Pilate

The Seattle Times Maybe Washington Needs A 'Conservative' Democrat... An Opinion Editorial from Senator Erica Smith of Florida Sometimes we get a crystal clear picture of the snobby, privileged elite, who are oftentimes conservative Republicans. Other times there's a weak veneer of those are actually snobby, privileged and elitist, but were able to re-invent themselves as groundbreaking liberal do-gooders. Unfortunately this time, as that weak veneer crumbles, we see someone simply trying to block pathways for women and minorities, just like the elitist conservatives who are out-and-proud, but with a twist of self-righteous indignation that might just fool us if we're not paying enough attention. As proud citizens of Washington State, for instance, you are fortunate to have access to a diverse array of educational options, including over 500 private schools that serve more than 80,000 children. These institutions provide incredible opportunities for students from all backgrounds, including many minority and female students, to receive a quality education tailored to their needs and aspirations. These schools offer specialized programs, smaller class sizes, and individualized attention that can make a world of difference in a child's academic journey. A staggering near-majority of these students are minorities, with many coming from underprivileged communities starving for quality education options beyond the limitations of their zoned public schools. Many of private school students in your state are young girls from diverse racial and socioeconomic backgrounds. These institutions are beacons of hope, providing individualized instruction, enhanced STEM and gifted/talented programs, strict codes of conduct, and overall academic excellence. Wouldn't it be great to secure some of the best educators for these students in these classrooms, putting good people to work uplifting our country's future, in a way that does not divert any money from public schools? I think so. By investing in these institutions, we can ensure that every child in Washington, whether in public or private schools, has access to the educational opportunities they deserve. However, myopic opposition is threatening to destruct a tax credit proposal to recruit, train, and retain educators for these educational institutions, and it has nothing to do with the pragmatic merits and everything to do with serving disdain to anyone who dares challenge the status-quo and quixotic liberal thought - like finding a way to utter a depraved, sideways attack at religiousness, from a Catholic no-less. And it doesn't stop there. When those young kids grow up to be great, young entrepreneurs (if they so choose), they'll also need support. That's if they don't have Big Daddy's money to fall back on, of course. See, your state's Office of Minority and Women's Business Enterprises has certified over 7,000 companies in industries like construction, technology, and retail. After facing systemic disadvantages for generations, these entrepreneurs are charting a new path to prosperity, wealth-creation, and community uplift. And what would be a bigger key to their success? Access to low-interest loans, lines of credit, and alternate capital sources that can fuel growth, staffing expansions, and economic empowerment in their communities. Providing new low-interest SBA loans specifically for state-certified minority and women-owned businesses, thousands of existing companies could scale operations, hire more employees, and strengthen local economies. Washington's disadvantaged entrepreneurs and business owners are finally gaining a foothold, and the federal financing proposed would provide a powerful tailwind. It's the type of practical workforce development and community investment that a progressive crusader would champion, right? This should be a no-brainer, not a 'poison pill', right? Well, in comes that snobby privileged elitist finding a way to oppose such a pragmatic idea. Underprivileged Washington residents received a resounding 'NAY' hurled from the former girl boss with rich-girl roots in Anaheim, California, getting high on her own sanctimonious supply. After having had every opportunity handed to you from daddy's wallet that funded a world-class education at elite schools that most families could never dream of affording, a more sympathetic person might see why it's hard for the privileged to understand a young, scrappy entrepreneur needing extra support. Unfortunately the privileged have power, but so to do the thousands of women and minority business owners who have children they may want to send to specialized educational institutions. This opposition is the latest of someone exemplifying the worst traits of Westcoast liberal elitism - disdainfully looking down on anyone holding moderate views as knuckle-dragging "conservatives" unworthy of their lofty consideration. This arrogant mindset, regrettably, could come at the direct expense of minority students in alternative schools and entrepreneurs in disadvantaged communities working to change their family's circumstances through business ownership. Washingtonians can't eat rhetoric - you need tangible opportunities. Perhaps you could try a "conservative" Democrat to deliver those opportunities. For now, please contact your state Senators and tell them to support the Apprenticeship and Jobs Training Act and not cut off their noses to spite their faces.

SEN. SMITH VOTES TO EXPAND CHILD TAX CREDIT, DELIVER MONTHLY PAYMENTS TO FAMILIES IN NEED Press Release #001 | Q2 2017 WASHINGTON, D.C. -- U.S. Senator Erica Jean Smith (D-Florida) has voted to expand the Child Tax Credit and deliver automatic monthly payments to families in Florida who need breathing room in their household budgets. The Child Tax Credit would be expanded to $2,000 per eligible child as part of the Bipartisan Child Care Development and Protection Act, which Senator Smith also supports. However, Senator Smith opposes a similar amendment that would extend tax credits to women for their unborn children, including providing payments for miscarriages. Comments from Senator Smith: "Expansion of this poverty-fighting tax incentive is a great way to reduce burdens on families, including single parent households, and provide better opportunities and resources to children. I commend the authors of this larger piece of legislation, which works to reduce child care costs; increase developmental achievement; and protect minors from harm. I look forward to helping this bill get to the president's desk. In the meantime, I am opposed to the amendment that has been offered that would essentially force women to report their miscarriages or still-born deaths to the IRS for a tax break. It may be well-intentioned in theory but ultimately is unnecessarily invasive and intrusive, in practice, into an incredibly personal aspect of women's lives." For further inquiries, please contact the Senator's Press Secretary.

~ The Office of ~ Erica Jean Smith U.S. Senator from Florida __________________________________________________ PRESS RELEASES | PUBLIC EVENTS | CONSTITUENT OUTREACH ______________________________________________________ PRESS RELEASES PUBLIC EVENTS

Name: Erica Jean Smith Seat: Florida's Class III Party: Democrat (2004-present); Independent (1984-2004) Avatar: Mackenzie Allen/Geena Davis Major Caucus: Blue Dog Coalition GENDER: Female (5 points) AGE: 51 years old (May 21, 1966): 0 Points SEXUALITY: Straight, married with < 3 children: -5 Points - Married to Timothy Smith (m. 1989) - Daughter, Sarah Smith (b. 1989), died by suicide at 16 (2005) RACE/ANCESTRY: White/Caucasian: 0 Points RELIGION: Liberal Protestantism: 0 Points - The Progressive Episcopal Church (TPEC) EDUCATIONAL HISTORY: College Degree at Public Ivy: 5 points - Pennsylvania State University: Bachelor's Degree in Journalism and Communications (1984-1988) SOCIOECONOMIC HISTORY: Working-class: 10 points - Father: Ralph Jean (b. 1949) (d. 2015) - Mother: Brenda Perry Jean (b. 1950) - Sibling: Michael Jean (b. 1968); Oliver Jean (b. 1971); Jason Jean (b. 1973) - Childhood: Erica Smith grew up in Scranton, Pennsylvania. Her father, Ralph Jean, was a Roman Catholic coal miner who began working as a coal miner at age 10. Her mother, Brenda Perry Jean, was a less religious cook at a downtown diner. Ralph and Brenda met while frequenting the diner Brenda would later work for most of her life. While Ralph never went to high school, he and Brenda would date throughout her high school years. Erica was born when Ralph was 17 and Brenda was 16 years old. Both of their super-religious parents kicked them out of the home, leaving their incredibly young family to fend for themselves. After their marriage in 1969, Erica was joined by three other siblings, all brothers, through the years, as the Jean family grew. Erica took advantage of the opportunity to receive an academic scholarship to Penn State University and decided to jump into journalism and broadcasting thanks to being inspired by Barbara Walters. CAREER HISTORY: 55 points - Print Journalist: 10 points (well-known) - Radio Host: 10 points - Television Host: 30 points (well-known) - Career Story: During her collegiate years, Erica met Timothy Smith, a descendant of wealthy real estate developers from Florida. She fell in love and promised to began a life with him in Florida after graduating. After moving to Miami in 1988, Erica was employed at the Palm Beach Post as a well-known print journalist, mostly covering political and human interest stories. Erica then became radio host at WFTL in Broward County in 1991. Her hosting duties consisted of being a down-the-line news anchor and gradually morphed into a more sophisticated morning talk show through the years. In 1995, Erica took the opportunity to jump into television presentation, hosting a local news-centric talk show on ABC-affiliate WPLG Local 10. Erica was an outspoken voice for working women and hosted frequent philanthropic fundraisers, typically geared toward women's issues and advocacy. On her show, she provided an outlet for female guests and audience members to openly discuss politics and pop culture. In 1998, her talk show, Erica Has The Tea, went into syndication, and became broadcast across many local American television stations. This made her a multi-millionaire and well-known nationally. In 2003, Erica ended talk show contract, desiring to enter public service. She registered as a Democrat, having previously been an Independent, and contemplated running for office. AWARDS AND EXTRAS: Major cultural award: 15 points - Daytime Emmy Award, Outstanding daytime talk series (2002) POLITICAL EXPERIENCE HISTORY: 18 points - U.S. Representative (2005-2017) - U.S. Senator (2017-present) - Backstory: After retiring from her syndicated talk show, Erica Smith ran for Congress, vying for Florida's 25th congressional district. In the 2004 elections, Erica Smith was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives. Two months after taking office in 2005, her daughter, Sarah Smith, committed suicide. She took several weeks away from her D.C., returning to the office in the Spring, vowing to be an advocate for mental health awareness among young people. She won five more terms between 2006 and 2016. In 2015, months after her fifth reelection victory, Smith announced her campaign for the U.S. Senate. In the November elections, she won, being sworn in on the Senate floor in January 2017, beginning her first term. KEY VOTES: - 2007-09: Aye, Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978 Amendments Act of 2008 - 2009-11: Aye, Tax Relief, Unemployment Insurance Reauthorization, and Job Creation Act of 2010 - 2011-13: Aye, United States–Colombia Free Trade Agreement - 2013-15: Aye, Violence Against Women Act Reauthorization; Aye, Bipartisan Budget Act of 2013 - 2015-17: Aye, Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act of 2015 98/100