Gwenn Burud

Civil Rights

With only 54% of the voting age population casting a ballot in 2020's election, we must making voting easier--not harder. Learn more

Criminal Justice / Public Safety

Private Prisons: The use of private prisons automatically creates profit incentives in our criminal justice system. Not only is that fact immoral, but it also does nothing to make Texas safer. These corporations are not held to the same level of accountability, leading to shady practices, and worse outcomes for our state. Incarceration has two goals – protect society from dangerous individuals, and rehabilitate those who will re-enter society. It is not, nor should ever be, about making money. Learn more

School to Prison Pipeline: We need to address the discipline techniques employed in our schools and ensure that they are proportional and being fairly applied to all students. Too often, children of color face harsher punishments than their white peers, especially those with learning or mental health disabilities. Furthermore, our children should have the opportunity to learn from their mistakes without missing significant amounts of education. Learn more

Drug Policy

Legalization of Marijuana: Medical and recreational cannabis have the potential to improve the lives of Texans in several ways. Those who suffer from mental health disorders, chronic pain, and other medical conditions could use its medicinal properties to find relief from symptoms. Additionally, recreational cannabis would bring in significant tax revenue, while at the same time reducing costs related to enforcing marijuana prohibition. It is time for Texas to join the majority of states who have recognized marijuana’s positive potential. Learn more

Economy

Trickle-down economics is not a responsible way to grow the economy. Instead, tax cuts should focus on helping small businesses and families who need them. More specifically, the burden of high property taxes is taking valuable financial capital away from businesses who would otherwise use that money to expand, or hire more workers. Spending and taxation can be powerful tools to grow an economy, but only if used responsibly and efficiently. Learn more

Education

Eliminate High Stakes Testing: High Stakes Testing creates higher dropout rates and only rewards wealthy school districts. Our teachers want the freedom to teach again, and in order to make that happen, we must replace our current standardized testing system. I believe in holding our schools accountable, but I also believe that our teachers should have flexibility in the curriculum, and students should be free to learn without the constant anxiety from testing. Learn more

Vocational Training: Having only a high school diploma is no longer enough to be competitive in the modern, global market. The State should supplement job training programs so that Texas workers can acquire the skills that employers are seeking in the 21st century. Learn more

Student Loan Debt: The staggering amount of student loan debt in our country has placed an economic burden on working and middle-class families who cannot afford rising tuition costs out-of-pocket. Students with substantial student loan debt have a much harder time getting ahead financially once they graduate. We must make a commitment to increase the affordability of higher education, including alternative options such as community colleges and trade schools. Learn more

In addition to these proposals, I also support: – Reducing class sizes – Cost of living adjustments for our educators – Increased mental health services in schools – Expanding Pre-K. Learn more

School Finance Reform: By reforming our school finance formula, we could reduce property taxes, and ensure every Texas child receive the tools they need to succeed. The diversion of public school dollars to the charter school system results in more money being spent per student in a charter school than in any public school. Learn more

Environment / Energy

Texas must lead the world to the benefit of clean energy both to build the new economy and to commit ourselves to repair the damage of hydrocarbon fuel emissions. Position Texas as the forefront of modern energy solutions Support jobs in clean, renewable energy Promote Solar Incentives Develop Balanced Subsidies for Renewable Energy Producers. Learn more

Guns

Gun Violence: We all know that increased gun violence is happening, yet there seems to be little action on the part of the Texas legislature to address it. Increased access to mental health services and common sense reforms are needed to help prevent dangerous individuals from obtaining firearms and causing harm to our communities. Learn more

Healthcare

Affordability. For far too long, healthcare costs have burdened families and weighed down our economy. All Texans should have access to health insurance so that an unexpected illness does not lead to financial uncertainty. Additionally, having insurance means that Texans will have affordable access to the preventative care that could save their lives and lower costs in the long-run. Learn more

Expand Medicaid. I call on the Governor to expand Medicaid in our State so that low-income Texans have access to affordable care. Learn more

Infrastructure / Transportation

Infrastructure: As our cities continue to grow in size and population, we must ensure that our infrastructure is adapting to these changes. This includes expansive, reliable public transportation. Not only does it allow lower-income individuals to access more opportunities, but helps the environment by reducing emissions and our dependence on oil and gas. Learn more

Wages / Job Benefits

Minimum Wage: The minimum wage in our State has not changed in almost a decade. Meanwhile, steady inflation has reduced the buying power of the dollar and increased the cost of living. The minimum wage should be increased to account for inflation so that we can protect our most vulnerable workers. Learn more

Restore Teacher Benefits: We must restore retirement benefits for our teachers. Not only are our teachers paid below average, but they also receive one of the worst retirement benefit packages in the nation. Our educators deserve a dignified retirement and competitive pay. They have worked for decades for our children and are now having the rug pulled out from under them. Learn more