As a Head Start graduate and UCLA Pell Grant recipient, I know firsthand education is our society's greatest equalizer. As a former school board member and the wife of a teacher, I also know that, unfortunately, we still spend far too little per pupil in California, leading to ballooning class sizes, outdated books, materials, sporting equipment, outdated technology, as well as schools being severely understaffed. This is especially an issue in mental health services and guidance counseling. My background as a former school board member also gives me a unique understanding of the education issues we face.  
 
We must also invest in the whole child by supporting school counselors, nurses, and trainers, creating a safe school environment where learning is possible.  
 
Even before COVID-19, too many people in Orange County were being left behind, especially middle-class working families, as living expenses outpace wages, automation grows, and part-time employment increases. The gap is only exacerbated by the impacts on businesses due to COVID-19. 
 
Along with investments in education, we need to make investments in job training and small businesses so we can support struggling families. Expansion of our apprenticeship “earn and learn” programs, as well as curriculum to include career technical education is critical at this time.

As Supervisor, I will continue to fight for an economy that works for everyone, not just those at the top, and support small businesses disproportionately impacted by Covid-19.