Hello, my name is Jeremy Kohlwes and I am running to represent Texas’ 24th Senate district.
I am lifelong military. I was born on an Air Force base and grew up a military brat. Then I joined the Army myself and served 13 years before being medically retired. After going to school and earning two degrees, I went back to work for the Army as a civilian in law enforcement. My entire life has been about service to the United States and to the American people. It’s all I know. It’s who I am.
I fought for this country twice in Iraq because I saw there was a threat that needed to be dealt with. Well now there is a new threat, misinformation and corruption. We have watched the past few years as politics has become less about helping the people and more about who can make the other side look worse. I can no longer stand by and watch this happen to the country I love. I fought for this country before, and I am ready to fight again.
I believe that Texas can lead the way in progressive policy making for the entire country. We can set the example for how to take care of our residents. And not just in the cities, but across rural Texas as well. And there are three issues that I believe, if addressed, can lay the foundation for Texas to revitalize our rural communities as well as continue launching the urban cities forward.
1. Broadband for all
Broadband internet is about more than just being able to watch your favorite movies or TV shows without buffering. Broadband can offer a desperately needed lifeline to services and opportunities for rural and impoverished communities. Telehealth and Telemedicine can bridge the gap in healthcare services. We enhance the education of Texans through online schooling options. And with many companies embracing the telework culture, new jobs can be available in every corner of Texas.
2. Better funding for Education
Texas ranks 49th in educational attainment of a high school degree among residents. We MUST invest in our children and their futures. And that needs to be happening at the state level. The GOP has continued to reduce state funding for schools. However, the schools still must meet numerous requirements and that still requires money. So, their only option is to increase property taxes in local communities to make up the funding gap. Therefore, if the state increases funding for schools, then we can ensure that all school are meeting the needs of our children AND we can reduce property taxes on all Texans.
3. Fix the damn grid
It’s astonishing that this is even an issue that needs to be run on, especially for an election that is almost a year away. But that’s where we are. The Republican led legislature has failed to address the one problem that we all know is broken. Instead, they have decided to go after issues that aren’t even broken, such as “election fraud.” Abbott forced legislators to sit through multiple special sessions to force his agenda down our throats, but only slapped a band aid on the issue with the grid. A band aid that won’t even do anything until after this election. Texas produces more energy than any other state, so it is unfathomable that we cannot keep the lights and heat on when Texans need it most. That must be the absolute top priority during the next session.
