• How would you compare your views of public and private education funding with those of your Republican opponent or Republican assembly as a whole? (Be very specific re your/his/her proposals and votes).

Wisconsin has pioneered pubic funding for private schools through the Milwaukee Parental Choice Program. It’s my belief that we should be focusing more on building up our public school systems across this state rather than diverting public money to unaccountable private schools. Public funds should go towards paying for public schools that are open to all children and accountable to the people.

As far as the Republicans, thanks to decisions enacted by the GOP-controlled legislature, we have seen record cuts to public education resulting in a $4 billion less investment in education over the last 10 years. Tax cuts, many of which benefit the wealthy, have been deemed more important than supporting the state’s 400-plus public school districts. It’s clear where the republican interests are.

• What do you consider the biggest challenges to the success of the state and the well-being of its population?

First, expanding access to affordable healthcare. Taking the federal funding for Medicare expansion would have given many benefits to the state. Creating a savings of about $324 million to the state while expanding coverage to 82,000+ people. During the Covid-19 crisis, it proved critical to covering the costs of medical services associated with treatment.

Education is a pivotal topic. We must do the work to make Wisconsin an equitable state for education. It’s time we revise the WI funding formula for education with equity in mind.

Lastly, clean air and water in all communities, as well as energy efficiency. Our citizens need clean sources of water and environments with clean air. Expediting the process of removing lead sources from our water should be top priority. It’s time we merge climate and racial justice solutions by prioritizing legislation that provides wide-ranging benefits to help low-income customers, advance racial equity, and protect vulnerable people in times like these.

• Transportation issues within the state have never been resolved or even moved forward in the last 10 years. How would you address the need for increased funding without causing undue burden to people in Wisconsin?

It’s my belief that we should do the work to reprioritize state funding. When it comes to transportation in this state we, as legislators, seem like we can’t figure it out. Many are calling for an increase in the gas tax; however, we need to look first at getting our spending prioritized to focus on our needs. With this reprioritization, we can work to expand transit services across this state, connecting workers to critical jobs across municipal lines. We can also look at the efficiency of our transportation in this state. The need for better, faster modes of transportation is on the rise.

• The economy of Wisconsin is precarious due to the coronavirus but also to longstanding losses of jobs in dairy and other rural areas. What proposals might you make or support to get these sections of Wisconsin back to economic health?

I believe we have a unique opportunity to expand access to the internet in rural areas. Internet business is booming at a time when everyone is at home for longer periods and farmers are getting left behind. When tackling the issues related to revenue and sales, we can expand reach and transition to sales directly with consumers. Aside from that, farmers need direct relief.

Furthermore, the WI Farm Support Program and other one-time financial investments are just band-aids to the problem. Farmers are facing profitability issues related to tools available and prices given to them.

• What experience and talents do you have that you feel qualify you for this job, and in what legislative areas do you feel you have the most to contribute?

I am a dedicated organizer for my community. I have experience working with Milwaukee’s homeless population. I’ve also served tables in the restaurant industry. My experience is varied. I believe that is what uniquely positions me for this office. Often times the discussion about qualifications for this job panders to knowledgeability; I’d like to cangee that narrative. As legislators we are simply a “jack of all trades” and a master at none. Being a team player—a collaborator with others is what’s needed to do this job because everyone has something different to offer.

Looking to my background as an entrepreneur, I have the vast perspective of the obstacles business owners/entrepreneurs face as well as the hard work that goes into these businesses. I’m ready to get to work on lifting them up.

My experience with Milwaukee’s homeless population puts me at an advantage on this topic. On day one, I plan to hit the ground running on the HOPE Act—legislation I outlined to address homelessness and food insecurities in our urban areas.

Being a product of Milwaukee Public Schools allowed me to see the successes and failures of the district. The state’s funding formula puts districts like MPS at an automatic disadvantage. Working to simplify that formula with equity in mind is apart of my Education First Initiative—an in-house focus.

• How would you compare your views of public and private education funding with those of your Republican opponent or Republican assembly as a whole? (Be very specific re your/his/her proposals and votes).

The State is responsible for the education of our children, therefore there needs to be more investment from the State in regards to funding versus placing the burden on taxpayers and funding the majority of school funds by property taxes. The majority of funding should be allocated towards public education; we need to ensure those who are unable to afford sending their children to a different school. Private education funding should not receive the majority of funds from the state, however it is vital that we ensure families are empowered to make the decisions that they believe are best for their children.

• What do you consider the biggest challenges to the success of the state and the well-being of its population?

The biggest challenge to the state’s success is the environment, which has different meanings. First, we need to protect our natural resources, especially our largest resource which is Lake Michigan. We do this by investing in the infrastructure of replacing lead pipes as re-instatement restrictions and higher taxes for corporate farming centers that contribute to pollution to prevent agricultural run-off. Second, we need to ensure there are fair funds of shared revenue allocated to cities and counties who contribute to the state. Milwaukee is the economic heart of the state; we need to ensure they are given the fair amount of funds to sustain the state’s economy. Lastly, it’s vital that we address the racial disparities surrounding mental health, incarceration, education, housing and so forth. Not only is it a moral issue, but we are also minimizing the state’s ability to grow economically as well.

• Transportation issues within the state have never been resolved or even moved forward in the last 10 years. How would you address the need for increased funding without causing undue burden to people in Wisconsin?

We need to implement a Regional Transit Authority; we as a state need to receive federal funds when offered to establish this and it will allow them to allocate and levy the funds needed to create a more effective transportation system throughout the state.

• The economy of Wisconsin is precarious due to the coronavirus but also to longstanding losses of jobs in dairy and other rural areas. What proposals might you make or support to get these sections of Wisconsin back to economic health?

I would support efforts of expanding the state Farm-to-School program. This program aims to connect locally produced food with universities, technical colleges, hospitals, schools, and communities. It’s a perfect opportunity to not only connect different parts of the state with other regions, but it serves as an opportunity to creating transportation employment opportunities due to an increase of curbside and delivery orders in the midst of COVID.

• What experience and talents do you have that you feel qualify you for this job, and in what legislative areas do you feel you have the most to contribute?

I was born and raised in the district, so I have seen first-hand the changes that have taken place over the years. After being the first in my family to graduate from college, I served as a social worker for several years. From witnessing the struggles my clients endured, to the frustrations relatives encountered because they were essential workers, to even myself where I worked several jobs at one to make ends meet, I’ve witnessed the needs that need to be addressed. Lastly, as someone who helped implement a racial-bias training for an agency statewide, I take initiative to address the issues at had and will work across the table to focus on a common goal to create an effective plan to execute it.

Due to being a social worker within the criminal justice system and a first-generation graduate, I believe I have the most to contribute surrounding criminal justice reform and education.

• How would you compare your views of public and private education funding with those of your Republican opponent or Republican assembly as a whole? (Be very specific re your/his/her proposals and votes).

I am a product of public schools and the UW system. My daughter is in public schools and I serve on the Glendale-River Hills School Board. I believe that public schools need to be the priority of government funding. I believe it is a disservice to siphon money from public education and give it to private and voucher schools. I do not support Republican proposals to privatize education or dismantle public education.

• What do you consider the biggest challenges to the success of the state and the well-being of its population?

TV: We have failed to live up to the progressive, democratic values on which our state was founded. Tax cuts starve our schools, municipalities and state service programs. Gerrymandered districts cheat voters out of electing their representatives. The repeal of environmental standards has allowed our water to be polluted. We need to return to our roots and reclaim our motto. Wisconsin needs to move “FORWARD” again.

• Transportation issues within the state have never been resolved or even moved forward in the last 10 years. How would you address the need for increased funding without causing undue burden to people in Wisconsin?

TV: The state legislature has tried to put band-aids on a broken transportation infrastructure system. We need regional approaches to transit that include roads, buses, light rail, as well as bike and pedestrian corridors. Regional transit authorities for SE Wisconsin, South Central Wisconsin, NE Wisconsin and the Eau Claire-LaCrosse-Twin Cities area of Western Wisconsin can seek approaches that meet local needs.

• The economy of Wisconsin is precarious due to the coronavirus but also to longstanding losses of jobs in dairy and other rural areas. What proposals might you make or support to get these sections of Wisconsin back to economic health?

As an alderwoman with approximately 50% of my city’s business, manufacturing, and commercial areas in my district, I have developed a strong relationship with business leaders and developers. We need a comprehensive economic development, workforce development, education model, and growth plan that is fully integrated. We keep trying to satisfy this constituency or that special interest instead of engaging in a long-range plan that benefits everyone.

• What experience and talents do you have that you feel qualify you for this job, and in what legislative areas do you feel you have the most to contribute?

I am most interested in serving in areas of education, racial and economic justice, and voter protection reforms. As the only local elected official in this race, I bring a breadth and depth of experience in public schools and city government. I intend to keep my aldermanic position for at least another term if I am elected to the Assembly. I think that it’s important to stay connected to local government while serving in the Assembly. I can offer a perspective that very few other legislators can offer, having served in multiple local offices.