Re-elect Sue Chew on November 6th!

Why I will vote no on all three propositions.

This unfortunate attempt at education reform  is an experiment based on a political ideology and is not supported by credible peer-reviewed research. The risk to a whole generation of Idaho's children is unacceptable. It is time to discard the shortsighted notion of a "new normal" in education funding that would have us continue to decrease the number of teachers, create larger classes and use the technology as a replacement for quality education rather than as enhancement for student learning. The education of Idaho's children (our future entrepreneurs, leaders and workforce) is too important to our economy, our ability to compete in the global arena and Idaho's quality of life.

Please read the following opinions published in the October 21, 2012 Idaho Statesman.

Opinion by Jerry L Evans a Republican, served as state superintendent of public instruction from 1979 to 1995.

Opinion by Mark Snodgrass, a Meridian Republican served in the Idaho House of Representatives from 2003 to 2008. He has bee an economics and government teacher for 21 year, currently teaching at Eagle High School.

On the $180 million-plus laptop contract 

http://www.spokesman.com/blogs/boise/2012/oct/30/180-million-plus-laptop-contract/#comments

Lawmakers spar over laptop contract costs

http://www.spokesman.com/blogs/boise/2012/oct/29/lawmakers-spar-over-laptop-contract-costs/

Judge on secret donations: 'Idaho's law is clear and unambiguous"

http://www.spokesman.com/blogs/boise/2012/oct/29/judge-secret-donations-idahos-law-clear-and-unambiguous/ 

Sue Chew is committed to working hard with people in out community on the issues that matter most.

Environment

Rising gas prices and increased emissions have had a negative impact on working families across the state.  While serving in the Idaho Legislature I  co-sponsored a concurrent resolution to increase efficiency  within the Department of Environmental Quality and the Office of Energy Resources.  This resolution would have place the development of energy conservation and instate renewable resources as a high priority, while creating new jobs.  Let’s work together to make our environment livable today, and tomorrow.

Transportation

While serving in the Idaho Legislature I galvanized a plan to protect middle-income families from a flat rate increase in registration fees to a plan that agreed with Idahoan families from all income levels – a sliding scale based on the age of their vehicle.  This plan would have saved working families $4.77 million in registration fees.  Road congestion and rising gas prices have let to an increased demand for public transportation throughout Idaho.  I support local option funding to satisfy this growing necessity.  Let’s work together to make commuting efficient and affordable to all Idahoans.

Education

As someone who is committed to education, I know first hand that the future of our community is rooted in the education of our children.  I support empowering our teachers with the flexibility to truly education the next generation.  I co-sponsored a plan that allows school districts to save money normally spent on energy costs.  This legislation requires new school buildings be constructed to be more energy efficient.  The cost savings captured is used to give our kids the resources they need to be successful.  Lets work together and provide our children with the education they need to compete in the job market.

Pre-K:

Children begin developing their cognitive skills early in life.  Studies show that the quality of education and social interaction in this time period are essentials for later development.  Early childhood education is essential for socializing and preparing our kids for their academic careers.  Let’s work together to ensure our children’s educational needs are met early and often.

K-12

Overcrowded classrooms affect the quality of education for each individual student as well as the success of teachers.  Teachers should be given the ability to work “one on one” with students in order to provide excellent service and help students excel in and out of the classroom.  Let’s work together to have knowledge rewarded – not test scores.

Post – Secondary Education

A college education should be affordable and accessible to all Idahoans.  The cost of tuition in Idaho continues to climb;  our families and high school graduates are struggling to afford the continuing education they need to compete in the workforce.  Lowering fees and increasing access to scholarships are essential and components to keeping our community thriving.  Let’s work together to create and maintain a job rich environment so Idaho college graduates stay in Idaho.

Healthcare

My experience and interest in healthcare have given me the knowledge to understand that affordable healthcare is necessity for all – not a privilege.  Every Idahoan should be given the ability access quality, affordable healthcare.  Let’s work together towards a healthy future. 

While serving on the Health and Welfare Committee in the Idaho Legislature I have fought to increase efficiency within our healthcare system while reducing costs to individuals.  I co-sponsored a bill that would allow the Idaho Prescription Drug program to serve more of the community while saving individual’s substantial out of pocket expenses.  This plan proposed a program to ensure affordable prescription drug coverage.

Business

Idaho needs to promote and attract healthy competition and growth within our state by providing the best possible resources for businesses to thrive.  I will continue to make sure small businesses have a voice in the Idaho Legislature,  especially focused on adequate health benefits for themselves,  their families and their employees.  Let’s work together to continue to provide local businesses the resources they need to sustain.