We need to fully support our elementary and high schools, community colleges, and universities. Funding for biomedical research, alternative energy development, and support for our agricultural interests will help us to become leaders in education and technology instead of the usual near to last or last place standing we shamefully occupy. In addition to effective funding for our schools, we also must raise the bar on student achievement. Every student must have the resources and support to graduate high school with the skills and abilities to succeed in college and within the global job market. This means increased rigor in the classroom so that every student can achieve at his or her highest level. This also means supporting our teachers in their efforts to make a positive difference in the lives of our children. Equally important, we need to improve the safety or our campuses and surrounding communities. I am committed to advocating for increased rigor and safety practices in our schools as well as proper funding.