Matthew Lucci

[{"question": "Ballotpedia survey responses", "answer_html": "<p>See also: <a href=\"/Ballotpedia%27s_Candidate_Connection\">Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection</a></p>\n<div class=\"row\"><div class=\"col-xs-10 col-md-6 col-xs-offset-1 col-md-offset-3\"><p><a href=\"https://ballotpedia.org/Ballotpedia%27s_Candidate_Connection\"><img align=\"middle\" alt=\"Candidate Connection\" src=\"https://cdn.ballotpedia.org/images/8/88/Candidate_Connection_Logo.png\" width=\"90%\"/></a></p></div></div>\n<p>Matthew Lucci completed <a href=\"/Ballotpedia%27s_Candidate_Connection\">Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection</a> survey in 2023. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Lucci's responses.</p>\n<p><span class=\"expand-all\">Expand all</span> | <span class=\"collapse-all\">Collapse all</span></p>\n<div aria-multiselectable=\"true\" class=\"panel-group\" id=\"accordion\" role=\"tablist\"><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-bio-194250-2023-04-20\" id=\"heading-bio-194250-2023-04-20\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse-bio-194250-2023-04-20\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-bio-194250-2023-04-20\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWho are you? Tell us about yourself.\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading-bio-194250-2023-04-20\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse-bio-194250-2023-04-20\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tI am a conservative Republican, medical technology entrepreneur, engineering professor, and advocate for ending the opioid crisis. \r\n<p>After a close friend died of an opioid overdose, I started Runatek, a medical technology company that is developing devices for pain management while detecting opioids in post-surgical patients. My goal is to end the opioid crisis that has taken the lives of too many friends and family members across the country, including the latest wave of fentanyl pouring across our southern border.\r\n</p>\nI have volunteered with local school districts to teach underprivileged children to read and served hungry families with the Tarrant Area Food Bank. I serve as an advisor and mentor to startup medical technology companies in the DFW area, as well as an adjunct professor of mechanical engineering at the University of Texas at Tyler. He also sits on the industry advisory board for a local organization building job training programs for North Texans to earn high-paying jobs in manufacturing and technology.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-key-message-194250-2023-04-20\" id=\"heading-key-message-194250-2023-04-20\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse-key-message-194250-2023-04-20\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-key-message-194250-2023-04-20\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tPlease list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading-key-message-194250-2023-04-20\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse-key-message-194250-2023-04-20\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\"><ul><li>End the Fentanyl Crisis. Too many of our kids are dying from fentanyl poisoning. I will crack down on illicit fentanyl and champion new technologies to prevent addiction and overdose.</li><li>Defend Innocent Life. I'm 100% pro-life. I will push for a federal ban on abortion, stand up for foster care and adoption, and fight to increase quality of life in our district.</li><li>Rebuild Rural America. We need high paying jobs that are accessible in the district. As an entrepreneur, I will fight for manufacturing, technology, and small businesses to set up and grow in our district.</li></ul></span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse1-194250-2023-04-20\" id=\"heading1-194250-2023-04-20\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse1-194250-2023-04-20\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse1-194250-2023-04-20\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading1-194250-2023-04-20\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse1-194250-2023-04-20\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tI am very passionate about drug abuse/addiction policy. This interacts heavily with mental health and immigration policy, because of our current opioid crisis, specifically fentanyl.<br/><br/>\n<p>I am very pro-life, from conception to natural death. In Congress, I will advocate for protections at all stages of life, including making it easier to raise a family, and fighting to end homelessness.<br/><br/>\n</p>\nVeterans affairs and making life easier for working families are big priorities of my campaign.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse2-194250-2023-04-20\" id=\"heading2-194250-2023-04-20\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse2-194250-2023-04-20\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse2-194250-2023-04-20\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading2-194250-2023-04-20\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse2-194250-2023-04-20\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tA servant's heart, and a desire to make the world a better place.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse3-194250-2023-04-20\" id=\"heading3-194250-2023-04-20\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse3-194250-2023-04-20\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse3-194250-2023-04-20\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat was your very first job? How long did you have it?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading3-194250-2023-04-20\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse3-194250-2023-04-20\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tI was a guest services representative at the George W. Bush presidential Center in Dallas for 3 years, as I worked to pay my way through college.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse4-194250-2023-04-20\" id=\"heading4-194250-2023-04-20\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse4-194250-2023-04-20\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse4-194250-2023-04-20\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat was the last song that got stuck in your head?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading4-194250-2023-04-20\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse4-194250-2023-04-20\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tRemy: Uncle Sugar\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse5-194250-2023-04-20\" id=\"heading5-194250-2023-04-20\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse5-194250-2023-04-20\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse5-194250-2023-04-20\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat is something that has been a struggle in your life?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading5-194250-2023-04-20\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse5-194250-2023-04-20\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tThere were many times when I didn't know where my next meal was going to come from, or if I'd be able to make rent, or afford tuition for another semester of college. I lived in my car for two years, driving rideshare, so that I could afford to keep my business going and develop lifesaving medical technology.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse6-194250-2023-04-20\" id=\"heading6-194250-2023-04-20\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse6-194250-2023-04-20\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse6-194250-2023-04-20\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tDo you believe that it's beneficial for representatives to have previous experience in government or politics?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading6-194250-2023-04-20\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse6-194250-2023-04-20\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tRepresentatives should be REPRESENTATIVE of the people living in their district. It's much more important for a representative to have experience working a service job or starting a business from scratch than to have an extensive resume as a politician.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse7-194250-2023-04-20\" id=\"heading7-194250-2023-04-20\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse7-194250-2023-04-20\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse7-194250-2023-04-20\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat are your thoughts on term limits?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading7-194250-2023-04-20\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse7-194250-2023-04-20\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tI am in favor of term limits for the House of Representatives and the Senate. Career politicians tend to be corrupt and become out-of-touch with their constituents.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse8-194250-2023-04-20\" id=\"heading8-194250-2023-04-20\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse8-194250-2023-04-20\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse8-194250-2023-04-20\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tBoth sitting representatives and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading8-194250-2023-04-20\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse8-194250-2023-04-20\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tI heard the story of a young boy who took a percocet that was laced with fentanyl and tragically passed away. It's a devastating story that's all too common in my district, and is a compelling reason for me to run.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div></div>\n<div class=\"small\" data-nosnippet=\"\"><p><i><b>Note:</b> Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.</i></p></div>", "answer_text": "See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection\n\nMatthew Lucci completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2023. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Lucci's responses.\nExpand all | Collapse all\nWho are you? Tell us about yourself. I am a conservative Republican, medical technology entrepreneur, engineering professor, and advocate for ending the opioid crisis. After a close friend died of an opioid overdose, I started Runatek, a medical technology company that is developing devices for pain management while detecting opioids in post-surgical patients. My goal is to end the opioid crisis that has taken the lives of too many friends and family members across the country, including the latest wave of fentanyl pouring across our southern border. I have volunteered with local school districts to teach underprivileged children to read and served hungry families with the Tarrant Area Food Bank. I serve as an advisor and mentor to startup medical technology companies in the DFW area, as well as an adjunct professor of mechanical engineering at the University of Texas at Tyler. He also sits on the industry advisory board for a local organization building job training programs for North Texans to earn high-paying jobs in manufacturing and technology. Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office? End the Fentanyl Crisis. Too many of our kids are dying from fentanyl poisoning. I will crack down on illicit fentanyl and champion new technologies to prevent addiction and overdose. Defend Innocent Life. I'm 100% pro-life. I will push for a federal ban on abortion, stand up for foster care and adoption, and fight to increase quality of life in our district. Rebuild Rural America. We need high paying jobs that are accessible in the district. As an entrepreneur, I will fight for manufacturing, technology, and small businesses to set up and grow in our district. What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about? I am very passionate about drug abuse/addiction policy. This interacts heavily with mental health and immigration policy, because of our current opioid crisis, specifically fentanyl. I am very pro-life, from conception to natural death. In Congress, I will advocate for protections at all stages of life, including making it easier to raise a family, and fighting to end homelessness. Veterans affairs and making life easier for working families are big priorities of my campaign. What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official? A servant's heart, and a desire to make the world a better place. What was your very first job? How long did you have it? I was a guest services representative at the George W. Bush presidential Center in Dallas for 3 years, as I worked to pay my way through college. What was the last song that got stuck in your head? Remy: Uncle Sugar What is something that has been a struggle in your life? There were many times when I didn't know where my next meal was going to come from, or if I'd be able to make rent, or afford tuition for another semester of college. I lived in my car for two years, driving rideshare, so that I could afford to keep my business going and develop lifesaving medical technology. Do you believe that it's beneficial for representatives to have previous experience in government or politics? Representatives should be REPRESENTATIVE of the people living in their district. It's much more important for a representative to have experience working a service job or starting a business from scratch than to have an extensive resume as a politician. What are your thoughts on term limits? I am in favor of term limits for the House of Representatives and the Senate. Career politicians tend to be corrupt and become out-of-touch with their constituents. Both sitting representatives and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful? I heard the story of a young boy who took a percocet that was laced with fentanyl and tragically passed away. It's a devastating story that's all too common in my district, and is a compelling reason for me to run.\nNote: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it."}, {"question": "Campaign website", "answer_html": "<p>Lucci’s campaign website stated the following:\n</p>\n<div style=\"height:400px;overflow:scroll;border:1px solid gray;margin:20px;padding:10px;\">\n<table data-nosnippet=\"\" style=\"border-collapse: collapse; border: none;background-color: transparent; auto; ;\">\n<tbody><tr>\n<td style=\"border:none; color:#B2B7F2;font-size:35px;font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-weight: bold; text-align: left; padding: 10px 3px;\" valign=\"top\" width=\"20\">“\n</td>\n<td style=\"border: none; padding: 4px 10px;\" valign=\"top\">\n<p><b>Reduce the National Debt</b><br/>\nGovernment spending has ballooned to unsustainable levels, and we must take action to reduce the national debt. We can't allow Washington to continue to mortgage our children's future with their out-of-control spending. By cutting unnecessary spending, we will prioritize critical programs and reduce the burden on taxpayers like us.\n</p><p>Balancing the federal budget is critical to ensuring that our nation remains fiscally responsible and sustainable. The federal deficit has been a growing problem for many years, and we must take action to bring spending in line with revenue. By balancing the budget, we can reduce the national debt and promote economic stability and growth. This means cutting bloated bureaucracy and raising revenue <u>without increasing taxes</u>​\n</p><p>The last time that America paid off our national debt was in 1835, driven by the sale of federal land to Americans that wanted to build their lives on their own property. The federal government owns nearly 640 million acres of land across the country, and much of it is not essential for government use. By selling this land to private American entities, we can generate revenue for the government, create new economic opportunities, and reduce the burden on taxpayers.\n</p><p><b>Cut Taxes</b><br/>\n</p><p>Cut Taxes\nThe government takes too much of our hard-earned money. <u>Our members of congress find creative ways to funnel millions into their own pockets</u>, and we need to keep their greedy hands off of our dollars.\n</p><p>In addition to signing a pledge to donate half of my congressional salary to nonprofit charities making a difference in our district, I will fight to cut taxes and keep more of your money in your bank account. In my first term as congressman, <u><b>I will introduce an amendment to cut taxes for everyday families</b></u>, reducing the tax rate and improving deductions for those of us struggling to get by.​\n</p><p>I will never vote for a tax increase, and will work to make sure that Washington finally balances its budget, just like every business and family has to do. \n</p><p><b>Rebuilding Rural America</b><br/>\nRural communities are an integral part of our country, but our congressmen seem to forget about us when they go to Washington. Our communities face significant challenges, including outdated infrastructure and a lack of economic opportunity to attract and retain young professionals.\n</p><p>Rebuilding rural infrastructure is essential to supporting economic growth and development. The rural stretches of our district have crumbling infrastructure that limits our ability to attract new businesses and create jobs. By <b><u>investing in modern infrastructure, including roads, bridges, and broadband access, we can improve connectivity and make it easier for businesses to operate in this place that we call home.</u></b>\n</p><p>​<b><u>Introducing manufacturing and technology companies to rural communities will bring high-paying jobs to our district and help to diversify our local economies.</u></b> These companies will create jobs, and stimulate economic growth in our community. When we couple this with sensible solutions to improve education in the 25th District, this will make it easier for our young residents to build their lives here and build businesses of their own.\n</p><p><b>Care for Our Heroes</b><br/>\n</p><p>Care for Our Heroes\nThe brave men and women who have served our country in the armed forces have made tremendous sacrifices to protect our freedom and way of life. As a nation, we have a responsibility to ensure that these veterans receive the care and support they deserve. <b><u>In America, no military veteran should be homeless or have trouble accessing the health care that they deserve.</u></b> Expanding the eligibility of Veterans Administration (VA) hospitals to allow veterans to access care at <b><u>any</u></b> hospital or clinic is a critical step in meeting this responsibility.\n</p><p><b><u>In my first term, I will introduce a bill to expand the VA Mission Act to allow veterans to access care at any hospital or clinic in the United States, including mental health care.</u></b> By allowing veterans to seek care at a wider range of hospitals and clinics, we can promote competition and incentivize healthcare providers to improve the quality of care they provide to veterans. This can result in better health outcomes, lower costs, and reduce wait times.\n</p><p>Expanding eligibility for VA care can help to alleviate the burden on VA hospitals and clinics, which are often overburdened and understaffed. By allowing veterans to seek care at a wider range of facilities, we can reduce wait times and improve access to care for all veterans, regardless of their location or the nature of their healthcare needs.\n</p><p>As part of our commitment to our nation's heroes, I will be launching the \"Off the Street, On Their Feet\" (OSOTF) initiative. <b><u>We will engage with private partners and nonprofits to provide job training for homeless veterans and help them get back on their feet.</u></b> With VA services and a way to earn an income, we can honor our commitment to America's veterans and get our heroes off the streets.\n</p><p><b>Fighting to End Child Trafficking</b><br/>\nThousands of children have gone missing across Texas this year. Many of them are never found, while dozens of members of congress are taking money from organizations known to have done business with human traffickers. This is the epitome of the DC swamp, and why the establishment is fighting so hard to keep me out of congress - because I will expose each and every one of them.\n</p><p>In fact, <b><u>I authored the Congressional Pledge to Fight Human Trafficking,</u></b> which has been signed by candidates across the country. That's our promise not to take money from organizations tied to human trafficking, to call for the release of the Epstein Client List, and to sponsor ant-trafficking legislation in Congress.\n</p><p>We will not stop until every child has been found and returned home.\n</p><p><b>Fight for Education</b><br/>\nMy mom was a preschool teacher before homeschooling my six siblings and I. She ignited a passion for education in my heart that led me through college, and eventually, to become a professor of Mechanical Engineering in the University of Texas system, teaching fundamental courses for the brightest minds in rural Texas. \n</p><p>From my time volunteering in public elementary schools, I understand how tough it is for teachers to provide a quality education with limited resources. The system isn't working for everyone, and there's no one-size-fits-all solution. Rather than the government telling us how to educate our kids, <b><u>parents and teachers are the best people to make decisions about how our kids should be educated.</u></b>\n</p><p>We need to refocus the Department of Education to meet the needs of our community. <b><u>Revising Title I funding for special needs</u></b> kids is a critical step in ensuring that all students have access to the resources they need to succeed. By focusing on individualized education plans, vocational training, and other resources that can help special needs students succeed, we can provide a more inclusive and supportive learning environment for all students.\n</p><p><b><u>We should work with our best colleges and universities to offer fully online dual-credit programs for students to earn their associate's degree in high school</u></b>, so that they can get ahead and save thousands on a college degree, no matter where they live. This would also make it easier to get certifications in software development, and access high-paying jobs immediately after high school.<sup class=\"reference\" id=\"cite_ref-quotedisclaimer_2-0\"><a href=\"#cite_note-quotedisclaimer-2\">[2]</a></sup>\n</p>\n</td>\n<td style=\"border: none; color: #B2B7F2; font-size: 35px; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-weight: bold; text-align: right; padding: 10px 1px;\" valign=\"bottom\" width=\"20\">”\n</td></tr>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"cquotecite\" colspan=\"3\" style=\"border: none; padding-right: 4%\"><cite style=\"font-style: normal;font-size: smaller; float: right;\">—Matthew Lucci’s campaign website (2024)<sup class=\"reference\" id=\"cite_ref-3\"><a href=\"#cite_note-3\">[3]</a></sup></cite>\n</td></tr></tbody></table>\n</div>", "answer_text": "Lucci’s campaign website stated the following:\n“ Reduce the National Debt Government spending has ballooned to unsustainable levels, and we must take action to reduce the national debt. We can't allow Washington to continue to mortgage our children's future with their out-of-control spending. By cutting unnecessary spending, we will prioritize critical programs and reduce the burden on taxpayers like us. Balancing the federal budget is critical to ensuring that our nation remains fiscally responsible and sustainable. The federal deficit has been a growing problem for many years, and we must take action to bring spending in line with revenue. By balancing the budget, we can reduce the national debt and promote economic stability and growth. This means cutting bloated bureaucracy and raising revenue without increasing taxes ​ The last time that America paid off our national debt was in 1835, driven by the sale of federal land to Americans that wanted to build their lives on their own property. The federal government owns nearly 640 million acres of land across the country, and much of it is not essential for government use. By selling this land to private American entities, we can generate revenue for the government, create new economic opportunities, and reduce the burden on taxpayers. Cut Taxes Cut Taxes\nThe government takes too much of our hard-earned money. Our members of congress find creative ways to funnel millions into their own pockets , and we need to keep their greedy hands off of our dollars. In addition to signing a pledge to donate half of my congressional salary to nonprofit charities making a difference in our district, I will fight to cut taxes and keep more of your money in your bank account. In my first term as congressman, I will introduce an amendment to cut taxes for everyday families , reducing the tax rate and improving deductions for those of us struggling to get by.​ I will never vote for a tax increase, and will work to make sure that Washington finally balances its budget, just like every business and family has to do. Rebuilding Rural America Rural communities are an integral part of our country, but our congressmen seem to forget about us when they go to Washington. Our communities face significant challenges, including outdated infrastructure and a lack of economic opportunity to attract and retain young professionals. Rebuilding rural infrastructure is essential to supporting economic growth and development. The rural stretches of our district have crumbling infrastructure that limits our ability to attract new businesses and create jobs. By investing in modern infrastructure, including roads, bridges, and broadband access, we can improve connectivity and make it easier for businesses to operate in this place that we call home. ​ Introducing manufacturing and technology companies to rural communities will bring high-paying jobs to our district and help to diversify our local economies. These companies will create jobs, and stimulate economic growth in our community. When we couple this with sensible solutions to improve education in the 25th District, this will make it easier for our young residents to build their lives here and build businesses of their own. Care for Our Heroes Care for Our Heroes\nThe brave men and women who have served our country in the armed forces have made tremendous sacrifices to protect our freedom and way of life. As a nation, we have a responsibility to ensure that these veterans receive the care and support they deserve. In America, no military veteran should be homeless or have trouble accessing the health care that they deserve. Expanding the eligibility of Veterans Administration (VA) hospitals to allow veterans to access care at any hospital or clinic is a critical step in meeting this responsibility. In my first term, I will introduce a bill to expand the VA Mission Act to allow veterans to access care at any hospital or clinic in the United States, including mental health care. By allowing veterans to seek care at a wider range of hospitals and clinics, we can promote competition and incentivize healthcare providers to improve the quality of care they provide to veterans. This can result in better health outcomes, lower costs, and reduce wait times. Expanding eligibility for VA care can help to alleviate the burden on VA hospitals and clinics, which are often overburdened and understaffed. By allowing veterans to seek care at a wider range of facilities, we can reduce wait times and improve access to care for all veterans, regardless of their location or the nature of their healthcare needs. As part of our commitment to our nation's heroes, I will be launching the \"Off the Street, On Their Feet\" (OSOTF) initiative. We will engage with private partners and nonprofits to provide job training for homeless veterans and help them get back on their feet. With VA services and a way to earn an income, we can honor our commitment to America's veterans and get our heroes off the streets. Fighting to End Child Trafficking Thousands of children have gone missing across Texas this year. Many of them are never found, while dozens of members of congress are taking money from organizations known to have done business with human traffickers. This is the epitome of the DC swamp, and why the establishment is fighting so hard to keep me out of congress - because I will expose each and every one of them. In fact, I authored the Congressional Pledge to Fight Human Trafficking, which has been signed by candidates across the country. That's our promise not to take money from organizations tied to human trafficking, to call for the release of the Epstein Client List, and to sponsor ant-trafficking legislation in Congress. We will not stop until every child has been found and returned home. Fight for Education My mom was a preschool teacher before homeschooling my six siblings and I. She ignited a passion for education in my heart that led me through college, and eventually, to become a professor of Mechanical Engineering in the University of Texas system, teaching fundamental courses for the brightest minds in rural Texas. From my time volunteering in public elementary schools, I understand how tough it is for teachers to provide a quality education with limited resources. The system isn't working for everyone, and there's no one-size-fits-all solution. Rather than the government telling us how to educate our kids, parents and teachers are the best people to make decisions about how our kids should be educated. We need to refocus the Department of Education to meet the needs of our community. Revising Title I funding for special needs kids is a critical step in ensuring that all students have access to the resources they need to succeed. By focusing on individualized education plans, vocational training, and other resources that can help special needs students succeed, we can provide a more inclusive and supportive learning environment for all students. We should work with our best colleges and universities to offer fully online dual-credit programs for students to earn their associate's degree in high school , so that they can get ahead and save thousands on a college degree, no matter where they live. This would also make it easier to get certifications in software development, and access high-paying jobs immediately after high school. [2] ” —Matthew Lucci’s campaign website (2024) [3]"}]