Issue Position: Education

Issue Position

I WILL CHAMPION ADEQUATE AND EQUITABLE SCHOOL FUNDING

As a parent, I know the importance of a public education that enables kids to grow, learn, and develop a life-long love of learning. Education is essential for a thriving democracy and is a prime contributor to better health, lower violence, and overall life satisfaction. We have excellent schools in the Commonwealth, but they need dedicated financial backing to survive. Adequate Education funding is a top priority, and I will reverse the trend of neglect by the State House.

But we don't just need more money--we need to make sure it is distributed around the Commonwealth equitably. The Chapter 70 Funding Formula determines how much money each school district is allocated by the State. I want to revamp Chapter 70 to alleviate financial disparities between districts. School districts must be funded fairly and equally--not simply according to the wealth of their residents.

CHARTER SCHOOL FUNDING NEEDS TO BE REFORMED

Charter school funding is a problem that needs to be addressed. Right now, if a child uses school choice to move to a different public school, the school they leave pays $5,000 to the new school. If that child goes to a charter school, the school they leave has to pay $12,000 to the new school. This means that our local districts are unfairly burdened with footing the bill for charter school buildings. I believe the State--not municipalities--needs to pick up the tab for charter schools, so our own local public schools can remain successful and fully funded. At the same time, the cap on Charter Schools should be maintained so funds are not diverted from public schools.

I SUPPORT THE ACT RELATIVE TO HEALTHY YOUTH

I firmly support the Act Relative to Healthy Youth (S. 2062, H. 3754 ) which ensures all health education is medically accurate, discusses birth control, and includes information about LGBTQIA+ identities. Education should also teach our students how treat each other with respect. I have worked with Planned Parenthood to build support for this bill among many local organizations, especially those that work with young people. We need to pass this bill as soon as possible. Our State legislators have allowed the Act Relative to Healthy Youth to languish in committee. I will work to move and pass this important bill that affects our most vulnerable citizens.

OUR CHILDREN NEED UNIVERSAL ACCESS TO PRE-K PROGRAMS

YOUNG ADULTS NEED DEBT-FREE HIGHER EDUCATION FOR ALL

WE NEED TO PROVIDE EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES IN PRISONS

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