Bill Scheidler

1. EDUCATION
A strong education system builds a strong state. When people have access to a high-quality education starting with K-12, people have a stronger chance of obtaining economic stability. In Washington, not all schools are meeting the challenge to build a strong foundation for success. Students of color and low-income students are disproportionately affected by the achievement or opportunity gap in Washington state. How will you reduce or eliminate the achievement gap and ensure that all people have access to a high quality education?

If a school is located in an especially impoverished area where home-provided education is lacking,
money MUST be reallocated from wealthy school districts to meet the needs in this area, even if a small
tuition must be instituted in the more affluent areas. Focus in math, science and writing skills.

2. REVENUE
Washingtonians need a strong infrastructure and the resources, critical investments, and community services to support a vibrant and inclusive community and economy. What changes will you propose to our state’s revenue structure to ensure that we can adequately invest in our communities?

Before I would look at any plan to increase revenue I’d want to
1) remove from government those public servants who betray our trust; and
2) remove from the legislature all legislators who are also “lawyers”. It violates the separations
doctrine and defeats the “oversight” responsibility in having three branches

3. SAFETY NET
A strong safety net is the foundation of a strong state and workforce. Programs like Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), and similar programs such as Housing Essential Needs and Aged Blind Disabled (HEN and ABD), are keeping many of our families, children, and disabled adults alive. What will you do to protect funding for basic need services that provide a safety net for Washington families?

When I hear the word “strong” and then learn that such a “strong safety net” is weakened by
“religious” bigotry or our “legal establishment” crying separation of church and state, it makes me
angry. Strong becomes stronger when we all work together.

4. RACIAL JUSTICE
Institutional racism is a daily burden that our communities face when accessing housing, credit, the ballot box, and interfacing with the criminal justice system. This oppression is often codified in the rules, allowances and governance of these institutions as “business as usual” and creates significant consequences for people of color. What will you do to address the consequences of institutional racism that create barriers for our members’ ability to prosper?

Lawyers, BY LAW (RCW 2.48.210 are to COME TO THE RESCUE OF THE OPPRESSED) The mingling of
our 3 branches by allowing lawyers to become legislators allow them to AVOID their duty to rescue the
oppressed. The Lawyers of WA STATE are responsible and they MUST do their JOB!

5. JOBS
Wages have stagnated while cost of living has increased, making it difficult for low income families to meet their basic needs.  What would you do to help low income families support themselves?

Much of the problem in the added burden upon low income families is a direct consequence of a
corrupt government that steals, deceives, and plays favorites to their financial supporters. Those funds
enrich the rich rather than used to revitalize neighborhoods, increase business opportunities, provide
more accessible public transportation etc.,

6. DEBT AND LENDING
Everyone, regardless of their income, should have fair and reasonable consumer protections when they borrow money. Fringe financial industries like debt settlement companies and predatory lenders push our communities into a cycle of debt. How would you protect Washingtonians’ ability to avoid this cycle of debt?

All my answers reflect my view that our current government is dysfunctional and ‘truth and honor’ must first be restored. That is my goal. Our problems are due to a system that is rife with fraud, deceit, and good-ol’-boy policy.

7. CRIMINAL JUSTICE
People leaving the criminal justice system face many roadblocks to reentering their community.  This includes housing and employment discrimination and mounting debt from legal financial obligations.  What changes would you make to the criminal justice system?  Please include any ideas you have to reduce these roadblocks to reentry.

Government is the reason for this problem. I blame the policies of the past and those who we elected back then. If we all choose to “remove from government those public servants who betray our trust” a lot of these problems will be resolved – more jobs, better education, etc.

8. HEALTH CARE
Health and well-being is critical for all Washingtonians to thrive. Everyone should have high quality, essential health care services including reproductive health and preventative medicine.  What will you do to ensure that all Washingtonians have access to affordable, high quality, and culturally appropriate health care?

I don’t know what you mean by “reproductive health” and “preventative medicine” that isn’t part of “high quality, essential health care”. I am not aware “essential health care” is lacking. I am aware “quality and accessibility” in obtaining essential care is a problem. And that “problem” is due to governments failures of the past that need to be corrected.

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