City of San José, District 2

Pamela Campos

Supporting our children and families with the tools and resources they need to succeed is the best investment we can make as a city. If elected, I am prepared to ensure our city is investing in our youth and families, because that is how we build stronger communities now and in the future.

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?

   The top three issues facing children and families in San Jose are housing, childcare, and mobility & transit. To address San Jose’s recent ranking as #1 in youth homelessness, I would propose a guaranteed income for families and ensure the funds are accessible to all residents regardless of federal residency status. As a council member, I will promote policies to increase access to early care and education facilities and increase family leave. Additionally, accessible public transit and safe street initiatives such as Vision Zero are fundamental for ensuring safe streets, reducing greenhouse emissions, promoting walkable neighborhoods, and uplifting socio-economic growth.

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 understand that child care is an essential piece of our community infrastructure which drives our economy. Without access to child care, our earning potential is reduced by keeping parents out of the workforce. As a Council Member, I will work to include child care as a City priority and pass policy that reduces barriers in constructing new child care facilities, as well as partner with our library system and county partners to support San Jose residents and employees through the process of finding and financing local child care. I will also work with our state legislature and CCPU to pass policy that will support and sustain our family child care home providers.

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?

   My policies will always be centered on the needs of Black, Indigenous, and Immigrant families working towards building a just and caring society that ensures all of our children—especially those who are growing up in historically underserved neighborhoods—have the resources they need to thrive. I will prioritize policies ensuring working families have access to quality child care, family-sustaining wages, and permanent affordable housing in neighborhoods that feel safe. I will also work to secure new funding that protects existing city services such as parks, libraries, and community centers and expands access to arts, music, recreation, and tutoring for all youth.

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

   As a city council member, I will prioritize policies and projects that improve accessibility and support systems for disabled children and their families, such as the wheelchair accessible playground at Hellyer County Park, single-payer healthcare, universal childcare and public early child education that would increase accessibility of programs that support children with disabilities. I will also look critically at proposals to ensure that disabled children and their families are not only included, but that they are welcomed. Ensuring that parks, schools, and other city-owned projects not only meet, but exceed ADA accessibility requirements, and take into account invisible disabilities.

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?

   As a Council Member, I will partner with County, State, and Federal partners to secure resources and pass legislation that provide a stronger safety net to access child care, health care, and mental/behavioral health services. I support a single payer healthcare system and have advocated for the passing of AB1400 because a single-payer healthcare will improve access to healthcare, and I will ensure that mental and behavioral health services are covered under the plan. As a council member, I will continue this important work to make sure every child in San José has access to adequate care and education resources they need to thrive.