On Saturday, February 12, I participated in a candidate forum sponsored by the League of Women Voters of Collin County.

This is the second in a series of five videos in which I respond to questions from the attendees. Each candidate was given one minute to respond.

The question was “The US Census estimates there are between 25,000-30,000 people living in Collin County who have an intellectual or developmental disability. For years, Collin Co. has received the lowest per capita funding from the state for community-based MH/MR services, significantly below the per capita rate of our neighboring counties. As part of the state mandated 5% cost reductions, the Dept. of Aging and Disability Services anticipates reducing community-based services statewide by almost $40 million. I have two questions: As an elected official, would you represent the needs of all citizens in our area, regardless of their IQ or functioning ability? If so, what specific steps would you take to help Collin Co. residents with disabilities receive services comparable to those in surrounding areas?”

This is the article from Time Magazine to which I refer.