Our kids need us to be brave again

Like you, I care deeply about Santa Fe.

I was so proud when we worked together to pass the living wage to ensure all workers can make a dignified living. Then, earlier this year, I was honored to work with you and hundreds of families to strengthen Santa Fe’s sanctuary policies so that everyone feels safe, welcome and valued in our city.

These are brave actions and brave policies.

Santa Fe is faced with another important and lasting choice on May 2. Do we vote to ensure that all our children can attend pre-K and get the good start they so desperately need by adding a two-cent-per-ounce tax on soda and sugary drinks; or do we do nothing and let our children fall further behind?

The fact is the majority of families that do not have access to affordable highquality pre-K programs in Santa Fe are Latino. A tax on soda and sugary drinks is the only viable mechanism we have right now to raise the revenue needed to make pre-K fully accessible to our community.

The city’s surplus is a nonstarter and the state has refused to act. If we don’t pass this tax now, and we wait for others to solve this problem for us, we will all lose out.

It’s time to be brave once again, Santa Fe.

Join me in voting FOR pre-K funded by the soda tax and let’s finally ensure that all children get the good start they deserve.

¡Juntos podemos!

MARCELA DIAZ Santa Fe