transportation is the key to unlocking our growth potential and ensuring economic vitality.  It is important that businesses looking to locate on the West Coast know that Oregon is open for business.

Affordable Healthcare:

Government, business, and families are all struggling under the weight of runaway healthcare costs.  Far too many Oregonians are struggling to afford prescription drugs.  Oregon should fully-fund the "fraud squad" in the Department of Justice, which protects Oregonians from price fixing, inaccurate marketing schemes, and other illegal actions taken by pharmaceutical companies.  This division has recouped millions in fraudulent Medicaid expenditures, so this investment should pay for itself and protect consumers.

Family-Wage Jobs:

Economic growth requires the creation of jobs that pay enough to support a family.  Our district must retain the good jobs that we already have, but doing so requires the state to address the challenges associated with the rapid growth of our communities.  We must also assist small businesses create jobs in our area by partnering with local businesses.  Oregon entrepreneurs can compete and flourish in the global economy, but we need a level playing field.  Brent's pro-business philosophy means giving Oregon companies a hand up.

Strong Public Safety:

From the desk of Brent Barton…

As I go door-to-door throughout the district, I want to hear your ideas about these and other important subjects facing Oregon and facing our communities. I believe the best way to make a difference in each of these areas is to engage more people in the challenges we face and transform the polarized political discourse. Please join me in this conversation and I’ll share with you what I learn from the thousands of neighbors I’m connecting with at the door, in people’s homes, and at community meetings across the district.

Brent Barton