California State Assembly, District 28

Liz Lawler

The importance of family in our society cannot be understated. For it is the strong family unit that provides the foundation our children need to be happy, thriving, successful adults. Our children are our future, and every child deserves a safe home and access to a good education.

1. In a recent poll by Choose Children 2022 of likely general election voters, more than half of parents with children under age 18 say they are likely to move out of the Bay Area in the next few years. What do you think are the top three issues affecting our children and families and how will you make our region a place where all families can thrive?

   The top three issues affecting our children and families are 1) cost of living 2) failing schools and 3) public safety. As Assemblymember, I will prioritize the safety and well being of our families and communities, I will advocate for public school reform, and school choice, and I will seek to address the policies that have driven up the cost of living up in our state.

2. As we have learned over the past three years, without quality, affordable, childcare, parents can’t go to work. What will you do to address challenges accessing childcare and preschool programs in our diverse communities?

   These are significant challenges, and childcare is expensive, and we do not have enough caregivers. I would like to see meaningful investment in early childcare programs and professional development, and seek to find ways through school choice to provide vouchers for pre-school.

3. Much of the student achievement gap has been linked to the opportunity gap that children in low-income families and children of color confront (e.g., lack of access to healthy food, preschool, tutors, and enrichment activities). If elected, what will you do to increase equity of opportunity?

   This plays into the role school choice can play in providing this access. California is set to spend $22,000 per student this upcoming year, most of it going to administrative costs. Providing for school choice through Educational Savings Accounts, we are providing equal access and equity of opportunity to all students, particularly are most marginalized.

4. What steps will you take to support inclusion and outcomes for children with special needs or with disabilities and their families to be fully included in our community?

   Every child is intelligent, and our special needs children and those with disabilities deserve to have the same access and inclusion as the rest of our community. Our children are to be cherished, and when they feel valued and important, they will thrive.

5. There is a mental health crisis among children, youth, and those who care for and educate them. If elected, how will you use the resources of your new role to improve access to mental and behavioral health services?

   We not only have a crisis, but also a shortage of mental health care providers. As Assemblymember, I will work hard to incentivize professional development, and integrate mental health education within our school curriculum for k-12 students.