Education
The best investment we can make in Arizona’s future is in our children’s education. Funding high-quality preschool and daycare lays the strongest foundation for lifelong success. Yet, while tax breaks and credits continue to increase, our public education budget has been gutted. Children in Arizona deserve a fully funded education system.
The term “school choice” has been co-opted to justify using tax dollars for private and religious schools, even though parents already have the right to choose how to educate their children.
My work with Save Our Schools, the No on 305 campaign, serving as a substitute teacher and coach, and participating in both the Tucson Unified Parent Advocacy Council and the TUSD Family Life Curriculum Committee has equipped me with the knowledge and experience to craft sound education policy. Our educators deserve higher pay and the respect their profession demands.
We also need to close the gap between education and the workforce. Arizona has more job openings than skilled workers to fill them. Higher education should be affordable – ideally free – to ensure our young people can access the training they need. Increased funding for community colleges will expand opportunities, strengthen our workforce, and encourage students to stay and build their futures here in Arizona.
Environment
Arizona’s future depends on the environmental policies we enact today. Without enough clean water to drink or clear air to breathe, no other law or policy will matter. The Five C’s of Arizona’s economy – cattle, citrus, climate, copper, and cotton – all rely on the quantity and quality of our water. That’s why managing our state’s ground and surface water remains one of my top priorities.
I also see tremendous potential for Arizona in pursuing an equitable transition to clean energy. Investing in renewable energy will strengthen our economy, create jobs, and protect our environment for future generations.
Additionally, our state lands and sacred sites are central to Arizona’s identity and quality of life. They must be honored and protected to preserve what makes our state unique.
Gun Safety
Enacting sensible gun safety laws alongside strong preventative measures is essential for Arizona. Universal background checks, which would close the gun show loophole, should be required for all gun purchases. Implementing reasonable waiting periods and mandating education on safe gun storage with every purchase are also critical steps to keep our communities safe.
Every person who carries a gun for their job, as well as active military members, is required to obtain a firearm license. Civilians should be held to the same standard to ensure responsible gun ownership across our state.
Healthcare
Every Arizonan should have accessible and affordable healthcare. Arizona provides programs that serve our most vulnerable populations. AHCCCS, KidsCare and Young Adult Transitional Insurance (YATI) help to insure children, regardless of their background and family status. Home and Community Based Care serves our senior population. Coverage needs to expand to include prenatal dental care, improved coverage for inmates, and mental health services.
Military
Our soldiers put their lives on the line, every day while serving. It stands to reason we hold a responsibility to our service personnel and their families. Ensuring that our current service people are cared for, healthy, and protected is of utmost importance. Substance abuse, medical issues, and employment are challenges many of our veterans face. Workforce training, better mental health programs, quicker visits to the VA, and substance abuse help are necessary for addressing those challenges. No veteran should go homeless after giving their service to our country.
Reproductive Rights and Healthcare
The personal choice of human reproduction resides with a person, their partner and their healthcare provider. It is not a decision that should be made and enforced by the state. Access to reproductive health care and contraception should be readily available and legal. Nothing about reproductive healthcare should be criminalized.
Women’s Rights
Arizona must pass the ERA, it is far past time. Women do equal work and should be given equal pay.