Values & Platform

Why are you choosing to run for the state legislature?

I served in the legislature from 2006-10. I returned to the legislature in 2020 because extremism was on the rise in Idaho. That extremism was attacking our public education system and shifting our legislature to the right. I ran to protect our public schools and to fight extremism.

As a state legislator, what would be your top 4 priorities in your first 100 days in this position?

My top priority in the next legislative session is to fight voucher programs. Vouchers divert money from our public education system and send that money to private schools, religious schools and home schools. A second priority is to continue to support the Governor’s Launch program. A third priority is to stand against Christian Nationalism’s attempt to take over our public policy.

What policies would you champion as a legislator to improve Idaho’s economy?

I will continue to support the Governor’s Launch program. It will provide trained workers for our state’s industries. It also puts high school graduates on the path to gaining skills that will make them employable in the future. The Launch program is the best opportunity we have had to get our “go on” rates above the 35% to 45% range.

What are your views on the ways in which we can ensure all students are reading by third grade, with a particular focus on the early elementary grade years?

Ensuring all students are reading by third grade is critical. My view is that we need to invest in quality early childhood education programs, provide ongoing professional development for teachers on effective literacy strategies, and foster strong parent-teacher partnerships to support reading at home. Early identification and support for students with learning difficulties are also essential to help every child achieve their potential in these formative years. I would also like to see Idaho provide legislative solutions to help create high quality, accessible and affordable child care for working families.

What is your view of creating flexibility on state education dollars to allow school districts and charter schools to fund school readiness programs?

I support creating flexibility in state education dollars to allow school districts and charter schools to fund school readiness programs. This flexibility would empower local educators to address specific community needs and challenges, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of pre-kindergarten educational efforts. However, it is crucial that this flexibility comes with stringent accountability measures to ensure funds are used effectively and transparently, directly benefiting students’ educational outcomes. Tailoring resources to support early learning can lay a strong foundation for lifelong academic achievement and social development.

How familiar are you with local early learning programs in your area?

I am well-acquainted with local early learning programs in my area, recognizing their vital role in shaping the educational foundations of our youngest Idahoans. I actively engage with these programs to understand their challenges and successes, ensuring they have the support needed to thrive. One of the most helpful things these programs do for me is ensure they reach out every year so I can hear the success stories and challenges. I am familiar with Head Start and with the Read Talk Play Every Day programs, for example.

How familiar are you with child care providers in your area?

I am less familiar with child care providers in our district now than I used to be in the past. One of my high school classmates owned and operated Mother Goose until she recently retired and sold the business. I would communicate with her regarding child care issues. I do continue, however, to discuss these issues with Tennille Call of United Way and Superintendent Randy Jensen of American Falls School District. Both of these individuals have a wealth of knowledge and experience regarding innovative ways to address early childhood education and child care challenges.

How familiar are you with the level of access to these services for families with young children?

I am aware that access to early learning and child care services should be a top tier issue for the Idaho Legislature. Child care costs eat up a disproportionate amount of a typical family’s budget. The high cost of child care makes it so families are not able to make the best decisions for themselves because they are held hostage by the high cost of child care services. Enhancing access to affordable, accessible, high-quality child care remains a top priority for me, as it is essential for economic growth and the well-being of our communities.

As a legislator, what steps would you take (if any) to ensure the communities you represent (or hope to represent) have the needed access to child care to accommodate its workforce?

Ensuring access to affordable, accessible, high-quality child care for working families is a top priority of mine. It is an area in which the state government can involve itself to find innovative solutions, or at least partial solutions. However, in Idaho it is a politically sensitive topic, so it has not gained much ground. Nevertheless, IACI and early learning advocates worked together to promote legislation. It did not go anywhere last session, but it was at least a start. I am very interested in these topics and in legislation other western states have proposed that might work here in Idaho.