Issue Position: Families

Issue Position

Social change begins in the family. Therefore, the family should be the starting point for a new beginning for New Mexico.

Bright futures stem from strong roots.

I believe strong families raise strong individuals; strong individuals make strong communities and a strong country.

The well-being of children is a concern we all share.

The government, through many taxpayer-funded social programs, has tried to support the family, but it should never be our first choice in providing a solution.

When policies and laws pull children further from their parents we should exercise caution.

Methamphetamines and opioids are stealing the soul of our people and our state. But families alone cannot solve the opioid crisis. We must address these problems head-on with the resources of the state helping restore lives and families.

If we focus on building strong families, many negative statistics that plague our state would begin to resolve. Our fast-food, immediate gratification society, demonstrates that convenience does not always produce positive outcomes. One of the grave challenges families and our state face is that we are exporting our young. They pursue their dreams and opportunities in other states. How can we have a strong state when the next generation is leaving?

We, as parents, have largely abdicated our responsibility in the education, discipline, decision-making, substance abuse prevention, respect for others and spiritual training of our children.

There are dire consequences of family disorder: depression, poverty, joblessness, domestic violence and a host of other problems.

Let's work to build strong families. When problems begin to manifest themselves in our young, let's work to train and support parents. Let's work to help our children understand the "why' of societal absolutes.

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