Tara Sreekrishnan

Taxes / Budget I will push for enhanced transparency in financial reporting, making detailed information about state expenditures, revenues, and budgetary decisions readily accessible to the public. Transparency fosters accountability and allows Californians to understand how their tax dollars are being utilized. Environment / Energy Sustainable Practices: Promote and incentivize sustainable practices in agriculture, land use, and energy production to mitigate environmental degradation. Social Services California's seniors have contributed significantly to our state's growth and development, and it is our responsibility to ensure they age with dignity and receive the healthcare they deserve. As a candidate for the California State Assembly, I am committed to championing initiatives to enhance senior healthcare and improve the overall quality of life for our older residents. Economy Quality Career Opportunities: Support the growth of high-quality careers in renewable energy, sustainability, and green technologies, nurturing a skilled workforce for a sustainable future. Criminal Justice / Public Safety Our neighborhoods deserve more than just promises—they deserve proactive, dedicated action towards safety and security. Together, we have the power to transform our neighborhoods into safe havens—places where safety, opportunity, and unity thrive. I am committed to ensuring the safety of our communities. I believe in a comprehensive approach that integrates proven methodologies, cutting-edge technology, community involvement, and unwavering support for our youth. Infrastructure / Transportation My vision for California's transportation system is centered on alleviating traffic congestion, reducing commute costs, and embracing eco-friendly solutions. By making strategic investments in mass transit, we can not only enhance the daily lives of our constituents but also contribute to the broader goal of environmental conservation. Education Parental Involvement: Engaging parents and guardians in their children’s education is crucial. I will support initiatives that encourage parental involvement in schools and ensure that families are active participants in shaping their children's educational journey. Education As the only Democratic woman running for State Assembly in our District, I will continue to uphold these values while prioritizing early learning and childcare, strengthening education, and supporting our children and families - this is a responsibility I carry with both pride and purpose. Infrastructure / Transportation Advocate for funding for VTA’s transit network for expanded bus and light rail service countywide, coupled with investments in state-of-the-art buses and expanded routes. It's time to make buses a viable and inclusive option for all Californians, not just those employed by large corporations with private bus services. Abortion / Contraception Women deserve autonomy over our bodies and our lives. Especially in a “post-Roe” world, part of this right is having access to comprehensive healthcare services, including contraception and safe reproductive health access. Having scored a 100% rating from Planned Parenthood, I will continue to support women's reproductive rights based on principles of bodily autonomy, contributing to a society that values and respects the diverse needs and choices of women in matters of reproductive health. Healthcare Advocate for the establishment of dedicated healthcare clinics specifically designed to address the needs of seniors. These clinics will offer comprehensive medical services, preventive care, and health education tailored to the unique health challenges faced by older individuals. Environment / Energy Empowering Students: Support robust environmental education programs in schools, empowering students to make sustainable choices and become advocates for climate action. Environment / Energy Transition to Carbon-Neutral Energy: Continue efforts to reduce emissions at high-emission sites, fostering a transition to carbon-neutral energy sources. Education Collaboration: I recognize the importance of collaboration between schools and communities. I will foster partnerships that support education, such as mentorship programs, afterschool programs, and collaborations to provide real-world experiences for students. Taxes / Budget I will develop a strategic approach to managing state debt, prioritizing investments that generate long-term benefits for Californians. This includes evaluating infrastructure projects, educational initiatives, and other critical areas to ensure that borrowed funds contribute to the state's overall prosperity. Education Teacher Workforce Development: Strengthen the teacher workforce pipeline, especially in early learning, and reduce barriers to becoming an educator. Housing As your Assemblymember, my aim is clear: to increase our supply of housing and affordable housing to prevent displacement, the burden on traffic, and to safeguard our environment. Environment / Energy My policy framework focuses on holistic solutions that address the pressing challenges of climate change while fostering resilience, education, workforce development, conservation, and statewide, as well as national, collaboration. Infrastructure / Transportation Infrastructure Enhancement: Invest in infrastructure that's resilient against climate-related disasters, prioritizing upgrades that protect communities and ecosystems. Education Career Technical Education (CTE): Strengthen CTE programs that align with emerging green industries, equipping students with skills relevant to the evolving job market. Education Professional Development: Expand access to professional development opportunities for classified employees, helping them enhance their skills and advance their careers. Taxes / Budget We need a comprehensive approach to manage California's finances, ensuring transparency, accountability, and strategic investments for a sustainable and prosperous future. Social Services We must ensure that every Californian entering their golden years has access to the healthcare services they need, with a focus on preventive care, affordable treatments, and support for aging in place. Environment / Energy Community Engagement: Foster community-driven initiatives to promote environmental awareness, encouraging local participation and innovation in sustainable practices. Infrastructure / Transportation My goal is to ensure they can live in the communities they serve, eliminating long commutes and allowing them to be an integral part of our neighborhood fabric. Education As a candidate for the California Assembly, I am dedicated to ensuring that our education system empowers every child to thrive and equips them with the skills needed for success in the 21st century. I am committed to leveraging my expertise to further strengthen our education system and create pathways to prosperity for all our students. Education Equitable Access: Champion increased funding for K-12 education, directing resources toward vital programs to support a well-rounded education. Criminal Justice / Public Safety Tirelessly advocating for robust investment in programs designed to prevent youth involvement in crime. This includes crisis response programs in schools, initiatives to remove barriers to education and employment for youth aged 12-24, and facilitating access to critical services for hospitalized youth, disrupting the cycle of violence. Criminal Justice / Public Safety Supporting the integration of mental health initiatives within law enforcement, including the role of community service officers trained in mental health crisis response to better serve and support our communities. Education Preschool and Early Learning Support: Push for legislation to support universal preschool programs, especially targeting vulnerable students, ensuring that all children are reading at grade level and proficient in math by 3rd grade. Social Services Work towards establishing resources to assist seniors and their families in planning for long-term care. This includes providing information on available options, financial planning guidance, and support for navigating the complexities of long-term care insurance. Education STEM and Environmental Sciences: Promote STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) and STEAM (including Arts) curriculum, emphasizing technology, science, and creativity for all students. Encourage and support underrepresented groups, including girls, to enter STEM fields. Environment / Energy Community Empowerment: Work closely with local stakeholders and citizens to ensure better regulatory oversight and the transition towards cleaner and healthier practices. Infrastructure / Transportation Champion the extension of the Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) network to cover San Jose and Santa Clara. By ensuring the BART loop reaches as far as possible, we can connect key regions and provide efficient public transportation options. Education Career Readiness: I understand the importance of linking education to future career opportunities. I will push for expanded vocational training, apprenticeship programs, and partnerships with industries to equip students with practical skills aligned with the demands of the job market. Environment / Energy Emergency Preparedness: Establish comprehensive emergency plans, ensuring swift and effective responses to climate-related crises, safeguarding lives and resources. Environment / Energy Policy Advocacy: Advocate for policies and practices that conserve natural resources, prioritizing biodiversity conservation and habitat protection. Education Technology Integration: In our rapidly evolving world, technology plays a pivotal role in education. I will advocate for the integration of cutting-edge technology in classrooms to enhance learning experiences and prepare students for the digital age. Abortion / Contraception 100% Pro-Choice.