“They say kids in rural areas are likely going to be poorer than their parents. I live in rural NCW, I don’t want that for my children.”

“We’re constantly told there isn’t enough to go around and any proof that a group is moving forward --especially Latinos and immigrants-- is seen as a threat. We get pitted against each other through messages that say immigrants want something for free and everyone else is going to pay for it. We all - every one of us - deserve enough to live a good life.”

“NCW is abundant in natural resources and Washington State is at the forefront of innovation and technology, but people in rural areas are getting poorer with each passing generation.”

“The American Dream is no longer possible in rural Washington, and people know it. Those of us that were in well-paying jobs for years and generations know it’s impossible to get our kids into those jobs.”

“We have to pay teachers enough to draw in new skilled and passionate people and keep our current teachers from burning out after 5 years in the job. “

“I try not to look too far into a future...I don’t have enough savings to plan for it”