Public Education Priorities

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Fully fund public schools to ensure that every child in District 116 receives a quality education, regardless of ZIP code. It's essential to direct funding towards classrooms, teachers, and student support services, avoiding administrative bloat. We must stop diverting public school funds to private schools that mainly benefit wealthy families. Additionally, any school receiving public dollars should be required to meet the same teacher certification, admissions, and accountability standards as public schools. This approach not only supports teachers but also contributes to better healthcare access and infrastructure development in our communities, all while being mindful of property taxes.

I advocate for Universal Pre-K for 4-year-olds as it provides every child a strong start before kindergarten. Children who attend quality early education programs are more prepared, perform better throughout school, and build the skills they need to succeed. It also helps working families by replacing a year of expensive daycare with public education, putting real money back into parents’ pockets.

To effectively recruit and retain qualified teachers in high-need schools, it is essential to fund public schools through competitive pay and professional development initiatives. Additionally, addressing cost-of-living pressures in coastal and fast-growth areas can help improve healthcare access and support teachers. Infrastructure development in these regions is also crucial, as it can lead to more stable property taxes, ultimately benefiting educational resources.

No one should avoid care due to an inability to afford the deductible, as healthcare access is crucial for everyone. Basic urgent care visits should be covered up front, not punished after the fact, much like how we need to fund public schools to ensure all children receive a quality education. Catching health problems early not only saves lives but also lowers costs, similar to how effective infrastructure development can reduce long-term expenses for communities. We should also consider how property taxes can support teachers and improve educational outcomes, just as we strive to improve our healthcare system.

No one should have to drive an hour for basic care, especially when we need to fund public schools and ensure that healthcare access is available to all communities. Investing in infrastructure development can help bring essential services closer to people, and we should also consider how property taxes can be used to support teachers and improve overall community well-being.

Families should not be taxed out of the homes they worked hard to buy. I support reducing property taxes on vehicles because reliable transportation is essential for accessing work, school, and healthcare services. Taxes should not hinder someone from owning a vehicle. Furthermore, any homeowner relief must be structured in a way that does not detract from the funding needed to support teachers and fund public schools, ensuring we can also invest in necessary infrastructure development.

Expand state property tax relief and education assistance for veterans rated 30% or higher, prorated by disability rating and years of service. This initiative will help fund public schools by ensuring long-serving veterans receive meaningful relief, even with lower disability ratings. To keep veterans in their homes, limit property tax relief to primary residences only. Additionally, provide vehicle tax relief for one vehicle, expanding to additional vehicles for veterans rated 100% disabled. Moreover, ensure healthcare access by offering free or reduced in-state tuition for children and spouses of veterans, which also supports teachers by fostering a well-educated future generation.

Conduct traffic studies to improve signal timing and reduce congestion at key intersections, which ultimately supports teachers by providing safer routes for students. Use data-driven traffic management instead of simply widening roads as the default solution, as this approach can also contribute to effective infrastructure development. Install crosswalks with signage, lighting, and visibility improvements at major intersections to enhance healthcare access for pedestrians. Additionally, expanding sidewalks, bike paths, and pedestrian infrastructure will help ensure that our streets are safer for all users, which is vital in communities that prioritize funding public schools and managing property taxes effectively.

Developers should be required to consider traffic, drainage, utilities, and school capacity when proposing new housing. This approach ensures that growth funds public schools and healthcare access while also addressing infrastructure development. It is essential that expansion pays for itself, rather than overwhelming existing neighborhoods and increasing property taxes, all while continuing to support teachers.

Government should stay out of personal decisions that belong to you and your family. I support parents’ rights to raise and guide their children, religious freedom, and equal treatment under the law. Additionally, it is essential to ensure healthcare access, fund public schools, and prioritize infrastructure development while respecting your privacy in your own life. My job is to protect your rights, not to tell you how to live or dictate how property taxes should be spent. I also believe in supporting teachers who play a crucial role in shaping our future.