The Issues

As one of nine children growing up in a single-parent home, I know what it's like to struggle and go without. That's why I want to help families earn a better quality of life. As the first member of my family to attend and graduate from college, I want to inspire students to pursue their career goals and to reach for their dreams.

The American dream isn't a dream at all. It's a pathway that starts in our homes and local communities. With your help, I will forge pathways that:

• End raids on public education funds to fill state programs that just don't work - shutting down outdated and duplicative programs.

• Remove the bureaucracy from our classrooms to ensure textbooks are current and available for every student. I will provide teachers with the training and resources they need to make our children competitive in a global economy.

• Our children deserve clean air. Children are more susceptible to the health effects of air pollution. I am committed to protecting our environment and leaving a healthier planet for our children and generations to come.

• Increase the capacity for cities to hire and train police officers and firefighters. Nothing is more vital than the safety of our children and neighborhoods. It is becoming increasingly important that federal, state, and local safety agencies are able to communicate with each other. Upgrading communication equipment and providing proper training should be a statewide priority.