Tony Thurmond on California Governor Race, Education, and Policy

Addressing Affordability and Housing Crisis

• 🏠 Affordability is identified as the issue of the time, with new data suggesting $84,000 annual income is considered low in Los Angeles County.
• 💰 As governor, Thurmond plans to implement a tax credit to put an additional $1,000 a month into Californians' pockets to help with the high cost of living.
• 🏘️ He aims to build 2 million housing units by 2030, utilizing surplus school property and offering down payment assistance and first-time home buyer loans.

Proposition 50 and Combating Trump's Influence

• 🗳️ Thurmond supports Proposition 50, framing it as a measure to save democracy and combat efforts by President Trump to rig the system.
• 🏥 He states that passing Prop 50 will allow the state to reinstate healthcare for low-income individuals previously removed from Medicare and Medicaid.
• 📚 The proposition is also seen as a way to stand up for education, countering President Trump's attempts to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education and protect special education needs.

Accomplishments in Public Instruction

• 🍎 Proud of programs guaranteeing free preschool for every 4-year-old and providing two free meals a day to every hungry student.
• 🎨 Significant investments are being made in reading coaches ($1 billion) and art and music education ($1 billion).
• 💻 Addressing the digital divide, $6 billion is allocated for broadband expansion and providing devices to students who lacked computer access during the pandemic.

Improving Student Test Scores and Educational Outcomes

• 📈 While statewide test scores have seen a slight increase, only 48% of students are proficient in English and 37% in math, lagging behind pre-pandemic levels.
• 📚 Thurmond has laid out a 5-year plan to help students achieve reading proficiency by 3rd grade, emphasizing its importance as a gateway to all other learning.
• 🏫 Progress is being made in many districts, including Los Angeles and San Diego, but the goal is to ensure all students reach their full potential.

Immigration Policy and Sanctuary Status

• 🤝 Thurmond supports and embraces the immigrant community, advocating for a pathway to citizenship for those who wish to work and contribute to the economy.
• 🧑‍🌾 He highlights the negative impact of current immigration policies on sectors like agriculture, construction, and hospitality, emphasizing the need to rebuild these industries.
• ⚖️ He states that as governor, he would maintain and potentially strengthen sanctuary policies.

Campaign Strategy and Personal Background

• 📊 Acknowledging current poll numbers, Thurmond emphasizes the need for voter outreach and coalition building to raise awareness about the election.
• 🏆 He highlights his past success in statewide elections, winning with the highest percentage of votes among statewide elected officials.
• 🎤 Revealing a personal detail, Thurmond shares that he was once the lead singer in a band, showcasing his lifelong connection to music.