Issue Position: Strong Schools

Issue Position

Our public schools are the bedrock of our communities and provide our children the opportunity to reach their potential and succeed in life. With the additional demands placed on our schools from addiction, mental illness, and poverty, great public schools are more important than ever in giving all children a bright future. We need to increase access to high quality and affordable child care and expand access to pre-kindergarten for every child. We must take action now to prevent the stress and trauma that too often impacts our children's lives. By addressing trauma early we can prevent drug use and mental health issues.

We took a giant step forward last session in special education by changing our reimbursement system to be more effective and use our resources wisely. By giving schools more flexibility they can focus on student needs without having to worry if a service is eligible for reimbursement. I look forward to reviewing this progress over the next several years. Studies show hunger impacts learning while many in need don't access current programs due to social stigma.. Our schools should offer a healthy breakfast and lunch to all children to support all students' academic achievement.

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