Issue Position: Education

Issue Position

In the last three years as a legislator I have made great progress towards fixing our education system with the help of our communities, yet there is still so much more to be done. I am seeking re-election because, our public education system is in a state of crisis and our district deserves a Representative who has a passion for our schools and for assuring that all children succeed academically. I currently serve as a school counselor in the Everett School District where I work with youth in both a teaching and counseling capacity. The stories of my students and families have motivated me to bring their voices to Olympia and impact public policy.

In my participation with various organizations, I have had the great privilege of traveling around the state to talk with hundreds of families and children who have shared with me many stories, challenges and inspirational dreams.

These are dreams of becoming doctors, teachers, engineers and a dream of making the world a better place. I have yet to meet a student that wakes up in the morning and says, "I want to fail today" or a parent who has said, "I don't want my child to succeed."

As the Vice-Chair of the House Education Committee, I made prioritizing funding for education and reducing class sizes a number one priority. Although, we have yet to meet our Constitutional obligation to fully fund basic education. This means we must continue finding new means of funding for our schools through taking a tough look at corporate tax loopholes that cost the state millions a year.

If we want our children to truly succeed, it is imperative we solve our statewide crisis of teacher recruitment and retention so we can keep quality educators in our classrooms. In order to do this, we must strive to have our educators compensated and treated fairly!

Businesses thrive when they have an educated work force and I am committed to building a 21st century workforce that will make sure Washington succeeds for years to come.

It's simple really: when our children succeed our state succeeds.

Source