Robert’s Roadmap: A Balanced Budget, Strong Defense, and Modern Public Services
Robert, our candidate for South Carolina’s 1st Congressional District, presents a bold yet pragmatic legislative platform. It balances the budget without raising taxes, strengthens our national defense and care for veterans, modernizes healthcare and Social Security, revitalizes education, and even embraces pragmatic legalization to boost revenue. This roadmap is rooted in fiscal conservatism and smart investments – a vision to secure America’s future while reflecting Lowcountry values of responsibility, service, and hope.
1. Balanced Budget Without Tax Increases
The Challenge: The Congressional Budget Office projects about a $20 trillion cumulative deficit over the next decadepgpf.org. Mounting debt threatens our economy and our children’s future. Yet Robert commits to balance the budget without raising income tax rates – proving we can be fiscally responsible through spending reforms and innovative, non-traditional revenue sources.
The Plan: Close the budget gap with targeted cuts and new revenues from growth (not by taxing your paycheck). Key elements include:
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Targeted Spending Reforms (≈$1.2 Trillion in Cuts): Conduct a top-to-bottom review of federal programs to eliminate waste, duplication, and inefficiencies – saving about $1.2 trillion over 10 years. For example, ending overly generous payments for routine Medicare procedures at hospital-owned clinics (making them “site-neutral” with independent clinics) could save $150 billion alonetradeoffs.orgtradeoffs.org. Countless similar efficiencies – from streamlined federal purchasing to anti-fraud measures – will contribute to these savings without cutting core services. We will also explore common-sense entitlement tweaks (detailed below) that curb costs while protecting beneficiaries.
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New Non-Tax Revenue Streams: Rather than raising existing taxes, Robert will unlock new revenue ethically. A prime opportunity is federal legalization of marijuana (see Section 2) with an excise tax – expected to raise $120+ billion over a decadefiles.taxfoundation.org. States have already generated over $20 billion from legal cannabis salesmpp.org, proving the potential. Other non-tax hikes like expanded offshore energy leases or public-private partnerships for infrastructure could further boost receipts. These revenues, derived from economic growth and legalization of currently illicit markets, help shrink deficits without burdening working families.
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No Income Tax or Sales Tax Hikes: Robert unequivocally opposes raising federal income tax rates. Balancing the budget will rely on growth and spending discipline, not taking more from taxpayers’ wallets. By controlling spending and fostering a booming economy (through pro-investment, pro-job policies), we can increase revenue organically. The plan focuses on broadening the base – getting more people into good-paying jobs – rather than hiking tax rates. Every dollar of deficit reduction in this plan comes from spending reforms or new activity, not higher tax rates.
By combining $1.2 trillion in smart spending cuts with over $120 billion in new growth-generated revenue, this plan puts America on a path to balance. It’s a tough but achievable course that closes the projected deficit through discipline and innovation – exactly what fiscally responsible South Carolinians expect. We will stop mortgaging our future while keeping taxes low and protecting essential programs.
2. Legalization and Taxation of Marijuana
America’s decades-long war on marijuana has been costly and ineffective. Robert champions a pragmatic legalization plan that boosts revenue, improves public health, and promotes justice – all while respecting states’ rights and community standards. This is a centerpiece of funding our balanced budget without raising traditional taxes.
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Federally Legalize and Regulate Cannabis: Remove marijuana from the federal Schedule I prohibition. Establish a responsible regulatory framework treating cannabis similarly to alcohol and tobacco – with age limits, quality controls, and licensing. A federal excise tax of 10–15% on cannabis sales will be imposed, modest enough to undercut the black market but significant enough to generate revenue. The Tax Foundation estimated even a 10% federal marijuana tax could yield around $5+ billion per yearfiles.taxfoundation.org; with today’s larger market, a 10–15% tax is projected to raise at least $12 billion annually (≈$120 billion over 10 years).
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Revenue Dedicated to Key Priorities: All federal cannabis tax revenue will be devoted to public purposes, not absorbed into general bureaucracy. 50% of the revenues will go directly to debt reduction (helping pay down what we owe), 30% to healthcare initiatives (such as opioid addiction treatment, mental health services, and supporting our proposed Medicare dental option), and 20% to restorative justice programs. Restorative funds will support communities hit hardest by past drug policies – for example, grants for job training and re-entry services for individuals with prior marijuana convictions, and investments in areas disproportionately affected by enforcement.
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Cost Savings and Public Health Benefits: Legalization isn’t just about revenue – it also saves taxpayer money. Ending federal cannabis prohibition will reduce law enforcement and incarceration costs by billions. (One Harvard study found marijuana legalization could save $7–13 billion per year in policing and justice expensesbritannica.com.) Those are funds that can be reallocated to fighting serious crimes. Additionally, cannabis can be a safer alternative to opioids for chronic pain. States with medical marijuana laws have seen significantly lower opioid prescription rates and overdose deaths – one analysis found opioid overdose mortality rates ~25% lower in states allowing medical cannabisfrontiersin.org. By expanding access to regulated cannabis, we can potentially mitigate the opioid crisis, reducing healthcare costs and saving lives. This “smart on crime, smart on health” approach turns a source of costs into a source of revenue.
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Regulate Wisely, Protect Communities: Robert’s plan draws on the best practices from states that have legalized. Regulation will be handled by a combination of agencies (similar to ATF for alcohol/tobacco) focusing on keeping cannabis away from minors, ensuring product safety, and preventing impaired driving. Advertising will be restricted to avoid youth targeting. States will still lead in licensing dispensaries and growers, with the federal government mainly providing oversight and interstate commerce rules. Importantly, South Carolina and other states will retain the right to limit or ban cannabis locally if their communities choose – but all states will benefit from the federal debt reduction and healthcare funds this reform provides. It’s a model that marries local control with national purpose.
By legalizing and taxing marijuana, we take a failed policy and turn it into a win-win: less crime, better health, new jobs (in a legal cannabis industry), and a funding source for crucial initiatives. It’s a pragmatic step that appeals to our shared sense of justice and fiscal sense. Half of the revenue goes to shrinking the debt for the next generation, and the rest goes to healing wounds in our society. That’s leadership that makes sense.
3. Healthcare Modernization
Healthcare costs are squeezing families and the federal budget. Robert’s healthcare reforms will lower costs, improve access, and modernize services – all while saving taxpayer dollars. This plan strengthens Medicare’s bargaining power, expands innovative care delivery, and tackles high prices – yielding better care for South Carolinians (and all Americans) at a sustainable cost.
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Empower Medicare to Negotiate Lower Drug Prices: It’s past time to end the ban on Medicare negotiating prescription drug prices. Currently, Medicare must accept drug companies’ prices for Part D medicines, unlike the VA which negotiates deep discounts. Robert will fight to allow Medicare to leverage its enormous purchasing power to negotiate fair prices for high-cost drugs. According to nonpartisan estimates, a robust negotiation plan could save taxpayers hundreds of billions (CBO found a comprehensive proposal could save over $300 billion in Medicare costs within 7 yearskff.org). Robert’s more targeted approach – focusing on the most expensive and common drugs – is projected to save roughly $150 billion over 10 years in lower federal spending on medications. Those savings will be reinvested: part into deficit reduction and part into strengthening Medicare’s benefits (like the dental coverage below). Seniors will pay less out-of-pocket, and your tax dollars will stretch further. It’s a commonsense, bipartisan idea – standing up to Big Pharma to help patients and taxpayers.
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Expand Telehealth and Community Clinics: The COVID-19 pandemic showed the value of telehealth – and we must build on that success. In 2020, Medicare saw a 63-fold increase in telehealth usage (from 840,000 visits in 2019 to 52.7 million in 2020)fiercehealthcare.com, proving that virtual care can dramatically expand access, especially in rural areas like parts of South Carolina. Robert will make permanent the pandemic-era telehealth expansions, allowing patients to consult doctors via phone or video for many routine visits. This saves travel time and money, and often catches health issues early. Additionally, we will invest in Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) and rural clinics – providing grants to expand these community-based providers. Strengthening FQHCs means more primary care, mental health, and preventive services in underserved communities at affordable rates. These moves improve health outcomes and reduce costly ER visits or hospitalizations by getting people care earlier. It’s about bringing healthcare to people where and when they need it.
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Public Dental and Vision Options: Medicare today doesn’t cover routine dental, vision, or hearing services – and many seniors suffer or pay high costs out-of-pocket. Robert proposes creating a public dental option within Medicare (and exploring vision/hearing coverage as well). This would be a basic dental insurance plan administered by Medicare that any senior (or even younger adults, potentially) could buy into for a low premium. By using Medicare’s administrative efficiency and bargaining power with dentists, we can offer affordable dental coverage. Oral health is crucial to overall health – untreated dental issues can lead to heart problems, infections, and expensive emergency care. A public dental option will keep our seniors smiling and save money in the long run by preventing serious complications. Likewise, improving access to eyeglasses and hearing aids via Medicare options will help seniors live fully productive lives. These expansions will be funded in part by the savings from drug price negotiations and other cost cuts – giving seniors more for essentially the same taxpayer dollar.
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Real-Time Price Transparency: It’s nearly impossible today for patients to know what a procedure or test will cost – leading to outrageous bills and an inability to shop around. Robert will push for mandatory real-time price transparency from hospitals, clinics, and insurers. This means providers must clearly post the prices for common procedures and insurers must show patients what their out-of-pocket costs will be, before treatment. With transparent pricing, competition will increase: patients can choose lower-cost high-quality providers, and hospitals will be pressured to keep prices reasonable. Greater transparency has another benefit – it exposes inefficiencies. When one hospital charges double what another does for an MRI, public scrutiny will force a change or justify why. By shining sunlight on healthcare prices, we empower consumers and bend the cost curve downward. Alongside transparency, Robert supports payment reforms that reward quality outcomes rather than volume of services, ensuring we pay for value, not waste.
Together, these healthcare modernization steps will save money and save lives. We’ll cut federal spending by negotiating fair drug prices and reducing duplication and waste, saving at least $150 billion (helping our budget). We’ll simultaneously improve access by embracing technology and strengthening local clinics, which especially helps rural and underserved communities. And we’ll fill gaps in coverage like dental care, so no one has to neglect their teeth or eyes due to cost. Robert’s vision is a healthcare system where Americans get the care they need at a price we can afford as a nation – a healthier America, physically and fiscally.
4. Social Security Reform
Social Security is a sacred promise – and Robert will keep it solvent and strong for future generations, without breaking the promise to current seniors. His plan modernizes Social Security by gradually updating it for the 21st century: modest adjustments that protect and even enhance benefits for those who need them most, while shoring up the system’s finances. This approach avoids tax hikes, focuses on fairness, and encourages personal responsibility and care for family.
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Gradually Raise the Retirement Age (to 68 by 2040): Thanks to medical advances and healthier lifestyles, Americans are living longer on average. Social Security’s full retirement age is currently 67 (for those born after 1960); Robert proposes a slow phase-in to raise it to 68 by 2040. This change would be very gradual – affecting only younger workers and giving plenty of time to plan (no change for anyone currently in or near retirement). It’s a reasonable adjustment reflecting longevity gains, similar to bipartisan plans recommended by expertsmanhattan.institute. Importantly, we will protect those in physically demanding jobs or with health issues – exploring early retirement options or exemptions so that folks like construction workers or first responders aren’t unduly burdened. By the late 2030s, a retirement age of 68 will help reduce Social Security’s payouts modestly (people will work and contribute a bit longer) and significantly improve the program’s finances over the long haul. And after 2040, Robert supports indexing the retirement age to life expectancy (as some plans domanhattan.institute), so the system stays balanced as Americans live longer, without constant congressional action. No cuts for current seniors; a stronger system for the future.
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Progressive Benefit Adjustments: Robert believes we should preserve or increase benefits for lower-income seniors who truly rely on Social Security, while asking higher-income retirees (who may have substantial other retirement income) to get by with a bit less growth in their benefits. In practice, this means making the benefit formula more progressive. One widely endorsed approach is “progressive indexing” of initial benefits: for the bottom 30% of earners, benefits would continue to grow with average wage increases (maintaining or improving their purchasing power), whereas for the top earners, benefit growth would be indexed to inflation (a slower growth rate)manhattan.institute. Middle earners would be in between. The highest-income seniors (who likely have pensions and investments) would see smaller increases in their Social Security check over time, while the most vulnerable seniors would actually see a benefit bump relative to current law. Additionally, Robert supports enhancing the minimum benefit so no one who paid into Social Security retires into poverty. By trimming the rate of benefit growth for affluent retirees and boosting the floor for the poorest, we can reduce the 75-year funding shortfall and improve elderly financial security simultaneously. This is a fair fix – those who can most afford it contribute to the solution, while those who depend on Social Security the most are protected.
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Invest a Portion of the Trust Fund for Higher Returns: Currently, Social Security trust funds can only invest in special ultra-safe Treasury bonds. But exclusively relying on low-interest government bonds greatly limits returns. Private pension funds and even public pensions in many countries invest in diversified portfolios (stocks and bonds) to earn higher returns. Robert proposes allowing a prudent portion (up to 15% of the Social Security Trust Fund) to be invested in broad index funds of equities (e.g., S&P 500 or total stock market) and other secure assets. Historically, equity investments earn about 6% above inflation, compared to roughly 3% above inflation for Treasury bondsbrookings.edu. That difference is huge over time – it means potentially twice the long-term return. Brookings Institution analysts note that such investment could substantially reduce the need for other tax increases or benefit cuts by harnessing market growthbrookings.edubrookings.edu. To maintain safety, this would be a capped percentage (most of the fund stays in safe bonds) and managed by an independent board to avoid political interference in specific investments. The government of Canada, for example, successfully invests its pension reserves in markets. By cautiously earning a better return on a fraction of the fund, we can improve Social Security’s solvency. Higher returns = a more sustainable system with no extra burden on workers. It’s essentially “free money” from growth that helps fill the trust fund. If markets underperform, adjustments can be made (or the percentage invested can be small initially to test the waters). But over the long run, this could be a game-changer to keep the program funded for our children and grandchildren.
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Caregiver Credits and Support for Families: Social Security should acknowledge the economic value of family caregivers. Many Americans (often women) take time out of the workforce to care for young children or elderly parents, which can hurt their future Social Security benefits (since benefits are based on earnings). Robert backs the idea of a Social Security caregiver credit – essentially crediting a certain level of “earnings” to people who spend years caring for family full-time. This would prevent stay-at-home parents or adult children caring for aging parents from being penalized in retirement for their service to their family. Such caregiver credit policies are common in other developed countriescrr.bc.edu. We would cap the number of years creditable (for example, up to 5 years of caregiver credits per individual) to keep it targeted. To ensure this doesn’t strain finances, the credits could be paired with the progressive benefit adjustments mentioned above (slightly reducing benefits for higher earners helps offset the cost of granting credits)crr.bc.edu. The goal is to reward and encourage family care, which often keeps people out of expensive nursing homes. By enabling more seniors to be cared for at home through modest caregiver benefits, we not only do right by families, but likely save Medicaid money (since nursing home care for impoverished seniors is very costly for the government). It’s a compassionate reform that strengthens the intergenerational contract.
Overall, Robert’s Social Security plan is about preserving the program for the long run without breaking faith with those who earned their benefits. There will be no changes for current retirees or those near retirement – except possibly increases for the poorest. Future adjustments are phased in slowly, giving people time to adapt. These reforms – raising the retirement age gently, tweaking benefit formulas for fairness, investing funds wisely, and supporting caregivers – will significantly improve Social Security’s solvency (helping reduce deficits in the 2030s and beyond) while making the system work better for those who need it most. Robert will never allow Washington’s budgeting mistakes to cut the benefits of today’s seniors, but he also won’t kick the can down the road. He’s offering a forward-looking solution so that Social Security is there for future generations – stronger than ever.
5. Defense Modernization and Veterans’ Care
The first duty of the federal government is to keep Americans safe. South Carolina’s 1st District, with its strong military community, knows the importance of a robust national defense. Robert is committed to increasing support for our troops and veterans and investing in the technologies of tomorrow – all while eliminating wasteful spending in the Pentagon. His plan will reallocate defense dollars from inefficiency to capability, ensuring we get more bang for our buck. A stronger military, better care for those who served, and smarter budgeting go hand-in-hand.
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Cut Waste and Overruns, Reinvest in Readiness: The U.S. defense budget is the largest in the world – but too much is squandered on overruns and outdated programs. Robert will demand audit-driven accountability at DOD. For example, the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter program – intended as our cornerstone fighter jet – has been plagued by massive cost overruns. Its sustainment cost projections have ballooned 44% (from $1.1 trillion to $1.58 trillion) in just five yearsgao.gov, and total lifetime costs are now estimated to exceed $2 trilliongao.gov. That’s unacceptable. By scrutinizing contracts, enforcing competitive bidding, and holding contractors accountable, we will rein in such excess. Even trimming a fraction of these overruns (say 10%) would free up hundreds of billions. Those savings will not simply vanish – they will be reinvested into higher priorities within defense. In essence, we will raise total effective defense spending by moving money from bloated programs to where it’s truly needed. No more blank checks for programs that don’t deliver. We’ll buy fewer $1,000 toilet seats and instead buy more body armor, better troop housing, and cutting-edge tech. A thorough audit of the Pentagon (the first full audit was attempted only recently) will identify areas for reform. Robert will work on a bipartisan basis to implement defense procurement reforms that past Secretaries of Defense have called for. The result: a leaner, meaner military budget that spends smarter, not just more – enhancing capability while still reducing the deficit via overall savings.
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Troop Pay Raises and Family Support: Our men and women in uniform put their lives on the line – they must be paid a living wage. Yet many junior enlisted troops struggle financially; shockingly, over 25% of military families are food insecure (not always sure they can afford enough food)spokesman.com. This is a national disgrace. Robert’s plan calls for significantly raising military pay, especially for lower ranks (E-1 through E-6). Recent proposals have suggested 10% increases for junior enlisted on top of standard raises – we will pursue nothing less. No servicemember should have to rely on food pantries to feed their kids. By boosting base pay and allowances, we’ll ensure that those who serve can comfortably support their families. Additionally, Robert supports expanding programs like childcare for military families, spousal job support, and the new basic needs allowance, so that military households have stability. These improvements in compensation will help recruitment and retention as well – making military service an attractive career for talented people. America’s military must be the best – and that starts by taking care of the people in uniform. A pay raise is more than deserved; it’s earned every day by their sacrifice.
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Lifetime Medical Care and Full Pensions for Combat Veterans: When our service members go into combat, we owe them a profound debt. Robert believes every combat veteran should receive lifetime medical care and a pension, regardless of length of service. Currently, many benefits (like lifetime Tricare medical coverage or military pensions) only go to those who serve 20+ years or those with service-connected disabilities. But someone who served, say, 4 years and fought in heavy combat in Afghanistan or Iraq might leave the service without guaranteed healthcare for life. Under this proposal, if you have been in sustained combat operations, you will automatically have access to VA healthcare for life – no bureaucratic hurdles, no questions asked – and a modest pension or benefit stipend as early as age 60 (even if you didn’t stay for 20 years). We’re essentially creating a new category of “Combat Veterans’ Benefit” to honor the unique sacrifice of those who faced enemy fire. This will cover all combat theater veterans from any war on terror, Gulf War, etc. For older veterans, it would augment what they already get. For younger ones, it guarantees as they age, they can get care for any condition (physical or mental) possibly related to their service. The cost of this is a moral obligation in Robert’s eyes – part of the cost of war that must be budgeted, not as discretionary but as a sacred entitlement. Additionally, we will streamline and enhance mental health services for veterans, and eliminate the claims backlog by investing in VA staff and processing technology. Every veteran should get the care they were promised, and combat vets in particular should never feel abandoned. A pension for combat vets also acknowledges that many might have seen their earning potential cut short or their bodies worn down by the intensity of combat in a few years that others might not experience in twenty. If America can afford new weapons, it can certainly afford to care for the warriors.
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Gold Star Family Support: The families of the fallen deserve our unwavering support. Robert will introduce legislation to bolster benefits for Gold Star families (the survivors of those killed in action). Specifically, the plan ensures that spouses of fallen service members receive full military survivor benefits for life (until remarriage) and that their children receive benefits until at least age 18 (and through college years). Currently, there are survivor benefits (Dependency and Indemnity Compensation, and Survivor Benefit Plan annuities), but there have been issues like offsets (the “widow’s tax” recently addressed) and limitations. We will guarantee that a widow(er) of a combat fatality can continue to live with dignity – ideally, providing an annuity equivalent to the fallen service member’s full pay for a certain number of years, then a generous percentage thereafter. And if a spouse eventually finds happiness and remarries, they will not be penalized for moving on – there will be flexibility in benefits (for instance, perhaps a lump sum payout at remarriage, rather than an immediate cutoff). For children, in addition to CHAMPVA medical insurance and education benefits, we will ensure cost-of-living adjustments to any stipends so that kids can grow up with stable support. Bottom line: families who have made the ultimate sacrifice will be treated with the utmost honor and care. They will have financial security and all the resources needed – whether it’s grief counseling, educational scholarships, or help with housing – to rebuild their lives. This is not just policy, it’s a commitment from the heart of a grateful nation.
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Invest in Defense Technology and Quality of Life: Robert’s defense plan isn’t just about fixing problems – it’s about preparing for the future. He will advocate increasing investment in cutting-edge defense R&D: cyber defense, artificial intelligence, drone and autonomous vehicle technology, missile defense improvements, and next-generation aircraft and naval vessels. These are the areas where our military must excel to deter rivals like China. By reallocating funds from old, underperforming systems to new breakthroughs, we maintain our technological edge. At the same time, we must improve the quality of life for service members to attract and retain talent. That means upgrading barracks and base housing (too much of which is in poor condition – GAO found barracks with serious issues like mold, pests, and even fire safety problemsgao.gov). It means ensuring every base has modern facilities, from gyms to childcare centers, and that privatized military housing companies are held accountable for providing safe, clean homes. Robert also supports improving military education – strengthening on-base schools or providing more resources for military kids who move frequently. And when service members transition to civilian life, we must support them with robust job training/apprenticeship programs and mental health support. By making military service a fulfilling career with good living conditions and a bright future after, we bolster our force. In short, we will invest in both hardware and people. A high-tech drone is important, but so is the morale of the drone pilot and the well-being of the pilot’s family.
Robert’s defense and veterans platform ensures that every dollar we spend on defense truly strengthens America. We will eliminate notorious waste, like the kind that has persisted in some procurement programs, and channel those resources into what counts: our troops, our veterans, and 21st-century security needs. South Carolina’s proud military heritage – from Parris Island Marines to Charleston’s Navy and Air Force communities – will be honored with a military that is second to none in capability and a VA system that is second to none in compassion. This is about keeping our country safe and keeping our promises to those who serve.
6. Education Revitalization
A quality education system is the foundation of a thriving economy and a vibrant community. Unfortunately, America’s educational outcomes have slipped globally, and South Carolina’s schools face challenges from early childhood to college. Robert’s education plan is to invest in our children and teachers, emphasize STEM and skills training, and hold ourselves to world-class standards. By educating the next generation, we ensure our country’s long-term prosperity and competitiveness. Robert will work to direct federal support where it makes the most difference, while empowering local schools to innovate and excel.
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Invest in Early Childhood Education (Pre-K for All): Countless studies show that early childhood education pays off hugely – kids who attend quality pre-K are more ready for school, more likely to graduate, and less likely to get into trouble later. Robert supports a federal-state partnership to achieve universal pre-kindergarten for 3- and 4-year-olds. This would involve grants to states (especially those like South Carolina) to expand pre-K slots, particularly in underserved rural and urban areas. Parents should have the option to send their child to a quality pre-K, whether public, private, or faith-based, without breaking the bank. By leveraging programs like Head Start and encouraging public school districts to add pre-K classes, we can move toward the goal of pre-K for every child. Not only does this benefit children, it also helps working parents (who currently struggle with childcare) participate in the workforce. Every dollar invested in early education returns multiple dollars in social benefits down the road. This is a smart, conservative investment in human capital – building the foundation for lifelong success and reducing downstream costs in remedial education or even criminal justice. Under Robert’s plan, South Carolina would get its fair share of funding to significantly increase pre-K enrollment across the Lowcountry.
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Boost STEM and Vocational Training: America must remain the land of innovation – but right now our students are lagging in critical STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) skills. In international tests, U.S. 15-year-olds rank 28th out of 37 advanced nations in mathpewresearch.org, a sobering statistic that shows we need to do better. Robert will champion programs to improve STEM education at all grade levels. This includes funding for teacher training in STEM subjects, grants for schools to update their science labs and technology, and public-private partnerships to bring engineers and tech experts into classrooms. Coding, robotics, and advanced manufacturing skills should be taught in high school, not just college. At the same time, we must remove the stigma from vocational and technical education – these pathways lead to high-paying, in-demand jobs (welders, electricians, mechanics, healthcare technicians, etc.). Robert supports increasing federal support for career and technical education (CTE) programs, like those at community colleges and trade schools. For example, expand apprenticeship programs in partnership with local industries (Boeing, Volvo, and others are major employers in SC who can help shape curriculum for skills they need). High school students should have opportunities for dual-enrollment in technical courses or certifications that let them graduate job-ready. By aligning education with the needs of our economy, we prepare young people for good jobs that don’t necessarily require a four-year degree, while also keeping America competitive in science and tech. In short, we’ll train the workforce of tomorrow – from coding classes in elementary school to advanced manufacturing institutes in the region – ensuring our district becomes a magnet for high-tech and skilled-trade employers.
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Increase Teacher Pay and Support: We cannot fix education without supporting those on the front lines – our teachers. South Carolina’s teachers, like many nationwide, are underpaid relative to their importance. Low pay leads to high turnover and shortages in critical areas. Robert will push for federal incentives for states to raise teacher salaries, especially for early-career teachers and those in high-need subjects or rural schools. One approach is a federal grant program that matches state funding increases for teacher pay or provides bonuses for teachers who improve student outcomes. Moreover, investing in professional development and mentorship for teachers will help improve quality. Teachers should not have to pay out-of-pocket for classroom supplies – Robert supports a teacher tax credit to reimburse educators for such expenses. By valuing teachers, we attract talented young people to the profession and retain experienced educators. That directly translates into better student performance. Think of countries like Finland or Singapore that pay and train teachers well – their educational outcomes are stellar. We need to treat teachers as the skilled professionals they are. Also, reducing bureaucratic paperwork and high-stakes testing overload will give teachers more freedom to teach effectively. Robert will advocate for flexibility in federal mandates to let teachers teach creatively. Better pay, better training, more respect – that’s how we uplift the teaching profession and, in turn, our students.
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National Standards, Local Innovation: We should set ambitious national goals for education – like leading the world in math and science scores, or having the highest high-school graduation rate – but allow local districts flexibility in how to get there. Robert supports benchmarking our progress against other nations. It’s not acceptable that we’re middle-of-the-pack globally; our kids deserve to be #1. By 2030, let’s aim to break into the top ranks in international assessments. To do that, we need rigorous curricula, especially in math, science, and reading. Robert would encourage states to adopt high standards (building on Common Core or its successors, but improved and tailored locally). However, he is against one-size-fits-all federal micro-management. The federal government’s role should be providing funding and information – for instance, funding R&D for curriculum development, disseminating what teaching methods work best (based on evidence), and highlighting successful schools as models. One key area is global literacy – expanding foreign language programs and knowledge of history/civics, so our students are well-rounded and can compete internationally. And we must address disparities: ensure struggling schools (often in low-income areas) get extra resources to level the playing field. That might mean expanded school meals, after-school tutoring programs, or school infrastructure repair (many schools in SC have infrastructure needs like old buildings, no air conditioning, etc.). Federal infrastructure funds can help modernize schools. Finally, accountability is part of national standards – schools that consistently fail to improve should get support and, if needed, serious intervention or turnaround efforts. But the emphasis will be on support, not punishment. By shooting for world-class excellence and encouraging innovation (like magnet schools, charter schools, or career academies that try new approaches), we can revitalize education. Our district’s children will be prepared to compete with anyone in the world – and win.
Educational revitalization is not just an economic necessity – it’s about giving every child the opportunity to achieve the American Dream. Robert’s plan invests in the full pipeline from early childhood to job training. It treats teachers as assets, not costs. It sets high expectations and provides the support to meet them. South Carolina’s 1st District will benefit from these policies through better-prepared graduates, a stronger talent pool for businesses, and a brighter future for all families. No child should have to leave South Carolina to find opportunity – we will grow it right here with great schools and training. With Robert in Congress, education will be a top priority, because our kids are our most precious resource.
7. Minimum Wage Reform
The federal minimum wage hasn’t been raised in over a decade and is stuck at $7.25 an hour (since 2009)worldpopulationreview.com. While many states have higher minimums, this one-size-fits-all federal wage no longer reflects economic realities – $7.25 translates to only about $15,000 a year for full-time work, which is below the poverty line for familiesworldpopulationreview.com. Robert believes in an updated approach to the minimum wage that is fair, flexible, and keeps up with the cost of living, without pricing young workers out of jobs. His proposal introduces a tiered minimum wage and automatic adjustments to protect workers and businesses alike.
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Tiered Minimum by Age and Family Status: A high school student living with parents has very different needs than a 30-year-old single parent of two. Yet the minimum wage currently treats them the same. Robert advocates a common-sense tiered minimum wage. Here’s how it would work: Younger workers (for example, teenagers under 18 or 21) and perhaps apprentices could have a “training wage” that is slightly lower than the standard minimum, recognizing that these jobs are often entry-level and temporary. (In fact, federal law already allows a youth training wage of $4.25 for the first 90 days of employment for under-20 workersdol.gov, though few use it – we’d replace that with a more practical permanent youth tier.) Conversely, adult workers (age 21 and over, for instance) who are supporting a family would have a higher minimum wage reflecting that responsibility. For example, a possible structure might be: $8/hour for teens in part-time jobs, $15/hour base for adults, and an additional boost (say $2 more) for adults with dependents (children). The exact numbers would be determined carefully (and could be regionally varied, more on that below), but the principle is “the more responsibility, the higher the required wage.” This ensures that a full-time adult worker can earn enough to live, whereas a student can still find an entry-level job because an employer can afford to hire them at a training wage. It’s about flexibility and matching wages to living needs. Businesses often hesitate to hire teenagers for summer jobs if the minimum is too high, but under a tiered system, they can – giving youth valuable work experience. Meanwhile, no adult working full time to feed a family would be stuck at $7.25. It’s a tailored solution that benefits both young workers and working families.
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Adjusted for Cost of Living / Region: The cost to support a family differs vastly between, say, New York City and Charleston, SC, and even within South Carolina between urban and rural areas. Robert’s minimum wage reform will consider regional cost-of-living adjustments or guidelines. One idea is to peg the family-supporting wage to something like the local living wage index. For perspective, the living wage for a family of four (two working adults, two kids) is estimated at about $29/hour (over $120,000 a year) in high-cost states like Massachusettsworldpopulationreview.com, but in lower-cost areas it’s lower (around $20/hour in some states). We obviously cannot jump the minimum wage to those levels overnight, but it shows how far off the current minimum is from real living expenses. Under Robert’s plan, the federal law could set a base floor and a framework: e.g., a base adult minimum of $15 (indexed to inflation thereafter), and then encourage or require higher adjustments in higher-cost states or metropolitan areas. States could have leeway to go above the federal floor (as many already do), but the family-tier might mandate, for example, that a full-time worker with two+ dependents should earn at least enough to be above the federal poverty line for a family of three or four. This might involve tax credits in combination (like expanding the Earned Income Tax Credit) to effectively boost incomes for families. The goal is that no American who works full time and heads a household should live in poverty. We will work out the details with economists and stakeholders so that the minimum wage better reflects local economic conditions and family needs. Such a system could even be automated: for instance, set the family wage at 60% of the local median wage. This approach draws on the concept of a living wage while balancing it with economic feasibility for employers.
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Automatic Annual Inflation Adjustment: To end the cycle of the minimum wage losing value every year Congress fails to act, Robert strongly supports indexing the minimum wage to inflation (or wage growth). This means the minimum would go up a little bit each year automatically, based on the Consumer Price Index or a similar measure, to keep pace with the cost of living. Many states already index their minimum wage to inflation. This change would depoliticize the issue – no more decades-long freezes while prices soar. For example, if inflation is 3% one year, a $15 minimum would go to $15.45 the next year. Businesses can predict these small changes and plan accordingly, rather than facing a sudden large hike after years of inaction. Indexation protects workers’ purchasing power so their earnings aren’t eroded by inflation. Over time, it also means we likely won’t need major catch-up bills in Congress – the wage floor will remain current. Combined with the tiered system, inflation indexing ensures each category of the minimum wage (youth, adult, adult+dependents) stays aligned with economic conditions. It’s fair for workers and provides stability for employers.
Robert’s minimum wage reform is a thoughtful compromise in a polarized debate. It acknowledges the valid concern that a single high minimum wage could reduce teen job opportunities or overburden small businesses in low-cost areas, while also recognizing that $7.25 is unacceptably low for anyone trying to feed a family. By tailoring the minimum wage to workers’ age and family status, and then automatically updating it, we can uplift those who need it most (working parents) and not unduly harm those who are just starting out (youth). It’s essentially a “cost-of-living wage” – higher where needed, lower where it makes sense, always moving up with inflation. The result will be fewer Americans in working poverty and a more dynamic labor market. People in South Carolina’s 1st District will benefit as wages rise for adult workers (putting more money into our local economy) while teen unemployment remains low due to a reasonable training wage. This is a win-win for workers and businesses, and reflects Robert’s pragmatic, non-doctrinaire approach to problem-solving.
8. Implementation Roadmap (2025–2035)
Transforming these bold proposals into reality will take careful planning and coalition-building. Robert has laid out a 10-year implementation roadmap to phase in changes in a sensible, step-by-step manner. This ensures smooth execution, with early wins building momentum for larger reforms. Here’s the timeline for how these initiatives will roll out once Robert is in Congress:
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Years 1–2 (2025–2026): Laying the Foundation. In the first term, Robert will prioritize quick victories and planning for bigger reforms. Medical marijuana legalization will be introduced and passed – allowing prescription cannabis nationally (especially to veterans and those with chronic illness) as a first phase, while setting up the federal framework for recreational legalization. Simultaneously, legislation for a full Pentagon audit and waste-cutting task force will be passed – we’ll start scrutinizing defense spending from Day 1 to find inefficiencies (e.g., review of F-35 program, audits of contracting). A bill to empower Medicare drug price negotiation on a limited basis (perhaps negotiating insulin and a few high-cost drugs initially) will be introduced to test the waters and demonstrate savings. Work will begin on drafting the comprehensive marijuana legalization and taxation bill, with hearings gathering input from states, law enforcement, and health experts. Also in this period, Robert will push for funds in the budget to expand telehealth and broadband (necessary for telehealth in rural areas) – possibly in an infrastructure or appropriations package. On Social Security, Years 1–2 will focus on study and consensus-building: forming a bipartisan commission or working group to hammer out details of the age increase, investment mechanisms, etc., so that legislation can be introduced by Year 3 or 4. Essentially, the first two years are about setting the stage: get some early wins (medical cannabis, audits, telehealth funding) and do the homework on bigger lifts.
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Years 3–5 (2027–2029): Major Legislative Actions. This phase will see the rollout of the marquee reforms. Recreational marijuana legalization with the 10–15% excise tax should be passed by Year 3. By 2027, the federal cannabis tax system and regulatory body would be up and running, and states opting in can begin to see the economic benefits. Concurrently, Medicare drug price negotiation powers will be expanded fully by around 2028 – e.g., allowing HHS to negotiate prices on a substantial list of high-cost medications. The savings from this will start accruing in these years (with drug prices likely dropping for those drugs by 2028–2029). Robert’s team will also work to enact the minimum wage reform during this window – perhaps attaching it to a broader economic bill. The wage tiers and initial increases could be set to take effect in, say, 2028, giving businesses time to adjust. In education, by this time a new Education Revitalization Act could be passed, providing grants for pre-K expansion, STEM programs, and teacher pay incentives; states would begin implementing those programs around 2028. Defense reforms identified by the audits will start coming online – for example, if the audit finds $X billion in potential savings in procurement, those cuts can be made and the funds redirected in the FY2028 and FY2029 defense budgets to troop pay and R&D. Social Security legislation would be introduced by around Year 4 (2028), after careful vetting. This would include the gradual retirement age increase (to begin in the 2030s), the progressive indexing formula changes (perhaps slated to start for new beneficiaries in 2030), and authorization for the trust fund to invest a small portion in equities (possibly with a pilot program). Passing Social Security reform will require bipartisan effort, but with public awareness of the looming trust fund shortfall, we anticipate building a coalition of realists in both parties. If successful, this could pass by Year 5. Additionally, public dental option in Medicare could be legislated in this period, aiming to launch by Year 6 or 7. By the end of Year 5 (2029), we expect: federal cannabis revenues flowing for a couple of years, initial deficit reduction from them; Medicare negotiating many drug prices; telehealth and health center expansions realized; minimum wage tier system in effect; and Social Security reforms enacted (but not yet felt, as they phase in later). Also, defense and veterans improvements – pay raises, etc. – will have been funded in the interim National Defense Authorization Acts (NDAAs). The late 2020s would see meaningful pay bumps and quality-of-life improvements for our military and vets.
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Years 6–10 (2030–2034): Full Implementation and Monitoring. In the early 2030s, the reforms hit their stride. Social Security changes begin to take effect: the retirement age might rise by 2 months per year starting 2030 (reaching 68 by 2040), high-income benefit growth slows for new retirees, and the trust fund starts investing perhaps 5% of assets in index funds initially. We will closely monitor the market investments to ensure safety and adjust if needed. Cannabis legalization by now is mature – federal and state regulation kinks worked out, and the revenue is pouring in as projected (if not higher). Over this period, roughly half the cannabis revenue (tens of billions) goes directly to debt reduction per the plan – you can actually see the deficit impact in budget reports. Healthcare modernization will show results: by 2030, Medicare drug savings of ~$150B will be reflected in budget lower outlayskff.org, helping reduce deficits; more seniors will have dental coverage and better health outcomes; telemedicine will be an entrenched part of care (perhaps leading to healthier populations and some savings from reduced hospital visits). Education outcomes should start improving – we expect by 2033 the U.S. could move up in PISA international rankings, as our investments in STEM and teacher quality manifest in test scores and graduation rates. South Carolina’s schools, benefitting from federal grants, should see higher reading and math proficiency. Defense and veterans: by this stage, the U.S. military will have completed a decade of reforms – we’ll have the newest tech integrated (drones, AI command systems), and a force that’s well-paid, with high morale. Military recruitment likely improves thanks to better pay and family support. Veterans from the War on Terror era will be aging, but our new supports (like guaranteed healthcare and pensions for combat vets) mean they are cared for – fewer homeless vets, fewer unmet medical needs. Gold Star families over the decade have received robust support ensuring none were left destitute. The VA hopefully has improved (with stable funding and oversight from Congress to implement recommended reforms). Fiscal results: By 2035 (Year 11, slightly beyond our window), we project the combination of these reforms will close the $20 trillion cumulative deficit that was loomingpgpf.org. In other words, the budget by around 2034 should be near balance – or even in surplus – if these policies are faithfully executed and if economic growth holds up. In the final years of the plan, Robert would also push any additional measures needed to hit balance: e.g., if deficits remain higher than hoped, consider further waste cuts or slight program tweaks (always avoiding broad tax hikes). But the expectation is that the robust economic growth spurred by a healthier, better educated workforce and stable fiscal outlook will itself help shrink deficits (higher GDP means more revenue). Essentially, by Year 10 we will have met milestones: a balanced budget within sight, Social Security and Medicare on stronger footing, a military that’s stronger yet leaner, and public services (education, healthcare) delivering better results for Americans.
This phased approach ensures that changes are introduced responsibly. We won’t shock the system; we’ll build confidence and prove concept with early steps (e.g., medical marijuana legalization showing the sky doesn’t fall, initial Medicare negotiations showing savings). By sequencing reforms logically, each step paves the way for the next. And throughout, we will engage in regular oversight: adjusting policies if data shows they aren’t working as intended, and confirming that promised savings are materializing (if not, course-correct). Robert’s business background has taught him to track progress and remain flexible. This roadmap is ambitious but achievable – and it sends a clear message to voters: there is a timeline and plan to get things done, not just talking points.
9. Fiscal Impact Summary
Below is a summary of the 10-year fiscal impacts of Robert’s major proposals, showing how we pay for this agenda and reduce the deficit. All figures are estimates over a 2025–2035 timeframe. Savings (spending cuts) are shown as positive numbers (since they reduce the deficit), as are new revenues. Investments or costs are negative where applicable. Net deficit reduction is the improvement to the federal balance – a combination of spending cuts and new revenues minus any new spending. (Note: Items without a direct deficit impact are marked as budget-neutral.)
| Initiative/Policy | 10-Year Spending Cuts/Savings | 10-Year New Revenue | Net Deficit Reduction |
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| Spending Reforms & Efficiency Cuts – e.g. agency savings, entitlement adjustments, waste reduction (Section 1) | $1,200 billion | $0 | $1,200 billion |
| Marijuana Legalization & Taxation – 10–15% federal excise, plus enforcement cost savings (Section 2) | ~$10 billion (saved enforcement)** | $120 billion | ~$130 billion |
| Healthcare Modernization – Medicare drug negotiation savings, etc. (Section 3) | $150 billion | $0 | $150 billion |
| Social Security Reforms – progressive benefits, retirement age (modest 10-yr effect; larger long-term) (Section 4) | ~$100 billion* | $0 | ~$100 billion |
| Defense Reallocation – cut inefficiencies (e.g. F-35 overruns) & reinvest in troops/tech (Section 5) | $0 (savings reinvested) | $0 | $0 (budget-neutral) |
| Veterans & Families Care – combat vet benefits, Gold Star support (Section 5) | -$50 billion (approx. cost) | $0 | -$50 billion (cost) |
| Education & Workforce Investments – Pre-K, STEM, teacher raises (Section 6) | -$50 billion (approx. cost) | $0 | -$50 billion (cost) |
| Minimum Wage Reform – (no significant federal budget impact aside from possibly reduced welfare spending) (Section 7) | $0 | $0 | $0 (neutral) |
| TOTAL 10-Year Deficit Impact | $1,410 billion in cuts | $120 billion | ~$1.53 trillion deficit reduction |
_ Estimates; actual figures depend on economic factors and final policy design._
_ Marijuana legalization expected to save federal enforcement and incarceration costs, roughly $1B/year (part of $7–13B/yr total enforcement savings across all governmentsbritannica.com)._
**Most Social Security savings occur beyond the 10-year window (e.g., as retirement age rises gradually after 2030).
Note: Defense and education investments are offset by savings or revenue elsewhere (e.g. within the defense budget, or by improved economic growth from an educated workforce). Thus, they are shown as cost items but assumed to be financed without adding to the deficit. Overall, the major savings and revenue above (~$1.53 trillion) will substantially reduce projected deficits. Additional economic growth and interest savings from debt reduction will help close the remaining gap to $20 trillion.
As the table shows, Robert’s plan is fully paid for and then some – it achieves over $1.5 trillion in net deficit reduction in the first decade. The spending cuts and efficiencies (about $1.2T) do the heavy lifting, complemented by new revenue from legalized marijuana ($120B) and major health-care savings ($150B). We also invest where it counts (veterans, education), but those investments are modest in scale and are offset by our reforms (for example, trimming defense fat to fund troop benefits). The result is a significant dent in the deficit. In fact, these changes put us on track to eliminate the annual deficit by the end of the decade and start whittling down the national debt thereafter. This is accomplished without raising tax rates – an extraordinary achievement reflecting tough choices and political courage. South Carolina families can be confident that Robert’s plan means a stronger fiscal future: lower interest rates, a more stable economy, and no crushing debt tax on our kids.
In conclusion, Robert’s platform is a vision of responsible change and optimistic reform. It’s about balancing budgets and balancing priorities – ensuring we remain both fiscally conservative and deeply committed to the well-being of our people. South Carolina’s 1st District will recognize in this plan the values it holds dear: discipline with money, support for our military, care for our neighbors, and freedom to innovate (as seen in pragmatic steps like marijuana legalization). This is not pie-in-the-sky talk; it’s a detailed roadmap, with credible data and proven ideas, to achieve what many say is impossible: a balanced federal budget without raising taxes, alongside a stronger, fairer America.
With your support, Robert will fight to turn this blueprint into law. Imagine a 2035 where our national debt is shrinking, not growing; where Social Security and Medicare are secure for generations; where veterans and Gold Star families never doubt our gratitude; where every child can get a great education and every worker a fair wage; where you can start a business without sky-high taxes and communities thrive with new industries like legal cannabis farming replacing illicit trade. That’s the future we can build. It won’t be easy – but as Americans, we have never shied away from hard work when the cause is right. Robert’s plan lights a path forward, turning challenges into opportunities. Let’s seize this moment to balance our books and invest in our people, so that South Carolina and the United States soar to new heights together.
Robert humbly asks for your vote to make this vision a reality. Together, we will achieve a balanced budget, a stronger nation, and a brighter future for the Lowcountry and all of America.
