California State Assembly, District 25

Ted Stroll

https://www.tedstroll.com

Public policy has favored people in my age group and other adults since the 2008 financial crisis, at children's expense. This favoritism worsened during the Covid pandemic. The pandemic is over, but problems remain. Children's educational, social and financial needs must not continue to be put behind the interests of everyone else.

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?

   Without order, you have civic disorder, and families and children are particularly vulnerable. So:
   
   1. Watering down law enforcement predictably worsens crime. But year after year, that's Sacramento's approach. California law always trends toward less public safety, less accountability, and more unfairness to victims. My background is in criminal law. I know the problems and have ideas for solutions.
   
   2. Also regarding public safety: about three-quarters of homeless people are mentally ill, drug-addicted, or both. They must be treated if schizophrenic and weaned off of drugs if addicted even if they do not want to be, unless they can house themselves.

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?

   Plainly, most childcare takes place via school attendance, even if we don't call it childcare. Let me be candid: the state is facing a staggering budget deficit. Any improvements that are going to take place must do so within what fiscal reality makes possible. I'm not sure what to do specifically to improve access and will have to learn about proposals for them.

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?

   All children should be told endlessly that they can succeed, no matter their life circumstances. Of course, societal inequities must continue to be eliminated so that their chances are maximized. But there is a limit to what external forces can do. I live on a low-income block near San José State. I never see a child on my block, and we have plenty of them, reading a book. Their parents, all decent people, seem to be unacculturated to the benefits of learning at home and not just during the school day.

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

   My understanding is that schools in the cities of Fremont and possibly Truckee have well-regarded programs for children with disabilities, and I would try to learn what it is that they do right.

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?

   Health insurance must provide more psychiatrists, psychologists, and social workers. Federal law has improved equality of coverage for mental and physical conditions, but mental-health treatment remains inadequate for both children and adults.
   
   Regarding access generally, we have to be careful about single-payer health care. 94% of Californians have health coverage. My opponent wants single-payer instead. Since he's lived in Canada, as have I, he should know not to rush into it. Services are limited by provincial budgets. A "poll conducted in Canada and the U.S. in August suggest[s] Canadians are significantly less satisfied with their access to health care than their American neighbors."