Below is an adaptation of words from Family Forward Political Director, Marchel Kaleikini, given on November 14, 2025 at the swearing-in of Representative Lamar Wise.

At Family Forward, we believe fiercely and unapologetically that every Oregonian deserves access to affordable care at every stage of life. That means accessible childcare for our families and caregivers, not as a luxury, but as a right. That means a functioning system of support, not one that collapses under the weight of bureaucracy, or political delay, lack of leadership, or budget cuts. Because life doesn’t wait and neither do the bills. It doesn’t pause for legislative sessions. It doesn’t slow down for committee hearings. Families need care, yesterday, today, and tomorrow.

Oregonians deserve critical investment in the infrastructure that is child care, both at the state and federal levels. These aren’t just “programs.” These are lifelines; they are economic development, and social investments whose ripple effect touches every corner of our state. And let’s be clear: our most vulnerable population is not the wealthy. It’s not the connected. It’s our children.

Our children are the first to be cut, the first to be forgotten. They are the first to be sacrificed on the altar of political compromise. We see in the cuts posted for the Department of Early Learning and Care program, Preschool Promise — a program three of my own children completed — that over 1,000 families and even more children will be affected.

But we’ve seen what’s possible. In partnership with the late, beloved Rep. Hoa Nguyen, we saw what happens when community and elected leaders rise together, not as separate forces, but as one unstoppable movement. Which is why I am so excited to be here today to celebrate the swearing-in of State Representative Lamar Wise.

There is no denying that Lamar has shown he is a community leader who doesn’t wait for permission to do what’s right. We’ve been on the ground together, fighting for Oregon’s families and our most impacted communities. I cannot think of a coalition or campaign fighting systemic racism and white supremacy where I didn’t see Lamar. Protecting democracy, door knocking for candidates, lobbying our elected officials who have never needed to use any of the social services or systems to serve community, protecting Preschool for All, and of course outside in these streets with community, our neighbors, and our families.

Lamar understands what Oregonians needs to ensure we can weather a tumultuous federal administration, hellbent on stripping away critical resources from the majority to benefit the ultra-wealthy minority. Lamar’s record is clear. From his own lived experience, he knows what Oregonians need to not only survive, but have the equal opportunity we all deserve to creating the life we want.

He champions the overlooked. The young folks who will inherit this world tomorrow and the folks who are too damn busy surviving to be civically engaged. When we invest in our kids, when we invest in our caregivers, our state can flourish.

Thank you for your commitment to Oregon’s working families and children. Knowing the remainder of Rep Nguyen’s term will be served by our collective friend and partner, Lamar Wise, makes the tremendous loss sting just a little less.

The future we want is being built — right here, right now — by leaders like Lamar, and by all of us here who refuse to give up. Congratulations, Representative Wise! To getting into good trouble.