2024 VoteDelaware Questionnaire Responses: Representative Kamela Smith

1. A recent independent report commissioned by the State of Delaware found that public schools across the state are underfunded by $600 million dollars and recommended increased per-pupil funding, transparency, and the flexibility to allocate resources. If elected what concrete steps would you propose to take to ensure districts close the funding deficit to provide a constitutionally adequate education?

Our public school system is a vital part of our community and we must support our students and teachers to ensure that every child has access to a high quality education. 

All schools deserve adequate funding to provide quality education, and I will work to reform school funding formulas in Delaware to ensure resources are distributed equitably, addressing disparities between affluent and underserved districts. This includes supporting programs that meet the needs of students from low-income families and those with disabilities. Our educators deserve fair compensation, and I will advocate for increasing salaries to ensure all educators earn a competitive salary according to the recent recommendations made by the Public Education Compensation Committee (PECC).

As a State Representative, I will: 

• Implement a universal free school meals program for all K-12 students, ensuring that every child receives the nutrition they need to focus and succeed in school. 
• Commit to closing the funding gap by increasing state investment in public education. This includes a comprehensive review and overhaul of the current funding formula to ensure that all districts receive adequate resources based on their specific needs, including higher funding for schools with greater challenges. 
• Invest in our educators by allocating additional funds specifically for teacher salaries, professional development, and classroom resources.
• Expand youth apprenticeships by partnering with local businesses, trade unions, and community colleges to create more opportunities for students to gain hands-on experience in high-demand fields. These apprenticeships would be integrated into the high school curriculum, allowing students to earn credits while developing skills that prepare them for well-paying jobs after graduation

2. The Education Equity Ombudsperson program was codified into law last year without guaranteed continuing funding to ensure that the program is sustainable.  Will you support legislation to maintain the current annual funding of $1 million to support students statewide facing inequitable treatment? 

YES
Yes, I will support legislation to maintain the current annual funding of $1 million to support our students. As leaders, our primary responsibility is to ensure that every child, regardless of their background, has equal access to a high-quality education. 

3. There are currently an estimated 5,000 undocumented children in Delaware living without access to basic healthcare services. This past session, the General Assembly failed to pass the “Cover All Children Act” which would have been a critical first step in developing a medical coverage program for children in Delaware who are not otherwise covered, including kids who are undocumented. Will you support legislation like the “Cover All Children Act” that ensures undocumented children are protected and cared for?  

YES
Yes, Every child, regardless of their immigration status, deserves access to quality healthcare and the opportunity to grow up healthy and strong.  Access to healthcare, housing, and financial services are essential to fulfilling basic human needs. As a community we must affirm our commitment to treating all individuals with dignity and respect. When we invest in the health and well-being of all children, we invest in the future of us all. 

4. Over the past few decades, many immigrants have chosen to make Delaware their home and have become vital members of our communities. Will you support increasing translation and interpretation services in government agency buildings and in public schools to help immigrants navigate the systems we all use? 

YES
Delaware is home to a vibrant and diverse population and as a community we must ensure that everyone has equal access to the services they need. It is essential that government agencies and public schools provide translation and interpretation services. This is about breaking down barriers and ensuring that language is not an obstacle to accessing critical resources.

5. Currently, agricultural and domestic workers are exempt from state labor protections which means that workers in those fields, many of whom are immigrants and work dangerous jobs, are left with few ways to protect themselves. Will you support the removal of this exemption, so that all workers, regardless of their job, have the same protections? 

YES
Yes, I will support the removal of this exemption. A strong community requires economic and labor policies that are inclusive and just. My priorities as a legislator will focus on addressing long-standing disparities, protecting workers’ rights, and ensuring access to essential resources and services.

6. In 2017, Delaware codified the landmark Roe v. Wade decision in state law to ensure the right to an abortion remained protected. However, these protections could be removed through a simple majority vote and signature of the Governor. Will you support a state constitutional amendment to explicitly protect peoples’ access to reproductive healthcare?

YES

7. Black maternal mortality rates continue to increase in Delaware, with the gap in healthcare disparities widening. Will you support the creation of a Reproductive Healthcare Equity Fund that would support the additional costs of accessing reproductive healthcare for uninsured or underinsured people and fund the recruitment and expansion of the number of healthcare providers, including doula providers, in the state? 

YES
I will fully support the creation of a Reproductive Healthcare Equity Fund. Disparities in Black maternal health are unacceptable. I will support comprehensive healthcare policies that ensure equitable access to quality care for all, focusing on the unique challenges faced by Black mothers in prenatal and postpartum care.

8. Delaware’s probation system is broken. It does not provide the resources and support needed for successful reentry, while allowing for overly harsh punishment for minor infractions. Will you support legislation tailoring probation conditions to the needs and circumstances of the individual and restricting the use of incarceration when no new crime has been committed?  

YES
Effective probation should be about rehabilitation and support, not just surveillance and punishment. Tailoring conditions to address issues such as substance abuse, mental health, and employment can provide individuals with the tools they need to successfully reintegrate into society. 

If elected, I will advocate for comprehensive re-entry programs that provide education, job training, mental health services, and housing assistance to formerly incarcerated individuals. Expanding resources for mental health and substance abuse treatment is crucial for reducing crime and supporting community well-being. When we set people up for success rather than waiting for them to fail, we build stronger communities and reduce the cycle of re-incarceration

Our penal system must be fair and just. I will work to reform sentencing laws, eliminate mandatory minimums, and ensure that punishment fits the crime. We must prioritize rehabilitation over incarceration, especially for non-violent offenders.

Additionally, I will support measures to increase transparency and accountability within police departments, including independent oversight of misconduct and regular public reporting.

I will push for meaningful, common sense probation reform, ensuring that those trying to reintegrate into the community do not get sent back to prison for minor issues beyond their control.

9. Access to record expungement should not be determined by an individual’s economic circumstances. Will you support legislation removing fines and fees as a barrier to expungement eligibility? 

YES
Yes, I will support these measures. Economic circumstances should never be a barrier to someone seeking a fresh start. By removing fines and fees as a requirement for expungement, we make the process more equitable, ensuring that all individuals have the opportunity to clear their records and move forward.

10. It is well documented that older incarcerated adults are less likely to commit new crimes if released. Will you support legislation that would expand compassionate release for older incarcerated adults? 

YES
Yes, I will support this legislation. Older incarcerated adults, especially those who have served long sentences and pose little to no risk to public safety, deserve consideration for compassionate release. Our justice system must balance accountability with compassion and humanity. 

11. The Delaware Supreme Court recently upheld Delaware’s early in-person and permanent absentee voting laws, but the laws remain vulnerable to future legal challenges. Will you support protecting early in-person and permanent absentee voting through a constitutional amendment? 

YES
Protecting voter rights is essential;. I will fight against voter suppression and work to ensure that every Delawarean has fair and easy access to the ballot box. This includes expanding early voting, automatic voter registration, and restoring voting rights to formerly incarcerated individuals.

12. As of 2022, felony disenfranchisement affected 7,721 voters in Delaware. 2,965 of these people were disenfranchised while on probation or parole and 1,360 were disenfranchised even though they were not incarcerated or on probation or parole. . Voting allows people to remain connected to their communities and helps facilitate the re-entry process. Will you support a constitutional amendment allowing all people to vote as soon as they leave prison? 

YES

13. Will you support a constitutional amendment allowing for same-day voter registration? 

YES

14. Will you support a constitutional amendment allowing for no-excuse absentee voting?

YES