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Education Reform 

 

Elementary School: Foundational Literacy and Physical Health

Primary Focus on Literacy
In elementary school, the core focus will be on developing strong foundational skills in reading, spelling, and writing. Early literacy is crucial for academic success across all subjects, and this policy ensures that students receive intensive instruction in these areas from kindergarten through grade 5. Targeted interventions will be implemented for students who struggle with literacy to ensure no child is left behind.

Increased Physical Activity
To promote student health and well-being, we will significantly increase opportunities for physical activity. In addition to regular physical education classes, schools will implement daily physical activity breaks to enhance students' physical development, mental focus, and overall health.

Mandatory Second Language Learning
Starting in elementary school, students will begin learning a second language, chosen through a district ranking system. The specific language will be determined based on the district's needs and priorities, such as Spanish, Mandarin, or American Sign Language. This policy aims to increase students' cultural competency and future career opportunities.

Middle School: Comprehensive Curriculum with Focused Learning

Intensive Early Learning
In middle school, we will concentrate on providing a rigorous and comprehensive education. The goal is to "cram" as much of the academic content into 6th grade as possible, covering key subjects like math, science, social studies, and history. This will give students a solid foundation in critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Curricular Gradual Leaning
By 7th and 8th grade, the curriculum will "lean out" to allow more time for mastery and application of concepts. The content becomes more project-based and focused on real-world skills to encourage deeper understanding and student engagement. This approach will allow students to explore subjects in greater depth, with opportunities for specialized learning experiences based on their interests.

High School: Career and College Preparation

Career-Focused Pathways
In high school, students will be guided towards career-focused tracks that align with their skills and interests. This could include pathways in fields like technology, healthcare, business, engineering, or the arts. High school education will incorporate real-world skills, such as financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and digital literacy, that are essential for success in the workforce.

Early Graduation Option
Students who are on track to graduate and have completed the necessary academic requirements will have the option to graduate at the end of their sophomore year. These students may choose to leave high school early to enter the workforce or pursue other opportunities. This flexibility allows students to tailor their education to their personal and professional goals.

Junior and Senior Year Focused on Secondary Education
For students remaining in school after their sophomore year, the junior and senior years will be dedicated to more advanced and specialized education. These years will include trade school programs, college-level courses, or apprenticeships, depending on the student’s career track. This ensures that students are prepared for the next step in their careers, whether that be entering the workforce with marketable skills or pursuing further education at the college or vocational level.

 

 

Increased Teacher Pay

 

Increased Teacher Base Pay
To attract and retain highly qualified educators, the policy will increase entry-level base pay for teachers across the state. This pay increase will ensure that teaching is a financially sustainable career choice, making the profession more appealing to individuals entering the field and recognizing the essential role teachers play in shaping the future of our society. The higher base pay will also help reduce the financial barriers for educators early in their careers, allowing them to focus on their students and professional growth without the strain of low wages.

Premium Pay for Special Education Teachers
Teachers who work in special education will receive premium pay in recognition of the specialized skills and dedication required to support students with diverse learning needs. Special education teachers often face unique challenges, including differentiated instruction, managing diverse classroom needs, and providing individualized support for students with physical, emotional, or cognitive disabilities. The premium pay will reflect the additional responsibilities and expertise these educators bring to their students' success.

Long-Term Sustainability
This compensation increase will be part of a long-term commitment to ensuring teachers are fairly compensated for their work. The policy will also create a framework for regular pay reviews and adjustments to ensure that teacher compensation keeps pace with inflation and the evolving demands of the education system.

Attracting and Retaining Talent
With this pay reform, the state aims to address teacher shortages and reduce high turnover rates by making the teaching profession more financially competitive with other career fields. The policy will help ensure that the most talented educators are motivated to stay in the profession and continue to contribute to student success.

Equity and Fairness
The policy also aims to address inequities in teacher compensation across districts. Teachers in underserved and rural areas will benefit from additional compensation adjustments to address the unique challenges they face in these communities. This will help ensure that all students, regardless of their geographic location, have access to quality educators.

Ongoing Support and Professional Development
As part of the broader commitment to teacher excellence, the policy will provide additional funding for professional development programs to ensure that teachers continue to grow in their careers. These opportunities will help teachers stay current with best practices, improve classroom management, and develop new skills to meet the needs of their students.

 

Housing and Rental Costs

Rent Increases Subject to Approval
Landlords will be required to obtain approval from a designated Rent Review Board before raising rent prices. Rent increases will be carefully reviewed to ensure they are justified, reasonable, and in line with market trends.

Proof of Justification: Landlords must provide evidence as to why a rent increase is necessary, such as rising operating costs, property improvements, or market trends in the area. The board will assess these factors and approve or deny the increase based on fairness and the local housing climate.

Frequency Limitations: Rent increases will be capped at a specific annual percentage increase, which will be determined by the board based on the cost of living, inflation rates, and the average rent increase in the area.

Standardization of Landlord Expectations and Responsibilities
This policy will standardize the expectations and responsibilities of landlords to ensure that tenants are treated fairly and consistently across the state.

Maintenance and Repairs: Landlords will be required to maintain properties in good condition, making necessary repairs within a specified timeframe and ensuring that properties are safe, habitable, and compliant with local building codes.

Transparency and Communication: Landlords must provide tenants with clear and accessible information regarding rent, maintenance procedures, and any other obligations. Tenants should be given written notice of any changes to their lease agreements, including rent increases, at least 30 days in advance.

Out-of-State Property Owners to Pay Higher Property Taxes
Property owners who reside outside of the state will be required to pay higher property taxes as a way to incentivize local ownership and ensure that out-of-state investors contribute more fairly to the state's economy.

Tax Rate Adjustments: The higher property tax rate for out-of-state owners will be designed to reflect the additional burden these owners place on local services, infrastructure, and the housing market.

Reinvestment in Local Communities: The additional revenue generated from higher taxes on out-of-state owners will be reinvested into local housing programs, infrastructure improvements, and community development initiatives, ensuring that the funds directly benefit the areas affected by housing shortages.

Guaranteed 30-Day Eviction Review Process
To protect tenants from unjust or sudden evictions, this policy will establish a guaranteed 30-day eviction review process.

Board Approval for Evictions: Landlords must submit an eviction request to the Rent Review Board for approval before initiating the eviction process. The board will review the case to ensure that the eviction is based on legal grounds and that the tenant has been given proper notice and a fair chance to remedy any issues.

Protections for Vulnerable Tenants: The board will also consider any extenuating circumstances, such as illness, job loss, or disability, before approving an eviction. Special protections will be put in place for tenants with children, seniors, and individuals with disabilities.

State-Built Mixed-Income Housing with Capped Rent Prices
The state will invest in the construction of mixed-income housing developments that include both affordable and market-rate units. These developments will be designed to provide more affordable housing options for individuals and families at various income levels.

Capped Rent Prices: Rent prices in state-built mixed-income housing will be capped at affordable rates, based on the local median income and federal guidelines for housing affordability. The aim is to ensure that rent does not exceed a reasonable percentage of a tenant’s income, helping to prevent rent burden.

Inclusion of Market-Rate Units: Mixed-income housing developments will include a portion of market-rate units to ensure the sustainability of the project. However, the majority of units will be reserved for individuals and families who meet specific income qualifications, ensuring broader access to affordable housing.

Long-Term Affordability: Once constructed, these mixed-income developments will be subject to long-term affordability agreements to prevent rents from escalating beyond the means of working-class tenants.

Local Housing Advisory Board
The establishment of a Local Housing Advisory Board will help guide policy decisions related to housing and rental costs, ensuring that all stakeholders, including tenants, landlords, and developers, have a voice in the decision-making process.

Board Composition: The board will consist of housing advocates, real estate professionals, tenant representatives, local government officials, and members of the public.

Ongoing Policy Evaluation: The board will regularly evaluate the effectiveness of this policy and make recommendations for improvements based on local housing trends and feedback from residents and property owners.

 

Dental and Mental Health Medicaid

 

This policy is designed to ensure that underserved populations, particularly those who may not need full medical coverage but face significant barriers to accessing dental and mental health care, can receive the treatment they 

Dental Care Benefits
This Medicaid tier will offer comprehensive dental care benefits, ensuring that individuals have access to the services necessary to maintain good oral health.

Preventative Services: The tier will cover essential preventative care, including routine dental exams, cleanings, fluoride treatments, and X-rays to prevent more serious dental issues.

Restorative Services: Coverage will include treatments such as fillings, crowns, root canals, and tooth extractions to address existing dental issues and improve long-term health outcomes.

Emergency Dental Care: In addition to routine care, this tier will provide access to emergency dental services, including pain relief and treatment for urgent dental conditions, which can prevent more severe and costly health complications.

Mental Health Care Benefits
The Dental and Mental Health-Only Medicaid Tier will include comprehensive coverage for mental health services to support individuals' mental and emotional well-being.

Therapy and Counseling: Coverage will include access to individual therapy, group therapy, and counseling services for conditions such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, and other common mental health issues.

Psychiatric Services: Medicaid recipients will have access to psychiatric evaluations, medication management, and prescription drugs for mental health conditions, such as anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia.

Crisis Intervention: Emergency mental health services will be available, including crisis hotlines, mobile crisis units, and access to inpatient mental health services when necessary.

Telehealth Options: To increase accessibility, telehealth services will be available for both mental health counseling and psychological assessments, ensuring that individuals in rural or underserved areas can still access care.

Integrated Care Approach
To address the interconnected nature of mental health and oral health, this tier will prioritize an integrated care model where dental and mental health providers coordinate care for individuals with overlapping needs.

Coordinated Treatment Plans: Mental health providers will work with dental providers, and vice versa, to create treatment plans that address both oral health and mental well-being. For example, individuals with severe depression may be referred to dental care if oral hygiene is neglected due to mental health challenges, while dental care providers will be trained to recognize signs of mental health struggles and refer individuals to appropriate services.

Holistic Approach: The goal is to treat both mental and physical aspects of health in a comprehensive way, recognizing that good oral health is often linked to better mental health and vice versa.

Access and Convenience
To ensure that individuals are able to easily access services under this Medicaid tier, convenient and flexible options for both dental and mental health care will be provided.

Provider Networks: The Medicaid program will establish a broad network of dental and mental health professionals, including dentists, psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists, to ensure that services are accessible in both urban and rural areas.

Telehealth and Mobile Services: In areas where in-person care may be difficult to access, telemedicine services will be expanded, and mobile health units will provide dental and mental health services to underserved communities.

Preventative and Educational Outreach
An important part of the Dental and Mental Health-Only Medicaid tier will be focusing on preventative care and education to reduce the need for more expensive emergency interventions.

Dental Education: Medicaid recipients will be educated on proper oral hygiene, the importance of regular dental check-ups, and how to prevent oral health problems before they become serious. This may include public awareness campaigns and in-person training at clinics and schools.

Mental Health Awareness: Mental health education will focus on reducing stigma, promoting early intervention, and ensuring that individuals understand how to seek help for mental health issues. Community programs will also teach coping mechanisms and strategies for managing stress, anxiety, and other mental health concerns.

Cost Control and Sustainability
The Dental and Mental Health-Only Medicaid tier will be designed to balance comprehensive care with long-term sustainability and cost efficiency.

Cost-Effective Care: The program will focus on preventative services to reduce the need for costly emergency care. Regular dental exams, mental health counseling, and early intervention strategies are key to reducing overall healthcare costs.

Provider Reimbursement Rates: The state will negotiate fair and competitive reimbursement rates for dental and mental health providers to ensure access to care while maintaining cost efficiency. These rates will be regularly reviewed to ensure the program's sustainability.

 

Fix The Fairgrounds

Construction of a Larger Arena
A cornerstone of this policy is the expansion and upgrade of the current arena to accommodate larger crowds and more diverse events. The new arena will be designed to handle major sporting events, concerts, and other large-scale gatherings.

Arena Specifications: The new arena will feature state-of-the-art facilities, including increased seating capacity, premium suites, advanced sound and lighting systems, and amenities that meet the demands of world-class events.

Multi-Use Capacity: Designed for flexibility, the arena will be capable of hosting sports events, concerts, wrestling events (WWE, AEW), monster truck shows, motocross, and more, while also accommodating smaller, community-based events.

Accessibility and Infrastructure: The upgraded arena will also prioritize accessibility for all attendees, with ample parking, accessible entrances, and public transportation options to ensure that the facility is easy to access for all people, including those with disabilities.

Attracting Major National and International Events
The expanded and modernized fairgrounds will be positioned to attract bigger and better events, bringing in national and international attention.

Targeted Events: Focus will be placed on securing major events such as:

X-Games (extreme sports events)

Rodeos and Professional Bull Riding

Monster Jam and other large motorized shows

WWE, AEW, and other professional wrestling events

UFC and MMA events

Economic Impact: By hosting high-profile events, the fairgrounds will become a regional hub for tourism, bringing in visitors, media attention, and significant economic benefits to local businesses, hotels, and restaurants.

Reorganization of the Fairgrounds for Year-Round Use
The layout and infrastructure of the fairgrounds will be restructured to optimize space for both the annual fair, flea markets, and other events, while maximizing year-round functionality for different uses.

Flexible Event Spaces: The fairgrounds will be redesigned to create multi-purpose spaces that can accommodate a variety of events, including but not limited to:

Flea markets, craft shows, and swap meets

Community festivals and cultural events

Farmers' markets and food truck festivals

Year-Round Facilities: Buildings and event spaces will be upgraded and repurposed for year-round use beyond the fair itself. These will include:

Indoor expo halls for conventions, trade shows, and private events

Outdoor pavilions and green spaces for concerts, theater performances, and public gatherings

Temporary structures for seasonal events like winter markets, ice skating rinks, or holiday festivals

Infrastructure Improvements: The layout will also be reimagined to improve crowd flow, accessibility, and vendor placement, ensuring smoother operations for large events and enhancing the experience for visitors and participants alike.

Enhanced Visitor Experience
The goal is to make the fairgrounds a destination that draws visitors year-round by improving amenities and creating a memorable experience for all attendees.

Upgraded Amenities: The fairgrounds will offer modern amenities such as:

Concessions and food courts with diverse, high-quality food offerings

Expanded restroom facilities, including family restrooms and nursing stations

Improved seating and viewing areas, including VIP sections and luxury seating for larger events

Interactive Exhibits and Entertainment: To increase engagement and enjoyment, we will add interactive exhibits, live entertainment, and activities for children and families, making it a popular venue for all ages.

Event Scheduling and Marketing: A dedicated event management team will work to schedule and promote events throughout the year, ensuring there are always activities for locals and visitors to enjoy. This will include partnerships with national event organizers to secure a variety of high-demand events.

Local Community Engagement and Opportunities
The policy will include a focus on community involvement, ensuring that local businesses, organizations, and residents can benefit from the upgraded fairgrounds.

Local Vendor Participation: Local artisans, food vendors, and craft makers will have priority access to rent booths or spaces during events such as the annual fair, flea markets, and seasonal festivals, fostering community entrepreneurship.

Job Creation: The expansion of the fairgrounds will create new jobs in construction, event management, hospitality, security, and customer service, contributing to local employment.

Volunteer and Nonprofit Involvement: Community groups and nonprofits will be encouraged to participate in event planning and operations, with opportunities for local youth and civic organizations to get involved in managing events and providing volunteer services.

Sustainability and Green Initiatives
The redesigned fairgrounds will prioritize sustainability by incorporating environmentally friendly practices in construction and event management.

Green Building Standards: New facilities and structures will be built with sustainable materials and will adhere to green building codes to minimize environmental impact.

Waste Reduction Programs: Events will feature waste-reduction initiatives, such as recycling stations, composting options, and waste-diversion practices to ensure the fairgrounds maintain a positive environmental footprint.

Energy-Efficient Systems: New facilities will incorporate energy-efficient lighting, HVAC systems, and solar energy solutions where applicable to reduce the fairgrounds' carbon footprint and operational costs.

Funding and Partnerships
The expansion and redevelopment of the fairgrounds will be funded through a combination of public investment and private partnerships.

Public Funding: State and local governments will allocate funding for the necessary infrastructure improvements, facility construction, and long-term maintenance.

Private Partnerships: We will also seek partnerships with private entities, including sponsorships from national brands, event promoters, and local businesses, to fund event-specific costs and contribute to facility upkeep.

Long-Term Revenue Generation: The enhanced fairgrounds will serve as a year-round venue, generating revenue from ticket sales, concessions, sponsorships, and event-related services, making the investment self-sustaining over time.

 

Police Responsibility Reorganization 

 

Distribution of Lower-Level Responsibilities to Limited Capacity Officers
To ensure that specialized duties are managed effectively, certain low-risk, routine tasks will be reassigned to officers with limited responsibilities. This allows higher-ranking officers to focus on more serious crimes, investigations, and public safety concerns.

Specialized Units: Officers will be assigned to specific sectors with tailored responsibilities based on their training, experience, and expertise, allowing for more efficient use of law enforcement resources.

Reduced Burden on Full Duty Officers: By distributing low-level tasks to these officers, full-duty officers will have more time to handle complex investigations, emergent situations, and community engagement efforts.

Retail Sector Responsibility
Retail-related crimes, such as shoplifting, theft, and vandalism in commercial areas, will be primarily handled by limited responsibility officers specializing in retail environments.

Retail Crime Officers: These officers will be trained in retail-specific law enforcement, including the management of theft prevention, response to retail disturbances, and liaison with store managers and security teams.

Collaboration with Retailers: Officers will work directly with store owners and employees, providing education and resources on crime prevention, handling theft suspects, and ensuring the safety of shoppers and staff.

School Zone Responsibility
Officers assigned to school zones will focus on safety-related issues that impact children, students, and school staff, including traffic enforcement, safety patrols, and crisis response.

School Resource Officers (SROs): SROs will be placed in elementary, middle, and high schools to handle routine patrols and enforce safety regulations, ensuring a secure learning environment. These officers will focus on traffic enforcement around school zones and address any issues that directly affect students, such as bullying or disorderly behavior.

Community Outreach: In addition to law enforcement duties, SROs will participate in community engagement activities, such as anti-bullying programs, violence prevention initiatives, and providing support for students facing personal or mental health challenges.

Highway and Traffic Management
The responsibility for highway patrol and traffic enforcement will be assigned to officers specifically trained in roadway safety, commercial vehicle inspection, and accident investigation.

Highway Officers: These officers will focus on enforcing speed limits, handling traffic accidents, and monitoring highway conditions to prevent and respond to dangerous driving behaviors.

Targeted Enforcement: Special attention will be given to high-risk areas, such as construction zones, high-traffic intersections, and areas prone to frequent accidents. Officers will also focus on commercial vehicle compliance, ensuring trucks and large vehicles are properly maintained and adhere to regulations.

Public Awareness: These officers will work with local communities to promote safe driving habits and distribute educational materials related to highway safety.

Accident Response and Investigation
A designated group of officers will be responsible for traffic accidents, from the initial response to full investigation. These officers will focus solely on accident-related incidents to ensure prompt and thorough handling.

Accident Response Teams: These teams will be trained in accident scene management, evidence collection, and investigating causes of accidents, particularly those involving serious injury or fatalities.

Collaboration with Insurance Companies: Officers will collaborate with insurance providers, medical personnel, and city planners to identify accident-prone areas and recommend solutions such as better road signage, improved traffic lights, or speed limit changes.

Educational Programs: Officers will also educate drivers on accident prevention, focusing on topics like distracted driving, seatbelt usage, and drunk driving prevention.

Mental Health Crisis Response
The policy will include a specialized response unit for mental health crises that integrates law enforcement with trained mental health professionals. This will ensure that individuals experiencing a mental health crisis receive appropriate care while minimizing the potential for escalation during police interactions.

Crisis Intervention Teams (CITs): Officers in CIT will be specially trained to handle situations involving mental health crises, substance abuse, and other psychological issues. They will collaborate with mental health professionals to de-escalate potentially volatile situations and provide appropriate interventions.

Co-Responder Model: In addition to CIT officers, mental health professionals will accompany officers on calls related to mental health crises, ensuring that individuals are directed to appropriate care facilities and receive the support they need.

Diversion Programs: CIT officers will also refer individuals in crisis to mental health diversion programs and rehabilitation services rather than immediately pursuing criminal charges, where applicable, helping to break the cycle of incarceration for those facing mental health challenges.

Coordination with Community and Social Services
This policy emphasizes the importance of collaborative partnerships between law enforcement, community organizations, and social services.

Social Service Coordination: Officers in all sectors will be trained to recognize when community services (e.g., mental health services, substance abuse treatment, or homeless support) are needed. They will connect individuals with the appropriate resources to address underlying causes of criminal behavior or incidents.

Community Policing Initiatives: Officers working within retail, school, and highway sectors will engage in community policing, building relationships with the public to prevent crime and promote safer neighborhoods. This will include attending community meetings, working with local organizations, and organizing public safety events.

Improving Officer Effectiveness and Job Satisfaction
The reorganization of responsibilities will ensure that officers are specialized in specific areas, which can lead to higher job satisfaction and greater effectiveness in each sector.

Targeted Training and Development: Officers will receive specialized training for their assigned duties, whether in mental health crises, traffic management, or retail crime prevention, enhancing their skills and confidence.

Work-Life Balance: By focusing on specific responsibilities, officers will have more predictable schedules, reducing burnout and improving retention rates across the force.

 

CYFD Reform 

 

Shift Focus from Reunification to Safe, Permanent Homes
The primary goal of the CYFD Reform Policy is to prioritize the safety, well-being, and emotional stability of children over the goal of family reunification with parents who are unable or unwilling to provide a safe environment.

Child-Centered Decision-Making: The policy will emphasize the importance of placing children with loving, stable families rather than maintaining an overdetermined focus on reunification with biological parents who pose a risk to the child’s well-being.

Faster Foster-to-Adopt Process: The process for children in foster care will be streamlined to ensure that children are placed in permanent homes without unnecessary delays, while ensuring the process is equitable for families looking to adopt.

Increased Focus on Long-Term Stability: Reunification efforts will only be pursued if the parents can demonstrate consistent and meaningful efforts to resolve issues that led to the removal of the child, such as drug addiction, abuse, or neglect. In cases where parents are unable to make meaningful progress, children will be placed for adoption or long-term care.

Adoption is Free, Provided Enrollment and Commitment
In order to make adoption more accessible and encourage the adoption of children in foster care, adoption fees will be waived entirely, provided that prospective adoptive parents enroll in the program and remain committed to the process.

Elimination of Adoption Costs: The costs typically associated with private agencies, such as application fees, home study costs, and other financial barriers, will be eliminated for those who are eligible and committed to adopting.

Enrollment and Commitment Requirements: Families wishing to adopt must enroll in a state-supported adoption program and agree to stay engaged throughout the process, including completing necessary training, home assessments, and other adoption requirements to ensure they are prepared for the responsibilities of adoption.

Post-Adoption Support: Families will receive continued support post-adoption to ensure the child’s transition into the family is successful. This includes mental health services, counseling, and parenting classes.

Removal of Private Agency Rules and Costs
Many private adoption and foster care agencies have additional rules, fees, and barriers that limit access to adoption. This policy will remove unnecessary private agency involvement, including costs and bureaucratic red tape that hinder the process of placing children in stable, loving homes.

Streamlined Adoption Process: Private agency involvement will be reduced, with the state taking a more direct role in the foster-to-adopt process. This will streamline the process for families and reduce the time it takes for children to be placed in permanent homes.

Elimination of Unnecessary Costs: The policy will ensure that adoption does not come with unnecessary fees, such as home studies, training, and other charges, which are often prohibitive for low- and middle-income families.

Increased Oversight of Private Agencies: Private agencies will be held to a higher standard of accountability to ensure that their practices are not creating barriers for families who wish to adopt. The state will work directly with adoptive parents to ensure that these agencies are operating in the best interest of the children and families.

Streamlined and Transparent Foster Care System
The foster care system will be restructured to provide better support for both children and foster families, with a focus on quicker placements and more stable home environments.

Matching Foster Children with Families: CYFD will implement more effective matching of children with foster families based on the child’s needs and the family’s strengths, rather than simply placing children in available homes. This will ensure that foster placements are more likely to result in successful, long-term adoptions.

Enhanced Support for Foster Families: Families who become foster parents will receive increased support, including training, financial assistance, and access to mental health resources, to ensure that they are equipped to care for children who may have experienced trauma.

Foster Parent Incentives: Foster parents will be given access to a range of incentives, including tax breaks, stipends, and other support, to encourage more families to become foster parents and provide a temporary safe haven for children in need.

Support for Children in Foster Care and Adoption
The policy will place a strong emphasis on the needs of children in foster care and adoption, ensuring that they are given the best opportunities for success and stability.

Educational and Mental Health Support: Children in foster care will receive improved access to education, mental health services, and other support resources to help them succeed in school and transition into adulthood.

Community Support and Engagement: A statewide mentoring program will be established to provide children in foster care with positive adult role models who can help guide them as they grow.

Training for Foster and Adoptive Parents: All foster and adoptive parents will be provided with training programs focused on handling children who have experienced trauma, ensuring they are prepared to support children through the challenges they may face.

Increased Accountability and Transparency in CYFD
The reform will ensure that CYFD operates in a transparent and accountable manner, with clear metrics for success and strong oversight of its practices.

Independent Oversight: An independent oversight committee will be established to review and monitor the performance of CYFD, ensuring that children are being placed in safe, supportive homes in a timely manner.

Annual Reporting: CYFD will produce an annual public report on its progress, detailing the number of children placed for adoption, the time it took to place them, and the satisfaction levels of foster and adoptive families.

Feedback from Families and Children: A system will be put in place for families, children, and other stakeholders to provide feedback on CYFD’s services, ensuring that the department remains responsive to the needs of the communities it serves.

 

Medical Malpractice

 

Tiered Levels of Medical Malpractice Judgments
A tiered approach to medical malpractice cases will be implemented, where the severity of the claim determines the type of resolution and level of compensation. This system ensures that medical professionals are not unfairly penalized for minor errors or routine mistakes while still holding them accountable for more severe cases of negligence.

Lowest Tier – Second Opinion or Ability to See Another Provider:
The lowest tier of judgment will apply to cases where the error or concern does not involve gross negligence but rather an issue that could be remedied by seeking a second opinion or changing providers.

Resolution: In this case, the patient will be entitled to a second opinion or the ability to see another provider without incurring additional costs. This tier focuses on patient satisfaction and correcting minor issues without resorting to costly legal proceedings.

Goal: To prevent unnecessary lawsuits for minor errors or disagreements with medical treatment and instead provide quick, cost-effective solutions for patients who feel they need alternative care.

Middle Tier – Compensation for Minor Negligence:
The middle tier will address cases of minor negligence or avoidable medical errors that cause temporary harm but do not result in lasting or serious injury.

Resolution: This tier will involve a moderated compensation system, where the patient may receive a settlement for pain, suffering, or minor medical expenses, but the case will not go to court unless further investigation is required. The goal is to resolve issues quickly without overwhelming the judicial system.

Goal: To prevent unnecessary litigation over minor mistakes while providing reasonable compensation and maintaining fairness for patients.

Highest Tier – Serious Injury or Gross Negligence:
The highest tier will apply in cases of serious injury or gross negligence, where medical malpractice has resulted in significant harm, permanent injury, or death.

Resolution: In these cases, the full extent of damages (including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and long-term care costs) will be reviewed and awarded. These cases will undergo thorough investigation and litigation if necessary.

Goal: To ensure that victims of gross negligence or malpractice receive just compensation and that responsible healthcare providers are held accountable for their actions.

Peer-Level Blind Case Reviews
To ensure fairness and objectivity in evaluating medical malpractice cases, a peer-level blind case review system will be implemented.

Peer Review Panels: Each medical malpractice case will be reviewed by a panel of peer healthcare professionals (i.e., doctors, nurses, specialists) who are blinded to the identities of both the patient and the healthcare provider involved in the case. These panels will assess whether the medical care provided was within the standard of care and whether malpractice occurred.

Objective and Fair Evaluation: By using peer-level reviews, this policy aims to eliminate bias and ensure that judgments are based on medical standards rather than personal or reputational factors. The panel will make an independent assessment of whether the alleged malpractice constitutes negligence or was within reasonable medical practice.

Public Oversight: Results from peer-level reviews will be aggregated and made available for public access, ensuring transparency and accountability within the medical profession.

Real-Time Medication Fill History for Providers and Pharmacies
To enhance patient safety and improve the quality of care, insurance companies will be required to provide a complete medication fill history to healthcare providers and pharmacies in real time if requested.

Complete Medication History: When a healthcare provider or pharmacy requests information regarding a patient's medication history, the insurance companies will be obligated to provide a comprehensive record of all medications filled, including prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, and controlled substances.

Real-Time Access: The information will be provided instantly (through a secure, digital system), allowing healthcare providers to make more informed decisions about patient care, reduce medication errors, and identify potential drug interactions or misuse.

Patient Protection: By ensuring that providers and pharmacies have full access to the patient’s medication history, this policy aims to reduce prescription errors and prevent over-prescribing, drug abuse, and medication conflicts, while promoting better coordinated care across multiple healthcare providers.

Limiting Frivolous Lawsuits and Legal Costs
One of the central objectives of this policy is to reduce the number of frivolous malpractice lawsuits that often burden both healthcare providers and the legal system.

Screening Mechanism: Prior to filing a lawsuit, patients will be required to submit claims to an independent medical review board for an initial determination of whether the case has sufficient merit to proceed. This helps weed out baseless claims that might otherwise overwhelm the courts.

Legal Expense Caps: In order to reduce the cost of litigation, the policy will place caps on attorney fees and legal expenses in lower-tier cases. This will encourage more equitable and efficient legal representation for patients without increasing overall healthcare costs.

Incentives for Settlement: A settlement incentive program will encourage both patients and providers to resolve disputes outside of court, offering financial or procedural incentives for agreeing to a reasonable settlement. This will help to reduce the time and cost associated with lengthy malpractice trials.

Insurance Company Transparency and Accountability
To ensure that both providers and patients are treated fairly in the malpractice system, insurance companies will be held accountable for providing full, transparent, and timely information regarding medical malpractice insurance coverage, claims, and reimbursements.

Clear Coverage Information: Providers will receive clear, easily accessible information from their malpractice insurance companies, including specific details on coverage limits, claim history, and policy terms to ensure they are adequately protected.

Timely Claims Processing: Insurance companies will be required to process and respond to malpractice claims in a timely manner, with clear guidelines on what constitutes a fair settlement offer and how long it will take to resolve claims.

Fair Claims Resolution: Insurance companies will be required to act in good faith when handling malpractice claims, ensuring that providers and patients are treated fairly and claims are resolved efficiently.

 

Rail Runner Expansion

Statewide Rail Expansion

Coverage: Expand the Rail Runner to all major cities, towns, and rural areas, providing a continuous network of rail service throughout New Mexico.

Accessibility: Stations will be strategically located near residential, commercial, and industrial hubs to maximize convenience and accessibility for commuters, students, and travelers.

Integration with Other Transit: Rail services will integrate with local bus systems, park-and-ride facilities, and other transportation options to create a seamless multi-modal transit network.

Route Structure and Service Design

Dense Urban Areas: In densely populated areas, Rail Runner services will utilize smaller, local routes with frequent stops to serve neighborhoods and commercial centers efficiently.

Spaced-Out Rural Areas: In less populated regions, high-speed rail or express trains will connect major towns and cities, reducing travel times while maintaining efficiency.

Flexible Scheduling: Train schedules will be designed to accommodate commuters, weekend travelers, and long-distance travelers, ensuring reliability and convenience for all users.

Economic and Environmental Benefits

Economic Development: The expanded rail system will encourage job creation, tourism, and local business growth by improving access to urban centers and rural communities alike.

Reduced Traffic Congestion: By providing a reliable alternative to personal vehicles, the rail system will help reduce congestion on highways, lowering travel times and stress for drivers.

Environmental Sustainability: Rail transport produces significantly lower emissions per passenger compared to cars or buses, contributing to New Mexico’s goals for clean energy and carbon reduction.

Funding and Investment

State and Federal Support: Expansion will be funded through a combination of state transportation budgets, federal grants, and potential public-private partnerships to ensure long-term sustainability.

Infrastructure Modernization: Investments will include new tracks, stations, signaling systems, and rolling stock, ensuring the network is safe, efficient, and able to support modern high-speed rail technologies.

Maintenance and Safety: Ongoing maintenance and safety upgrades will be prioritized to maintain reliability, punctuality, and passenger safety across the entire rail network.

Community Engagement and Accessibility

Public Consultation: The state will engage with communities to determine optimal station locations, service frequencies, and accessibility needs.

Accessibility for All: Stations and trains will be fully ADA compliant, providing access to individuals with disabilities, seniors, and families with young children.

Affordability: Fares will be structured to remain affordable for all residents, with discounts for students, seniors, low-income riders, and frequent commuters.

Technology Integration

Real-Time Tracking and Ticketing: Passengers will have access to mobile apps and online platforms to track train locations, schedules, and ticket availability in real time.

Smart Infrastructure: High-speed and local rail systems will use modern signaling, automated ticketing, and energy-efficient trains to ensure smooth operations and minimize delays.