Vince Perez: El Paso does not have the private school infrastructure that other parts of Texas has and students here would see no benefit from vouchers. Funding for public schools would suffer. Texas currently spends $4,000 less than the national average in per-pupil spending. We should be leading the nation, not lagging behind it. The state would be better served by investing more in traditional public schools and increasing teacher pay to recruit and retain the best possible talent to educate our children.

Norma Chávez: I support strong public schools. I will fight against school vouchers. Statistically, parents choose homes in public school areas they want their children to attend. The public education system should serve as a foundation for a productive life. We must identify & add new public school revenue streams to the current funding formula. Texas students must be prepared to continue into higher education/trade schools/ &/or the military. Public vouchers take dollars away from these fundamental goals. 

Vince Perez: Expanding the availability of dual credit courses in our high schools would significantly increase the number of students who are college ready in El Paso and improve college completion rates. This also requires increasing the number of teachers who are certified to teach dual credit courses. Currently, only 18% of El Paso 8th graders go on to complete a college degree within 10 years. This is an alarming stat that needs to drastically improve if El Paso is to reach its true economic potential.

Norma Chávez: Increased revenue funding streams must be identified for public schools. Property taxes are not enough $$ for education. Teacher retention is vital as they leave the public sector for the private sector because of pay differential. Enhanced critical thinking skills are vital and fundamental to student success at K-12 & college levels, not just test-taking requirements. Tests focus on passing and then they forget. The arts, music, & speech are equally important as English/mathematics/sciences.

Vince Perez: Operation Lone Star is a hefty cost to Texas taxpayers with $10 billion spent and allocated since 2021. For context, the cost to fully fund the expansion of medicaid in Texas and insure 1 million Texans would cost the state less than $1 billion a year ($650 million) and would force the feds to pick up the remaining 90% of the tab, sending $6 billion to Texas every year. The state’s endeavor to take over federal border security is a financial drain that has been ineffective in improving public safety.

Norma Chávez: I supported the law that made racial profiling illegal in Texas. Now we ask local TX/officers w/out training/funding to start targeting certain people. The issue is polarized by partisan rhetoric with no real steps toward relief. Texas should lead the nation in advocating for the swearing-in of 20+ new immigration judges at the border, implementing state strategies to address humanitarian needs, and ensuring that criminal migrants are caught & deported immediately. Collaboration fed/state/local. 

Vince Perez: SB 4 is clearly unconstitutional and will likely be struck down by the courts before it takes effect. Only the federal government can pass laws regulating immigration. Aside from the fact that it is unconstitutional, it would have a detrimental local impact on our courts, our county jail, and would make El Paso less safe. Our misdemeanor and felony courts would be overwhelmed with prosecutions by the state for non-violent offenses. More serious cases for violent offenders would be delayed.

Norma Chávez: I passed the first state human trafficking law in Texas. Human trafficking has a drastic effect on all governments local, state, & federal. Questions include bonding laws. The practical application of laws for local law enforcement has yet to be determined. Our sheriffs/police/commissioned peace officers are not trained to be immigration law enforcement agents. They are overburdened and understaffed & trying to address all the safety needs of the city and county of El Paso. Expect lawsuits.

Vince Perez: As a gun owner and former license-to-carry holder, I don’t believe that residents should have access to military-style assault weapons that were designed for the battlefield and have been used in almost every horrific mass shooting, including El Paso on August 3. The overwhelming majority of Texans also support laws that give family members, law enforcement, and others the means to ask a judge for a temporary order to restrict a person’s access to guns if they pose a risk to themselves or others.

Norma Chávez: El Paso has been the victim of a violent massacre in our city. Shootings at house parties/bars/events/homes are increasing because of easy access to firearms legal & illegal. Critical information about mental health, drug addiction, past criminal history, and age are relevant to responsible gun ownership. Texas should pass a “red flag” law considering the above.