As the first in her family to graduate from college and someone who struggled with dyslexia in school, Val knows first-hand the power of public education to build opportunity for people and create a strong foundation for a vital economy. As Labor Commissioner, Val has championed paid apprenticeship programs that provide hands-on workforce training throughout Oregon, and expanded apprenticeship opportunities beyond the building and construction trades in partnership with labor unions, employers and community colleges. In the legislature, she was one of the loudest voices in favor of K-12 and higher education funding. Unfortunately, the federal role in education took a giant step backwards during the Donald Trump/Betsy DeVos administration. Val will fight for:
- Canceling crippling student loan debt and reforming the predatory student loan industry.
- Direct federal investment in public education at all levels, including funding to support free community college for all.
- Full federal funding of IDEA to finally fulfill the promise of a free and appropriate public education for students with disabilities.
- Ensuring that the federal government keeps its commitment to fund Title I so that all students have equal access to quality public education.
