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When our oldest daughters were young and still living at home, my husband and I developed a routine where, at the beginning of every month, we would give them each $25 to donate to a charity of their choice. The one caveat was that they had to extensively research the charity and give a presentation to us about the purpose of the charity, the governing body, the tax-exemption status, the non-profit status, the transparency practices, and so on. It was quite a bit of work, and while they were eager at the outset, that enthusiasm soon waned. After a few months, it became a chore, and they would ask if they could donate to the last charity they’d chosen or if we could just pick for them. I see the same thing happening in our country. Americans, by nature, are a generous people. But somewhere along the way, as taxes escalated and regulations intensified, we stepped back from our philanthropic origins and said to the government you take care of it . And now, here we are with federal spending completely out of control, and our tax dollars going to programs that many of us don’t support. To be clear, government programs do  matter. They can change lives, provide stability, support research, lift people out of poverty, and respond when no one else can. I believe in the power of good government. But good government starts with  accountability , and right now, we’re falling short. Too much of our tax money disappears into black holes of bureaucracy. Too many federal programs are bloated, inefficient, or mismanaged. And too often, the American people are left in the dark. We’ve stopped asking questions. We don’t know where our money is going. We trust without verifying. And we've let a system grow that treats taxpayers like piggy banks instead of partners. If we want government to work, we have to fix how it works. That means cutting waste. It means demanding transparency. It means electing leaders who aren’t afraid to pull back the curtain and make hard choices to make programs stronger, not just bigger. And as citizens, we can do our part too. We can research the charities we support. We can stay informed. We can hold every institution, whether government or private, accountable. We don’t have to choose between compassion and fiscal responsibility. We can have both. But only if we demand both.

Overview of Opportunity Zones and Their Economic Impact on Mississippi What Are Opportunity Zones? Opportunity Zones (OZs) are economically distressed communities where investments may qualify for preferential tax treatment under the  Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 which was signed into law by President Trump during his first administration. These zones are designated by the state and approved by the U.S. Department of Treasury. The goal is to improve economic development and job creation in low-income areas by incentivizing private investment through capital gains tax benefits. Key Tax Incentives for Investors: Deferral of Capital Gains Taxes  – Investors can defer taxes on capital gains if those gains are reinvested in a Qualified Opportunity Fund (QOF). Reduction of Capital Gains Liability  – If the investment is held for at least five years, 10% of the deferred gains can be written off, and if the investment is held for at least ten years, that rate goes up to 15%. Tax-Free Growth on New Investments  – If an investor holds their Opportunity Zone investment for at least ten years, any appreciation on that investment is completely tax-free. How Opportunity Zones Could Benefit Mississippi Because Mississippi has deep economic disparities and many rural communities, it stands to benefit significantly from revamping and extending Opportunity Zones. Here’s how: 1. Boosting Economic Development in Rural & Underserved Areas Many of Mississippi’s Opportunity Zones are in historically underserved communities that struggle with stagnant economic growth. By attracting investors, businesses, and real estate developers, OZs can revitalize these areas, creating new jobs and industries. 2. Expanding Small Business Growth By providing capital for local businesses, OZs can help entrepreneurs access funding they might not otherwise receive. This could lead to a surge in homegrown industries, particularly in agriculture, manufacturing, and technology sectors. 3. Encouraging Infrastructure and Real Estate Investment Mississippi’s aging infrastructure and lack of modern commercial and residential developments in some areas have hindered economic progress. OZs encourage real estate investment, which can lead to the construction of affordable housing, office spaces, retail centers, and medical facilities—improving the quality of life and attracting more businesses. 4. Strengthening Healthcare and Medical Innovation Opportunity Zones could be leveraged to bring more medical facilities, specialty clinics, and wellness centers to underserved parts of Mississippi. 5. Job Creation and Workforce Development With more businesses and development, new jobs will follow. Mississippi can also focus on workforce training programs, ensuring that residents have the skills needed for emerging industries. This is particularly important in industries like advanced manufacturing, logistics, and renewable energy. 6. Attracting Technology and Innovation Investments Mississippi has a growing interest in tech-driven industries, including cybersecurity, agritech, and digital infrastructure. Opportunity Zones could provide the capital needed to develop tech hubs, research facilities, and startup centers, bringing high-paying jobs to the state. Challenges & Considerations While Opportunity Zones offer substantial benefits, their success depends on how well Mississippi markets itself to investors. Challenges include: Ensuring investments truly benefit local communities rather than just developers. Encouraging long-term, sustainable development rather than short-term real estate speculation. Providing adequate infrastructure and workforce training to support new businesses. Conclusion: Opportunity Zones present a powerful tool for economic revitalization in Mississippi. With the right strategy, they could drive long-term investment, improve communities, and create sustainable economic growth.

Mississippi state flag Mississippi has been my home for many years now, and I’ve seen firsthand the challenges our state faces. As a conservative, I believe in the strength and potential of individuals, families, and local communities to tackle these challenges without the heavy hand of government interference. That’s why I’m running for the U.S. Senate, not as a career politician, but as someone who has spent my life working on the ground—in medicine, business, and development—addressing real issues that matter to Mississippians. I am a physician, a field where service and problem-solving are at the core. For years, I treated patients who were struggling, and I saw how bureaucracy, inefficiency, and misguided policies made it harder for families to access the care they needed. My experience in medicine has taught me the importance of efficiency, precision, and compassion—all qualities that are sorely lacking in Washington, D.C. As someone who has built and managed a medical practice, I know what it takes to meet payroll, balance budgets, and operate efficiently, even in times of uncertainty. I’ve experienced how regulations and red tape can hinder progress, and I want to bring common-sense solutions to cut through that bureaucratic fog. Beyond my work as a physician, I have also taken on the role of an entrepreneur, helping to establish and run a successful cardiology practice alongside my husband. Managing the financial side of the practice for over a decade, I’ve seen how small businesses are the backbone of our economy. I’ve experienced firsthand how high taxes and burdensome regulations can stifle growth. I want to go to Washington to fight for policies that will encourage entrepreneurship, lower taxes, and create an environment where Mississippi businesses can thrive without being strangled by government mandates. My experience in real estate development has given me a clear vision of what it means to invest in our communities. Over the past two years, I’ve been collaborating on a $55 million multi-specialty development in Mississippi that combines medical facilities, retail spaces, and residential units. This is the kind of forward-thinking development that our state needs to grow, but it requires leadership that understands how to attract investment and build the infrastructure that allows Mississippi’s communities to flourish. I’m not interested in playing political games or getting lost in ideological arguments. I want to use my experience in business and development to bring real opportunities to Mississippi families. As an author, I’ve told stories that reflect the values of our state and our nation—values like faith, hard work, and resilience. These are the same values that have guided me in every step of my career and my life, and they are the values I will carry with me to the Senate. Writing has given me the chance to connect with people on a personal level, something politicians often forget. I believe that leadership is about listening and understanding the needs of the people you serve, and I’m committed to being that kind of leader for Mississippi. I’m running as a non-politician because I believe Washington has enough career politicians who are more interested in protecting their positions than in serving the people. I’m not running to join the political establishment; I’m running to bring the principles of honesty, transparency, and personal responsibility back to the forefront of our national conversation. The stakes are too high for Mississippi to send another politician to Washington. We need someone who knows what it’s like to run a business, serve patients, and build a future for our communities. As a physician, business manager, developer, and author, I have the real-world experience necessary to represent Mississippi in a way that gets results, not just rhetoric. This campaign isn’t about me—it’s about you, your family, and the future of Mississippi. Let’s bring common-sense solutions to Washington together.