City of Milpitas

Anu Nakka

https://www.anunakkaformilpitas.com

I am committed to creating a community where all children and families thrive. My mission is to enhance access to quality education, mental health services, and resources for families, ensuring equity and opportunity for every child. Together, we can build an environment that fosters growth, inclusivity, and the well-being of our future generations

1. Over 80% of voters polled say they want elected officials to prioritize children and families. What are the top three issues affecting our children and families and how will you make our region a place where all families can thrive?

   My vision for making our City and County a thriving place for all families include:
   - Access to Quality Education. Every child deserves to be well educated helping them prepare for future. I was chair for a Measure E campaign two years back that is bringing more than a million dollars to our school district. I am a proud supporter of Measure Q, that is going in this ballot helping our district get more funding.
   - Affordable Housing, I believe families need safe and stable housing to thrive. I will collaborate with County, State and Federal officials to get the needed housing for our City
   - Health and well being -- Access to physical and mental health for all families

2. High quality childcare improves school readiness and parents' workforce participation. What will you do to improve access to high quality childcare and preschool programs in our diverse communities?

   I would be an advocate for increased funding and support for local preschool and childcare programs. I would collaborate with community organizations based in our City to create affordable childcare options, helping get access to quality programs in underserved areas. I would support all programs are inclusive and culturally diverse catering to the needs of our community.

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?

   I would advocate for increased funding and support for preschool programs, especially in underserved areas. I would work with local organizations to provide needed nutrition and health initiatives for these children. I would work with local non profits for to offer free one on one tutoring and enrichment programs to close the achievement gap. I would ensure that all students have access to necessary technology and educational resources including access to free internet. Finally I would like to engage community in a more active way, help reduce the opportunity gap.

4. What steps will you take to improve inclusion and outcomes for children with disabilities and their families in our community?

   I will advocate more funding and support to all our Special Ed programs in all of our schools. I would like to ensure every child receives support they need.
   I will encourage schools to adopt more inclusive teaching techniques integrating children with disabilities into general education settings as appropriate. I would help create support groups and resources for parents and families of disabled children.

5. If elected, how will you use the resources of your new role to improve children's well-being and access to mental and behavioral health services?

   I will leverage the resources at my disposal to enhance children's well being and improve access to mental and behavioral health services through increasing funding to mental health programs, providing more counselors in public schools, launch community awareness campaigns focusing on mental health, inclusivity and cultural diversity. I would work providing support and resources to families, empowering them to advocate for their children's needs.