Chris Jones for governor 2022

Chris Jones for governor

As a son of two preachers, I was raised with a strong sense of faith. This faith has never collided with my love for science — in fact, it only made it grow stronger. I attended Morehouse College on a NASA Scholarship, for physics and math, then studied at MIT to become a nuclear engineer and earn a Ph.D. in urban planning. I was blessed to run the Arkansas Regional Innovation Hub, which provided the tools and technology Arkansans needed to build businesses and create jobs.

Our campaign is the most ambitious effort in history to reach Arkansas voters. By hitting the road to talk with voters in all 75 counties, our Promise of Arkansas tour set the table to launch an unprecedented voting movement in a state with some of the highest potential and highest stakes in the nation. We are committed to changing what it means to campaign in Arkansas, by listening and learning from all communities, by building an enduring and resilient grassroots campaign, and by sharing our vision – that Arkansas can realize its potential and reach its promise through Faith, Hope & Hard Work.

The Promise of Arkansas is the Faith that together we can address our challenges. As an engineer, minister, and former non-profit leader, with deep roots in Arkansas, Chris Jones has the experience to lead, passion to enact change, and work ethic to work for every Arkansan.

Education

The Promise for Preschool for All

All children in Arkansas should have access to a high quality preschool in their own community— where they can get the foundation they need to start school.

The Promise for Achieving Grade-level Reading

Since only 37% of Arkansas third graders read at grade level, Chris Jones is focused on providing the resources needed to get every child reading at grade level by third grade.

The Promise to Support Technical & Trade Schools

Arkansans of all ages should have access to technical schools and workforce training scholarships. As Governor, Chris Jones will help establish standards that keep programs competitive, and Arkansans making good pay for skilled work.

The Promise for Community Colleges

We need to elevate the community college system to provide low-to-no cost degrees and opportunities that will create a competitive, highly skilled Arkansas workforce.

The Promise to Support Colleges

The costs of college -– from tuition to building costs — are growing unchecked. Chris Jones supports passing new laws to rework punitive productivity-based funding formulas.

The Promise to Protect Teacher Pay, Resources, and Retirement

Arkansas is faced with a teacher shortage and schools that are understaffed. We need to pay competitive salaries to support and attract the highly qualified teachers that parents and kids are asking for.

Infrastructure

The Promise for Broadband in Arkansas

All Arkansans deserve dependable internet -— whether for telemedicine, for school, for work, or for small business, and Chris Jones wants every Arkansan to have access.

The Promise for Arkansans Who Rent Their Homes

Our homes are at the center of our lives, there’s almost nothing more important. Arkansas has the worst laws for renters in the nation. Chris Jones believes that Arkansans should have a right to a basic standard of safe living standards.

The Promise for Solar Energy in Arkansas

Arkansas is home to some of the most cutting-edge technology in solar energy. We need a governor that uplifts and supports this industry so that Arkansas stays competitive.

The Promise for Good Water Systems

Whether it’s irrigating fields, maintaining flooded timber for duck season, or ensuring we have clean drinking water in our towns and cities, we need to make the best of the historic investments coming in from the bipartisan federal infrastructure bill.

The Promise for Environmental Justice

No residential community should be made to suffer unintended or hidden impacts of potentially hazardous industry in their backyards. Economic development and developing our communities should always go hand in hand.

The Promise for Reform of the Criminal Justice System

Arkansas has among the highest and fastest growing rates of incarceration in the nation. Chris Jones will work to address the root causes of mental health and substance abuse, improve resources and training for police and corrections officers, and work to reduce incarceration and recidivism rates.

Economy

The Promise to Support Jobs and Economic Development

Building the Arkansas economy starts with good jobs for everyone that wants one—and Chris Jones plans to invest in businesses, infrastructure, and education programs to realize this goal.

The Promise to Boost Small Business in Arkansas

Chris Jones will invest in building stronger infrastructure for financially stable businesses, cutting unnecessary regulatory burdens, and supporting entrepreneurship – especially for homegrown Arkansas businesses

The Promise to Revitalize Main Street

A vibrant Main Street can make or break the soul and spirit of any town. Chris Jones plans to boost local businesses and economies by supporting historic business centers and building infrastructure to protect our communities.

The Promise for Agriculture

Arkansas farmers are the backbone of this state and define who we are and what we stand for. As Governor, Chris Jones will put family farms first and protect their interests. That includes supporting modern agricultural technologies and sustainable solutions.

The Promise to Invest in American Manufacturing

Chris Jones supports building the strong, educated, and skilled workforces and communities that make this state a desirable destination for economic development for companies from across the globe.

The Promise for Responsible COVID Recovery

As governor, Chris Jones will guide the state through a responsible recovery that prioritizes health, children’s learning, and protection of the rights of local business owners.

The Promise for a Just and Equitable Cannabis Industry

Chris Jones believes that now is the time for Arkansas to develop a just and equitable cannabis industry that encourages economic growth, funds education programs, and will protect police officers and citizens alike.

Healthcare

The Promise for Eldercare

Arkansas has an aging population. Chris Jones plans to help families find the resources they need to care for their loved ones and to ensure high standards of care and excellent staffing at nursing homes

The Promise to Improve Resources for Mental Health

Arkansas can do more to build resources for mental healthcare in our state, and to attract mental health professionals to underserved communities throughout the state.

The Promise for Prescription Medicine

Everyone deserves access to the medicine they need to live a healthy life. Chris Jones plans to help to make prescription drugs more affordable. There’s no room for red tape or cutting corners when it comes to your health.

The Promise for a Balanced Conversation on Gun Violence and Safety

Chris Jones values the need for a measured and productive discussion that addresses a major public health issue and need for common sense measures to reduce unnecessary violence, while protecting the constitutional right to own guns.

The Promise to Defend Reproductive Rights

Chris Jones trusts women to make decisions about their own healthcare, including abortion — not extremist partisan legislators.

Values

The Promise for Fiscal Responsibility

Government should never be about running up bills and creating debt. As governor, Chris Jones will be committed to being a responsible steward of our tax dollars and resources.

The Promise to Bring People Together In Government

Chris Jones is here to prove that politics does not have to be divisive and destructive, and that as a candidate he can call for accountability while uniting Arkansas. We solve our problems by bringing people together, to find what works, to move us all forward.

The Promise to Protect Voting Rights

We all have the potential to claim the power of our vote. Right now Arkansas is dead last in voter registration and turnout. This is the campaign that’s going to flip the script and give people a reason to turn out to the polls. Every community deserves to claim their seat at the table.

Promise To Our Veterans

Chris Jones knows that those who have served our country in the military deserve to have the continued support of their communities and government. Chris Jones will work to support and implement programs that improve veteran access to care—especially health services, housing, career support, and protecting the right to vote.