
Democratic nominee for Florida's 1st Congressional District
Education
Federal Funding and Universal Pre-K
While communities and states carry most of the burden in funding schools, the feds could do more to ensure every child has access to a quality education from pre-K through graduate school. Universal Pre-K would relieve working parents from a statewide average of $6,647 per year in childcare costs alone.
Higher Education
While rich kids coast through college with D's and $0 in debt, working-class kids depend on a mix of scholarships and student loans, often requiring a minimum GPA and putting students in debt for decades with interest rates exceeding 6%. Our nation's best and brightest carry a collective debt of $1.57 TRILLION.
Capping interest rates to reflect our nation's priorities of furthering scientific and medical discovery through advanced study would allow brilliant students to embrace their gifts without sacrificing 10% or more of their income every month for 25 years.
Supporting Teachers and Families
When the state of Florida refused to publish data about COVID-19 in schools, I stepped up and led the effort to do so nationally. As an advocate for students and teachers, I believe early education should be a community effort that unites parents, teachers and students.
Autism Awareness and Disability Rights in Education
As a mother of an autistic child, I know how difficult everyday activities can be for children with disabilities. I plan on continuing my advocacy for autism awareness, and fight for parents who want to see more done in our education systems to work with children with disabilities.
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Aid programs that create classroom environments that are structured to assist the needs of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
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Provide training and assistance to teachers of special needs programs, and nationalize Massachusetts's “Autism Endorsement for Educator Licensure” program.
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Provide education and training for first responders to better recognize the symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorder.
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Further assist in educating the citizens to better understand the myriad of signs and symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorder.