Invest in our Future
Education, Universal Pre-K and Science
Universal Pre-School Care
Pre-school tuition can be over $1,400 per month. Universal pre-K would free up to $17,500 for a family per year, hopefully encouraging more couples to have children. And studies have shown that quality pre-K care and education dramatically improves a child’s student performance later on.
Paid Parental Leave
While U.S. parents typically get 12 weeks unpaid leave, other nations provide months or even over a year of paid leave. The first months are a vital time for child development. We should ensure parents have the time to bond with their new child.
Teach Civic Responsibility
Many young people don’t understand the value of their role in our democracy. They don’t understand the struggles, the risks others have faced to secure rights such as voting and free speech. We should inspire students to take ownership of our democracy, to feel proud of our institution and connected to our government so that they understand their stake in the decisions made by our leaders.
Expand Vocational and Tech Training
Many industries and professions are having trouble filling positions that require specific skills, such as electricians, plumbers, welders, HVAC techs, home health aides and other professions. Our economy depends on such skilled pros to function so we should ensure young people understand all the career options available to them. Job training should also be calibrated to match the future job landscape which will be greatly affected by AI.
Invest in Teachers and Equipment
Ensuring teachers are paid well, have the equipment and supplies they need and are trained in the use of equipment and techniques to help students learn and stay engaged benefits us all. We should ensure that rural and inner city schools have adequate access to technology so their students don’t fall behind.
Invest in Science
Science is our superpower. Robust appropriations to scientific programs across federal agencies, oversight to ensure these programs are operating without private sector or political interference, a well-functioning H-1B visa process, and increased science and technology advisory support for Congress are all important to keep our scientific enterprise strong, our economy growing, our nation protected, and our communities healthy.